Oscar Yao Doe walked majestically to the podium and the President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo was looking at him with smiles and ready to reward the man for his unflinching and selfless support for the creative arts industry from musicians, movie stars, and artists.
Many are the storied tales about Oscar Yao Doe when it comes to his support for the arts. He offers his luxury vehicles –which he rents for state visits, weddings, and other high profile events– to musicians for their music videos and to movie stars for their red carpet ceremonies for free.
He buys a lot of paintings and art works by the artists to make sure they have a regular stream of income and while at it all, his financial support for art exhibitions in Ghana for years is uncountable. Apart from that he, three years ago, instituted the red carpet award to reward the best dressed celebrities at major awards shows with €5,000 shopping voucher grand prize with plane tickets.
He, in 2014, bought the 1960 Oscar Tella Guitar belonging to Agya Koo Nimo for GH¢15,000, a musical legend, during the auction at the MUSIGA Grand Ball event. Mr. Nimo was so much impressed his gesture that he travelled from Kumasi, in his old age, and paid Oscar a visit to say thank you in a grand style.
Mr. Nimo was accompanied by his student master guitarist popularly called Sporatz and a team from MUSIGA headed by the President, Bice Osei Kuffour. He and his disciple serenaded the guests with sweet authentic live music from their acoustic guitars. Tune after tune with accompanying history and all present couldn’t help but join with claps and dances as they partied deep into the night.
These are but a few of the many works of Oscar Yao Doe, who is the President and Executive Chairman of Doscar Group Holdings, Eurotour GH, Eurotour Logistics and Eurostar Global Limousines, which led the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA), to insist on acknowledging his contributions to not just musicians in the country but the entire creative arts industry.
In a letter to Mr. Doe, MUSIGA noted that The Music Pillar Honour Award is for individuals and organisations who have been of great support and have played pivotal roles in the development of the music sector and MUSIGA.
“Your contributions to the evolution of music, fashion, event red carpet and support for MUSIGA over the past years makes you a pillar in the industry and we feel you are much deserved of this honour. Past Winners of the Music Industry Pillar Award (MIPA) include Dr. Kwabena Duffour, Osei Kwame Despite, Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings, Apostle Kwadwo Safo and Edward Boateng.”
At the glittering ceremony, Mr. Doe was presented with a citation, a trophy and an iconic music instrument.
The ceremony was compered by seasoned broadcaster and reigning GJA Journalist of the year, Kwame Sefa Kayi. The glamorous event was graced by Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the president; former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings; Ken Agyapong, and a host of other government officials and stakeholders in Ghana’s music industry.
The gala was put together to raise funds for the Aging Musician’s Welfare Fund, as well as the MUSIGA Academy.
In his speech, president of the union, Bice Osei Kuffour (Obour) reiterated the motive of the Aging Musicians’ Welfare Fund as an essential initiative to secure the wellbeing and dignity of musicians in the welfare of their careers. He also touched on new projects his administration is rolling g out, such as the Play More Campaign, as well as the Future Project.
Musical performances on the night came from singer Becca, who rendered a touching tribute to Awurama Badu, before submitting her own songs, “Bronya” boys Wutah (who also did a tribute to late highlife great Paapa Yankson), Nana Ampadu, AB Crentsil, Daddy Lumba, and Ivorian megastar Freddy Meiway.
National Petroleum Authority (NPA) boss Hassan Tampuli served as board chairman for the MUSIGA Grand Ball 2017.
Lifetime Achievement Honours were presented to five deserving recipients: Nana Ampadu (creditec with over 100 albums), Jewel Aka (author of 27 albums), Obuoba J.A Adofo, Fante vocal legend CK Mann, and “Moses” songer A.B Crentsil. They all took home ₵10,000, as well as a promise by Hon. Ken Agyapong to give them a monthly donation of ₵5000 each for the rest of their lives.
Key items were also auctioned to support the Aging Musicians Welfare Fund, such as Paapa Yankson’s trumpet and flute as well as a painting of.f his, Awurama Badu’s acoustic guitar, and Agya Koo Nimo’s pentatonic xylofon.
President Akufo Addo, in his submission, hailed the efforts of musicians both old and new, reassuring of his support for that arm of the creative arts industry, and also purchased special souvenirs at an undisclosed amount.
