The Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) has responded to criticism over its perceived lack of support for hiplife musician Okomfour Kwadee, clarifying that he is not currently a member of the union.
Speaking on Joy FM’s Showbiz A-Z, MUSIGA’s 2nd Vice President, Abena Ruthy, stated that despite Kwadee not being an active member, the union has assisted him in the past and remains committed to offering support on humanitarian grounds.
“There was news about Kwadee recently. He is not even a member now. But our President was on us to link him up to Kwadee. So that is the kind of thing we are doing. We are a family,” she explained.
She further emphasized that MUSIGA is a welfare-driven organization dedicated to improving the livelihoods of its members, urging musicians to actively participate in welfare and insurance policies. According to her, there is a widespread misconception that every musician in Ghana is automatically a member of MUSIGA.
“There is a narrative out there that so far as someone sings, everybody thinks that you are part of us. So we have members in good standing. So as it stands, he is not a member in good standing,” she clarified.
In 2018, MUSIGA, under the leadership of Ras Caleb Appiah, visited Kwadee at the Willing Ways Foundation rehabilitation center in Kumasi, where they made donations to support his recovery.
Meanwhile, recent reports indicate that the musician’s mental health has worsened, reigniting public concern about his well-being.
Okomfour Kwadee, born Jerry Anaba, was a prominent figure in Ghana’s hiplife scene in the early 2000s, known for hit songs such as Abrantie, Ofie Nipa, Meko M’anim, Yeko Mmaa Pe, Ataa Adwoa, and Boyz Boyz. His unique storytelling style and distinct voice made him a household name in the industry.
However, struggles with mental health and substance abuse in recent years have derailed his career, pushing him out of the limelight. With growing concerns about his condition, the discussion surrounding his future and well-being continues within the industry.
