THE STORY OF MUSIGA (MUSICIANS UNION OF GHANA) – RAS CALEB APPIAH-LEVI
BACKGROUND
The idea of forming the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) was conceived during the visit of the late Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong, then the world’s greatest star, to Ghana in 1957.
The Musicians Union of Ghana was officially registered as a Private Company Limited by Guarantee at the Registrar General’s Department in November 1975.
According to the regulations of MUSIGA, the Union’s Board of Directors was known as the Executive Council.
The first members of the Executive Council were:
Mr. Faisal Helwani, Businessman / Musician
Mr. Jerry William Hansen, Musician / Businessman
Major Robert Budu-Larbi, Director of Music, Ghana Armed Forces, Burma Camp / Musician
Augustine Emmanuel Kofi-Aryitey Appiah, Businessman / Musician
Mr. Stan Plange, Black Star Line Ghana Limited / Musician
Mr. Dan Quarcoo, Businessman / Musician
Mr. Harry Munzalas, Ghana News Agency / Reporter
Mr. Francis Ackah, Businessman
Mr. Sammy Odoh, Musician
The powers of the Executive Council were limited in accordance with Section 202 of the Code. The liability of its members was also limited.
MUSIGA has undergone many changes since then. As Ghana transitioned through various leaderships and governments, the chapters of MUSIGA have closed and reopened.
From 1975 onward, Ghanaian musicians began to uplift their image and organize collectively. An office for MUSIGA was established at the Community Center near the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum Memorial Park and Baiden Powell Hall in Accra. While this progress initially moved MUSIGA forward, it soon faded.
Recognizing the value of music for national development, the PNDC government, under the direct guidance of Chairman Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings, extended significant support to revitalize and reorganize MUSIGA.
CHRONOLOGY OF MUSIGA PRESIDENTS
Mr. Jerry William Hansen: 1975 – 1978
Mr. Eddie Quansah: 1978 – 1979
Mr. Daniel Kwabena Boa-Amponsem (Agya Koo Nimo): 1979 – 1989
Odomankoma Kyerema Kofi Ghanaba: 1989 – 1992
Mr. Joe Mensah: 1992 – 1999
Alhaji Sidiku Buari: 1999 – 2007
Mrs. Diana Hopeson: 2007 – 2011
Mr. Bice Obour Osei Kuffour: 2011 – 2019
Mr. Henry Bessa Simons: 2019 – Present
THROWBACK
In 1989, an Interim Board of Directors consisting of prominent Ghanaian musicians was formed. Chaired by the Divine Drummer, Odomankoma Kyerema Kofi Ghanaba, with members Nana Kwame Ampadu-1st, Mr. Rex Boateng, Mr. Jerry Lartey, and Alhaji Sidiku Buari, the Interim Board One was tasked with gathering musicians for a National Congress to elect permanent executives to oversee the Union’s affairs.
Due to unforeseen circumstances, a reconstitution led to Interim Board Two, with Odomankoma Kyerema Kofi Ghanaba continuing as Chairman, joined by Nana Kwame Ampadu-1st as General Secretary, Alhaji Sidiku Buari, Ms. Asabea Crooper, Mr. Jerry Lartey, and Mr. Joe Mensah.
Chairman Jerry John Rawlings closely monitored the progress of these Boards. The Interim Board Two successfully organized Ghanaian musicians to participate in a National Congress to elect their Executive Officers.
On December 4, 1992, MUSIGA held its first National Congress at the Centre for National Culture (Cultural Centre) in Kumasi. The election, supervised by INEC, saw Mr. Joe Mensah elected as President, with Alhaji Sidiku Buari as First Vice President, Ms. Asabea Crooper as Second Vice President, Nana Kwame Ampadu-1st as General Secretary, Mr. Jerry Lartey as Treasurer, and Mr. Mensah Oheneba Oppong Kyekyeku as the Welfare Officer.
CONCERTS
MUSIGA’s first major contribution to Ghana was the “Peace and Stability Concert,” a large musical event at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle in Accra on the eve of the Fourth Republic. The free concert continued until the early hours of January 7, 1993, the day of the Fourth Republic’s inauguration. Following the concert, the crowd proceeded to Independence Square in Osu for the inaugural ceremony.
In 1993, MUSIGA organized a benefit concert for Togolese refugees, directing proceeds to support the refugees and raise awareness of their plight.
Another historic benefit concert was held on October 2, 1993, for the ailing King of Highlife, Dr. E.T. Mensah, at the National Theatre in Accra, drawing a sold-out crowd.
PNDC LAW 110
In response to the struggles of musicians, the PNDC government enacted the Copyright Law 110, which significantly protected the rights of musicians. This law brought about substantial improvements in the lives of musicians and music creators, for which MUSIGA has expressed great gratitude. To celebrate this law, MUSIGA held a free public concert, “Ayekoo Tsoboi,” in 1992.
In collaboration with the National Commission on Culture and the PANAFEST Secretariat, MUSIGA organized a “PANAFEST ’92” concert at Independence Square, Osu-Accra, on December 18, 1992. Ras Caleb Appiah-Levi (Charlie Buck-Levi) opened the event with a 35-minute performance, supported by the Comforters Band. The concert was hosted by veteran MC David Dontoh.
TO BE CONTINUED
Writer: Ras Caleb Appiah-Levi
Member of MUSIGA since June 1982.
9, Chesterfield CL,
GA-097-4538, Kpehe-Accra,
P.O. Box GP 1161, Accra, Ghana, West Africa
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E-mail: panafricaghana.musiquegroup@gmail.com
