By Ghanaian rapper Showbezzy, also known as Showboy, has never been one to shy away from the spotlight. But his latest appearance on Neat FM, aired on April 23, 2025, has thrust him into a storm of controversy that could redefine his legacy—and raise serious questions about the responsibility of artists in Ghana’s evolving music scene.
During the interview, hosted by Ola Michael and shared via Adanko Media, Showbezzy celebrated his recent successes, including his chart-topping album Tactician and a nationwide tour. “I have the biggest hip-hop song in the country right now. Boom. It’s the biggest album in the country right now,” he proclaimed, pointing to streaming numbers as proof of his dominance.
The rapper, who has released two albums in just three months, also spoke candidly about the financial struggles of the music industry, admitting that “music really don’t pay in this country.” To survive, he’s ventured into side businesses and even paused his podcast to explore new revenue streams.
But it wasn’t his career updates that set tongues wagging—it was his unapologetic stance on smoking and its place in his music. Showbezzy revealed that he smokes to “numb the pain,” a coping mechanism he weaves into his lyrics. When challenged by Ola Michael on the potential impact of these messages on young fans, the rapper was defiant. “I didn’t say go smoke. I don’t care if you smoke. And actually, smoking is not a crime,” he argued. He went on to shift the blame to parents, stating, “If your minor knows Showbezzy, it is your fault.”
These comments have ignited a fierce debate across Ghana, a country already grappling with rising concerns over youth substance use. According to a 2023 study by the Ghana Health Service, over 15% of urban teens aged 12-18 have experimented with smoking or related substances, often citing peer pressure and media influence as factors. Showbezzy’s remarks, delivered with a brash confidence, have struck a nerve among parents, educators, and public health advocates who fear his words could normalize harmful behaviors.
“Artists have a platform, and with that comes responsibility,” says Dr. Kwame Appiah, a public health researcher at the University of Ghana. “When someone like Showbezzy openly talks about smoking as a solution to pain, it sends a message to impressionable youth that this is an acceptable way to deal with life’s challenges. That’s dangerous.”
On social media, reactions are split. Some fans defend Showbezzy’s right to express his truth, with one X user, @StarboiChosen, commenting, “He’s just being real. Not every artist has to be a role model.” Others, however, are less forgiving. “This is why our kids are going astray,” wrote @AmaTheMother on X. “Celebrities like him need to think before they speak.”
Showbezzy’s interview also revealed a more vulnerable side to the rapper. He shared the emotional toll of losing a loved one in America to a scam-related suicide, a tragedy that has clearly shaped his outlook. He also reflected on his unfulfilled dream of becoming a lawyer, mentioning that he earned 40 credits toward a law degree before his music career took over. “We just can’t go back,” he said, a rare moment of introspection amid his otherwise combative tone.
The broader context of Ghana’s music industry adds another layer to this controversy. As highlighted in a recent MyJoyOnline report, the industry faces significant challenges, including a lack of investment and weak financial ecosystems for artists. Showbezzy’s admission about the lack of financial reward in music underscores a systemic issue: many artists feel forced to take risks—whether through controversial statements or alternative ventures—to stay relevant and solvent.
As Showbezzy continues his tour and promotes Tactician, the fallout from his Neat FM interview is likely to follow him. For some, he remains a fearless voice in a struggling industry, unafraid to speak his mind. For others, he’s a cautionary tale of what happens when fame overshadows responsibility. One thing is certain: this debate has exposed the fragile balance between artistic freedom and social impact in Ghana’s music scene. Will Showbezzy’s words inspire change, or will they fuel a deeper divide? Only time will tell.
