MUSIGA Engages Students at the School of Performing Arts

MUSIGA ENGAGES STUDENTS AT THE SCHOOL OF PERFORMING ARTS

Students of the Department of Music at the School of Performing Arts, University of Ghana, Legon, have been encouraged to join the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) and actively contribute to the advancement of Ghana's music industry.

The call was made by Abena Ruthy, 2nd Vice President of MUSIGA, during a seminar organized jointly by the Department of Music and MUSIGA on the topic, “The Role of MUSIGA in the Music Industry.” She emphasized that, as both academics and musicians, students have a vital role to play in enriching the industry by bringing their expertise to the Union.

Abena Ruthy also provided an insightful overview of MUSIGA’s origins and highlighted the Union’s significant contributions to the development of Ghana’s music sector. These achievements include advocating for the establishment of the Copyright Office in Ghana, implementing capacity-building programs for members, creating the Ageing Musicians Welfare Fund (AMWeF), and setting up the Women’s Desk to address women’s specific issues within the industry.

Rev. Dr. Thomas Yawson, 1st Vice President of MUSIGA, underscored the importance of building a robust Union to safeguard the welfare of Ghanaian musicians and to advocate for policies that foster industry growth. Seminar participants showed keen interest in understanding how MUSIGA is tackling challenges such as copyright enforcement, the regulation of obscene lyrics, and the lack of recognition for choral and regimental music through awards.

Dr. Benjamin Amakye-Boateng, Head of the Department of Music, expressed gratitude to MUSIGA for the fruitful engagement and called for more such collaborative interactions. He further encouraged the Union to extend its reach to include choral musicians more actively. Seminar Coordinator Dr. Peter Twum-Barimah challenged MUSIGA to ensure that these engagements are sustained and become a regular feature on the academic calendar rather than a one-off event. Additionally, Dr. Doe Sunu, a lecturer in the Department of Music, praised MUSIGA’s initiative and expressed hope that the Union would revive the MUSIGA Academy concept, partnering with the Department of Music to make it a success.

This seminar forms part of MUSIGA’s Golden Jubilee celebrations. Other upcoming events include an Authentic Highlife Night on Saturday at the +233 Jazz Bar and Grill, a Golden Jubilee Night on October 25, and the She Rhythms Ghana Festival scheduled from December 4 to 6 at Alliance Française.