Entertainment

MUSIGA to introduce minimum wage for members

The Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) is working on introducing a minimum wage for its members.

This decision was taken at the MUSIGA National Capacity Building Workshop for the Union’s National Executive Council members, which took place at Erata Hotel, Accra from September 5 to 8.

Participants at the workshop were taken through various topics including Collective Bargaining Agreements, MUSIGA Gender Policy, Improving Financial Management in MUSIGA and Contractual Agreements.

The deputy general secretary of FIM, Thomas Dayan who led discussions on the Collective Bargaining Agreement (C.B.A), said it is the tool used by Musicians Unions’ to guarantee a minimum wage for their members.

He noted that in West Africa, Senegal has set the pace with a minimum wage in place for members of the Senegal Association des Métiers de la Musique (AMS).

Mr Dayan noted that as a member of the Union of Informal Workers Associations (UNIWA) of T.U.C, MUSIGA can undertake such a move.

To this end, MUSIGA will engage with employers of musicians, event organizers and venue owners to discuss the modalities for such an arrangement.

The head of International Relations of the Swedish Musicians Federation (SMF), Jonas Franzen on his part addressed issues of communication and financial management and shared the experience of the SMF.

The President of MUSIGA, Bessa Simons noted that, “The workshop is a welcome activity which has provided our members with the necessary knowledge and skills to provide leadership for the Union in their regions and I believe MUSIGA will be better off for this.”

In his closing remarks, Alhaji Sidiku Buari, former MUSIGA President and a former Vice President of FIM who chaired the workshop tasked the participants to return to their regions and impart the knowledge they had acquired to their members in the region. He also thanked FIM for their support for MUSIGA since the year 2000.

Former MUSIGA President, Bice Osei Kuffour aka Obour called on the participants to ensure that they use the knowledge they acquire at the workshop in developing the Union in the regions.

The new Chief Director of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Robert Patrick Ankobiah assured the Union of the Ministry’s support in all its endeavors.

The workshop is part of a Union-t- Union project organized by FIM under the theme, “Developing Musicians Unions in Africa.” Other countries involved in the project are Kenya and Senegal.

Entertainment

Nineteen57 Events announces Black Stars Legacy Awards

Some past honourees Asabea Cropper and Kenteman

Nineteen57 Events has announced the launch of an event aimed at celebrating Ghanaian, African, and diaspora achievements.

The event is a prestigious platform dedicated to honouring exceptional individuals and organizations contributing to the growth and success of the Ghanaian society, the African continent, and the African diaspora.

Since its inception as part of Rhythms on the Runway in 2019 during Ghana’s historic Year of Return celebration, the Black Star Legacy Awards has recognized remarkable achievements in creative arts, culture, and beyond.

It has always been a component of ‘Rhythms On Da Runway,’ however, the organisers have decided to stage it as an independent event this year.

This shift allows for an expanded focus, honouring excellence across various fields, including business, leadership, innovation, science, and humanitarian efforts.

This bold move aligns with the awards’ mission of celebrating the spirit of achievement and innovation that defines Ghana and connects it to the broader Pan-African and global community.

While specific event details, including categories and selection criteria, are still being finalised, the Black Star Legacy Awards promises to be an unforgettable experience that highlights the very best of Ghana, Africa, and the diaspora.

Esteemed icons from Ghana, Africa and the African Diay such as Obrafour, Ricci Osei, Hon. Lisa Hanna, Reggie Rockstone, Queen Asabea Cropper, Nene Agyemang, Agya Koo Nimo, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, Morgan Heritage, Stonebwoy, and Richard Mofe Damijo have been among the honorees, setting the stage for what has become a highly anticipated annual celebration of excellence.

Entertainment

Zhikay Junior launches ‘The mind shift campaign’

Zhikay Junior in a pose with a student

Ghanaian award winning gospel blogger Isaac Nartey, popularly known as Zhikay Ike Junior, and his team have launched a campaign at Sap’s School in Teshie-Nungua, located in the Ledzokuku-Krowor Municipal Assembly in the Greater Accra region.

Themed ‘The mind shift campaign’, it was aimed to touch the lives of students by educating them on the use of social media and how it can impact lives.

Isaac Nartey, told The Spectator that the purpose of the campaign was to orient students in Ghana about social media and its impact.

Sharing photos from the campaign on Facebook, Zhikay also emphasised the importance of listening to children’s concerns, which include mental health, emotions, and societal acceptance.

“We must not consider children as just minors, they have genuine concerns that revolve around mental health, emotions, societal acceptance and others. We must create avenues for their voice to be heard,” He explained

The campaign included education, games, and entertainment. Some students received customized ‘Zhikay’ items as rewards for their hard work.

This initiative seems to be made a positive impact on the students.

‘The school tour will delve into the overview of social media and how it can be used to impact society positively,’ he added

Zhikay embarked on the tour with popular Ghanaian content creators such as “Freedom Official” and “Quecy Official.” Together, they created an educational and engaging atmosphere for the students.

By Linda Abrefi Wadie