Arathejay: Absence of Mentorship Harming Young Talents

Up-and-coming artist AratheJay, who is steadily making a name for himself in the music industry, believes that talent alone is not enough to guarantee success for young musicians. He is advocating for greater mentorship and support for emerging artists, recognizing that guidance from experienced professionals in the industry is crucial for their growth and long-term success.

In a recent conversation with Graphic Showbiz, AratheJay shared his perspective on the challenges facing new artists. While he emphasized that he does not intend to speak for every up-and-coming musician, he expressed a strong desire to shed light on what he sees as one of the key factors contributing to the struggles and early setbacks many young musicians face. He believes that many people view music as a gift or a stroke of luck, which often leads to underestimating the hard work and commitment required to succeed in the industry.

“Music is often perceived as a gift, and people think success in the industry is a matter of chance,” AratheJay explained. “This mindset can diminish the value of the craft in people’s eyes. That’s why I’m advocating for more support for young artists like myself. The music industry is highly competitive, and staying relevant is not always easy, even with a hit song. Mentorship and guidance from established artists can help young musicians learn from the experiences of those who have already made it, thus avoiding some of the mistakes that could derail their careers.”

Over the past few months, AratheJay has captured the attention of music lovers with his singles such as Jesus Christ, 360, Chosen, Onoa, and Sankofa. He expressed gratitude for the positive reception his music has received, particularly the way listeners connect with the personal stories shared in his songs.

“I’m so thankful for the support I’ve received, especially knowing that my music resonates with people,” he said. “It’s fulfilling to know that my personal struggles, which I pour into my music, connect with others. There’s nothing more rewarding than hearing people enjoying and relating to your songs.”

AratheJay also spoke about the inspiration behind his latest single, Grenade, which highlights the hardships faced by individuals and the defiance they exhibit in the face of adversity. “Grenade is all about the struggles we go through in life and the resilience we show. For me, it’s like shouting at a storm and standing strong in the face of it. It’s my personal act of defiance,” he explained.

Having had the opportunity to collaborate with high-profile artists such as Black Sherif, Sarkodie, Stonebwoy, and King Promise, AratheJay has gained valuable experience working alongside some of the biggest names in the industry. While not every collaboration has yielded perfect results, he remains grateful for the learning opportunities these experiences have provided.

“It’s always exciting to work with other artists,” AratheJay said. “I can’t say that every collaboration has been a success, but I’ve learned a lot from them, and I’m thankful for the chance to grow through these experiences.”

AratheJay has often been compared to Black Sherif, particularly because of their shared “hustling” narrative and similar musical style. He acknowledged the comparison and offered his thoughts on their similarities, saying, “Shoutout to my brother, Iron Boy KK (Black Sherif’s name on X). I think each artist brings something unique to the table. The similarity between us probably lies in the themes of our music—the emotions and messages we try to convey. Music is our form of communication, and I believe we’re aligned in that sense. I completely understand the comparison and want to send love to my brother.”

Despite the unpredictable nature of the music industry, AratheJay is focused on his long-term journey. He made it clear that his goal is not to be overrated but to be encouraged to keep improving and giving his best. “I don’t want to be overrated; I just want to continue working hard and giving my best,” he said. “As long as God gives me the strength and ability to make music, I will continue doing so. My focus is on creating songs that speak to people and their experiences. I’m excited to see where this journey takes me.”

AratheJay’s reflections on the need for mentorship, as well as his determination to continue creating music that resonates with people, reflect his commitment to his craft and his understanding of the challenges that young artists face in the competitive music industry. He hopes that with the right guidance and support, future generations of musicians will be able to thrive and avoid the pitfalls that often cause early burnout or failure.