Ghanaian music producer and entertainment critic, Enock Agyepong, has stated that Bice Osei Kuffour (Obour) is “one of the finest brains the music industry has ever produced,” adding that “because of our PhD (Pull Him Down) syndrome, he left without turning back.”
According to Mr Agyepong, Obour’s tenure as President of the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) remains one of the most vibrant periods in the Union’s history.
“He was the President of MUSIGA for two terms and we all saw how visible and vibrant the Union was under his leadership. One of his major priorities was taking care of old musicians and his AMWEF initiative was a testament for all to see.”
He added, “His hard work brought many sponsors and every sitting President to his annual Grand Ball, and the donations from various individuals all went to support this cause.”
Touching on the controversial GHS 2 million government subvention received in 2012, Mr Agyepong stated:
“In 2012, MUSIGA wrote a proposal to the government for funds to undertake in-depth research into the music industry, and indeed they received 2 million Ghana cedis. After receiving the funds, they undertook the initiatives in their proposal, but for some reason, some industry folks felt MUSIGA should have shared the monies among musicians and industry organisations.”
He continued, “Even though an audit was undertaken and all monies of the government subvention were accounted for to the Ministry of Finance, some folks in the creative industry chose to vilify Bice Osei Kuffour even after an independent audit was done at MUSIGA and no wrongdoing was found.”
Lamenting the backlash Obour faced, Agyepong said, “We decided to make Obour the alpha and omega of all the problems in our industry, and even when he coughed, the industry would hold its breath just to choke him from breathing.”
“Yes, we gave Obour a bad name just to hang him, and the very few aggrieved individuals were able to drag many ignoramuses along to crucify him. Yet he served his term till Bessa succeeded him after an election with so many court issues, of which the judgment eventually went in favour of Bessa to allow him to serve his term peacefully.”
On Obour’s move into politics and later appointment as Managing Director of Ghana Post, Agyepong remarked:
“Obour left us to pursue politics and strangely this industry followed him there to campaign against him. When he lost, we all saw some bitter industry folks who were not even from his constituency jubilating — you could tell this kind of hatred was just personal.”
“Since our industry failed to realise his brilliance, the politicians saw his intelligence and smartness and gave him the position as Managing Director of Ghana Post. We all saw how he made that almost outdated and dead sector vibrant once again with his energy and intelligence.”
He blamed what he describes as the industry’s Pull Him Down culture for the disconnect.
“Due to the PhD syndrome in our music and broader creative arts industry, it is very difficult for industry players to turn back after leaving, and that does not augur well for the growth of our industry.”
Enock Agyepong also criticised the current state of affairs, referencing a recent welfare controversy involving veteran gospel musician Yaw Sarpong.
“Today, MUSIGA is donating 500ghc at the one-week celebration of a veteran like Yaw Sarpong, and their President has to do a radio tour just to explain that it was not a donation but a water contribution.”
While refusing to compare leadership regimes directly, he noted:
“I will not compare Bessa’s regime to Obour’s regime, but I know the kind of strings Obour could pull just to make big things happen. Yet this same industry has made it impossible for us to go to him, even though he is in a better position to assist the industry today.”
“Yes, today he walks in the corridors of power and his influence should reflect in our industry, but our badmouth will not allow that. The key industry gatekeepers have to swallow humble pie and approach him for direction and assistance.”
He further observed that MUSIGA’s constitution turns past Presidents into patrons, yet “our badmouth has driven the likes of Sidiku Buari and Bice Obour Kuffour very far from the industry, and that does not help the industry in any way.”
“As human as he was, he had his flaws, and they used them, if any, to overshadow his good deeds for the industry. Labour left, but the problems of the industry never left, and the blame games persist.”
Ending on a reflective note, Mr Agyepong stated:
“It is my prayer that the Gen Z and Alpha generation will learn from the mistakes of the Millennials in order not to repeat their evil deeds, so they can grow a selfless and vibrant music industry — not to receive 500ghc at their burial when they are dead and gone.”
“Time indeed has vindicated Obour, who was not just an industry player or leader but a successful, award-winning musician. I believe he is at peace now that it seems he is far away from our noise and nonsense as an industry. This PhD syndrome must stop.”