We need stronger bond among us in West Africa - Bongofari

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Ghanaian Afro-Reggae artiste, Bongofari, has called for effective networking among West African musicians to help bolster the music business in the sub-region.

Speaking to a section of the media on his return from Lome, Togo where he performed at the launch of Afro Music Reggae Arts Heritage & Cultural Festival (IARMA-FEST) scheduled for March 2024, Bongofari said networking is an important way to meet new people and grab gig and business opportunities in the music arena.
 
The launch happened on December 1, 2023 at the Only One Beach in Lome. There were artistes from Ghana, Togo, Nigeria and Cote d’Ivoire.
 
“We talked about our careers and how to move forward with what we do. In this music business, just like any other business, it is not only what you know but also who you know. Any sort of connection is useful,” Bongofari stated.
 
He brands his music as Odo Reggae, a mix of Highlife, traditional Ghanaian rhythms and reggae vibes. He sings in English, Twi and French and performed items from his repertoire at the IARMA-FEST 2024 launch. The festival organizers honoured him with a plaque for charting an exciting path with his  style of reggae.
 
Founded by Elijah Amekudzi and organized in collaboration with Pan Africa-Ghana and  Peace Forever Live Music  Club, IARMA-FEST 2024 is expected to bring together reggae musicians  from Togo,  Ghana, Benin, Nigeria, Senegal, Gambia, Burkina Faso, Liberia, Sierra  Leone and Cote d’Ivoire.
 
Activities planned for IARMA-FEST 2024 include workshops on creativity, music business sessions and how to network through international music agencies.  There will be a special focus on how artists can benefit from their merchandise in this era of digitalization.
 
“So what is coming up in March next year will be a sort of ECOWAS music summit. Music making has always been a collaborative process. More opportunities can come your way depending on the number of people you know,” the Odo Reggae man said. “It is always good to meet people who can help you make great music or generally help you further your career,”
 
Bongofari was a music recording engineer before deciding to become a full-time performer. He   won an award at the  Ghana Reggae Dancehall Awards (GRDA) held on September 17, 2023 at  LaBoma Beach in Accra for his “outstanding contributions to Reggae and Dancehall and to the music industry in Ghana today.”