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MUSIGA issues statement on Ghana Music Week account
The Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) has just released a lengthy statement on the just ended maiden edition of Ghana Music Week. This move was necessitated following pressure from some section of the media and some regional executives for leadership of the union to release a comprehensive statement that covers everything about the week-long music festival. Read the full unedited Statement from MUSIGA below: The Leadership of the Musicians Union of Ghana have noticed with grave appreciation the massive interest expressed by the general public and media about reports on the maiden edition of Ghana Music Week. We acknowledge that communication has not been exactly good after the GMW, nonetheless, as a new event brand that relied highly on corporate sponsorship, we had to wait for full confirmation of the sponsorship as well as confirmed invoices from suppliers before an official Financial Report on GMW 2013 was finalized for general consumption. The release of this statement, however, has become necessary at this time to clear the air on a number of issues in the media, suggesting that some members of the Union have been demanding answers, including Financial Report on Ghana Music Week; even though we are yet to complete one to be filed for anyone who may want to use it. Ghana Music Week 2013, without a doubt, has recorded some important positives as well as numerous challenges to improve on, in the future. Below are some details worth knowing about the 2013 GMW: The first edition of Ghana Music Week (GMW) Festival was held from March 4th to 10th, 2013 at the National Theater and Accra Sports Stadium. Key activities of GMW were: Ghana Unity Concert (Accra Sports Stadium, March 6); Ghana Music Honours (National Theatre, March 9th); Sales & Exhibition, Stakeholder Dialogue, GMW Forum, Instruments Training Session, Azonto Dance Fiesta, Talent Discovery Nite,Comedy & Concert Party, Highlife Jam and a clean-up Exercise. 3. Ghana Music Week is a Musicians Union of Ghana (Musiga) event. 4. Yendis Media Consultancy was the official Sponsorship Agency for GMW 5. Organising Partners were The National Theater and Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts. 6. Cash Sponsors were: GGBL (Smirnoff), Airtel, RLG Communications, DKT International, Global Access Savings & Loans and Ashfoam. Donors were Eurostar Global Limousines, British Council, Erata Hotel, Earl Beam Hotel and Hanlord Travel and Tours. 7. Events of GMW were produced by: Musiga, E-volution International, EKB Production, Positiv Production and Access Backstage 8. Artistes, visitors / attendants- Over 300 artistes and musicians, including a traditional group from each of the 10 regions, performed at the 2013 GMW, which attracted about 11,500 persons in all activities. 9. Publicity: Integrated campaign was rolled out between Jan. 15 and March 15, 2013 on: a. Radio- Joy FM, Okay FM, Peace FM, Y-FM, Radio Gold, Montie FM, Hitz FM,Rainbow Radio; b. Television- TV3, GTV, TV Africa, Crystal TV and GH-One TV. c. Print- Daily Graphic, Graphic Showbiz, Daily Guide, Flex Newspaper and The Mirror d. Outdoor and marketing collaterals: billboards (25 sites), posters (10,000),flyers (16.000), banners (21 pieces). There were two major floats with 50 canvassers to promote GMW. Summary of Unaudited Financial Report NB: Under this part, it is worth knowing that there is a limit to which information about agreements signed with corporate sponsors can be laid in the public domain. That notwithstanding, every MUSIGA member in good membership-standing has the right as per our constitution to access any information they may need ONLY through the right channels (The General Secretary and Treasurer). Also, considering that, the union is yet to receive over 75% of the funds from corporate sponsors; and that quite a number of suppliers are yet to be paid; a full financial report will be released as at when final settlements are made. The core objectives of management were to establish a unique brand worth investing in the future as well as effectively manage cost to the bearest minimum. Revenue: Funds generated directly from Ghana Music Week totaled Ghs 528,500.00. This amount however, includes a receivable of Ghs 408,000.00 from key Sponsors. Also, out of The Government of Ghana allocation of GHC2million, an amount GHC 540,000 was used to support the event. Expenditure: A sum of Ghs 1,061,971.50 was accrued as total expenditure on GMW 2013. As a prudent measure, full