The Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) is poised to host a crucial National Capacity Building Workshop from September 5 to 8, 2024, at the Erata Hotel in Accra. This significant event will gather members of the National Executive Council of MUSIGA with the aim of enhancing the organization’s capabilities and fostering growth within the African music industry.
Under the theme “Developing African Musician Unions,” the workshop will feature guidance from two esteemed experts in organizing musician unions: Thomas Dayan and Jonas Franzen. Thomas Dayan, the deputy general secretary of the International Federation of Musicians (FIM), and Jonas Franzen, a member of the Swedish Musicians Federation, will lead the sessions. Their extensive experience in musician union organization will be instrumental in shaping the workshop’s outcomes.
The workshop will offer a series of interactive sessions, discussions, and strategic planning activities designed to bolster the operations and impact of musician unions across the continent. Key topics on the agenda include mainstreaming gender within unions and improving union finances—areas that are critical for the development and sustainability of musician organizations.
Participants will have the opportunity to share insights, learn from best practices, and explore innovative strategies to address the challenges facing African musician unions today. These discussions are expected to generate valuable ideas and actionable solutions for strengthening the unions and supporting musicians more effectively.
MUSIGA President, Bessa Simons, expressed enthusiasm about the workshop, stating, “This capacity-building initiative is a significant step towards empowering our union leaders with the knowledge and tools they need to drive positive change in the music industry. We are committed to fostering a more inclusive and financially robust environment for musicians in Ghana and beyond.”
The workshop is part of MUSIGA’s ongoing efforts to enhance the professional development of its members and advance the interests of musicians throughout Ghana and Africa. It reflects the Union’s commitment to addressing the evolving needs of the music community and improving the overall functioning of musician unions.
The event is facilitated by FIM and sponsored by Union-to-Union, highlighting the collaborative efforts and support from international and regional organizations. This sponsorship underscores the importance of strengthening musician unions and reflects a broader commitment to the growth and sustainability of the music industry in Africa.
As MUSIGA prepares to welcome participants to this transformative workshop, the focus remains on equipping union leaders with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate the complex challenges facing musician organizations. The anticipated outcomes of the workshop include enhanced leadership capabilities, improved financial management, and more effective advocacy for musicians’ rights and interests.
The National Capacity Building Workshop is expected to be a milestone event for MUSIGA and the African music community, providing a platform for meaningful dialogue and collaborative problem-solving. The insights gained and strategies developed during this workshop will play a crucial role in shaping the future of musician unions across the continent.
The MUSIGA National Capacity Building Workshop represents a pivotal moment for the development of African musician unions. By bringing together key stakeholders and providing expert-led guidance, MUSIGA aims to create a more resilient and effective network of musician organizations. The event promises to be a significant step forward in empowering union leaders and advancing the interests of musicians throughout Ghana and Africa.
