Entertainment
Ded Buddy calls for urgent reforms in music industry
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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.”
Ghanaian rapper Medikal has advised musicians to focus on building financial security rather than relying mainly on awards, shows and public recognition.
According to him, the difficult situations some senior musicians face after years in the industry should serve as a lesson to younger artistes.
Medikal made the comments on TikTok while sharing his thoughts on an interview involving veteran Ghanaian musician DJ Barosky, whom he claimed is currently homeless in the United Kingdom.
He expressed surprise at the situation, noting that he grew up listening to and admiring some of the senior musicians who influenced his generation.
“Bro, right now, social media, I know if you tell which one be real or what be fake,” Medikal stated, questioning the reality of what people see online.
He argued that musicians should make money and put proper financial plans in place while they are active in the industry.
“If you be artist for this country, you for make money, collect money, put certain things in place,” he said.
Medikal stressed that awards and performances were important but should not replace financial planning.
He encouraged artistes to be careful with their relationships and to understand that the entertainment industry is largely driven by money.
According to him, even friendships can change when a person’s financial circumstances change.
He therefore urged musicians not to become discouraged by financial losses but to remain focused on creating wealth.
“Make money. If you lose money, still collect money,” he advised.
Medikal said the experiences of older artistes should encourage current musicians to take their finances seriously and prepare for life beyond their peak years in the entertainment industry.
By: Jacob Aggrey
It was a night of colour, culture and creativity as Miss Tourism Ghana successfully held its Regional Costume & Talent Night in Accra.
The event drew fashion lovers, culture enthusiasts, and proud supporters who came out to witness Ghana’s beauty queens represent their regions on one grand stage.
From the moment guests stepped in, the atmosphere was electric, ushering,
Okra, Zabe, Gina, Akpe, Sela, Afia,Asher and Ajua into the auditorium to mesmerize patrons.
The blistering night, commenced with a breathtaking regional costumes rocked by contestants that told stories of Ghana’s traditions from, african print, kente, smock, batakari, beads and other indigenous fabrics.
Each outfit with beautiful local accessories to match was paired with confidence, poise, and pride.
The night then shifted gears into the talent segment. The audience was treated to powerful performances traditional dance, spoken word, fashion, singing, and drama all centered on promoting Ghana’s tourism and heritage.
The judges were stunned with the various displays and passed favorable commentaries encouraging the contestants to keep giving their all.
Patrons left with unforgettable moments, and the contestants delivered to their expectations.
Organisers of Miss Tourism Ghana congratulated all the amazing participants who took part and urged them to forged ahead strongly before the grand final.
They also, encouraged families and friends to keep their favourite in the competition through their campaigns and votes.
The search for Ghana’s next tourism ambassador is officially on, and the competition is getting tighter with each stage.
Beyond the glamour, Miss Tourism Ghana continues to use the platform to market Ghana’s tourist sites, culture and hospitality to the world.
The Regional Costume & Talent Night served as both entertainment and education, reminding Ghanaians of the beauty in our diversity.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
