Entertainment

Ded Buddy calls for urgent reforms in music industry

Published

2 months ago

February 26, 2025

Ghanaian R&B singer and songwriter Eric Kwasi Turkson, better known by his stage name Ded Buddy or Cwesi, has called on the government to take action to improve the way the Ghana Music Rights Organisation (GHAMRO) operates.

His appeal follows mounting worries that, in spite of their music’s extensive distribution on numerous platforms, Ghanaian musicians are not being fairly compensated for their labour.

He revealed that after six months of their music being played on radio, television, and streaming services, many musicians only receive GH¢100 to GH¢200 in royalties.

“This is a crisis that threatens the survival of an industry that has the potential to generate significant revenue for our economy—it is not just an insult to the creative community,” he said.

He mentioned that Ghana has the talent and cultural clout to assert its legitimate share of the global music industry, which is worth billions of dollars.

He cautioned, though, that the nation runs the risk of missing out on economic opportunities in the absence of a transparent and effective Collective Management Organisation (CMO).

“Even though their music is widely consumed, the lack of proper rights management discourages investment, stifles growth, and forces many musicians into financial hardship,” he added.

For this reason, he demanded that CMO’s management be changed in order to guarantee equitable remuneration for all musicians, including producers and songwriters.

He emphasised how crucial it is to set up a functional CMO that ensures an open and fair distribution of profits.

Ded Buddy cited prosperous examples from nations like South Africa and Nigeria, whose music industries have flourished due to effective royalties collection and distribution.

“Ghana must not be abandoned,” he declared. Jobs for producers, engineers, marketers, event planners, and others are created by a flourishing music industry.

Additionally, it enhances the country’s standing as a centre of culture, drawing in foreign partnerships and tourists.

Ded Buddy added that organisations prepared to offer tracking systems for radio and television are part of the Alliance for Change in the Ghana Music Industry, of which he is a member, along with other important stakeholders.

The goals of these systems are to guarantee musicians receive just compensation and get rid of the inefficiencies that GHAMRO is currently experiencing.

Under the previous Attorney General, the Alliance pushed for a licence to establish a new CMO, but they haven’t seen any results yet. He called on the Attorney General and the President to step in and create a new, accountable, and transparent CMO that genuinely serves creatives.

He emphasised that while their creations benefit others, Ghana’s musicians, producers, and songwriters cannot be ignored any longer.

He declared, “This is a pivotal moment to address the injustice and put the music industry on a path to prosperity. To make this a reality, we are prepared to work with your office. Our music is an essential component of Ghana’s economic and cultural identity and serves as more than just entertainment. Let’s empower those who create it, so that it fulfils its proper function.”

Entertainment

Ghanaian Guinness World Record holder presents certificate to GTA

Published

1 week ago

April 8, 2025

Net News Ghana

Ghanaian Guinness World Record holder for the Longest Marathon Makeup Application (103 hours, 25 minutes, 33 seconds!),Roselyn Akosua Mantey, on April 7, 2025 presented her certificate to the Ghana Tourism Authority at a press conference in the GTA Jake Obetsebi Lamptey Hall.

GTA Deputy CEOs Mr. Ben Anane Nsiah and Mr. Gilbert Abeiku Aggrey received it on behalf of CEO Maame Efua Houadjeto.

Mr.Gilbert Aggrey, affectionately called, Abeiku Santana hailed Roselyn’s feat as an inspiration to the youth and a boost for Ghana’s beauty sector on the global stage.

He invited her to join events like the Kwahu Easter Paragliding Festival to promote tourism and culture.

Akosua Mantey shared that her record aimed to spotlight vocational skills, Ghanaian beauty brands, and creativity.

GTA pledged support for her campaigns.

Her incredible ‘makeup-a-thon’ ran from April 3-7, 2024, at Legon City, smashing the previous 24-hour record.

Entertainment

KOD, Asabea Cropper discuss promotion of highlife, others

Published

1 week ago

April 8, 2025

Net News Ghana

The Director of Diaspora Affairs at the Presidency, Kofi Okyere-Darko, yesterday met with Asabea Cropper and had a fruitful discussion over highlife music.

Their discussion held during her visit to the Presidency focused on Highlife Museum and the importance of intentionally preserving and promoting Highlife music both in Ghana and across the diaspora.

The conversation aimed at ensuring that this priceless cultural heritage (Highlife) continues to thrive for generations to come.

“This afternoon, we had the honour of welcoming my mother and the legendary Queen Asabea Cropper — a true icon of Pan-African music — to Jubilee House for a rich and inspiring conversation on Highlife,” KOD wrote.

“From the first time I saw her perform alongside the late, great E.T. Mensah — the King of Highlife — at the State Banquet Hall in 1985, I have been captivated by her powerful presence and enduring artistry,” she revealed.

Since assuming the office, Kofi Okyere-Darko has made moves aimed at creating a strong partnership with diasporans and promoting Ghana’s cultural heritage.

By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme

Entertainment

Jutta Addo crowned Miss Ghana 2025

Published

2 weeks ago

April 5, 2025

Net News Ghana

JUTTA Ama Pokuah Addo, a Law student at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) was crowned the winner of the Miss Ghana 2025 edition held over the weekend at the Avenue Event Centre in Accra.

The first runner-up was Maud Anti Oduro, while Melissa A-Montah, placed third.

The national event brought together young women from each of Ghana’s regions, all vying for the prestigious title.

Jutta, representing the Central Region, beat the other contestants after weeks of intense competition.

The feat grants her the opportunity to represent Ghana at the 72nd Miss World Festival, to be held in Telangana, India, on May 7-31.

Miss Jutta Addo, who also won awards for Miss Photogenic and Miss Social Media/Voting, charmed the judges and audience with her eloquence, grace, and dedication to her advocacy.

As the new Miss Ghana, she will embark on a year of service, ambassadorial duties, and preparation for the Miss World competition which takes place in India.

The contestants were judged not only on beauty but also on their intelligence, public speaking skills, and commitment to social causes.

The finale was a glamorous occasion, graced by personalities such as Ghanaian musician Okyeame Kwame, who delivered a lively performance that had the audience on their feet with his great hits. Songstress Lucya, Acoustic Frey and DJ Ryna also serenaded the crowd with their soulful melodies, adding to the night’s unforgettable moments.

The night also celebrated other outstanding contestants with special awards, including Most Beautiful Skin – Miss Maud Anti Oduro; Miss Fitness – Miss Emmanuella Kudjordji; Most Disciplined – Miss Priscilla Nutornutsi; Miss Congeniality – Miss Melissa Mintah and Miss Talent – Miss Stella Saka.

Others include Miss Eloquence – Miss Theresa Weyerane; Miss Beauty With a Purpose (BWAP) went to four contestants as they touched the hearts of many with their projects.

They are Miss Melissa Mintah, Miss Jutta Addo, Miss Naa Ayeley Hammond and Miss Nana Adjoa and Miss Top Model, Emmanuella Kudjordji.

For 68 years, Miss Ghana has produced outstanding ambassadors who champion social causes and represent Ghana on global stages.

Miss Ghana was founded by Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first president and 68 years on, celebrated beauty, intelligence, and the impactful legacy of Ghana’s most iconic pageant.

By Linda Abrefi Wadie