“If You’re Working for Someone and You’re Not Paid, Stop It” – Stephen Appiah’s Words That Made Grace Ashley Quit Singing for the Black Stars

Ghanaian gospel musician Grace Ashley has opened up about a heartbreaking moment that made her stop composing songs for the national football team, the Black Stars.

In an emotional revelation, the renowned singer recounted an encounter with former Black Stars captain Stephen Appiah, whose comment left her deeply hurt and ultimately ended her musical dedication to the team.

Speaking about the incident, Grace Ashley recalled:

“Wherever Stephen Appiah is, he should listen to me and remember that day at the airport. Ghana had a match with Gambia in Kumasi. At that time, the Black Stars’ morale was low, and a promoter had to mobilize fans to support the team. On our way back, we boarded the same flight with Stephen Appiah.”

According to her, the situation took a painful turn when a man at the car park praised her for her contribution to the national team, telling Appiah that her music had inspired many Ghanaians — especially women — to support football.

“At the car park, a man approached him and said, ‘Well done, Stephen. This woman is like your sister — you guys should take care of her. She’s the reason many women have started watching football because of her songs for the Black Stars.’

Stephen responded, ‘But the songs she sings are for the state.’

The man replied, ‘But the state doesn’t pay her anything.’

And Stephen said, ‘If you’re working for someone and you’re not paid, stop it,’” Grace Ashley narrated.

The comment, she said, shattered her spirit.

“Those words broke my heart,” she admitted. “That was the moment I decided to stop making songs for the Black Stars.”

Grace Ashley, who became a household name for her patriotic and motivational songs during the Black Stars’ golden years, revealed that she had produced several tracks solely out of passion and national pride — without receiving any financial reward.

Her songs once boosted the morale of both players and fans, uniting Ghanaians behind the team during major tournaments. However, following Appiah’s remark, she felt unappreciated and decided to channel her musical energy elsewhere.

The revelation has sparked conversations online about how Ghana treats artists who contribute selflessly to national causes, with many expressing disappointment that such a dedicated musician felt compelled to quit due to a lack of recognition and support.