amakye dede

MUSIGA NEWSLETTER FOR SEPTEMBER 2014
CONTENTS
1. From the President
2. From the General Secretary
3. MUSIGA To Collaborate With the Police
4. MUSIGA Hosts Grand Ball 2014
5. MUSIGA Donates to AMWeF
6. Tigo Supports AMWeF
7.General Secretary’s Role in Transforming CIWA to UNIWA
8. General Secretary Participates in Summer School
9. Deezer Organizes Stakeholders Conference
10. MUSIGA To Collaborate With Ipas
11. P.K Yamoah Passes On
12. KPMG Concludes Survey on Music Industry in Ghana
13. All Set For GHAMRO Elections on December 8
14. MUSIGA Appoints New Administrator
From the President
As we end the year, I would like to encourage all our members to take a stock and find out where
you are on your resolutions for this year. With just two months to go, it is important you appraise
yourself and map out an effective strategy to end the year on a positive note.
I will also like to congratulate our national executives and the Executive Council for their support
which resulted in a very successful Grand Ball this year. I urge them to remain dedicated to the cause
of the Union and assure them that I will continue to provide the necessary leadership to ensure that
the Union plays the required role in the development of the industry.
As you may be aware, we have effected a few changes in our administration with the reassignment
of our former Administrator Ahuma Bosco Ocansey and the induction of a new one Rev Fiifi Khan
Agyarkwaa.
Finally I will like to encourage our members who are right owners to participate in the forthcoming
GHAMRO elections as we work towards a strong and vibrant collection society to ensure that our
members receive the appropriate rewards for their creativity.
From the General Secretary
Fellow Musicians,
The life which we still live is an indication of greater things to come; for us and for the organization
we serve.
Each day requires that we should be grateful to God and help mankind when we have the ability to
do so; for that is the essence of life on planet earth!
I am glad for the opportunity to share with you the secret of team work; for that’s what it takes to
succeed as a people with common goal.
If one should say, let’s work as a team, but then think independently and authoritatively and make a
lot of unilateral, arbitrary decisions, you won’t build a team. Team building is an extremely
important and desirable activity if it is reinforced by team building principles inside the structures,
systems and processes of an organization; otherwise, it will become a buzzword and sideshow and
will not come under the main tent. My joy remains as we get united and cohesive culture to achieve
our goals thus, move our Union and Nation forward! Stay blessed.
MUSIGA TO COLLABORATE WITH POLICE SERVICE
The Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) is to collaborate with the Police Service in a number of
areas. This was announced by the Inspector General of Police Mohammed Alhassan during a
courtesy call on him by the leadership of MUSIGA.
According to the IGP, although there have been some collaborations between the Police Service
and some musicians like Kojo Antwi, Amakye Dede and Daddy Lumba in the past, it is time to
institutionalize the relationship.
Mr Alhassan indicated in the area of piracy, the Police Service is considering setting up a desk at
the Police Headquarters to assist the industry in the fight against piracy.
On his part, the President of MUSIGA Bice Osei Kuffour aka Obour noted that the visit to the IGP
is to formally introduce the leadership of the Union to him and congratulate him on his
leadership of the Service as well as to seek ways of entrenching the relationship between the
Police Service and the Union.
He added that the two institutions can collaborate in various ways such as supporting the
WASSA programmes of the Service and also to change people’s attitudes towards the Police.
The MUSIGA President also spoke about collaborations with the Police band and the need for
high powered support in the fight against piracy.
The President also called on the Police to expedite its investigations into the murder of Kwaw
Kesse’s manager Fenec Okyere.
The Director of Operations of the Police Service C.O.P John Kudalor on his part assured the
MUSIGA leadership of the Police Service’s readiness to collaborate with the Union on all fronts.
He also assured the Union of steps being taken to unravel the murder of Fenec.
This was buttressed by the Police Public Relations Officer Cephas Amartey who also welcomed
the collaboration with the Musicians Union.
The MUSIGA President was accompanied by the national welfare officer John Victor Owusu, the
national women’s organizer Della Hayes, the Administrator Rev Fiifi Khan Agyarkwaa, the Special
Assistant to the President Georgina Bimpong and the Director of Communications and Special
Projects Ahuma Bosco Ocansey aka Daddy Bosco
MUSIGA HOSTS GRAND BALL
MUSIGA has held the second edition of the MUSIGA Grand Ball, a gathering of captains of industry in
Ghana for an evening of entertainment with networking.
