Veteran Ghanaian actor Kofi Adjorlolo has revealed that his first love was not acting, but music, a passion he developed early in life and pursued before finding fame on screen.
Speaking in a recent interview on The Liz Show with Elizabeth Essuman, Adjorlolo opened up about his musical beginnings and the challenges he believes are stifling the growth of the acting profession in Ghana.
Reflecting on his childhood, Adjorlolo shared that many around him believed he was destined for a career in music due to his natural musical abilities. He began learning the trumpet at the age of eight, a skill he honed with impressive dedication.
“I love music so much that as of 8 years old, I could play the trumpet so well,” Adjorlolo said, with evident fondness for his early musical journey.
His musical journey wasn’t just a childhood hobby—it led him to perform with some of the biggest names in African music, including Gyedu Blay Ambolley and the late Sir Victor Uwaifo, both of whom are celebrated pioneers in African highlife and Afrobeats.
Despite his success as an actor in Ghana’s film industry, where he has become a household name, Adjorlolo admitted that the film and television landscape in Ghana remains deeply problematic, particularly for actors. He cited the lack of support systems, financial instability, and the absence of basic protections like insurance as major deterrents for young talents aspiring to join the industry.
“Honestly, I wouldn’t encourage my children to go into acting,” he said. “The current situation in Ghana isn’t encouraging, attractive, or enabling for young ones to thrive in this field. Do we even have insurance to back our actors and actresses?”
His candid remarks spotlight a broader concern within Ghana’s creative arts sector, where many industry veterans continue to speak out about the lack of institutional support, poor remuneration, and inadequate welfare policies for artists.
Adjorlolo’s revelation serves as a poignant reminder of the untapped potential within Ghana’s creative community—both in music and film—and the urgent need for reforms to nurture and protect the next generation of talents. His story also underscores the versatility and depth of Ghanaian artists who, like Adjorlolo, often wear many creative hats but face systemic challenges that hinder their full expression.
Though known for his on-screen charisma, it’s clear that Kofi Adjorlolo’s heart beats to the rhythm of music—a passion that, while eclipsed by acting, continues to define his artistic spirit.
