Bessa Simons Archives - Wontumi Online

15 Apr

MUSIGA To Host GH Music Festival Every December

Wontumi1ShowbizBessa Simons, Ghana Music Festival, MUSIGA

The Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) has revealed its plans to host an annual Ghana Music Festival every December, as part of their ongoing efforts to champion Ghanaian music. President of MUSIGA, Bessa Simons explained that, the festival’s purpose is to showcase the diverse array of Ghanaian music, drawing in music enthusiasts and diaspora communities during the festive season. He expressed confidence in the festival’s ability to raise the profile of Ghanaian music, both domestically and internationally. “We are planning to host a Ghana music festival every December for tourists and visitors to enjoy. This festival is going to bring…

27 Oct

MUSIGA Is Not A Cartel And Has Never Been One – Bessa Simons

Wontumi2ShowbizBessa Simons

The newly elected president of the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA), Bessa Simons, has refuted allegations that the body is a cartel. This comes after two former presidential aspirants of group, Gyedu Blay Ambolley and Ras Appiah Caleb-Levi, accused it of being run like a 'cartel,' where presidents groom their allies to take over when they leave office. They claim this practice began with Diana Hopeson, who passed the baton to Bice Osei Kuffour (Obour) and the trend is now continuing with Bessa Simons. However, speaking in an interview with Graphic Showbiz after the swearing-in of the newly elected executives…

17 Oct

Bessa Simons Urges Bands To Record Their Own Songs

Wontumi1ShowbizBessa Simons, film, movie

Veteran highlife musician, Bessa Simons, has advised bands in Ghana to record their own songs. According to him, in the past, it was a usual practice for bands to also own records apart from doing covers of other people’s songs. Bessa Simons, a former member of the legendary Osibisa band and currently the leader of the Bessa Band said on Joy FM’s Showbiz A-Z that by releasing their own songs and promoting them, these bands will be eligible for awards like the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards. “You know what the VGMA stands for. They look out for recordings, promotions, you putting yourself…

11 Oct

Defeated MUSIGA Presidential Candidate Curses Delegates

Wontumi1ShowbizBessa Simons, MUSIGA, Ras Caleb

Popular Reggae artiste, Ras Caleb lost the bid to become President of the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA). He was defeated by veteran highlife musician, Bessa Simons. The livid musician “cursed” those who took money from him with the promise of voting for him as next MUSIGA President but failed to honour it. According to Ras Caleb, he toured all the regions of Ghana and had firsthand information of how things were poorly managed. He indicated that, the members had assured him of their support as next President to make things better for the union. “The members who took money…

11 Oct

Bessa Simons Elected MUSIGA President

Wontumi1ShowbizBessa Simons, MJUSIGA president, MUSIGA

Veteran highlife musician, Bessa Simons is the newly elected President of the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA). In a highly anticipated election under the supervision of the Electoral Commission (EC), the veteran highlife musician beat his only rival Ras Caleb. Bessa, who had been the Acting MUSIGA President since Bice Osei Kuffour resigned polled a total of 324 votes, with Ras Caleb securing 66 votes. The election, which took place in all the regions, had a good turnout of MUSIGA members who came in to exercise their rights to vote. Members of MUSIGA Greater Accra Region cast their votes at…

08 Sep

Live Bands Can Revive The Music Industry – Bessa Simons

Wontumi2ShowbizBessa Simons

Renowned Ghanaian Highlife musician and acting president of the Musicians’ Union of Ghana (MUSIGA), Bessa Simons, is pushing for the resurgence of live bands in the country. He believes that this move can have significant benefits, including job creation and talent discovery. Speaking on Asaase FM on September 6, he cited younger Highlife artists like Kofi Kinaata for setting a positive example for the current generation. He emphasized that live music is a vital platform for musicians to express themselves beyond recorded tracks and that it offers a unique opportunity for musicians to interact with their audience directly. He shared…

19 May

Bessa Simons Reveals He Won’t Be Directly Involved In Upcoming MUSIGA Elections

Wontumi2ShowbizBessa Simons, MUSIGA

The acting president of the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA), Bessa Simons, has clarified that he has no direct involvement in the upcoming elections scheduled for Tuesday, August 8, 2023. In a Graphic Showbiz report, he explained that his current role as the acting president is to ensure the smooth administration of the union during this transitional period. "We have an election committee, led by Mr Peter Marfo, who are independently overseeing the electoral process. I am adhering to the same rules and regulations as all the other aspirants. I am not playing any special role beyond what is required…