The MUSIGA Grand Ball attracted over 70 corporate bodies who were represented by their top level
managers including CEO’s, Country Directors, Chief Marketing Officers etc. Three personalities
recieved awards at the event in recognition of their contribution to the Music industry in Ghana.
There are the former first lady Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings, the CEO of the Despite Group of
Companies Dr Osei Kwame Despite and the CEO of Midland Savings and Loans, Michael Adjovu. A
number of items were also auctioned. These were a guitar donated by Agya Koo Nimo and
collections of the works of musical giants like Amakye Dede, Nana Ampadu, Kojo Antwi and Daddy
Lumba.
A number of artistes were on stage for the night and they were No Tribe, Tagoe Sisters, Noble
Nketia, the Chairman of AMWeF, A.B Crentsil and Amakye Dede. Other performers for the night
were veterans A.K Yeboah, Osei Vasco, Kofi Sammy and Smart Nkansah. The MCs for the night were
Chairman General Kwame Sefa Kayi and Joselyn Dumas.
This year’s event was to raise funds for the Ageing Musicians Welfare Fund (AMWeF) and the
MUSIGA Academy. AMWeF is a fund established by MUSIGA to cater for ageing or incapacitated
musicians. The fund was established last year and has so far done a distribution to over 60 musicians
around the country. The MUSIGA Academy is an innovation by the leadership of the Union to equip
musicians and industry stakeholders with standard skills to ensure that the industry in Ghana is
positioned to take on the global audience. The Academy is supported by the Skills Development
Fund of the Ghana government.
MUSIGA GRAND BALL DONATION TO AMWeF
Mr. Sam Afari-Dartey the Board Chairman of MUSIGA Grand Ball has presented cheques for
Sixty Thousand Cedis (Ghc60,000) and Forty Thousand Ghana Cedis (Ghc40,000) to the
Ageing Musicians Welfare Fund (AMWEF) and MUSIGA Academy respectively. The AMWeF
Appreciation Ceremony was held at Alisa Hotel in Accra on Tuesday September 23 and
attended by a sponsors, supporters of the Ball and veteran musicians.
The event was chaired by the immediate Past President of the Union Diana Hopeson, one
time President Agya Koo Nimo who was Guest of Honour for the event and the CEO of
Ghana Forestry Commission, Mr. Sam Afari-Dartey, who is also the Chairman of the Grand
Ball Board.
There were also testimonies by some beneficiaries of the Fund such as Nana Yepimso, Oscar
Moore Ofori and Noble Nketsiah.
REGIONAL REPORT
The Union Held its 37th`National Executive Council Meeting in October and deliberated on a wide
range of issues.
Highlights of developments in the regions include the appointment of new regional chairmen for the
Central and Western regions in the persons of Mr. Ken Kuranche and Joseph Atubiga respectively.
Until their appointment both of them were serving as vice chairmen in the two regions.
The NEC also agreed that the Eastern region will host the next congress of the Union in 2015.The
Volta region is organizing Volta Music Awards in November 2014.
The Greater Regional office is now open for daily business for members of the branch to interact
with the executives.
Ashanti region is hosting the Asanteman Grandball in December 2014. Other regions like Northern,
Brong Ahafo, Northern, Upper East, Upper West are all involved in one or more developmental
activities.
TIGO SUPPORTS AMWeF
The Marketing Director of Tigo Mr Jesse Adjapong has presented a cheque for GHC 10,000.00 to the
Ageing Musicians Welfare Fund (AMWeF) at a short ceremony at the Tigo head office in Accra.
Making the presentation, Mr Adjapong said it is in redemption of a pledge Tigo made at the Grand
Ball and an indication of Tigo’s growing support for the Ghanaian music industry.
Receiving the cheque on behalf of AMWeF, the AMWeF Chairman AB Crentsil expressed the
gratitude of veteran musicians who are beneficiaries of the Fund to Tigo for their support. The
MUSIGA President Bice Osei Kuffour on his part said the presentation is evidence of a developing
relationship. The President also called on other corporate institutions to support AMWeF.
Present at the ceremony were veteran musicians Abirekyireba Kofi Sammy, A.K Yeboah and National
Welfare Officer J.V Owusu.
