Entertainment
Joy FM organises MUSIGA Presidential Debate
Candidates aspiring to take up mantle of leadership of the Musicians Union of Ghana, MUSIGA, last Saturday had their policies put to a strict scrutiny a debate powered by Joy FM’s Showbiz A-Z entertainment programme.
The Event held at Labadi Beach Hotel, brought the three aspirants, Bessa Simons, Deborah Freeman and Ras Caleb Appiah Levi before industry stakeholders.
George Quaye, moderator of the programme, gave all the aspirants opportunity to present their manifestoes with alternative solutions to MUSIGA’s woes, and later put their presentation to strict scrutiny through thought-provoking questions.
Consequently, the gathering made up of musicians, journalists and others in the music value chain were given the opportunity to ask the aspirants questions.
The Acting President, Bessa Simons, who has once served as First Vice and National Organiser, in his presentation said, as part of his plans to make MUSIGA attractive, he would introduce a professional training and exchange programmes to expand the scope of knowledge of musicians.
Also, he promised to strengthen the Regional bodies, and champion digitisation agenda as well as an insurance policy to attract more musicians.
Madam Deborah Freeman, who was once a secretary of the union on her part said, her policies would protect creative and performing right, develop talent,and improve copyright.
“I will champion cultural exchange, welfare and insurance policies, and ensure accountability to ensure a strong union,”she said.
She promised befitting offices for all the regions in her first 100 days in office and review the constitution of the union.
Ras Caleb Appiah Levi, who is the Greater Accra Regional Chairman of MUSIGA, noted that he was ready to unify the group, and lead them on a path which would make the union more attractive than it was.
He said high on his agenda was a review of the constitution because the union needed a cleansing to ensure music industry was respected.
MUSIGA is set to go to the polls on January 12, 2022, to elect a new president to succeed, Bice Osei Kuffour, affectionately called Obour.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Entertainment
The Ghana Dance Association poised to soar high in the USA in 2025
The Ghana Dance Association has announced a series of cultural engagements and performances across the United States in 2025.
These events aim to showcase the richness of African traditions and foster cultural exchange between Africa and the African diaspora on the theme, ‘The Door of Return’.
Some of the key activities or events are as follows, Black History Festival in New York City from February 26 to March 1, 2025, Ohio Black Expo, Columbus, OH from May 24-26, 2025, Juneteenth Festival in College Park City, Atlanta, GA from June 15-16, 2025; Juneteenth Celebration, New York City from June 19-20, 2025, Global Goals Arts Festival, Walnut Hill Park, New Britain, CT from August 11-16, 2025; Global Africa Forum, and many others.
A special delegation of performers made up of dancers, singers, instrumentalists, choreographers and the director and the President of Association will be performing at the above programmes in collaboration with other local groups in the US to demonstrate the indigenous cultural unique dances in grand style.
There will also be workshops and educational sessions included at major locations, offering local communities the opportunity to engage with Ghanaian and African traditions through drumming, storytelling, and dance.
In their recent appearance the Ghana Dance Association made up of groups such as Sususma Pan African Dance Ensemble, Ghana Cultural Ballet, Sasa Cultural Troupe, Dromo Dance Ensemble and Sasa Cultural Troupe performed a sneak peak of their Door of Return cultural performance to the relish of the participants and guests at the African Diaspora Business and Development Stakeholders Workshop, held at the prestigious Bayview Village Conference Room in Atomic Junct
Entertainment
Oncemore Six to headline Symphonic Gospel Meets Orchestra 2024
Symphonic Music Ghana is set for the 4th edition of the Symphonic Gospel Meets Orchestra concert, scheduled for December 22 at The Palms Convention Centre in Accra.
This year’s event will feature renowned South African gospel artiste Oncemore Six as the main performer.
The singer is known for his powerful worship songs like “Here on our knees” and “Ohlonishwayo”.
‘Oncemore Six’ has inspired audiences across Africa with his heartfelt music.
Joining him on stage will be a lineup of talented gospel musicians, including Grace Charles, Shadrach Kwesi Mensah, Efe Grace, Charnté Eseyin, Lordina The Soprano, Kofi Owusu Peprah, Luigi Maclean, Enuonyam, and more. This diverse group of artistes promises to deliver a memorable evening of worship and praise.
The concert aims to blend contemporary gospel music with classical orchestral elements, creating a unique and uplifting experience for all attendees. As a live recording event, it offers the audience an opportunity to be part of a significant moment in Ghana’s gospel music scene.
The tickets are still available for purchase.
You can’t miss this opportunity to experience a night of powerful worship and musical excellence. Mark your calendars for tomorrow and join at The Palms Convention Center for an unforgettable evening.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
