Actors Deserve Better Pay – Samini Speaks Out

Ghanaian music icon Emmanuel Andrews Samini, known by his stage name Samini has raised concerns about the low wages actors receive in the country’s film industry.

According to him, the payment structure does not reflect the hard work and dedication actors put into their craft.

Speaking on a podcast, the award-winning musician shared his personal experiences on movie sets, which have given him a firsthand understanding of the financial struggle’s actors endure. When asked why he has not pursued acting more seriously despite his evident talent, Samini admitted that the industry is both physically and financially exhausting.

“It’s a very, very draining profession to be in,” he stated, adding that while he respects the film industry, he believes actors should be paid much better for their work.

Having featured in several movies, Samini revealed that actors in Ghana earn significantly less than musicians, despite both being part of the entertainment sector. To highlight this disparity, he compared the earnings of musicians and actors in 2025.

He explained that top-tier musicians can earn between GHS 150,000 and GHS 250,000 for a live performance with a full band. Even lesser-known musicians can make between GHS 15,000 and GHS 20,000 for a 30-minute show in Accra. However, the situation is completely different for actors.

Samini disclosed that even A-list actors struggle to earn between GHS 10,000 and GHS 25,000 for an entire movie project, which may require them to spend up to three weeks on set.

“Some of the big names can negotiate for about GHS 20,000 to GHS 25,000, but that depends on who is hiring them,” he explained.

The earnings are even lower for upcoming actors. Some receive as little as GHS 2,000 for weeks of work, while a musician can earn GHS 15,000 for performing just three songs. Expressing his frustration, Samini said, “It’s crazy, and something has to be done about it.”

To address this issue, the dancehall artist is calling for a regulated pay structure in the film industry, similar to what exists in the music business. He proposed setting a minimum wage system to ensure that actors are fairly compensated.

“If for nothing at all, there should be some form of monitoring to control actor remuneration,” he suggested.

Samini further outlined an ideal payment structure, stating that A-list actors should not be paid less than GHS 50,000 per movie, while B-list actors should earn at least GHS 30,000. No mainstream actor, he stressed, should be paid below GHS 15,000 for any role.

He believes that implementing a fair and structured payment system will improve actors’ livelihoods and boost the quality of Ghanaian films. In his final remarks, Samini urged producers, directors, and key stakeholders in the industry to reconsider how they compensate actors.

“I think you can afford to pay them slightly more,” he emphasized, adding that actors deserve as much financial recognition as musicians in the entertainment sector.