DEEZER ORGANIZES STAKEHOLDERS CONFERENCE
The Marketing Director of Tigo Jesse Agyapong has assured the music community of Tigo’s
determination to assist them to drive sales and improve their exposure to the global community
with the introduction of the Deezer app in Ghana. Deezer is an app that allows musicians to upload
their music onto the app for music lovers worldwide to stream the music.
Speaking at a stakeholders conference this afternoon to engage the various segments of the music
community, MUSIGA President Bice Osei Kuffour indicated that after observing the digital marketing
landscape extensively, MUSIGA is of the opinion that a partnership with Millicom Music will afford
Ghanaian musicians the opportunity of accessing the global market.
The MUSIGA President is of the view that considering the expertise assembled at Millicom Music,
the team is better positioned to showcase music from Ghana on the Deezer platform.
A representative of Millicom Music Bjorn Lindborg indicated that Millicom Music which is an affiliate
of Millicom, parent company of Tigo has extensive experience in music marketing and sales globally
and would bring that expertise to bear in showcasing Ghanaian music worldwide.
Over 150 musicians, producers and artiste managers including Dr Mary Ghansah, Daughters of
Glorious Jesus, Apietus and Frimprince were at the conference.
DEBORAH FREEMAN PLAYS A KEY ROLE IN TRANSFORMING CIWA INTO UNIWA
The Council of Informal Workers Associations (CIWA) of TUC (Ghana), which the Union subscribes to
by virtue of its affiliation to the TUC, has been transformed into becoming a Union with a new name
UNION OF INFORMAL WORKERS ASSOCIATIONS (UNIWA) OF TUC (GHANA).
This is by dint of hard work by its executives since its formation with a pool of informal workers
Associations including MUSIGA, represented by its General Secretary, Deborah Freeman over the
past 17 months.
The General Secretary of UNIWA, Deborah Freeman who played a leading role in the establishment
of the Council explained that the name change is informed by its aspiration to move from the state
of Associate membership to the state of full membership with the TUC.
After the first conference of UNIWA in 2015, it would be admitted into the Trades Union Congress
Ghana fraternity as the 19th National Union. The leadership of the TUC has offered tremendous
support to UNIWA as its numerous associate members fall under one umbrella in solidarity for the
progress of the Trades Union fraternity.
GENERAL SECRETARY PARTICIPATES IN SUMMER UNIVERSITY PROGRAMME
Once every year, young leaders of National Organizations are keenly selected to participate in
Summer University programme; a programme organized to train and enrich the experience of young
people leading organizations across the globe.
To the pride of the Union, the General Secretary, Deborah Freeman was among the few young
leaders chosen to participate in the summer school in 2014 in Benin.
Sharing her experience, Deborah Freeman said that she has garnered invaluable knowledge and
experience through the summer University programme and as a result her life as a leader will never
be the same.
MUSIGA TO COLLABORATE WITH IPAS
At the recent MUSIGA Grand Ball event, the MUSIGA President echoed sentiments espoused by the
leading voice on Women’s Reproductive Rights issues in Ghana and former Presidential Advisor Prof
Sai that there’s the need to respect a woman’s body.
MUSIGA President Bice Osei Kuffour aka in his speech at the Grand Ball called on all and sundry to
appreciate that women have a right to their bodies hence the need for men to accord them the due
respect.
Obour was speaking at the Grand Ball event which attracted the top management of over 70
corporate bodies in Ghana ranging from state institutions like Ministries, Agencies and Departments
to Telecommunications companies, beverage companies as well as other private enterprises.
Present at the function was a high powered delegation from Ipas led by Country Director Dr Koma
Jehu-Appiah.
Earlier on at a separate meeting, the MUSIGA President Obour and Dr Koma Jehu-Appiah had
explored the possibilities of collaborating on issues of relevance to women and children particularly
in the area of Women’s Reproductive Rights.
P.K YAMOAH PASSES ON
Veteran musician Peter Kwabena Yamoah aka P.K Yamoah of Serwah Akoto fame is dead. The 86
year old veteran died yesterday after a short illness at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra.
P.K Yamoah trained many musicians and he gave Nana Kwame Ampadu his break in the early 60s
before Nana formed the African Brothers band. P.K Yamoah is also credited with grooming the likes
of Agyarko and Smart Nkansah who went on to form the Sunsum Band and Lee Duodu of Bisa Goma
and Akoote Brofo fame.
