Ghanaian hip-hop artist and entrepreneur D-Black has made a striking declaration regarding the future of the country’s music unions. He stated that if appointed as the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, he would dissolve key organizations such as the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA), the Ghana Music Rights Organization (GHAMRO), and the Copyrights Society of Ghana (COSGA).
In a recent interview, D-Black expressed his belief that these organizations are failing to fulfill their intended purposes and require a comprehensive restructuring. “First thing we don’t have a royalty collection society that is accountable, so I will shut down MUSIGA, GHAMRO and COSGA and restructure a new body to take over the role that they are supposed to play because the royalty collection society for musicians and producers in Ghana isn’t doing what they are supposed to do,” he said.
He further critiqued MUSIGA, stating, “We have seen different presidents come and go, but there is nothing we can speak about at the top of our voices… and say this body has done something tangible for musicians in our country.”
To support the growth of the music industry, D-Black committed to launching capacity-building initiatives aimed at equipping stakeholders with essential knowledge and skills. He highlighted the significance of human development, promising to implement training programs designed to enhance the capabilities of industry professionals and foster prosperity within the sector.
“I will educate the music industry, especially business executives, on how the industry has changed over the years. A lot of artistes have managers who they trust, childhood friends; a lot of training has to go in that to make our industry viable,” he remarked.
D-Black’s comments come amid ongoing concerns voiced by various artists, including Ohemaa Mercy, Joyce Blessing, Stonebwoy, Efya, and Shatta Wale, who have criticized GHAMRO for inadequate royalty payments and inefficiency.
