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.”

Talented Ghanaian musician songwriter Fiifi Mensa Yankson known in the music scene as FISA Yanks, credited with a number of songs, is gradually making an impact on the Ghanaian music scene as a young highlife musician ready to take the genre to another level.

Fisa Yanks is a solo artiste signed to record label, Fiiric Production Ventures, whose CEO is Cassy Minta, a Ghanaian living in the United States.

Following the footsteps of his predecessors including his late father, Paapa Yankson, Fisa Yanks has collaborated with a number of musicians who see him as one of the highlife musicians with a promising future.

A number of music lovers have fallen in love with his songs because of his charisma, poise, attitude, voice and musical taste, among other attributes.

For many fans, he has shown beyond a shadow of a doubt that he is here to stay. 

In addition to being incredibly talented, he is clearly too hot to handle and has a smooth voice, and is excellent both on stage and in the studio.

He made an official announcement about his entry into the music business over a decade ago, and his impact on the smash single “Tu Woho Fo” left fans wanting more.

According to him, he has put in a lot of effort to make his songs stand out on the music scene.

“My fans should expect more from me this year,” he said in a discussion with Beatwaves, adding that he is still working extremely hard to tackle the obstacles that lie ahead in the music industry.

His popular song “Tu Woho Fo” features a lovely rhythm, a catchy bass melody, and a solid, danceable mid tempo beat with matching drum rhythms.

He claims that every one of his songs has heartfelt themes and that the words were thoughtfully designed to speak to everyone.

Fisa Yanks who is singer, song writer and arranger and performer promised to make his presence felt on the music scene with the release of some singles which would rub shoulders with those already on the market.

He also asked his fans and loved ones to expect more hit songs from him in years to come.

According to a section of the stakeholders in the music industry, Fisa Yanks represents the smooth artiste the industry has been waiting for.

Fisa Yanks, is a solo artiste, under the label of Fiiric Production Ventures (FPV).He Started music with a group called Alpha Gospel Band (ALPHAGOS) in Elmina in the Central Region.

He has performed with groups such as Comforter’s Band, Octopus Band Marriots International Band, Western Diamonds Band, King’s Band, among others.

Fisa Yank’s activities in the music industry have probably inspired many people to consider a career in music as his fan base keep increasing every day.