Posthumous honour of creatives not way to go —Bessa Simons

Acting president of the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) Bessa Simons has emphasised the need for relevant stakeholders to honour creatives who have diligently contributed to the industry while they are still alive and not when they are dead and gone.

He asserted, it was common practice for older creatives to be ignored until they pass away and then the desire to honour them becomes great.

Bessa Simons made the remarks during the launch of Pat Thomas Highlife Night, a concert aimed at celebrating veteran Highlife musician Pat Thomas for his years of dedication and hard work to the Ghanaian music industry.

“Most of the time, we don’t honour our veterans until we learn of their passing. Why wait to acknowledge our artistes who have worked hard for the industry when they are no more when we can do it whiles they are alive?

“The impact is lost once they die and enter their graves without truly appreciating the true honour of their toil and years of unwavering service.

“It has happened that we had held off glowing tributes and such others till some of our legends had passed on. We have watched till their final moments, which is not the ideal thing to do for creatives such as Kwadwo Akwaboah and other recently deceased ones who deserved some honour before they departed,” he noted.

Bessa Simons also made a plea to corporate bodies to support the creative sector by funding programmes that celebrate and honour its members who have paid their dues.

“We want to make a plea to corporate Ghana to help us with initiatives to start honouring our legends. We will welcome any support to provide our members with a special experience while they still have life in them,” he added.