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NPP Government Has Failed Woefully – Rex Omar

Legendary Highlife musician Rex Owusu Marfo, popularly known as Rex Omar has expressed

disappointment in the performance of the current government.

According to the Chairman of the Ghana Music Rights Organization (GHAMRO), the

government has reneged on a lot of promises it made prior to the 2016 elections.

Rex in an interview with Graphic Showbiz said even though some steps have been taken to make

the creative arts better, they have failed to yield results because the impact has been minimal.

“Honestly, NPP’s manifesto was just a love letter to the creative arts industry because if we are to judge them by where they outline a number of projects for the creative industry, then they have failed woefully,” he said.

In the 2016 manifesto of the New Patriotic Party promised to review and implement the

Culture Policy developed under the administration of former President J. A. Kufuor.

READ:https://www.ghafla.co.ke/gh/profane-songs-are-for-sex-education-rex-omar/

It also promised to provide Division of the High Court which would deal with all matters relating to intellectual property rights, establish a Creative Arts Council to coordinate and harmonize the fragmented art associations and to pursue the construction of modern large seating theaters in every regional capital except Accra.

“Is it not interesting that while the industry is crying for attention and investment, the sector Ministry has bought the hosting rights of AFRIMA at an expensive fee when it doesn’t benefit the country? Do we know how the amount invested in that Nigerian owned project would have fetched our industry?” he asked.

He expressed disappointment in the government for inaugurating cultural centers instead of constructing the theaters they promised.

Rex Omar was one of the celebrities who openly declared their support for the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) during the 2016 elections.

Children Are Already Exposed To Profanity – Rex Omar

Highlife legend, Rex Omar has said that a song may be described as profane depending on the

angle from which one looks at is.

According to him, many Ghanaians are quick to judge everything based on their faith rather

than appreciating the creativity artistes put in their work.

The veteran artiste has, therefore, urged Ghanaians to give their wards sex education rather

than protecting them from it since the children are already aware of what they are being protected from.

“The internet is everywhere. Children use phones nowadays. The kids we think we are protecting are more exposed than what we think they are,” he said, adding “…yes, let talk about it; let write songs about it as we write songs about so many things.”

Check:https://www.ghafla.co.ke/gh/choirmaster-says-he-is-still-a-solo-artiste/

Speaking on Hitz FM Tuesday morning, November 13, Rex Omar said profane songs are

written based on life experiences, stressing that creativity is the thing of the mind.

The Abiba hitmaker, however, kicked against attempts to censor songs in Ghana because to him,

censorship will kill creativity since it will control lyrics of songs and that will make artistes

stiff in playing with words.

“The attraction between a man and a woman is natural.. its part of creation,” he added.

Rex Omar Drops Visuals For New Single, ‘Hilife Agogo’

Highlife troubadour, Rex  Owusu Marfo, best known as Rex Omar has released the visuals for hit single Hilife Agogo.’

‘Hilife Agogo’ is the follow-up single to the uplifting ‘Nhyira’, which features rapper/broadcaster, Trigmatic.

He earlier released the song on A.U. Day, May 25, in line with his promise to release a single every month for the next thirty six months.

Tailored strictly for the dance floor, “Hilife Agogo” draws from Salsa rhythms to create a masterful trans- Atlantic fusion.

Rex Omar’s most widely -known hits include Abiba, Tokota, Da Di Da Da, Dangerous, among an endless list of other classics. His sound is a fusion of highlife, Afro-pop, Jazz, and other indigenous influences

Rex Omar is an award winning singer, songwriter and arranger and a onetime member of the trio Nakorex. He is currently chairman of the Ghana Music Rights Organization (GHAMRO) and a member of the Joint Committee of Collective Management Organizations (JCCMOs). His career spans over three decades and he continues to record, perform and mentor other musicians.

The video was directed by Prince Dovlo.

Kindly watch video below;

 

I Never Said I Will Not Let My Kids Become Musicians In Ghana – Rex Omar

Veteran highlife musician, Rex Omar has debunked rumors making rounds that he said he would never allow his kids to become musicians in Ghana.

There are several reports on the various social media platforms suggesting that Rex Omar has said he would not allow his children to take music as a career in Ghana.

But speaking in an interview on Daybreak Hitz on Hitz FM, the “Nhyira” hitmaker said he doesn’t recall making those assertions.

According to him, he meant, he would forbid his children from taking up music as full-time careers in Ghana.

Rex noted further that as lucrative as it may sound, he thinks it would be unwise to depend solely on music in Ghana since it doesn’t pay much, compared to western countries.

“If there are musicians who have made money then it wasn’t through music. They all know the truth. We should understand our country is a small one. You are kind of unemployed if you play 2 shows a year. Some play 200 shows but not the situation in Ghana…” he said.

However, in reacting to his statements on the same Daybreak Hitz show, Ghanaian musician, Akoo Nana said Rex Omar didn’t speak well.