cost has been reported though not all expenses have been fully settled. At the time of this Statement, payable amount sums up to Ghs452,010.00. Notes • The Financial Statement was prepared from the information, documents and explanations made available by the Treasurer and Finance Office, Event Planning committee, other sub committees, Musiga National Executive Committee, Event Consultants and Marketing Agency. • It is important to note that all and every cheque paid by sponsors in relation to GMW were directly paid into MUSIGA accounts. This makes it very easy for any member of the Union, in good standing, to access information at all times. Conclusion: All in all, the key objective of establishing a BRAND has been made. This being the maiden edition, the core objective wasn’t to make profit but to minimize cost as much as possible and to establish a marketably decent brand worth investing in the future. We would like to assure all musicians, Executives of the Union and the General Public that a detail report, including accounts on the usage of the Two Million Ghana Cedis Government support, part of which was used for GMW, will be available in the Musiga Annual Report of 2013/2014. Meanwhile, members of Musiga in good standing may always request any information, including detail financial statements of the Union, through the Treasurer or Office of the General Secretary. The National Head office will hold a Press Conference on Wednesday 17 April, 2013 at 2pm during which more information will be shared on the subject matter. We appreciate the patience of members and the general public while we take time to do a diligent job and render account for our stewardship. It is important to note that the Union for the first time released an annual report on all of its activities last year including how the Government allocation of GHC 2million is been used and we assure all our members we shall present an audited accounts to the Ministry of Finance, Parliament and the good people of Ghana. Together, let’s all support and make Ghana Music Week, that International standard festival brand, we all desire. Thank you. Signed Mrs.Deborah Anaman General Secretary MUSIGA Signed Oheneba Kissi Treasurer Musiga Email: musigaonline@gmail.com URL: www.musiga.org.gh PRO contact: Okyeame Kwame – 0240676673 Musiga Administrator: Ahuma Bosco – 0243382474 Musiga Communications Director: Sakyiwaa Akosua]]>
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Tiwa Savage releases soundtrack album for her debut feature film, ‘WATER & GARRI’
Today the anointed Queen of Afrobeats TIWA SAVAGE releases the soundtrack album for her feature film, ‘Water & Garri’. The feature film from Everything Savage and Unbound Studio also arrives today on Amazon Prime Video with the soundtrack released on the same day through EMPIRE. Listen HERE.
The immersive and captivating soundtrack album was curated by Savage and includes ten original songs from Tiwa alongside featured artists from the worlds of Afropop, R&B and Hip Hop. Featured artists include Grammy nominated stars Olamide and Ayra Starr, respected Nigerian singer-songwriter ASA, Cameroonian multi-instrumentalist, and singer Richard Bona, gospel artist Zacardi Cortez as well as newer talent Black Sherif, Young Jonn, Mystro Sugar and The Cavemen all feature on the album.
“The soundtrack makes heavy use of live instrumentation and ambient sound effects to create an immersive experience while Tiwa returns with her signature overtone-singing,” stated Variety magazine. “The project includes an array of sonic elements from Afrobeat and Afropop to amapiano to R&B, gospel, and hints of mainstream trap and pop.”
“People expect a certain sound from me, but in doing a soundtrack, I could experiment,” says Savage.
“African culture I either put it in my fashion or put it in my music, always. It’s because it’s beautiful to be African,”
The Water & Garri film marks a pivotal chapter in Tiwa’s artistic journey as she embarks in the world of film taking on her first lead role in a feature movie as well as its Executive Producer. Both the film and soundtrack fold together to reveal poignant cultural shifts and internal thoughts as Savage plays the lead role of Aisha, an ambitious fashion designer who returns to her native home ‘Eastside’ after 10 years away living in the United States. At home, Aisha finds that things have drastically changed, violence has escalated, and tensions are high. As she reconnects with family, old friends, and her past love, she must learn to live with her scars and confront the guilt she left behind.
