Bnoskka
Benjamin Oduro Arhin Jr., known in the music scene as Bnoskka, a Creative Arts Business and Intellectual Property Consultant, has called on stakeholders in the Ghanaian music industry to be aggressive in pushing Ghanaian music to the global market.
According to him, music business in Ghana is about to undergo a change as professionals advocate for better showbiz reporting and polite language.
He advised Ghanaian musicians to stick to their identical rhythms and identify ways of staying relevant in the industry.
Bnoskka, who is also the CEO of PMA Ghana and a lecturer at the University of Education, Winneba, urged Ghanaian musicians to produce music that will educate the people on issues affecting the society.
Speaking in an interview at the launch of the Musicians Union of Ghana’s (MUSIGA) 50th anniversary celebration in Accra, Bnoskka emphasised on the need for in-depth knowledge of the music industry among showbiz reporters and presenters.
“Understanding copyright laws, royalties, and artiste management is crucial for accurate reporting and respectful treatment of artistes,” he said.
He, however, suggested that the term, ‘Old Musician’ should be changed to ‘Catalogue Artiste’.
This shift in language aims to promote respect and recognition for experienced musicians, focusing on their valuable contributions rather than their age.
In a follow-up interview, the President of the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA), Bessa Simons, endorsed Bnoskka’s advocacy for a change in terminology from ‘Old Musician’ to ‘Catalogue Artiste’.
Bessa Simons acknowledged, “If he suggests that we should update our terminology to reflect the evolving landscape of the music industry, then we are more than happy to do so. We appreciate his contribution to the growth and development of our industry.”
Bnoskka’s dedication to promoting industry education, respectful terminology, and collaboration is inspiring a new generation of musicians and industry professionals.
“It’s time to bid farewell to the term ‘Old Musicians’. Instead, he proposes that experienced musicians be referred to as ‘Catalogue Artistes’.
“From now on, all news reports, entertainment show panelists, radio and television presenters, books/novel authors, comedians, and musicians themselves should make a conscious effort to use the term ‘Catalogue Artistes’ when referring to experienced musicians,” he stated.
BY George Clifford Owusu