We Are Not Sabotaging Music Awards – MUSIGA

The executive body of the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) has stated that their proposal and ongoing negotiations with event organizers Charterhouse over some discrepancies in the annual Vodafone Ghana Music Awards is for the betterment of all musicians. A statement signed by the President of the group Bice‘Obour’ Kuffour debunked several allegations which had been put out in the media that it was out to sabotage the music festival, saying, “It is has never been the intention of the Union to jeopardize the good relationship it has had with Charterhouse over the years nor to undermine the 2013 event.” Below is the full statement issued by MUSIGA The Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) would like to inform the general public that it’s proposal and ongoing negotiations with Charterhouse, organizers of the annual Ghana Music Awards over the past 13 years seeks to protect musicians while at the same time enhancing the quality of the event. It has never been the intention of the Union to jeopardize the good relationship it has had with Charterhouse over the years nor to undermine the 2013 event. Musiga has always collaborated effectively with Charterhouse for the planning and implementation of the awards and wishes to be able to continue in this vein in future. This Statement is in reaction to suggestions in the public domain arising from the on- going discussions between the two parties on concerns raised by members of the Union, even though it is not the wish of Musiga to put out the details of an ongoing negotiation. It is unfortunate that these internal discussions have gotten into the public domain in its early stages. We are therefore forced to clear the air by providing information in our proposal. Negotiations between MUSIGA and Charterhouse have been on-going since the first meeting on the 5th of April 2013, where, among other issues, the following were discussed: Formalize MUSIGA-Charterhouse reationship in an MOU, to ensure MUSIGA contributes even more to enhance the GMA brand, considering that the brand has been associated with the Union for the past 13years. 2. Proposal of a minimum performance fee to be agreed by both parties for GMA performing Artists to ensure high quality performance. 3. Proposal that each award winner receives cash award equivalent to the number of awards won rather than the current situation where for instance an artiste who wins 5 awards receives the same cash amount as the artiste who wins 1 award. 4. Recommendation to increase the annual cash contribution towards MUSIGA Artiste Welfare and Development Fund, from the current GHC 15,000 to GHC250,000 per annum. Charterhouse until the year 2012 had been graciously contributing an amount of GHC 7000 to the Welfare Fund. Musiga wishes to state also that, this proposal and negotiations will take effect from the 2014 Award Year. We wish to state that this proposal is being put forward in good faith and in the interest of musicians who have over the years raised concerns. It is the fervent wish of the Union that this MOU will be signed and the Unions relationship with Charterhouse formalized by the time of the VGMA 2013 Event(18th May, 2013). The Union heartily commends all members who have shown faith in it and assures musicians that these discussions are to articulate their concerns and arrive at a consensus that will be agreeable. In this connection, the Union would as always, urges all musicians to give out their very best to ensure sponsors, event producers, and the general public are always satisfied with their performance. We very much wish VGMA 2013 a resounding success.