Musicians need to back GHAMRO
Renowned music producer and Chief Executive Officer of Media Excel, Ernest Kwesi Ennin, has called on members of Ghana Music Right Organisation (GHAMRO) to lend their support to the union to succeed.
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According to him, the success of the organisation will have positive effect on musicians, however, that could only be achieved through the collective efforts of both members and executives.
Speaking with Showbiz on Monday, Kwesi Ennin, who is part of the new 13-member board of executives of GHAMRO elected on Wednesday, March 8, said his interest is to use his skills in marketing and branding to “position GHAMRO well on collection societies worldwide”.
He noted that the penchant for aggrieved musicians to tarnish the image of the board and the organisation because they don’t believe in the group’s vision is one that should not be encouraged.
“I’m a music producer/publisher and I know how much investment go into music productions. I contested as a stakeholder who has plans for the organisation especially on how royalties are paid.
“I didn’t sit back to criticise but found a way my contributions would help make GHAMRO better for all to benefit and that is why I stood for elections,” he said.
GHAMRO is Ghana’s only government-approved copyright organisation for music right owners in the country responsible for collecting and distributing royalties but the organisation has always been hit with controversies spearheaded by some members.
Kwesi Ennin, however, believes that if the organisation is transparent with its activities, there would be less controversy and speculation among its members.
“We all know how much royalties Michael Jackson receives for his music even after his death and this transparancy from the collective society which he belongs to can be replicated here. We must make sure good policies are put in place to protect the works of members of the collective society,” he added.
As a music producer, Ernest Kwesi Ennin has contributed significantly to the achievement of some gospel musicians including Stella Dugan, Georgia Adjei, Piesie Esther, Gifty Osei, Cecilia Marfo, DSP Kofi Sarpong, Joyce Blessing among others.
His Media Excel Production team worked on the 90th music concert for Prof J.H. Kwabena Nketia and Akosua Agyapong’s 20th anniversary in the music industry in 2015.