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 Tuesday in Accra, the Simingwa Man said the current 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 not to seek the welfare of my people.
“I have received many calls and it is a sign that people have reposed their confidence in me. Music is my calling 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 lead the 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 have sacrificed 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 a good 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 our style” he added.
“The Indians, Jamaicans, Carribeans and even our brothers in Nigeria have done it so why can’t we do same?” he questioned.
He continued, “It is not about 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 winner launched his 28th album African Soul at the Alliance Francaise in Accra recently.
