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Music of Tuesday, 8 January 2013

Source: Dickov Smig

Music business in 2012 was impressive

The Musicians Union of Ghana did a remarkable job though most musicians claim they have their priority musicians appearing on various stages with the Tema based artiste been left out in most of their programmes. So far over US$ 5 Million has been invested in music and music related activities in the year 2012.

Most visible side of this expense includes brand endorsements coupled with commercials, events expense and government budgetary allocations. If you are guessing who earned most in the year 2012 then I am sure your guess is very right.

First of all I have to outline the performance of various artistes for the 2012 music year which will probably serve as basis of recommendation for various awards in the country to avoid controversy.

Discovery of the year though keenly contested will definitely have to go to Kaakie, the female dancehall artiste.

The hit songs and various appearances by Kaakie are comparable to Asem’s first commercial success which earned him discovery of the year against R2bees few years ago.

Best Group is another area where fans will generate a lot of interest. With over four main hits this year including Dance ft Wizkid, Odo, Bayla Trap and Life (Walai), R2bees seems to be on their peak and are poised to take best group with ease.

Best Dance Hall Artiste by analysis should to go Kaakie. The Dansoman based artistes had numerous commercial successes this year with over four dance hall songs which will put her at the first lane of her competitors.

Heaviest Brand for 2012 is Sarkodie, the artiste by analysis earned over GHS 400,000.00 through endorsements and other service deliveries. Sarkodie’s current performance fee is in excess of GHS 20,000.00 and is booked for almost twice a week. Being a brand Ambassador for Samsung mobile and endorsing two key mobile phones, Michael Owusu Addo (Sarkodie) at the Age of 25 has earned more than any other musician for the 2012 business year.

Best Social project will go to Chemphe. After successfully launching his “Double P” project whiles involves campaigning for peace and against poverty, Chemphe managed to groom fish mongers in Tema New Town in preservations, started a KVIP toilet facility in the central region, undertook an online anger management campaign and currently working on provision of electricity for the Hasuodzie village in the central region. Funny enough all the expense on the projects were borne by his record label (E-Jam Records) and himself.

If God blessed us in 2012, then why should the best gospel artiste elude Cwesi Oteng. His video earned him the best gospel act in Africa and the song has been number one on the gospel charts for months. The Tema based gospel artiste doesn’t seem to have close competitors for this ward.

Best African act will be a tie. Fuse ODG though living in the UK has been able to promote the Ghanaian dance azonto globally without support, and finally getting Wyclef on the remix of “Antenna” is comparable to P-Square’s “Beautiful Oyiye” featuring Rick Ross. Fuse ODG and P- Square will make it to the best two for best African act.

Well, if I really have to organize an event and give those awards out physically, I will definitely go to RLG for support. They sponsored 99.9 % of the big events organized in Accra this December. RLG will win an award for the most supportive brand for 2012.