Mzbel Battling Media Negativity in the Shadows of Stardom

[Mzbel/Ameyaw Debrah]

Written by Pharis Kinyua 

In the ever-evolving world of Ghanaian music, where artists rise to stardom, bask in the limelight, and face the scrutiny of the media, one artist's journey stands as a poignant example of the impact of negative media coverage. Mzbel, the Ghanaian Hiplife songstress, has found herself navigating the treacherous waters of public perception and business opportunities, grappling with the consequences of media negativity that have left her career at a crossroads.

Mzbel, whose real name is Belinda Nana Ekua Amoah, is no stranger to the music industry. Her career, which began in the early 2000s, saw her rise to prominence as a charismatic and talented artist. Her music, often characterized by its catchy melodies and socially relevant lyrics, resonated with fans across Ghana and beyond. Yet, in the shadows of her musical success, a relentless wave of negative media reports began to erode her public image.

In a candid interview on JoyPrime, Mzbel poured out her frustration, highlighting how negative media narratives have taken a toll on her career. She revealed that these detrimental reports have cost her precious business opportunities and deals with reputable organizations. It's a challenge that many artists face, as the media often tends to focus on sensational and controversial stories, overshadowing their talent and accomplishments.

Mzbel's heartfelt lamentation strikes a chord with artists who have fallen victim to a media landscape that thrives on sensationalism. Her experience reflects a broader issue in the entertainment industry, where artists are often judged not solely by their craft but by the headlines that surround them. For her, this media bias has made it an uphill battle to secure partnerships with brands and organizations that prefer not to be associated with controversy.


She articulated her struggles, saying, "It's really broken me business-wise because most brands don't want to be associated with somebody who is being negatively controversial. Anytime Mzbel is trending, it's something negative. So, it really affected me, and sometimes when I ran into trouble, instead of the media reporting me in their favor, they made it seem as if I deserved it."

One of the pivotal moments that Mzbel recalls with deep frustration is the attack she endured during a performance at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in 2005. Instead of sympathy and support from the media, she found herself facing harsh criticism and victim-blaming. Reports scrutinized her attire, suggesting that her choice of clothing somehow justified the attack.

"It contributed hugely to her missing out on business opportunities and partnerships with companies that were initially interested in contracting her," she revealed. This incident underscored the media's power to not only shape public opinion but also affect an artist's livelihood and career trajectory.

Her perspective on media coverage is balanced and nuanced. She acknowledges that the media has a role to play in reporting on controversial stories about celebrities. Still, she hopes for a more equitable balance—one that allows artists like her to secure business deals and partnerships without being unjustly tarnished by negative media portrayals.

As she continues to navigate the challenging terrain of the music industry, Mzbel remains a resilient artist determined to rise above the shadows of negative media coverage. Her journey serves as a poignant reminder of the power of media narratives to influence careers, and her plea for more balanced reporting underscores the importance of responsible journalism in the entertainment world.

In a landscape where artists' careers can hinge on a headline, Mzbel's story is a testament to the resilience required to overcome the obstacles of media bias and the enduring hope that, with time and understanding, the narrative can shift to focus on the music and talent that truly define an artist's worth.