ACCRA GHANA (ANS) -- As part of measures to enforce discipline and bring sanctity in the music industry, leadership of the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) says that in its subsequent annual music awards it not give prizes to musicians whose songs have profane lyrics.

Mrs. Diana Hopeson, president of MUSIGA, addressing participants at the national executives’ workshop

This was disclosed by the union’s national president, Mrs. Diana Hopeson, during an interview with this reporter.

Mrs. Hopeson, who was commenting on a 3-day national workshop held in Accra for MUSIGA executives, hoped the decision would go a long way to discourage the growing trend of profane music lyrics in the country by some hip life musicians, which had been a subject of worry.

Also a gospel musician, Mrs. Hopeson observed that gospel music in the country was making significant impact. She however noted that some people get into the gospel music industry either because they do not want to be tagged as ‘secular musicians’ or simply on the grounds of business, and not as it were, for the purpose of ministry.

“Gospel musicians are those who are on a mission. Gospel musicians have the liberty to talk about politics and love, in God’s perspective, but we cannot also say that anyone who sings “Onyame Yeyi waye” (meaning God we praise you) is a gospel musician”, the MUSIGA president maintained.

She noted also that in spite of the challenges there were still ministry-oriented gospel musicians, who are making impact in schools and villages and using music as medium of evangelism.

On the challenges of MUSIGA and the way forward, Mrs. Hopeson said local artists do not have the relevant resources; such as record labels to enable them compete internationally. She mentioned that the union was working to liaise with the Ministry of Culture and collaborate with Ghanaian embassies abroad to organize periodic festivals where they could showcase made-in-Ghana music to the outside world.

“Just like football (soccer) is selling Africa, I believe music too can take us far if we get the needed support and resources”, she added.

Since its formation in 1975, MUSIGA had seen a number of transitions but this was the first time to hold a national workshop with the attendance of international representatives. Among those who participated in the workshop included a representative from the Trades Union, Sweden, an assistant general secretary of International Federation of Musicians, the president of PPL, and the project coordinator of the Federation of International Musicians (FIM) from Senegal.

Issues discussed at the 3-day workshop bordered on contractual agreements, piracy, gender, collective bargain and copy rights. Mrs. Hopeson revealed also that MUSIGA would run a professional music school, effective by middle of this year.

Daniel Abugah is a senior reporter for the Gospel Advocate, a leading national Christian newspaper in Ghana, West Africa. E-mail: danabugah@yahoo.com;  Cell phone:+ 233(0) 27-768-9597