Official logo of the Musicians Union of Ghana
The Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) is said to have members of about 4,000 across the country. I believe it is good to have such a great number of members as a union but I ask, "Does MUSIGA have the data of all its members per the number quoted?"
In past years, Ghana's music has suffered in terms of the management of artistes. Thus, there has been the need for the creation of record labels to sign up artistes and take care of their music business.
Thanks to Zylofon Media, Shock Entertainment, Sarkcess music and many other record labels for coming in to save Ghana music.
However, the question is, "What is MUSIGA doing?"
As an Entertainment blogger, I think it will not be prudent for us to compare ourselves to our sister country, Nigeria, in terms of how well their music industry is faring.
I have always loved to hear my lecturer, Mr. Mustapha say; "The total population of Nigeria is larger than Ghana and they are richer than us. And to talk of sports, they are are far ahead of us, Music is also the same". I agree.
Ghanaians have the 'Can do spirit' but lack strategic planning towards achieving feats. We create so many opportunities and let them slip through our hands just like that.. "Where are the dance moves we claim to be owners of?". I am referring to the Azonto and Alqaeda.
I have so many questions on my mind that makes it difficult for me to believe that we have a mother body called MUSIGA which is responsible for the well being of artistes.
The music industry is also weak.
The last time I checked MUSIGA's website, it had been suspended. What happened?
Are the members paying their dues?
Yes, the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMAs) exists but there are regional awards like the Western Music Awards, and Eastern Music Awards. In my opinion, these subdivisions are due to geographical limitations associated with awarding only Accra based artistes.
Well, it is good for the music industry to have subdivisions in terms of awards ceremonies, but how far will it go?
The MUSIGA president, Obour (Bice Osei Kuffour) and his team must be called to action to stop advocating what is not the primary goal of the union.
I felt sad when I tuned in to watch entertainment news on UTV and all I could see and hear was the MUSIGA President telling Ghanaians that the union had taken it upon itself to ensure that the Atiwa forest is safe from chain-saw operators, illegal miners, and hunters who might set on fire.
I stand to be corrected because I do not know what drives them to do that. I beg to differ, it is not in the right direction.
It is very sad for a union of such good repute to organize a music festival and no artiste would show up. Why was it scheduled on a weekend but tagged as a week celebration?
MUSIGA has a lot of work to do and the time is now!
Wake up Mr. President
