FIM President mourns musicians

The vice president of the International Federation of Musicians (FIM), Alhaji Sidiku Buari has expressed shock at the sudden death of Faisal Helwani and Michael Dwamena, two significant figures in the Ghanaian music industry who passed away this week.

In a chat with Beatwaves, the FIM vice president described the two as showbiz stalwarts who would forever be remembered.

“I am very sad that Michael Dwamena who has carved a niche for himself could die so early. He was a good musician who was ready to take Ghanaian music on to the international music scene.

He demonstrated this in his latest musical album, Ngozi”.

He said Faisal Helwani who joined the music industry at the age of 18 had contributed a lot toward the production and promotion of Ghanaian highlife music in Africa and on the international music scene, adding that it was very sad that the industry had lost one of its leading producers.

He mentioned that Faisal Helwani was among the few stakeholders who formed the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) and also played a vital role in projecting the image of the union.

Alhaji Buari said it was rather unfortunate that Faisal who had sacrificed his whole life for the industry could not live to benefit from his sweat.

He expressed his deepest condolences to his family, friends, fans and loved ones, who had been disturbed by the news of his demise.

Michael Dwamena, the composer of ‘Ngozi’, died at a Texas hospital in the early hours of Monday after he had complained of stomach upset.

Faisal Helwani also died last Sunday in Lebanon where he was seeking medical attention.