REVIEW OF THE RUSH WESTERN MUSIC AWARD 2017

The Organizers(photo credit: Western Music Awards - Ghana)

Last Saturday, Westline Entertainment and Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) made history by organizing the long awaited maiden Rush Western Music Awards at the plush Best Western Atlantic Hotel. The show had over 72 artistes from the Western and Central regions who were nominated in various categories for the awards.

The high moments

1.       Red carpet light: The illumination on the red carpet was up to standard. Even with the least sophisticated smartphone, patrons could take quality shots.

2.       Position of the interviewer: The Paragon media team was placed at a perfect location. There was no way; any ‘celebrity’ could be missed without granting interview. 

3.       Room lighting: The Ankobrah Hall at Atlantic Hotel vaunts of the best chandeliers in the whole of Takoradi. Supported with the stage lights, the auditorium proved to be the best venue for the event.

4.       Security: Even though the entire premises of the hotel had full security, extra security men and women were standing at vantage points in the auditorium with their walkie-talkies.

5.       MCees: It was earlier published that Nana Quasi-Wusu aka PM of YFM and popular Kumawood actress Nana Ama Mcbrown were to host the event. For some unexplained reasons, Nana Ama went missing. One of Takoradi’s finest female MCs, Chelsy Sey of Paragon FM did not disappoint. She actually proved to the organizers to consider Tardi-based personality for the next edition.

6.     Live-band: The blend of performances with live music made the event literally lively. I cannot imagine how the show would have been like without the live performance of auntie Paulina Oduro, uncle Gyedu Blay Ambulley, uncle Kofi Bentil and Afezi Perry. Lest we forget, Afezi Perry was the best performer, in my assessment.    

Low moments

1.       Ushers: The ushers were becoming nuisance to the show. They asked me more than three times to show them my VIP ticket. Donned in my double-breasted Owen Scott’s suit, I wondered why these girls thought, I didn’t deserve to sit in the VIP stands with the nominees.  Some of the ushers stood at positions, that blocked the views patrons with regular tickets.

2.       Sound: I felt sorry for the artists who chose to mime. It was difficult to hear their voices. All that we could hear was loud sound as if we were at the club. The reason behind no audio in the first 3 awards nominees’ video and cut in power to the microphone of Chelsy Sey, we are yet to be told.

3.       MCees clothing: It was all gorgeous for the two MCs until after 12 midnight, PM changed his Blue single button vested suit accessorized with blue bowtie, pocket handkerchief and lapel pin while Chelsy was still seen rocking her Priscadel Kloding garments confidently as if we had not entered day two of the event. Chelsy literally wore one dress for 2 days, when she had the capacity to change her dress when it was 12:00 midnight.

4.       Presentation of awards: The first presenter who was mentioned was conspicuously missing in action. I want to ask, whose decision was it to use only one usher to carry the awards on stage? At a point in time  I almost climbed the stage to save my darling friend Chelsy from the embarrassment, because she was later doing ushering job, instead of MCeeing.

5.       Speech: In my opinion, Maame Esi Senyiwah of Radio Max, received the massive clap from the audience when she climbed the stage to present an award. She walked a distance from the podium to allow the winner give their speech and left the stage afterwards. I don’t want to mention the MUSIGA representative and Nana Kwame of sky fm. Those two should be banned from the event next year if possible for their appalling actions.     

     Suggestions

1.       Use of private ushers: It seemed to me, the organizers employed the ushering services from the hotel workers. These girls underrated the event (as far as class was concerned to them, they had witnessed events like Ghacem awards nights, etc) and did not live up to expectation.

2.       Use of Interruptible foldback (IFP): In this technological age, the producer or director of the show should acquire an IFP to ensure proper coordination between the technical team.

3.       No acceptance of last minute roles: I do not know when Chelsy was asked to replace Nana Ama MCbrown, but I get the feelings it was done in a last minute. May be it's high time Chelsy stopped accepting last minute appointments.

4.       Check-in book: The protocol team should get a check-in book for invited guests. That way, they can know who did not turn up.

5.       Rehearsal session: Nominees and award presenters must be taken through some rehearsal before the event starts next year.

       Story by Made In Taadi