When Deedot Ocean Lounge at Laboma Beach in Accra reopens on September 14, 2025, after extensive refurbishment, it is set to become a favorite destination for many Ghanaian musicians—especially emerging talents.
The reason is straightforward: under the leadership of music enthusiast Dorothy Hagan, Deedot Ocean Lounge will track every song played at the venue and pay royalties to the rightful owners at the end of each month.
“We have acquired special software that allows us to upload and play songs while tracking the number of times each is played. At the end of every month, artistes can simply walk in and receive their money. No delays or back-and-forth. All they need to do is bring us their music,” Dorothy Hagan explained.
Deedot Ocean Lounge, which has been in operation for a few years, temporarily closed to upgrade its facilities. The venue was once known mainly for African classics, but it is now creating space for new voices. By welcoming up-and-coming artistes, it offers them the chance to earn income whenever their songs are played.
This approach stands in sharp contrast to the current industry trend, where many music creators are asked to pay radio and television stations before their work gets airplay.
According to Hagan, Ghana has not been fair to its music community. Creators often see their work exploited at bars, beaches, supermarkets, and on broadcast platforms, yet they receive little or no compensation.
“It is obvious that the royalty system in this country is broken. Too many artistes die in poverty while their songs continue to play everywhere. Both established and upcoming musicians are unhappy with the system,” she emphasized.
She added that Deedot Ocean Lounge is making a genuine effort to change that reality. “Music is part of our lives, and those who create it deserve proper care and fair returns,” she said.
As the lounge reopens with this new initiative, it hopes to spark important conversations within Ghana’s music industry and inspire a fairer system for artistes.