The Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) on Saturday, December 27, last year, organised the maiden edition of the MUSIGA Asanteman Arts Ball and Awards at the Golden Tulip Hotel in Kumasi in the Ashanti Region to raise funds to support the Ageing Musicians Welfare Fund (AMWeF) and the Koo Nimo Music Library.
The event which witnessed performances from some selected musicians including Daughters of Glorious Jesus, Noble Nketsiah and Nana Kwame Ampadu among others, was jointly organised by the Musicians Union of Ghana, the Manhyia Palace and Golden Tulip Hotel. The occasion was used to honour personalities such as Francis K. Poku, Chief Executive Officer of Fox FM and Hot FM, Stephen Boateng aka Kwabena Kese, Chief Executive Officer of Kessben Group of Companies, Dr Samuel Francis Agyei of the Kumasi Cultural Centre and musician Daniel Amponsah aka Agya Koo Nimo for their achievements and contributions to the arts.
It was also used to auction all-time best compilation audio CDs of Daddy Lumba, Amakye Dede, Kojo Antwi and Nana Kwame Ampadu to support the Koo Nimo Music Library.
The Chief Executive Officer of Unity Oil and Stadium Hotel in Kumasi, Dr Kwame Kyei, bought Daddy Lumba’s and Nana Ampadu’s CDs at GH¢12,500 and GH¢11,000 respectively.
Boris Baidoo, Chief Executive Officer of Boris B Farms & Veterinary, bought Kojo Antwi’s CD at GH¢6, 000 while Dr Kwaku Oteng of Angel Group of Companies bought Amakye Dede’s CD at GH¢6, 000.
Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, who was present at the event, donated GH¢20, 000 each to the Ageing Musicians Welfare Fund (AMWef) and Koo Nimo Music Library—the two outfits the Asanteman Arts Ball was organised to raise funds for.
In a speech, Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, who was the special guest of honour, said Asanteman Golden Stool would continue to associate itself with events and activities that bring honour and dignity to the people of Ashanti and Ghana.
“Music plays an important role in our rich and diverse culture and I will continue to support and contribute my quota in every way possible to help preserve our musical heritage,” he disclosed.
He urged musicians who will join in the composition and production of songs to support political activities to be mindful of their career and not be partisan but nation builders.
On her part, the Chief Executive Officer of Tigo Ghana, Roshi Motman, stressed that her outfit will continue to support the development of arts and culture by promoting home-grown talent in the country.
“We are passionate about music and we believe that promoting of our artistes is an important part of the growth of the music industry in Ghana.
We have introduced the first music-streaming service that provides unlimited music experience in Ghana.
Through the brand name Tigo Music, our customers can have direct access to the international music platform Deezer and enjoy over 35 million songs including African and Ghanaian artistes on their phones, tablets and computers.”
The event was produced by Showbiz Africa for MUSIGA and sponsored by Tigo, Kasapreko Alomo Bitters, Club Beer, Aduanehene, Kuapa Kokoo, Verna Mineral Water, Agyaba Jewelleries, Geoquaye Ltd, Kafina, Multi Credit Savings & Loans, Lizzy Hotel andvAfrica World Airlines.