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Despite his failed attempt at the last election, celebrated Ghanaian
musician, Gyedu Blay Ambolley says he will again contest the
presidency of the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) as he can offer
better and effective leadership.
In Blay Ambolley's opinion, the current president, Bice Osei Kufour
aka Obour, and his administration has failed and does not deserve
another term.
Talking to the Graphic Showbiz last Tuesdayin Accra, the Simingwa Man
said thecurrent administration had reneged on its promise to seek the
welfare of musicians, both active and retired, as well as failed to
win the confidence reposed in it when it was given the mandate.
Also, the veteran saxophonist alleges that Obour and his
administration has misappropriated the GH¢2 million government gave to
the creative arts which landed at MUSIGA.
"Do you know what GH¢2 million can do? It could have changed the
fortunes of our musicians, but I can't see the fruits of that money
anywhere because we have poor leadership who also lack vision", he
said.
He said people had been so disappointed that they had called on him to
be the alternative. "I will definitely compete again. I will file when
nominations open and contest the presidential slot when the MUSIGA
elections scheduled for October, this year comes off. "In fact, I
would have no reason notto seek the welfare of my people. "I have
received many calls and it isa sign that people have reposed their
confidence in me. Music is mycalling and it is God's gift to me. I
cannot disappoint those who believe in me," he said.
Ambolley whose music career spans over four decades and has travelled
widely added " I'm in a better stead to leadthe musicians because I
have seen it all in music around the world".
Asked if his desire to be MUSIGA president was for personal
glorification, he replied in the negative saying " I am passionate
about helping to change the fortunes of musicians in Ghana and nothing
else. I have the experience because I was the Vice-President to Ebo
Taylor when he was MUSIGA president before I travelled to America.
Since I came back about five years ago, I've seen the pathetic
conditions of some of my colleagues." "This is what I want to correct.
We can't let those who havesacrificed all their lives to build the
music industry die in such conditions. If the right structures are not
put in place, I could suffer the same fate," he said.
Ambolley also revealed he had been contacted by the Obour
administration to help steer the affairs of the Union but declined not
because he does not have agood relationship with them. " I just think
the right things must be done first. The problem must be tackled from
the roots", he said.
Touching on the state of the music industry at the moment, Ambolley
who says he started rap music in Ghana said that the new crop of
artistes are copying too much of foreign music genres.
" Don't get me wrong, I am not against that but my only worry is how
our highlife music is fast losing its identity. "I know that music is
evolving and the world has become a global village so there will
definitely be exchange of cultures. However, we can adopt and still
maintain that which identifies us. This is what I have been advocating
for. We can copy, yes, but we can change it to suit ourstyle" he
added.
"The Indians, Jamaicans, Carribeans and even ourbrothers in Nigeria
have done it so why can't we do same?" he questioned.
He continued, "It is notabout copying others, it is about how you do
yours well to appeal to others outside.
Ambolley released his first single in 1973 and has shared on the same
stage with some of the world's renowned artistes.
The multiple award winnerlaunched his 28th album African Soul at the
Alliance Francaise in Accra recently.
Source: graphic.com.gh
