Ambolley To Rescue The Music Industry

A section of stakeholders in the music industry have declared that they would rally behind Ghana’s afro pop music icon, Nana Gyedu Blay Ambolley, who recently declared his intention to contest the presidency of the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA).

Beatwaves gathered that following his decision to become the next MUSIGA president, Gyedu Blay Ambolley has so far held series of meetings with some international music firms who have declared their readiness to support the music industry in Ghana.

According to the stakeholders, the distinguished music icon whose music has gone down well with music lovers in Ghana and beyond was the right person to occupy the highest seat in the music industry.

They noted that the current state of the Ghanaian music industry required the services of knowledgeable persons like Gyedu Blay Ambolley to handle the affairs of the industry in order to generate job opportunities for the players.

In an exclusive interview with 'Beatwaves' last Saturday at +233 Jazz Club in Accra, Gyedu Blay Ambolley implied that he was committed to discovering, harnessing, developing and promoting Ghanaian music and talents, adding that one of his objectives was to promote, manage, develop artiste image, record sales and bring out the star in Ghanaian artistes.

According to him, the music industry in Ghana had a lot of problems which needed urgent attention, adding that when elected as MUSIGA president, he would put in place competent personalities who had the skills and credibility to run the industry.

Gyedu Blay Ambolley noted that his administration would promote greater participation and transparency as well as always involve the members of the union in decision making.

Outlining some of his plans for the music industry, Gyedu Blay Ambolley noted that the he had already arranged with some stakeholders and management outfits in Ghana and abroad, who would help organize seminars and workshops to upgrade the talent and musical skills of the industry’s members.

He explained that some of the many other ways by which MUSIGA could help musicians and composers include workshops, showcases, website and publications, and exclusive benefit packages that include health and instrument insurance, a credit union, discounts on musical accessories, travel and much more.

Ambolley has more than 20 albums to his credit and has received numerous musical awards.

In October of 2003, he was recognized for his commitment to his musical craft with a Lifetime Achievement Award by The Jazz at Drew from Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA.

He received a Congressional, Gubernatorial Certificate of Special Recognition by Congresswoman Juanita Millinder McDonald. Also, L.A. Weekly nominated Ambolley for Best World Beat Recombinant Artists – 2003.

Ambolley has also won the following awards; Most Consistent Artist-Ghana (1980), Album and Song of the Year-Ghana (1990), Trend Music Awards-Ivory Coast (1997), Africa-American History Award-MWEPC, L.A. CA (2001), Afrikan Music Award – Los Angeles (2002) and Malcom X Music Festival Award-L.A.CA. (2002).