P.K Yamoah was based in Kumasi after an initial sojourn in Accra and is one of the most influential
musicians whose imprint on the Ghanaian music scene is widely recognized. In 2008 as part of the
ninth edition of the MTN Ghana Music Awards, Yamoah was celebrated with a Certificate of Merit
for his immense contribution to the Ghanaian music scene.
Yamoah’s repertoire included songs like Fa Asem Kye, Onantefo and Obido Me, Sika Mpe Rough and
Nya Asem Hwe.
In a statement, MUSIGA President Bice Osei Kuffour noted that PK Yamoah was a real pillar of the
industry and very supportive of the Union as a key person in AMWeF.
Yamoah is survived by four children.
KPMG CONCLUDES SURVEY ON MUSIC INDUSTRY IN GHANA
All is set for the launch of the Comprehensive Survey of the Music Industry in Ghana conducted by
KPMG as part of MUSIGA’s efforts at improving the music industry in Ghana. The survey which was
commissioned by the Union in 2012 was sponsored by the Government of Ghana as part of the GHC
2m grant to the Union. The final draft has been submitted to the Union and the final document is to
be launched before the end of the year. According to President Obour, the document will provide
verifiable information on the state of the industry as well as possible areas of investment. The
document also heralds recommendations to improve the music industry.
Over the next few editions, we will serialize the recommendations for the benefit of our members
and the whole document will be available at the MUSIGA website www.musiga.org.gh.
ALL SET FOR GHAMRO ELECTIONS ON DECEMBER 8
The countdown is on for the first ever elections for the Ghana Music Rights Owners (GHAMRO)
organization. According to the Administrator of GHAMRO Abraham Adjetey, the elections will be
held on December 8 after the first ever Annual General Meeting of music rights owners in
Ghana. Since the organization was formed three years ago, it has not held a single AGM nor
elections.
The elections will be followed by a handing over ceremony by the Receiver Manager Committee
to the elected board on December 15 with the inauguration ceremony taking place a week later
on December 22.
Mr Adjetey says all is set for the elections and the list of eligible voters will be released in the
coming week. He indicated that the Receiver Managers are working with the current GHAMRO
constitution which sets out the basis for an election in the organization.
A hundred musicians took GHAMRO to court for failing to hold elections nor an AGM among
other reasons and the Human Rights court placed an injunction on the then board led by
Carlos Sakyi to refrain from carrying themselves as such and appointed a five member body to
act as receiver managers.
The receiver managers are Nana Aboagye Da Costa and Okyeame Kwame both musicians and
Enoch Adjepong a producer. Others are Paa Kow Acquaye of the Attorney General’s Department
and Lawyer Habada of the Copyright office.
The receiver manager’s mandate expires in December. Meanwhile some members of the ex
board led by Carlos Sakyi have filed an appeal against the court ruling.
MUSIGA APPOINTS NEW ADMINISTRATOR
The Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) has appointed a new Administrator Rev Fiifi Khan
Agyarkwah to steer the affairs of the Union. This follows the reassignment of the former
Administrator Ahuma Bosco Ocansey aka Daddy Bosco as the Head of Communications and Special
Projects.
Rev Fiifi Khan Agyarkwah has been involved with the music industry over the past one and half
decades working in various capacities. Until his appointment, he was the Director of Special Projects
for the Union and was on the delegation of MUSIGA officials who met the leadership of the British
Musicians Union in London over the twinning agreement between the two Unions.
Rev. Fiifi Khan Agyarkwah has been a social worker and an ordained Minister Since 1998. He is the
Founder and Executive Director of Multiple Motivation Foundation the organization that produced
the first local content educational material on the basic facts on HIV/AIDS in audiovisual form
synchronized with music for Persons With Disability (PWD’s) in Ghana. He has served as a consultant
to both music and non music related organizations including the Ghana Association of Phonographic
Industry (GAPI), Search for Rural Development, Pathfinders Ministry, The Christ Preachers Church,
etc. He served as a secretary to the defunct Ghana Old Musicians Association. In early the 2000s he
was a member of the management team of the nu-Ashanti Band led by Rex Owusu Marfo aka Rex
Omar which toured Africa and France. He joined the Union as a Public Relations Officer in 2008
during the Presidency of Diana Akiwumi and was appointed Director for Special Projects in 2011
under President Bice Osei Kuffour aka Obour.
According to the MUSIGA President, the changes are in the wake of Daddy Bosco’s new role as the
General Manager of Breeze 90.9 FM.