Entertainment
Beyoncé & Shatta Wale collaboration: A good omen for Ghana music industry
There are some many opportunities, be it tangible and intangible which come with music collaboration on a global stage, and there is no doubt that collaboration with an international artiste has the tendency to increase bandwidth of listening audiences and throw more spotlight on an artiste as well as industry.
Music collaboration is when two or more creative artistes come together to produce a musical project.
There is no denying the fact that the recent collaboration between American superstar Beyoncé and Ghana’s Shatta Wale is a huge achievement and a good omen for the country’s music industry.
The release of the official trailer for her upcoming film “Black is King” featuring Ghanaian dancehall star, Shatta Wale has received millions of streams across various digital music platforms in the world.
The new film which premiered internationally on July 31 was inspired by her soundtrack for Disney’s reboot of “The Lion King” and a visual album of her soundtrack “The Lion King: The Gift”.
Beyoncé had earlier stated that by this visual album, “I wanted to present elements of Black history and African tradition, with a modern twist and a universal message, and what it truly means to find your self-identity and build a legacy,” she said.
Against this backdrop, we take a critical look at some of the benefits which could be derived from this collaboration.
Tapping different ideas and opportunities
There are many facets of the music industry, comprising music producers, singers, songwriters, audio engineers, videographers, photographers, video vixens, music marketers and media among others.
If you take a look at the trajectory surrounding the project, the featuring of Shatta Wale has led to other crop of professionals in the music industry seal deals and performs other functions in the making of the music video, and tapping of complementary skills and ideas to improve their professional knowledge.
Subsequently, this would lead to facilitation of other deals with its far reaching effect on others in the music ecosystem for the years to come, since the job done would serve as reference point for recommendations.
Finally, it would open more collaborative opportunities with other artistes in the future, by urging others to push beyond their limit and aim higher.
Increased digital reach
This will certainly lead to massive rise in online streaming, social media profiling of Shatta Wale, and subsequently a spill-over effect on Ghana’s music industry.
Social Media plays an important role in promoting artistes work, which increases music sales, licensing opportunities, greater recognition and surge credibility.
This is because the global media platforms who have and would continue to review the project will mention Shatta Wale and where he is coming from, which is a good omen for the country’s music industry.
The leaders of the music industry in the country could take advantage and leverage on the feat chalked to attract other deals to improve the fortunes of the industry.
Expansion of Ghana’s industry network
Certainly, Ghana’s music industry can gain life-long friends from the global music scene and incredible memories, as well as future gigs outside the country.
This is because, an international collaboration of such magnitude could be an avenue to widen an industry’s network, by attracting other investors and record deals.
Many people in the music ecosystem will benefit from this collaboration in many ways considering the huge numbers and level of exposure Beyonce’ commands.
Artistes generosity
Though top artistes in the country have collaborated with upcoming musicians in times past and in recent days, this collaboration would rekindle that and even take it a notch higher.
For an international superstar to collaborate with artistes who have not attained her status will rekindle the level of generosity among local actors.
“Thank you My Queen for believing in my talent and giving me a platform to share my good message to the world…God will forever bless you,” Shatta Wale wrote in her appreciation message to Beyoncé.
This shows such artistic generosity can go a long way to positively impact the lives of others.
Every industry survives largely on such generosity because those at the top help those at the bottom to climb up the ladder through such collaboration in the industry at large.
Such gestures ensure there are a crop of new artistes to take the baton at any point in time.
In all, kudos to Shatta Wale and his team for making Ghana proud and lifting the bar to motivate others.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Entertainment
Merqury Quaye declares November 9 as National DJs Day
November 9 has been officially declared National DJs Day in Ghana, marking a momentous occasion for the country’s entertainment industry.
The declaration comes from Merqury Quaye, widely recognized as the “Father of DJs” and a key figure in revolutionizing DJ culture in Africa.
This special day is an opportunity for Ghanaians to show appreciation for DJs, who play a vital role in the nation’s dynamic music scene.
Merqury Quaye is urging the public to share photos and stories of their favorite DJs on social media, while radio stations are also encouraged to honor DJs with on-air mentions and social media posts.
Merqury Quaye’s influence in the DJ industry is unmatched. A true trailblazer, he has been instrumental in transforming and elevating DJing throughout Africa. His vision took root at a time when the art of DJing was still developing on the continent.
Recognizing the power of DJs to do more than just entertain, he dedicated himself to promoting DJing as both an art form and a respected profession.
Among his most significant contributions is the establishment of the Ghana DJ Awards. This prestigious event, which celebrates the artistry and impact of DJs, has become a cornerstone of the industry. Through this platform, Merqury Quaye has shone a spotlight on exceptional talent, inspiring DJs to achieve excellence and push the boundaries of their craft.
In addition to his work promoting DJs, Merqury Quaye is also an iconic DJ himself. His innovative mixing skills and ability to engage audiences have set high standards for the industry.
It’s in this spirit of dedication to the art that he initiated National DJs Day, further strengthening the culture and ensuring DJs receive the recognition they deserve.
As November 9 draws near, Ghanaians are encouraged to join in celebrating these talented music masters who have helped shape their favorite tunes and memories.
Happy National DJs Day in advance to all Ghanaian DJs, whose talent and passion continue to captivate and uplift the country’s music culture.
Source: https://www.myjoyonline.com/
Entertainment
Kwabena Kwabena named brand ambassador for Kibo Motorcycles
Multiple award-winning Ghanaian musician, Kwabena Kwabena, has been named brand ambassador for motorcycle company, Kibo.
The Ghanaian hitmaker was unveiled at a short ceremony which took place at Coco Vanilla in Accra on Friday, October 25, 2024.
Kwabena Kwabena in his address said, his new role was to inspire a new generation of riders who appreciate the artistry and responsibility of motorcycling.
He called on all and sundry to come together to build a strong community of people who share their passion and excellence.
Kwabena Kwabena was optimistic that there would be a time where each household in the country would have a motorcycle.
The Chief Executive Officer for Kibo Motorcycle, Francis Owusu, on his part expressed excitement in selecting Kwabena Kwabena as a brand ambassador, highlighting their preference for a Ghanaian representative whose qualities of safety, reliability, durability, and style reflect those of their bikes, which will be made in Ghana.
Kibo rolled out its first bike in 2017, designed in the Netherlands and assembled in Kenya. Since then, Kibo has opened a number of retail and service centres across the country and elsewhere in Africa, such as Ghana.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme