Omanghana
Ghanaian singer and songwriter Sista Afia has advised musicians and other performers to take microphone hygiene more seriously by cleaning shared equipment before going on stage.
The musician, known privately as Francisca Duncan Williams Gawugah, raised concerns about the number of people who sing, speak and breathe directly into the same microphones at concerts and public events.
In a social media post on Friday, August 28, 2026, Sista Afia said taking simple precautions could reduce performers’ exposure to germs associated with frequently handled equipment.
“I’m going to say something controversial, but my fellow artists need to hear this. Please disinfect the mic before you put your mouth on it,” she wrote.
Shared Microphones Raise Hygiene Concerns
Sista Afia explained that musicians often move from one event to another without knowing how many people have previously used the microphones provided by organizers.
At large concerts, a single microphone may be handled by musicians, backing vocalists, masters of ceremonies, technicians and other speakers during the same program.
“We go from show to show sharing microphones with God knows how many people. Everyone is singing, talking, breathing and sometimes literally putting their mouths on the mic,” she said.
She added that some performers return home feeling unwell after shows, making it reasonable for them to consider the cleanliness of equipment placed close to their mouths.
Singer Recommends Sprays and Wipes
As a practical precaution, Sista Afia encouraged performers to carry microphone-safe disinfectant spray or sanitizing wipes in their bags.
She said artistes could use the products to clean a shared microphone before beginning their performances.
“I honestly think artists should start carrying a small microphone-safe disinfectant or sanitizing spray or wipes in their bags and clean the mic before performing,” she stated.
Performers would need to ensure that any cleaning product used is suitable for electronic equipment and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid damaging the microphone or its windscreen.
Artistes Encouraged to Carry Personal Microphones
Sista Afia also advised musicians who can afford it to invest in personal microphones and take them to events.
Using personally maintained equipment could reduce the frequency with which performers depend on microphones handled by numerous people.
“And if you can afford it, maybe it’s time to start bringing your own microphone to shows,” she said.
The recommendation would require prior coordination with sound engineers because microphones must be compatible with an event’s audio system and technical setup.
Sista Afia Clarifies Her Position
The singer acknowledged that it would be inaccurate to attribute every illness experienced after a performance to a shared microphone.
She maintained, however, that basic hygiene measures remain sensible because of the number of people who come into close contact with stage equipment.
“I’m not saying every sickness after a show comes from a microphone, but with so many people sharing the same equipment, why not take precautions?” she asked.
She concluded by urging colleagues to prioritize their wellbeing and make microphone cleaning a regular part of their preparation.
“My fellow colleagues, please let’s start taking this seriously. Your health first. Disinfect your mic before you perform,” she added.
Call Prompts Wider Hygiene Discussion
Sista Afia’s comments have attracted supportive reactions from fans and other social media users, some of whom said the concern also applied to churches, radio studios and other places where microphones are regularly shared.
The discussion has also highlighted the role of production teams and event organizers in maintaining equipment between users.
Providing replaceable windscreens, microphone-safe wipes and clearly defined cleaning procedures could help improve hygiene without placing the entire responsibility on performers.
Sista Afia’s advisory on shared microphones ultimately calls for a small change in backstage and onstage practice that could make performers feel safer when using communal equipment.
Source: Omanghana
