Guiness Ghana Breweries in collaboration with 3 Music has held a day Master Class Forum for young Creatives at Raybow Hotel, Takoradi to highlight talents and provide avenue for them to be motivated while they learn from first hand experiences of some of the finest brains in Ghana’s Creative industry.
This forms part of Guiness’ Black Shines Brightest Campaign which is an activation tailored to showcase and tell the stories of young budding talents across Africa.
In Ghana, the Campaign is championed by the talented dancer Incredible Zigi who has found a carrier in dancing and is using his story to inspire millions of young creatives in Africa .
Roland Kwasi Larbi Ofori, Head of Beers (Heineken Portfolio and Guinness Trademark) at Guinness Ghana in his opening speech said that though Ghana’s Creative Art Industry is growing, there is still the need to do more as a country .” It’s based on this reason why the “Black Shine Brighter Campaign” is trumpeting stories of young African Creatives to the world as partners who equally work with us to project Guiness’ brand.
It is also the responsibility of Guiness Ghana to boost the capacities of creatives through improving their level of knowledge and professionalism because when they know their game well, we also thrive “.
Sadick Abdulai Abu, Chief Executive Officer of 3 Music in his introductory message as partners to the project also explained that his company shares the idea of celebrating and driving industry conversation where experiences and the life stories of experts are shared among young Creatives, this forms the bedrock of the industry. ” We share in this idea, as a brand we are also on the look for young talents to project or amplify therefore this partnership is in the right direction.” he added.
The event was followed with an interactive discussion which was moderated by Nana Lion, Drive time host of Pluzz Fm, Accra.
Celebraties who were present to share unique stories about their journey to the top on ” The Good and The Bad” included, George Mensah Britton, Sadick Abdulai Abu, Kinorah Awini and Micheal Amofa.
Incredible Zigi as a project Ambassador called on the young Creatives to be a bit patient and keep preparing irrespective of the challenges they go through . He believes when preparation meets opportunity it becomes a perfect moment to shine.
“I brought the Kope song idea but at a point in time I was not earning anything while the song was making waves , I gave him a global hit and I needed to be patient without beefing him for not recognizing my creativity enough, later I got the chance to go to UK through my consistency ” .
Zigi went on to urge the audience to still hold education in high esteem and listen to their parents advice as they volunteer to practice their talents on any available platform that comes to them.
“Out of the constant practice and education a way will open for you to shine, it’s not a good idea to be fighting your parents in the name of following your passion while you are under their care, finish the school and follow you passion “.
he adviced.
Sadick Abdulai Abu adviced musicians to move beyond overly relying on online stores but promote their works through mediums like Radio and TV etc for a larger audience share.
He used black Sheriff as an example by talking about his authentic approach to Hip Hop, and admonished for creatives to hold authenticity in high regards.
George Mensah Britton also shared a story of his life from a small beginning as a graphic designer who later got opportunity to work with Daddy Lumber and other celebraties. His experience as a graphic designer and opportunity to work for top musicians ignited his drive towards music business.
As a professional blogger and music promoter, he used his experience to advice young artistes to demonstrate a sense of seriousness with their craft through consistency and hunger for success without skipping the process.
“Investors and producers feed on a creative’s hunger for success to reciprocate with equal attention.
Young Video Grapher and Film makers had their share with Nana Kofi Asihene, Ghanaian music video director, creative consultant and Film maker.
He is credited with lots of works from the likes of Sarkodie, Stonebwoy, Kwabena Kwabena, R2Bees, Mr Eazi, Ayigbe Edem, Ice Prince, Pappy Kojo, and many others.
Sharing an experience when he shot Sarkodie’s Adonai Music Video which is still Ghana’s highest most watched YouTube Video till date, he added that the respect he gave his South African counterpart on set made the project what it is today.
He believes that the global stage finds interest in authentic brands therefore all creatives must focus on authenticity to survive and thrive.
Ghana’s one and only professional food blogger who turned her passion of cooking before the Cameras to reach a wider audience of the world, Kinorah Awini had this to say “Turn Your passion into hubby and invest in it.”
The event was finally climaxed with an after party at the Forecourt of Takoradi Mall with a thrilling and captivating performance from the likes of Fameye, Kofi Kinaata, Incredible Zigi, Mr Drew Dj Vyrusky and more.
Written by Kwame Offei
