Entertainment
Ded Buddy calls for urgent reforms in music industry
Ghanaian R&B singer and songwriter Eric Kwasi Turkson, better known by his stage name Ded Buddy or Cwesi, has called on the government to take action to improve the way the Ghana Music Rights Organisation (GHAMRO) operates.
His appeal follows mounting worries that, in spite of their music’s extensive distribution on numerous platforms, Ghanaian musicians are not being fairly compensated for their labour.
He revealed that after six months of their music being played on radio, television, and streaming services, many musicians only receive GH¢100 to GH¢200 in royalties.
“This is a crisis that threatens the survival of an industry that has the potential to generate significant revenue for our economy—it is not just an insult to the creative community,” he said.
He mentioned that Ghana has the talent and cultural clout to assert its legitimate share of the global music industry, which is worth billions of dollars.
He cautioned, though, that the nation runs the risk of missing out on economic opportunities in the absence of a transparent and effective Collective Management Organisation (CMO).
“Even though their music is widely consumed, the lack of proper rights management discourages investment, stifles growth, and forces many musicians into financial hardship,” he added.
For this reason, he demanded that CMO’s management be changed in order to guarantee equitable remuneration for all musicians, including producers and songwriters.
He emphasised how crucial it is to set up a functional CMO that ensures an open and fair distribution of profits.
Ded Buddy cited prosperous examples from nations like South Africa and Nigeria, whose music industries have flourished due to effective royalties collection and distribution.
“Ghana must not be abandoned,” he declared. Jobs for producers, engineers, marketers, event planners, and others are created by a flourishing music industry.
Additionally, it enhances the country’s standing as a centre of culture, drawing in foreign partnerships and tourists.
Ded Buddy added that organisations prepared to offer tracking systems for radio and television are part of the Alliance for Change in the Ghana Music Industry, of which he is a member, along with other important stakeholders.
The goals of these systems are to guarantee musicians receive just compensation and get rid of the inefficiencies that GHAMRO is currently experiencing.
Under the previous Attorney General, the Alliance pushed for a licence to establish a new CMO, but they haven’t seen any results yet. He called on the Attorney General and the President to step in and create a new, accountable, and transparent CMO that genuinely serves creatives.
He emphasised that while their creations benefit others, Ghana’s musicians, producers, and songwriters cannot be ignored any longer.
He declared, “This is a pivotal moment to address the injustice and put the music industry on a path to prosperity. To make this a reality, we are prepared to work with your office. Our music is an essential component of Ghana’s economic and cultural identity and serves as more than just entertainment. Let’s empower those who create it, so that it fulfils its proper function.”
Entertainment
Kafui Danku upbeat about future of creative industry
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Film Authority (GFA) and celebrated actress, Kafui Danku, has expressed confidence in the future of Ghana’s creative industry after attending the 24-Hour Economy conference at the Bank of Ghana on Tuesday in Accra.
The event, designed to boost the creative arts and tourism sectors, brought together top leaders, policymakers, and industry players to discuss how Ghana’s economy could thrive beyond the usual working hours.
Key figures at the event included the Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Dzifa Abla Gomashie, the presidential advisor on the 24-Hour Economy, Goosie Tanoh, and respected legal expert, Mrs Betty Mould-Iddrisu. Their presence showed the government’s commitment to making the creative industry more vibrant and financially rewarding.
The discussions centered on how film, music, and tourism could function around the clock, creating jobs and new opportunities for creatives.
Kafui Danku, a strong advocate for the film industry, shared her excitement about the initiative. In a social media post, she hinted at “exciting times ahead,” sparking discussions among creatives eager to see how this policy will benefit them.
Many believe this could be a turning point for Ghana’s entertainment sector, making nightlife, cinemas, music shows, and tourism activities more profitable and globally competitive.
The National Film Authority (NFA), which plays a key role in shaping the future of Ghana’s film industry, was also actively involved in the discussions.
A successful implementation of the 24-Hour Economy could mean more job opportunities, increased revenue, and a stronger international presence for Ghana’s creative sector.
As conversations continue, industry players remain optimistic about the possibilities ahead.
The hope is that with the right policies and government support, Ghana’s entertainment and tourism sectors will see massive growth, benefiting both industry professionals and the nation as a whole.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
Entertainment
Voice of Pentecost holds listening party
The music ministry of the Church of Pentecost, known as Voice of Pentecost (VOP) has organised a music listening party.
The event held on Friday, March 14, in Accra brought together some influential radio, TV presenters and other industry players.
The event showcased carefully selected tracks from the Voice of Pentecost, offering these industry experts an opportunity to listen, share their insights, and provide valuable feedback.
This was made possible through a collaborative effort between Pent Media Centre and The Voice of Pentecost.
In all 17 songs were played for the key industry players to listen to, out of which they made suggestions on which ones to release ahead of the album.
Also, they made suggestions as to which ones should make the cut for the album.
Apostle Samuel Gyau Obuobi, the General Secretary of The Church of Pentecost, expressed his appreciation, adding that the church was blessed with songs for many years.
For this reason, they decided to put in place mechanisms to ensure their songs make waves throughout the country and beyond.
Against this backdrop, they brought together the industry people for their input to help carry the gospel through music.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
