Faisal Helwani Buried

The mortal remains of one of Ghana's legendary music producers, Faisal Helwani was yesterday interred at the Osu Cemetery in Accra.

Faisal Helwani, 62, died on Sunday July 27 in Lebanon where he was seeking medical attention.

He left behind a wife, Victoria Medie Helwani, and six children - Sami, Waseem, Bassam, Amira, Amal and Yasmeen Helwani.

Until his death Faisal was an acclaimed Ghanaian music producer and exponent of contemporary highlife and Ghanaian traditional music.

He was one of the founding members of the Musicians Union of Ghana, the CEO of Bibini Music, first president of the Phonogram Producers Society of Ghana and the first president of the International Federation of Phonogram Industries, Ghana branch. He was also the owner of the erstwhile Napoleon Club which hosted stars like Stevie Wonder in the 60s.

In a short tribute, Mac Tontoh, one of his close pals described Faisal Helwani as a man who was much concerned about the plight of Ghanaian musicians and agitated for a proper system to address all the problems they faced in the country.

The late music producer, he indicated, was a strict person who lived a principled life and was known for being forthright; frank, honest and business-like on issues which required decisions.

According to him, Faisal was a true and trusted friend who paid attention to anyone who approached him with a problem, without being judgmental.

Mac Tontoh added that Faisal Helwani had done a lot of good to the music industry; He did not look at the commercial value of the music he produced, but helped bring up good music legends.

By George Clifford Owusu & Francis Addo