Ghana to launch DJ union

The organisation, which is the first of its kind in the country, seeks to see to the welfare, education and general wellbeing of DJs. The group will aim to ensure better coordination among practitioners and complement the efforts by the Ghana DJ Awards by providing a platform to promote DJs.

According to Merqury Quaye, a representitive of the union, there are also regional heads across the country. The launch event, which will take place on Saturday, will bring together a wide spectrum of DJs. “Due to COVID-19, not every DJ will be able to join but there are arrangements for both individuals in Ghana and those who are not currently around to join the stream via zoom and be part of the event,” Quaye said.

Quaye also revealed that the launch will see DJUGA unveil a partnership with an insurance company for its members, adding that the past two weeks have witnessed an influx of requests from DJs across the country, who are interested in joining the union.

“If you’re a DJ and you have a problem, you now don’t have to fight your own fight, there is an organisation that stands for fighting for you,” he added. “There is an organisation that brings all DJs together to have one voice for a better music industry and a better creative arts industry. For better working conditions, one of the remits of the organisation is to help DJs to regularise their employment with employers. There are certain employers who, because probably they believe that a DJ doesn’t have any backing, will treat them anyhow or refuse to pay them. That is why we are here.”

Ahead of the launch, Kwame Adu Gyamfi has been announced as the acting president of DJUGA’s executive council, with Hubert Kofi Anti as interim vice-president. Daniel Badu and Majorie Arthur will act as the organising secretary and national treasurer, respectively.

“One of our core objectives is to regulate members’ relations with their employers and/or employers’ associations, and with each other,” Gyamfi said.

Badu added: “We are going to work to maximise the employment and overall income of DJs, protect and improve working conditions. We also offer advice, support and legal assistance based on every individual member’s needs.”

Registration will start on Saturday, and interested DJs can register by sending a request via the union’s official Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages or to the following WhatsApp number: +233 24 410 9378. Quaye added that a website will also be launched in the coming days to assist with the registration process.