Ghana: VGMAs to host summit on World Music Day

First observed in France in 1982, World Music Day, also known as Fête de la Musique, is celebrated in more than 120 countries globally. On the day, citizens of a city or country are encouraged to play free concerts in their neighbourhoods or public spaces.

The National Music Summit forms part of efforts by the awards platform to foster a national broad-based conversation towards the growth of the local industry. It heralds the 2021 VGMAs on 25 and 26 June. It will engage musicians, music producers, managers, distributors and promoters, among other industry stakeholders. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the conference will be held with a limited in-venue audience and broadcast via the VGMAs’ social media pages.

“All around the world, music stands tall as one of the most lucrative creative arts and showbiz sectors, with many musicians being among the wealthiest people in the world,” VGMAs organiser Charterhouse Ghana said. “Unfortunately, this trend isn’t the same in Ghana where the industry suffers from systemic issues stemming from an underdeveloped ecosystem and industry, which has led to a struggling industry with artists who have not been able to fully commercially live off their craft.

“It is in this light that the 2021 VGMA festivities seeks to create a platform for a national dialogue on issues pertaining to the development of an economically viable ecosystem while exploring relevant solutions and strategies towards industry growth.”

A central activity of the summit will be the presentation of a communique on the insights, conclusions and recommendations collected from discussions to the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Arts for consideration.

The summit will also see the presentation the VGMA Titan Award to honour distinguished industry stalwarts. Additionally, there will be inductions into the Ghana Music Awards Hall of Fame.

Meanwhile, the reigning Artist of the Year, Kuami Eugene, is the most nominated artist this year with 13 nods. He is followed by Adina with 11 nominations, making her the most nominated female artist in the history of the awards. KiDi secured 10 nominations.

The National Music Summit will start at 12pm and end at 4pm CAT.