With the Golden Jubilee launch, MUSIGA commemorates 50 years of supporting Ghanaian music.

With the Golden Jubilee launch, MUSIGA commemorates 50 years of supporting Ghanaian music.

The Golden Jubilee festivities of the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA), which has been supporting, bringing together, and promoting the interests of Ghanaian musicians for fifty years, have begun.

Notable people, such as the Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, attended the event, which focused on MUSIGA’s background and contributions to Ghana’s music scene since its establishment in 1975.

MUSIGA President Bessa Simons thanked the government, industry stakeholders, and international partners who have helped the union along the way in a speech full of pride and introspection.

He said, “Music is woven into the very fabric of our lives, marking every life milestone and bringing people together,” in reference to the cultural significance of music in Ghana.

The celebration, which has as its theme “Positioning MUSIGA for Growth in a Digital Age,” highlights the union’s dedication to adopting technological innovations that continue to influence the music business. “From the analogue era to the digital age, our journey has taken us through significant industry shifts,” Simons stated, emphasising MUSIGA’s goal of providing its members with the tools and resources they need to deal with these changes.

Honoring Pioneers and Accomplishments

The founding members of the union, Sammy Odoh, Faisal Helwani, Stan Plange, and Prof. John Collins, who came together in December 1975 with the goal of promoting musicians’ rights, were honoured by the MUSIGA President.

In addition, he paid tribute to former MUSIGA leaders who had made significant contributions to the organization’s history, including Jerry Hansen, Agya Koo Nimo, Kofi Ghanaba, Joe Mensah, Alhaji Sidiku Buari, Diana Hopeson, and Bice Osei Kuffour (Obour).

MUSIGA has accomplished many noteworthy milestones over the years, including supporting PNDC Law 110, Ghana’s first copyright law, and assisting in the founding of the Copyright Society of Ghana (COSGA) and, subsequently, the Ghana Music Rights Organisation (GHAMRO). Other noteworthy accomplishments include:

launching The Future Project, a mentoring programme for up-and-coming artists like Adina, Kidi, and Kuame Eugene.

establishing the Ghana Music Awards in 2001 in collaboration with Charter House.

establishing the MUSIGA Academy in partnership with NAFTI and the School of Performing Arts and providing members with training on digital platforms.

supporting the Ageing Musicians Welfare Fund (AMWeF) by planning events such as Ghana Music Week and the MUSIGA Presidential Grand Ball.

collaborating with UNESCO to combat corruption, encourage peaceful elections, and offer COVID-19 assistance.

Taking on Obstacles and Future Objectives

While acknowledging its successes, MUSIGA also acknowledged the difficulties the sector faces, ranging from copyright concerns and economic pressures to the effects of digitalisation on traditional music traditions. In order to promote unity, increase public knowledge of industry concerns, and include the public in cultural and educational events, the President urged business Ghana to support MUSIGA’s Golden Jubilee.

Government support for associations in the creative industry is growing.

“Music is the heartbeat of the nation; it reflects our culture and unites us as a people,” the President said as he wrapped up the presentation, quoting highlife icon E.T. Mensah.

In order to ensure a prosperous future for the sector and the country, MUSIGA reaffirms its dedication to defending the rights of Ghanaian musicians and adjusting to a changing digital environment.