Ghana Music Week takes off in March

Speaking at the launch, President of the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA), Bice Osei Kuffour, and the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, organisers of the event, assured his audience that this year the union will insist on the payment of royalties to musicians.

“I am aware of some of the major concerns that have engaged the attention of practitioners and stakeholders in this sector,” said Edwin Owusu-Mensah of the Ministry of Tourism, “including the need for the immediate passage of the Creative Industries Bill which will give the appropriate legislative framework for the operations of the sector. As you may be aware, the manifesto of the National Patriotic Party under the leadership of President Akufo-Addo has captured the aspirations of the creative arts and we intend to address those issues comprehensively.”

"As part of efforts to improve the professionalism and standards of music industry practitioners, the National Film and Television Institute (NAFTI) in collaboration with the Union are introducing a certificate programme in music production for all persons who would like to make effective inroads into the music business in Ghana," said President Kuffour. "The Union will provide some scholarship support for members who apply for the course. Let me use this opportunity to invite all industry practitioners and aspiring ones to take advantage of acquiring some knowledge to help improve the way we do music business in Ghana.

"As part of our Wage and Industry Standardization efforts, the Union will release a list of the top one hundred acts in the music industry. This will be accompanied by a grading system and a minimum wage structure for performances to be reviewed yearly. To ensure the sustainability of this important initiative, the union has appointed Richard Mensah (Richie) as Director of Music and Industry Standards to work with our newly established Membership and Business Development office."

As always, the event is open to the public, who will be entertained with exhibitions and performances. This year, a 3-day programme called “the Festival”, from 10 – 12 March, within the week, will have a celebration of Ghanaian music and dance, comedy, fashion, merchandising vending, products sales and exhibitions at the Independence Square.

Outside of these, an international expo will take place—as will a seminar at the British Council in Accra on 5 March.

For more information on the event, visit the Ghana Music Week website.