Group launches reggae music competition

Transimex Ghana Limited and Golden International Promotion of Benin, in collaboration with the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA), has launched a Pan-African Cultural event called “Africa Roots Revelation.”

The West African reality show dubbed “A2R 2015” which is in memory of the late reggae star Bob Marley aims at sensitizing the youth to understand the lyrics of Bob Marley for the building of Africa unity rather than the drug culture of the Rasta community.

It would see the overall best African imitator and interpreter of Bob Marley’s songs taking home $10,000.

Speaking at a press launch in Accra on Tuesday, Ras Caleb Appiah-Levi, Director, Musiga Reggae Department, said “A2R” went beyond a national context and sought to become truly international.

Touching on the primary objective of the reality show, Ras Appiah-Levi said it would promote reggae oriented sound as urban sound that comes from Africans in the Diaspora, specifically the Jamaica.

“This also aims at celebrating African unity through uncensored song’s lyrics of the reggae legend Bob Nesta Marley which preach freedom and justice, love and unification of the African continent,” he said.

He said participants must be Africans between 20 and 45 and must be a musician, singer, artist or composer and must be able to sing at least three songs of Bob Marley.

“Must be a Rasta and wearing dreadlocks is not compulsory but advisable,” Appiah-Levi said.

There will be a pre-selection of performers of Bob Marley songs in some African capitals including Ghana, Benin, Cote D’iviore and Mali.

Ten selected participants would systematically become nominees for the competition.