Akoo Nana believes that the statement Rex made has the tendency to kill the dreams of children who want to venture into music in the country.

“It is because of people like Rex Omar that’s why people don’t have money. Don’t discourage the children. When I started my career I looked for a business manager. I respect him to say we should have business but he should look for solutions too.” He Said.

Rex Omar To Drag Zylofon Media To Court For Copyright Infringement – Rex Omar

Veteran highlife musician, Rex Omar has announced a looming legal battle between him and fastest growing media outlet, Zylofon Media for copyright infringement.

Rex Omar made the shocking revelation Wednesday morning on “Neat FM’s Entertainment Ghana”.

He refused to to go into details as to why he would be dragging the biggest record company currently in Ghana to court. However, when probed further by host Kwame Adjietia, Omar reluctantly revealed that Zylofon Media used his music without his permission. Yet still, he refused to mention the particular song or track they used and what it was used for.

The Chairman of Music Rights Organization (GHAMRO), said he values each of his songs at $1m. Hence, anyone/company who uses any of his music without his permission has stolen from him $1m.

He also disclosed that his lawyers have already written to Zylofon Media so details would be revealed in due time.

“My lawyers have written to them, so you would hear the details at the right time because they have money”.

Asked if he taking the legal action just for financial gains, Rex said; “They have appropriated my song and that is my property. As for me, my music is my property and I value every song I produce at 1million dollars. So if you take my music and you don’t tell me, you have stolen my one million dollar”, Rex emphasized.

Meanwhile, Rex Omar is currently in court with beverage manufacturing company Joy Industries. He sued the company for using a part of his hit song “Da da di da” to promote or advertise its product, Joy Dadi Bitters without his permission.

Watch interview below;

Stop Re-Branding Highlife To Dancehall And Afropop – Rex Omar Tells Young Artistes

Chairman for the Ghana Music Rights Organization (GHAMRO)  Rex Omar has started a campaign to make the highlife genre has a strong Ghanaian identity.

The highlife legend has lamented how the young artistes are refusing to associate themselves with the highlife brand. This according to him is because they perceive it to be an old-fashioned genre.

He maintained that dancehall and the afropop songs released by these promising artistes have Highlife contents in them so should be under the highlife genre.

The ‘Habiba’ crooner disclosed his campaign would focus more on organizing fora and meeting stakeholders. So as to possibly brainstorm on how to make Highlife genre appealing to young artistes, presenters and Djs.

Rex Omar’s speech

“Why can’t we expand the genre of Highlife brand and put the sub genres of Ghanaian music under Highlife after all we will not be the only country to first do that. When you talk about Reggae, they have root rock, ragga, dancehall, lovers rock and still call all these Reggae so we can do same.

Any form of Ghanaian music should be put under the highlife brand so that the youth and all musicians can develop and in that scenario.  Then we’ll claim our own Highlife title and use the Highlife banner to propel our traditional music.

When you listen to their new type of songs they release everyday, it’s Highlife but some of them are calling it dancehall and afropop. Shatta has created his own type of Highlife because we’ve all ignored the Highlife music in a way.

The young artistes see the Highlife genre as an old school and outmoded and they don’t want to associate with it. You can’t play Agbadza and call it Dancehall and you can’t play Highlife and call it dancehall.” Rex Omar said.

Rex Omar made these comments in an interview with Kojo Preko Dankwa on Kasapa Entertainment on Kasapa 102.5FM last Saturday.

 

If I Don’t Qualify To Lead MUSIGA, Then The Vetting C’ttee Doesn’t Also Qualify – Appietus

Renowned  Sound Engineer cum music producer, Appietus has expressed discontentment at Rex Omar’s opinion about his ability to lead the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA).

Rex Omar is the Chairman of the Ghana Music Rights Organization (GHAMRO) and a one-time board member of MUSIGA

He had stated in an interview last week that the dynamics of MUSIGA were beyond the capabilities of the sound engineer.

Appietus on the other hand had made known his intentions of contesting the MUSIGA top post for the second time.

But his brother-in-law thinks otherwise. Rex made this comment in an interview on Daybreak Hitz on Hitz FM with Andy Dosty last week.

According to him, Appietus was his brother–in- law alright. However, he was yet to convince him (Rex) that he had the competency to take over from Bice Osei Kuffour (Obour).

Background

“I know Appietus very well if you care to know.  Appietus is my brother-in-law.  So under normal circumstance, I would promote him to be the head of MUSIGA,” he said.

Adding that: “I am yet to be convinced by Appietus that, he knows the ins and outs of MUSIGA as to be able to take it to a level where Obour has left it or take it higher.”

Appietus, who is obviously unhappy with these comments from his brother-in-law, referred to him as “playing with my intelligence.”

