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
Daughters of Glorious Jesus, Dr Amoani honoured at 2024 Majestic Praise
It was a night of massive praise and worship as hundreds of people gathered at the Perez Dome at Dzorwulu to celebrate and honour gospel legends doing exploits in the Christian space last Sunday.
Dubbed ‘Peace Mission: Be at peace with all men’, the event assembled the crème de la crème of Men of God such as Apostle Dr Amoani, former Chairman of the Christ Apostolic Church International ( CACI), Bishop Dr Godwin Aaron Monnyo, Elder Dr Emmanuel Kwesi Mireku and Rev. Samuel Agyei as host.
Major awardees at this year’s event were Apostle Dr Amoani and the legendary gospel music trio, Daughters of Glorious Jesus for their harmonious vocals and inspiring lyrics.
Apostle Dr Amoani, upon receiving the award appreciated the organisers for the honour given to him.
Daughters of Glorious Jesus expressed their gratitude to the organisers and dedicated the award to God, their husbands, families and everyone supporting them.
The honourees received plaques from the organisers.
The 2024 edition of the Majestic Praise featured a long list of acts from the gospel music industry who entertained guests at the event.
Popular among them were the Daughters of Glorious Jesus, Ceccy Twum, Nana Asaase the poet, Emmanuel Akimi, Abigail Adepa, Becky Bonney, Doreen Okyere and Vivian.
The evening also witnessed the launch of a book titled ‘The Legends: Inspiring stories of Ghanaian gospel generals.’
Organisers of the event – Majestic Praise and Honouring of Gospel Legend indicated that the programme will remain an annual event dedicated to recognising and honouring living gospel legends
Entertainment
Hundreds turn up for Rhythms On Da Runway Model Casting
Some ladies for audition
Hundreds of models on Sunday, October 6, turned up for this year’s Rhythms On Da Runway Model Casting held at the African Regent Hotel in Accra.
The programme was an opportunity presented by the Nineteen57 Events, the organisers of Rhythms On Da Runway, to aspiring models to take their careers to a notch higher.
In all over 250 models, made up of female, male, children models turned up for the casting, and at the end of vigorous processes, about 55 lucky models made the cut.
They would be groomed in the next few weeks ahead of the event on November 30.
Additionally, some celebrities would be added for the main showdown at the Grand Arena.
The brain behind the event, Kofi Okyere Darko said, he was impressed with the quality seen, adding that aside settling on those selected for the show, they made most of them aware of the special talents they carry and how it could be developed.
One of the judges, renowned Video Director and Creative Consultant, Nana Asihene, said they were on the lookout for models who have the poise to display garments of designers on the day.
He said it was highly competitive as the judges searched for models of a certain size, those who look commercial among other qualities.
Mr Asihene further advised them to exhibit more professionalism, showing up for rehearsals and putting the work ahead of everything.
Producer, choreographer of Multinational fashion show, Dionne slash Gavin who was also a judge said, the selected models would be given the best grooming for the main show.
He charged them to prepare adequately for the opportunity to take their craft and career to the next level.
The main event, a night of unforgettable fashion, music, and cultural celebration at the Grand Arena, is under the theme, ‘Kente Edition’.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
