Bessa Simons, a seasoned highlife performer from Ghana, is pleading with sound engineers and producers to abandon inferior techniques in order to improve the sound quality in music production.
Bessa Simons, the president of the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA), expressed concern about the current level of sound production in Ghana, stating that while some sound engineers and music producers were making commendable attempts, the majority were falling short of expectations.
He emphasized the rise of new trends in sound engineering and music production in a recent interview with the Daily Graphic, and he advised stakeholders to combine traditional and modern components to comply with international standards.
The seasoned performer fervently supported a paradigm change and creative approach in the music creation process, stressing that this would significantly raise the standard of Ghanaian music as a whole.
"If you're asking if the music or sounds surrounding are good, I'd have to say no because there are certain sounds that aren't quite up to par. However, given that MUSIGA is now planning a lot of work, I think we can correct it over time.
"We have excellent sound engineers that can even improve things for our sector. However, I would concede that our current era—the digital age—is distinct from the past, when our alternatives were severely constrained. We can now more easily and quickly access both classic and contemporary platforms to enhance our sound production and raise the caliber of the music we create," he continued.
Dispersion
Concerning the concentration of sound engineers in Accra, the nation's capital, Bessa Simons informed the Daily Graphic that preparations were being made to resolve this issue.
According to him, MUSIGA was developing a well-thought-out plan to empower regionally-based sound engineers.
He said that by doing away with the difficulties musicians from other areas encountered while traveling to the capital in search of sound engineers, this project would ultimately promote the expansion of the music industry.
"People come from everywhere to record here because Accra has the majority of the best sound engineers. If we can help those in the other regions to also improve their sound, then it will make it easier because they wouldn't have to travel all the way to the capital," he said.
Dedicatedness
Bessa Simons, whose career has spanned more than 40 years, has stated that he is open to working with upcoming artists and providing them with advice and mentoring should they come to him for assistance.
Having produced and recorded music for a number of well-known artists, such as the Tagoe Sisters, Yaw Sarpong, Felix Owusu, Pat Thomas, Papa Yankson, and others, Bessa Simons stated that he was always willing to share his vast knowledge with industry stakeholders in order to further the industry's development.
"Some of the well-known personalities in our music industry, such the Tagoe sisters, their debut album Yedi Nkunim, and other songs, I have recorded and produced.
"Among other artists, I've produced and recorded songs for Stella Dugan, Papa Yankson, Paulina Oduro, Celestina Owusu, and Samuel Owusu. Many people are aware of my skill as a sound engineer, and I would be happy to share my knowledge with anyone who Want to learn and grow in the music industry.
Make an appeal
Bessa Simons pushed for the implementation of policies that would honor the creatives who had made a substantial contribution to the thriving creative sector in the nation.
He voiced the opinion that an established system would improve the understanding of artistic creations, highlighting the necessity of essential parties working with MUSIGA to develop such a framework.
He emphasized the vital role that the creative sector plays in Ghanaian society and called on all relevant parties to make sure that those in the creative field who have done their share of work get the recognition and celebration they so richly deserve.
"I believe that if we had the proper structure in place, my work would have received more recognition, and I would beg pertinent stakeholders to set up mechanisms that honor our creatives and their contributions to the expansion of our creative sector. The industry's participants ought to be honored for their contributions and acknowledged for the vital role they play in our society, he stated.
Simons, Bessa
Bessa Simons has more than 40 years of experience in the music business. During his time in London, he was a part of the Osibisa group, and he continues to be an essential component of the group's performances.
He has collaborated with some of the biggest names in music, such as the Tagoe Sisters, Pat Thomas, Papa Yankson, Kari Bannerman, Osibisa, C.K. Mann, Ebo Taylor, and Gyedu Blay Ambolley. He is a prolific songwriter, keyboardist, and singer.
The accomplished musician and sound engineer was raised in a musical family; his father was a music teacher, choir conductor, and organist.
Bessa Simons participated in the school band at Aggrey Memorial Secondary School in Cape Coast.
He was the leader of The Pelikans Dance Band from Cape Coast when he was younger, and the Ghana Arts Council awarded him first prize in the Big Band competition in Accra.
In addition to attending the National Academy of Music in Winneba, he finished a diploma program at the School of Audio Engineering in London with distinction.
Source from graphic.com.gh