According to Appietus, this wouldn’t be his first time vying for the position. He was there few years back and the vetting committee found him competent enough to be voted for. Hence Mr. Owusu Marfo(Rex Omar)  did not have any basis for his assertions.

“This is not the first time I am going to go [as] a candidate. I’ve been there, I’ve been vetted, and I was excellent. So if he’s saying he feels I don’t qualify, then it means all the people on the panel who vetted me don’t qualify,” he argued.

Appietus( Appiah Dankwah) also queried Rex’s complaints that MUSIGA lacks enough revenue because its members barely paid their dues.

“What is so attractive at MUSIGA, at the moment, that will make someone go and pay his dues?”

 

Appietus Cannot Handle MUSIGA – Rex Omar

Veteran Musician, Rex Omar says, Renowned Sound Engineer Appietus does not have what it takes to lead the Musician Union of Ghana (MUSIGA).

Appietus, recently made known his intention to contest for the position when nominations open on the Starr Drive with Giovanni.

According to the “Dada Di Da” crooner, the dynamics at MUSIGA goes beyond the capabilities of the sound engineer.

“I know people are trying to step into the shoes of Obuor, but most of the people are just trying to ‘chop the post’. I don’t believe Appietus understands what MUSIGA stands for. Appietus cannot handle MUSIGA, it’s not as easy as people think it is,” Rex Omar told Bola Ray on Starr Chat Wednesday.

He also showered praises on the current President of the union, Bice Kufour, aka Obour. Out of 100  percent, Rex Omar graded his performance 70 percent.

Rex Omar Speaks;

“When he started he was young and passionate and so cannot be said to be perfect, but I think Obuor has done well and I’ll score him 70%. He has taken MUSIGA to another level. The question is when Obuor leaves, who will be able to take MUSIGA to another level?”

The ‘Paapa’ hit maker also took a swipe at young musicians over the love for money over the job.

“Any seminar you organize, if you’re not sharing money, people do not want to attend.  Especially the up and coming musicians”.

You’re Better Off With Zylofon – Rex Omar Tells Stonebwoy

Legendary Highlife musician, Rex Omar has added his voice to the seeming chaos between Zylofon Media and Dancehall act, Stonebwoy.

According to him, Stonebwoy has a better prospect with a Ghanaian record label than that of a foreigner. Hence his advise to the ‘My Name’ crooner is not to quit the firm.

Rex Omar Speaks;

“I’ll tell Stonebwoy that he’s better off with a Ghanaian record label that believes in our music. This is someone who is Ghanaian and has a certain vision for the industry. And so you are always better off with him. A Nigerian can sign you with the money you want only to shelve you and then promote the Nigerian musician because the identity comes first in this music industry,” he said.

He, however, urged the leadership of Zylofon to tame some of their staff.

“I believe the structures at Zylofon has to be done right and some people there be tamed”, he told Bola Ray on Starr  Chart.

Stonebwoy and Zylofon have developed a cold relationship following the signing of rival Shatta Wale onto the label.

However, the CEO of Zylofon Media on Tuesday rendered an apology to the BHIM Nation President. This follows the nasty clash between Stonebwoy and Bulldog at the Champs bar over the weekend. According to reports, Bulldog had led some officials of the media house to the bar to seize Stonebwoy’s car. The CEO, Nana Appiah Mensah has also confirmed that Stonebwoy is still an artiste of the record label.

Meanwhile, the reports have it that the Transport manager at Zylofon has been fired over the incident.

Rex Omar Applauds Bola Ray For Supporting Ghanaian Musicians

Highlife musician, Rex Owusu Marfo best known as Rex Omar has commended C.E.O of EIB Networks, Nathan Kwabena Anokye Adisi (Bola Ray) for supporting the Ghanaian music industry.

The ‘Paapa‘ singer  was among a host of dignitaries who graced the 41st birthday celebration of Mr. Adisi last week.

The birthday celebration which came off at the at the Polo Club Restaurant in Accra saw many public figures in attendance.

According to Rex Omar, he joined his colleagues at the event as a way of showing his appreciation to the ace broadcaster.

Rex Omar Speaks;

“Bola Ray as we know him has done a lot in the industry. He has supported a lot of up and coming artistes. He is someone who has always been supporting the creative industry especially the music industry so i thought that it was good for all of us to show appreciation and let him know how we appreciate him.” He told Eli Kharis on Rythmz Live on GhOneTV.

Rex Omar also noted the disunity among Ghanaian artistes, both the young and old ones. He further called on them to unite to help grow the Ghanaian music industry.

“It is not only the young artistes. Even the old artistes are not unified, and it has had its effect on the up and coming artistes. Most creative people have a chip on their shoulder so it makes it difficult for them to be together unless some neutral people like Bola Ray. Also is the management around these artistes, because they are all competing brands everyone wants to be in their corner and show who he is. It takes people who are neutral to us to help unify us.”