The Chief Executive Officer of McDan Group of Companies, Daniel McKorley popularly known as McDan has revealed his intention of investing in Ghana’s creative sector.
According to the business mogul known for his investments across other sectors of the economy, including aviation, his decision stems from the wealth of talent in the creative industry.
In an interview with NY DJ on BTM Afrika, Mr. McKorley praised Ghanaian creatives for their exceptional talent and strong work ethic, but noted that they often struggle to take their careers to the next level due to limited financial resources.
Citing Shatta Wale and Stonebwoy as cases in point, he said: “I can tell you that Shatta Wale and Stonebwoy are some of the most talented artists in Africa. None of these Nigerian artists comes close to them, although they are also talented. Their (Shatta Wale and Stonebwoy) music and stage performances are amazing.”
Asked why he would want to invest in the sector, Daniel McKorley highlighted the great financial potential of the creative economy.
“That space brings a lot of money, and I smile where there’s good money, but it’s not my space, so I would want to sit back as the godfather to support (financially, etc.) people to get into that space. You can’t be everywhere. If you’re living in the system, you have to give others a shoulder,” he further noted.
He also called on other businessmen to invest in the creative sector since musicians, and other creatives are great ambassadors of the country.
“I believe in my heart that they need serious support from businessmen. They are our ambassadors, and I feel we need to invest more in them. I’m not really into that space, but I can see some good young upcoming talents as well,” he added.
In 2022, Daniel McKorley awarded Ghanaian multidisciplinary creative George Quaye a $2 million contract.
He made this revelation during the McDan Youth Connect event which was held on August 11, 2022 at the KNUST in Kumasi.
While encouraging the youth to yearn for greatness and learn to grow by taking baby steps, McDan cited George Quaye, as one of the people who had grown tremendously in his field.
“I’m here with Aboagye. Aboagye you saw in ‘Taxi Driver’ just won a contract from me – about two million dollars. You saw him in ‘Taxi Driver’ like he was joking [in ‘Taxi Driver] but Aboagye had a purpose. Today, he is sitting here in suit. Everybody has something special in him,” he noted.
George Quaye, also the Team Lead for ImageBureau, has in the past few years been vibrant in the field of theatre. Together with his partner Naa Ashorkor, they have staged a number of brilliant plays, aiming to help project theatre in Ghana.
