The Musicians Union Of Ghana (MUSIGA) has announced plans to motivate Highlife musicians as part of its efforts to preserve the country’s musical heritage.
President of MUSIGA Bessa Simons confirmed the union’s intentions in an interview with Ghanaian radio station, Joy FM.
According to Mr Bessa, from next year 2025, the union will be presenting special prizes to winners of Highlife categories at the Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMAs).
“One thing MUSIGA is doing to promote highlife is that next year because we are partners with Telecel Ghana Music Awards, we are adding a special award to the person who wins the highlife category,” he said.
When asked whether the prizes would be in monetary terms, the union president said they would be more valuable than cash gifts.
Highlife singer and songwriter, Dada Hafco also shared his thoughts on how the country’s genre can be preserved. According to him, TGMA organizers making the Highlife Song Of the Year Award the ultimate prize of the scheme will motivate musicians to do highlife.
“I believe that the TGMA platform is one that people will malign and say all sorts of stuff about but it is a place where facts are established. If the TGMA comes to say this year the person who wins the ultimate is the one who wins the highlife song of the year, do you know how many people would want to win the Ultimate award? Do you know how many people will start trumpeting the highlife agenda?” he said.
