Coming events, it is said, cast their shadows; and unless a divine intervention finds its way into the Ghanaian music industry, the umbrella association of musicians in the country - Musicians Association of Ghana - will crumble in no time.
The Saturday Statesman is not trying to take on the unenviable tag of prophet of doom, but the reality is that some top musicians are seriously disenchanted and have therefore decided to quit the association and form their own - that will really have the welfare of any artiste who joins it at heart.
Among them is Gyedu-Blay Ambolley, a musician of international repute, who has clearly stated that he and some other musicians were going to form their own union if the current MUSIGA executives did not change the way and manner in which they operate the association.
In an exclusive interview with The Saturday Statesman, he said he and his disenchanted colleagues were fed up with all the misconduct, discrepancies and underhand dealings of the executives. Again, he accused them of not being transparent in the running of the Union, adding that there were no structures in place to enhance the ability of musicians.
One other misgiving that the ace rap musician expressed was that they (musicians) do not meet to discuss issues and problems pertaining to their profession. “We only meet when there is an urgent need, like when a colleague passes away”, he bemoaned.
Ambolley, who was the Vice President of MUSIGA in the 80s lamented, “I’m very sad to see a building which I, together with some musicians fought so hard to acquire for the union, now turned into a ‘chop bar”".
He disclosed that the place where the musicians used to meet and have workshops, rehearsals and also perform, had been filled with tables, chairs and dining sets where people come to buy food and eat. He was not aware who operates the ’spot’ and where the proceeds from the sale of the food go.
“In Nigeria, when some musicians were facing similar problems they formed their own professional union, and is now the biggest union so far; so there is no big deal in forming ours because it’s going to be the biggest union ever in the history of the music industry”, he noted.
“It is as a result these problems and many others that the young artistes in the industry mess up with their work. They don’t go through any form of workshops and training, things the Union is supposed to be organising. That is why they choose anybody at all who expresses willingness to assist them as their producers and managers”, he emphasized.
Gyedu Blay Ambolley, who is said to have introduced rap music in the industry with ‘Simigwa-do’, further lamented, “The Union is in total sham and I really pity these young ones who are coming into the system because if they are not strong and hard working like me and some few others, they will go hungry.”
As the interaction kept on gathering momentum, he disclosed certain things about his personal life and what he intended to do in future.
Can you tell us who Ambolley really is?
Ambolley was born and raised in Secondi in the Western Region of Ghana, schooled there and started his music career there,
So how did you get into the music industry?
It all began in 1969 when I started playing with a band called the ‘Uhuru Dance Band’ which later became my source of income. So one day the producer, who normally recorded for my leader, heard the song I was playing, so he recorded both and sent it to the studio. Afterwards my song became a hit and eventually it led to my first album.
What was the title?
The title was ‘Simigwa-do’ in 1973, which took Ghana by storm because it came in a different style altogether with quality dancing skills and language. It was through this album that I became the originator of rap in Ghana since majority of the tracks were raps.
Has any of the hip-life artistes so far emulated your rap skills?
I can say no because some of them don’t know music; what they know is to rhyme. When it comes to rap, they can’t touch me, but I can touch them.
What are some of the challenges that you faced?
For challenges, I can’t place my finger on any, but what I will say is I didn’t make enough money out of this album, though it was a hit.
So far how many albums have you come out with?
Twenty-two.
And did you write them on your own?
Yes. I wrote them, arranged them, composed them and performed them on my own.
How would you compare the state of the industry in the past to the present?
In the 70s and 80s, it was in the process of becoming better until Sidiku Buari and his team came in to mess things up till date. Though we saw the benefits we never received them.
Has the industry in any way affected your life?
Though it has its negative side, I will not deny the fact that it has helped me. I can now sing on my own. I’ve also traveled to many places, written more songs, sang and projected them myself.
How many awards have you received?
A lot; but the current one I can remember is the ACRAG Award, one from the United States Congress, another one from the Governor of California - Major and the Hall of Fame at Charles Drew University, Los Angeles.
What do you do aside this career?
I’m a full time musician. I believe in focusing on one thing, doing it well in order to get huge outcomes out of it. I do my works well and so I always receive royalties from America, Europe and other countries.
How are you managing your family?
By His grace I have a son in London who has given me three grandchildren; and I also have two children with my American wife, Esi Malika.
What are you working on now?
At the moment, I’m preparing to come out with an album the title of which I don’t want to disclose. All I can say is Ghanaians should expect something from me either at the end of this year or early next year. I’m also planning to go to the States and bring my studio equipment and everything here so that I can settle down because many hip-life artistes like Tiny, Reggie, Obrafoo, Lord Kenya, Castro and others, are dying to collaborate with me.
What do you do in your leisure hours?
I always use my leisure hours to read books concerning our history and culture because it seems majority of us have left our culture behind. I normally read them in order to acquire more knowledge and to get more involved in our culture.
Anything else you would want to add?
I just want to advise the up-and-coming musicians to study the market well, choose the right producers and managers so that what they have worked hard for will not be in vain.
