Bessa Simons must harness Obuor’s legacy for a better MUSIGA

The Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA), established in 1975, set out with a noble mission: to promote and protect the interests of musicians across the nation.

With a membership base of around 4,500, it has seen leadership from notable figures such as E.T. Mensah, Jerry Hanson, Agya Koo Nimo, Kofi Ghanaba, Alhaji Sidiku Buari, and Diana Hopeson.

However, the union faced significant challenges in its early years—issues like lackluster membership engagement, insufficient funding, and minimal visibility.

Leadership changes often struggled to connect with younger generations of artists, leading to a sense of stagnation that left many feeling disenfranchised and questioning the union’s relevance.

Enter Obour: a young, ambitious artist who broke the mold by becoming the youngest president in MUSIGA’s history at just 30 years old. His election was more than a mere change in leadership; it represented a fresh breeze in an organization that desperately needed revitalization.

Serving as president from 2011 to 2019, Obour ushered in what many now refer to as a renaissance—a period of transformation that, while unwritten in the annals of history, left an indelible mark on Ghana’s music landscape.

Milestones of the Obour Era

Under Obour’s leadership, MUSIGA experienced a renaissance defined by impactful milestones that transformed the organization into a vital force within Ghana’s music industry. His tenure was marked by a newfound clout and visibility, effectively reshaping how the union engaged with its members and the wider public.

One of Obour’s standout initiatives was the Artiste Incubation Programme, affectionately dubbed The Future Project. This program provided mentorship and coaching for emerging talents, nurturing artists like Kidi, Kuami Eugene, King Promise, Cina Soul, Titi Owusu, and Feli Nuna—names that now resonate in the industry. By prioritizing the development of new talent, Obour ensured that the future of Ghanaian music was in capable hands.

Additionally, Obour partnered with Midland Savings and Loans to introduce a groundbreaking loan scheme. This initiative provided essential financial backing, allowing musicians to fund recordings, events, and other business ventures. Such financial support was instrumental in empowering artists to pursue their creative visions without financial constraints.

Recognizing the plight of aging musicians, Obour established the Ageing Musicians Welfare Fund (AMWef), which provided critical financial assistance for older artists struggling with healthcare and living expenses. To complement this effort, he initiated the Grand Ball—a prestigious fundraising event that brought together corporate Ghana and musicians to honor legends while raising funds for the welfare fund. This gala was always graced by the sitting President of Ghana, adding a layer of prestige to the occasion.