Bessa Simons

MUSIGA To Host GH Music Festival Every December

MUSIGA To Host GH Music Festival Every December

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

MUSIGA Is Not A Cartel And Has Never Been One – Bessa 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…
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Newly-Elected MUSIGA Executives To Be Sworn In At Grand Ceremony

Newly-Elected MUSIGA Executives To Be Sworn In At Grand Ceremony

The Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) is pleased to announce the swearing-in ceremony of its newly elected executives. This significant event is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, at the Accra Tourist Information Centre, commencing at 11 a.m. The Hon. Mark Okraku Mantey, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, is expected to grace the occasion as the distinguished guest of honor. The Executive Director of the National Commission on Culture (NCC) will be the chairman for the occasion which is expected to be attended by former presidents of MUSIGA, leading musicians, and other stakeholders. The newly…
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Bessa Simons Urges Bands To Record Their Own Songs

Bessa Simons Urges Bands To Record Their Own Songs

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…
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Defeated MUSIGA Presidential Candidate Curses Delegates

Defeated MUSIGA Presidential Candidate Curses Delegates

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…
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Bessa Simons Elected MUSIGA President

Bessa Simons Elected MUSIGA President

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…
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Live Bands Can Revive The Music Industry – Bessa Simons

Live Bands Can Revive The Music Industry – Bessa 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…
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MUSIGA Urges Government To Expedite Construction Of Promised Amphitheaters

MUSIGA Urges Government To Expedite Construction Of Promised Amphitheaters

The Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) is urging the government to prioritize the construction of promised amphitheaters for the music industry. In a press statement released on World Music Day, MUSIGA's Acting President, Bessa Simons, emphasized the need for more performance centres. He stated, "Building more performance centres will enable our musicians to perform more regularly to improve their revenues and also allow the general public to enjoy live music performances." Regarding World Music Day, Simons highlighted its significance, stating, "It is a day that musicians and music lovers from around the world come together to perform and enjoy various…
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Bessa Simons Reveals He Won’t Be Directly Involved In Upcoming MUSIGA Elections

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

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…
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MUSIGA Sets August 8 As Date For Elections

MUSIGA Sets August 8 As Date For Elections

The Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) will hold elections on August 8, its National Executive Committee has said in a press release. MUSIGA’s election announcement comes up after 4 years of court injunctions and postponement. The Umbrella body has failed to organize elections since the end of the tenure of Bice Osei Kuffuor in 2019. Acting President of the Union, Bessa Simons in the statement said the NEC of the union had met in a crunch emergency meeting to review and approve the proposed blueprint by the election committee. “According to the roadmap, the voters register has been opened from March 20 to April 3, 2023. This…
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