Gyankroma Akufo-Addo, Executive Secretary for the Creative Arts Agency, has called for a unified and distinctive Ghanaian musical identity to strengthen the nation’s global presence.
At a recent stakeholder meeting with music industry leaders, Akufo-Addo emphasized the need for Ghana to develop a unique musical genre that can stand out internationally.
Highlighting Ghana’s historical ties to Highlife music, she stressed the importance of creating a globally appealing music genre. “Currently, when Ghanaian music is mentioned, the question often arises, ‘what is Ghana music?’ Our goal is to establish a music identity that is universally recognized, whether it’s Highlife, Hiplife, or another genre,” she said.
Akufo-Addo pointed out that the lack of a distinct sound makes it challenging for Ghana to be recognized on the global music stage. “Our music industry needs to reach a point where audiences worldwide can readily identify Ghana’s musical signature,” she emphasized, adding that the initiative aims to foster a unique sound while allowing the diversity and creativity of Ghanaian musicians to flourish.
The call for a unified musical identity comes at a time when the local music industry is facing a downturn. To address this, the Creative Arts Agency launched the PlayGhana project last December, aiming to boost Ghanaian music’s exposure on local radio stations. This initiative is crucial for promoting homegrown talent and ensuring more airtime for Ghanaian artists.
In collaboration with the French Embassy, the Creative Arts Agency is also working to professionalize and expand Ghana’s music industry, focusing on copyright and music publishing. Upcoming boot camps and workshops will provide training for creative arts enterprises and practitioners. The project will culminate in 20 selected individuals receiving certification as International Music Professionals, equipped to manage publishing rights for Ghanaian creatives locally.
An upcoming event on July 20, 2024, at Jambo Spaces in Accra, themed “Empowering Ghanaian Artists in the Music Copyright Landscape,” will further this cause. Dubbed ‘Play it right,’ the session aims to educate artists on music rights and support the broader goal of establishing a distinct and recognizable Ghanaian musical identity.
The Creative Arts Agency, a government institution, is dedicated to regulating and supporting the creative arts industry in Ghana. Through various initiatives and collaborations, the agency aims to enhance access to markets for creative arts practitioners and promote innovation and growth within the industry both nationally and internationally.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/Emmanuel Mensah