Veteran chorister Dominic Derby criticizes Chaterhouse for disrespecting Ghana’s Choral Music at TGMA night

In a Facebook post after the event on June 1, 2024, at the Accra International Conference Centre, Dominic expressed his disappointment with Chatter House, the organisers of Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA) for downplaying Ghana’s Choral Music. He was particularly discouraged by a poor choral performance during the event.

Dominic believes Choral Music deserves better representation due to its deep cultural and social significance in Ghana’s history and traditions.

Chatter House, established in 2000 and known for shaping Ghana’s entertainment landscape, disappointed Dominic with the poor presentation of Ghana’s Choral Music during the 25th edition of the Ghana Music Awards.

“I was disheartened by the lackluster representation of choral music, a genre that holds a unique place in our country’s rich musical heritage,” he said.

Dominic, a choral music and production enthusiast, noted that despite its limited commercial appeal, Ghanaian Choral Music thrives in religious, educational, and formal settings. Its distinctive blend of Western classical techniques and African rhythms has produced talented artistes and choirs like Lordina The Soprano, Harmonious Chorale Ghana, and Winneba Youth Choir, gaining both local and international recognition.

Dominic was particularly disappointed by the poor performance of the popular song “Yesu Ka Wo Ho,” composed by the late Osei Boateng, during the 25th TGMA event. He believes Chatter House failed to give Choral Music the representation it deserves.

Using this platform to voice his disappointment, Dominic suggested that Chatter House include Choral Music artistes or groups in future TGMA events. He specifically mentioned solo artistes Lordina The Soprano, who was nominated for Best Female Vocal Performance, as a quality representative of the genre.

Dominic believes that if this action is implemented, Choral Music will gain the recognition it deserves.

“By doing so, we can ensure that choral music receives the recognition it deserves, and its beauty and significance are shared with a wider audience. Choral music continues to inspire, educate, and bring people together. Let us celebrate and honor our rich musical heritage in all its forms. I urge readers to support and celebrate choral music in Ghana, recognizing its value and importance in our cultural landscape,” he concluded.