Filmed in the city of Cape Coast, Ghana, the picture is directed by Meji Alabi and entails gripping cinematography and storytelling. The drama also stars Mike Afolarin (Far FromHome), Andrew Bunting (Dynamite), and Jemima Osunde (New Money).In July 2023 Tiwa celebrated the 10th anniversary of her ground-breaking debut album ‘Once Upon A Time’. The album not only marked the beginning of her successful career, but also showcased her exceptional talent, paving the way for her ascend to becoming one of Africa’s most influential music artists.
This followed with the subsequent releases of R.E.D(2015), Sugarcane. E.P (2017), Celia (2020) and Water & Garri EP (2021) racking up over a billion streams across all platforms. Musically, Tiwa has collaborated with global superstars Chris Martin of Coldplay, Beyonce on ‘The Gift’ and ‘Black Is King’, Nas, Brandy, Sam Smith, Omarion, Wizkid, and Davido. In 2018 she became the first female to win the MTV European Music Award for Best African Act, sold out two successful North American and European tours and in 2023 performed at theCoronation Concert for British Monarch King Charles II, representing The Commonwealth. In 2025, Savage will play a headline concert at London’s Wembley Arena.
TRACKLIST
EASTSIDE INTRO
LOST TIME – Tiwa Savage
COMMONA – Tiwa Savage, Olamide, Mystro Sugar
REASON – Tiwa Savage, Reekado Banks
LOVE O – Tiwa Savage
EMOTIONS – Tiwa Savage, Asa
I NEED YOU – Tiwa Savage, Zacardi Cortez
GARA – Tiwa Savage, Ayra Starr
KILIMANJARO – Tiwa Savage, Black Sherif, Young Jonn
WATER & GARRI – Tiwa Savage, Richard Bona, The Cavemen.
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Social Trends: Kofi Kinaata’s ‘Kofi OO Kofi’ EP Ignites Ghana’s Music Scene
In a dazzling display of musical prowess, Ghanaian sensation Kofi Kinaata has set the airwaves ablaze with his latest EP, “Kofi OO Kofi.”
What’s your favourite track and why? #KofiOOKofi EP 🔥 #TeamMooove https://t.co/2Dh9PbQEtt pic.twitter.com/QwGJ8AeKOd
— Kofi Kinaata (@KinaataGh) May 10, 2024
Released to much fanfare and a star-studded listening event, the seven-track masterpiece has captivated fans and critics alike, leaving them grappling to pick a favorite from the exceptional collection.
Read Also: TGMA Xperience Concert: Stonebwoy, Kofi Kinaata, Nacee, others to thrill fans in Cape Coast
The #KofiOOKofi EP by @KinaataGh is not your regular jam EP. Traditional Ghanaian song elements, interwoven to tell stories. If you don’t appreciate music in its purest form, you may not like it. Absolutely beautiful project. pic.twitter.com/sgEa1pPGmX
— MetroTV Starboy⭐️🇬🇭 (@DessyFayden) May 9, 2024
As the EP storms streaming platforms, it has garnered widespread acclaim, with industry figures like Okyeame Kwame and Mr. Richard Quansah, CEO of Richie Plantations, showing their support. From the infectious beats of “Auntie Ama” to the introspective lyrics of “Overthinking,” the project showcases Kinaata’s versatility and songwriting finesse.
This man! Mr. Richard Quansah,bought the first autographed copy of the EP for GHC100,000 at the listening yesterday…. People dey hold for Ghana oh 😂🔥
#KofiOOKofi pic.twitter.com/BwctggtbWy— 99 kay🚀 (@os_kayy) May 10, 2024
With fans already declaring their favorite tracks and praising the EP’s replay value, “Kofi OO Kofi” is undoubtedly a musical triumph, solidifying Kinaata’s position as a leading figure in Ghana’s vibrant music scene.
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