New programme to promote traditional music to be launched

Accra (Greater Accra), 22 February 2000

The National Theatre, in collaboration with the Bibini Music productions, is to embark on a new programme to promote Ghanaian traditional music on the international scene.

The programme dubbed "National Pop Chain and Talent Hunt" seeks to enhance the Ghanaian music industry and place it on the world stage through professional promotion, live production and recording. It would be launched on March Four.

It will look for and develop exceptional talent inherent in the student community, from elementary school to the university, and also to look for talent among people who are not in school but have immense contributions to make to the Ghanaian music industry.

Briefing newsmen today in Accra, Mr Faisal Hewlwani, owner of Bibini Music, said the music industry 30 years ago had more respect than today.

He said a lot of badly produced and performed music is being played on the airwaves, which do not portray "Africanism".

Mr. Helwani stressed that the programme would promote traditional Ghanaian music internationally and un-earth the talent in the youth.

He said competitions would be held monthly in the regions where the top three winners from each region would play in monthly pop chain programmes at the National Theatre in Accra.

Regional monthly winners will also compete in the semi-finals in the regions with the final top three representing the very best in each region competing in a two-day finals at the end of the year.

Categories to be competed for in the programme are Best Vocals, Best Band, Best Instrumentalist and Best Song.

GRi