Ghanaian musician Praye Tietia has shared his insights on why music groups often break up. According to him, ego and the desire for individual recognition are major threats to the survival of music groups. Tietia argues that growing fame can create divisions among members, leading to tensions and eventual breakups. He made these comments during a TikTok live session with comedian and musician Ajeezay.

Tietia challenges the widely held belief that financial disagreements and relationships with women are the main reasons music groups split. Drawing from his own experience with the group Praye, he says tensions often emerge when one member begins to see themselves as more important than others or believes they contribute more to the group's success. This perception, he believes, is not correct and can be detrimental to the group's unity.

The musician argues that fairly shared earnings should not cause conflict, but friendships and conversations with outsiders can influence members' perceptions of their roles. He notes that the friends he associated with during his time in Praye were different from those of his colleague Eugene. These separate social circles can fuel misunderstandings and create divisions within the group.

Tietia encourages aspiring musicians to establish clear expectations, respect one another, and focus on shared goals. He advises those planning to form music groups to agree on their expectations from the outset, maintain mutual respect, and remain committed to a shared vision. According to him, group membership is a worthwhile experience, and aspiring artistes should not abandon the idea simply because some established groups have broken up.

Despite the challenges that can arise when musicians work together, Tietia describes group membership as a beautiful thing. He urges musicians to avoid allowing outsiders to interfere with their relationships, stressing the importance of setting clear goals and working towards creating music with lasting appeal. By doing so, he believes, musicians can overcome the challenges that often lead to group breakups.

Reflecting on the journey of Praye, Tietia says the members have learnt valuable lessons from their previous challenges and are now back together. He hints that fans could soon see all three members sharing a stage again, suggesting that the group is preparing for a joint performance. This development is a testament to the group's commitment to putting their differences aside and working towards a common goal.

Tietia's comments have sparked a conversation about the causes of music group breakups. His assertion that ego, rather than money or women, is the main cause of these breakups has resonated with many in the music industry. As the industry continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how musicians will navigate the challenges of working together and creating lasting music.

Key points

  • Ego and the desire for individual recognition are major threats to the survival of music groups.
  • Financial disagreements and relationships with women are not the main causes of music group breakups.
  • Establishing clear expectations, respect, and a shared vision are essential for the success of music groups.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.