MUSIGA Acknowledges #PayTheDj Campaign
The Musician Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) has responded to a recent call circulating on various social media platforms #PayTheDj.
#PayTheDj campaign was pioneered by one of the most talented MC’s in Ghana and radio host with Hitz [103.9] FM, Merqury Quaye with the aim of protecting Ghanaian Dj’s whilst giving them a better condition of service for using their skill to promote the work (music) of musicians.
According to Merqury Quaye Dj’s contribute enormously in the promotion of Ghanaian music to the world, but their effort is not recognized by industry players so it is about time proper negotiation are done between Dj’s and musicians and to a larger extent event organizers.
However, as this clarion call generated debates in the media with lots of DJ’s backing the originator of the Ghana DJ Awards (Merqury Quaye), the MUSIGA has come out with a two faced press release.
In one breath the MUSIGA claims the call, #PayTheDj by Merqury Quaye is a noble cause, but in another breath the MUSIGA brands the same call as unacceptable and unfortunate:
The attention of the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) has been drawn to a campaign by some DJs on social media #PayTheDJ and other media. The campaign which seeks to galvanize support for better remuneration and greater recognition and conditions for DJs is in itself noble. However, the Union finds the call for musicians to make such payments unacceptable and unfortunate.
MUSIGA condemns in no uncertain terms the call for the institutionalization of unofficial back door payments (Payola). The practice is both illegal and unethical, in fact, it is an endorsement of corruption which is a problem the nation is vigorously struggling to battle and kick out. Such practices have back tracked national development and corrupted our morals as a people.
The Union would rather call for a mutually beneficial and respectable relationship between artistes and DJs. MUSIGA is aware that artistes pay DJ’s handsomely when they engage their services for their shows. Beyond this some actually go out of their way to show appreciation to DJ’s who have and continue to support their careers. We will therefore call for better collaboration, partnership and mutual support for greater industry cohesion.
In that regard there is the need for a regulation of local versus foreign content on our airwaves and we look forward to Parliament passing the appropriate laws to ensure that our local content gets maximum exposure on our airwaves.
The Musicians Union of Ghana will encourage the Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA) musicians, owners of Night Clubs, Pubs, Chop Bars and all outfits that engage the services of DJ’s to have a look at their conditions of service and provide more satisfactory remuneration for DJ’s. MUSIGA will also engage the group to help address their issues.”
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