The Role of Education in Shaping Music Careers
Professor Mark-Millas Fish, an Associate Professor of Music at the University of Education, Winneba, has emphasized the importance of education for young people pursuing a career in music. He believes that education plays a crucial role in creating opportunities and promoting any craft within the music industry, just as it does in other disciplines and professions.
During a concert organized by Bigshots GH at the Department of Music, School of Performing Arts, University of Ghana in Accra, Prof Fish shared his insights with the Ghana News Agency. As a founder-member of the Bigshots GH band, he explained that the original intention of the group was to shift the perception that live bands are composed of individuals who are “vagabonds,” “riff-raffs,” or “school dropouts.”
A Band Composed of Academically Qualified Members
Prof Fish highlighted that the band consists of passionate individuals with extensive academic qualifications, including Bachelors, Masters, and PhDs. He stressed that only those with a strong educational background could become members of the group. The primary vision of the band is to act as ambassadors of Ghana’s music, inspiring others about the importance of creativity and service while maintaining their identity as an African band.
The band has had the opportunity to perform in countries such as the Netherlands and Germany, with the goal of touring the world and projecting the image of Ghana. Their music incorporates cultural values, reviving indigenous rhymes and games that are becoming extinct due to technological advancements. By bringing these elements back to life, the band aims to preserve and promote traditional heritage.
Preserving Cultural Values for Future Generations
Prof Fish emphasized the significance of sustaining these moral and cultural values, which are essential for guiding the younger generation into adulthood. The band, which started in 2008 as a student group at the University of Ghana campus with four members, has grown over the years. Their first public appearance was at the “Bands Alive” event organized by TV3, where they were evicted prematurely.
Dr Stephen Kojo Sackey, Ambassador for Trade and Commerce to Africa for the Federation of Aboriginal Nations of the Americas (FANA), served as a special guest at the concert. He called on Ghana to address the low spirit of volunteerism among young people, especially during times when communities need more service, leadership, and shared responsibility.
The Power of Arts in Society
Dr Sackey highlighted FANA’s commitment to cultural place-making, tourism, and equitable economic progress. He stated that the mission of FANA is to inspire global partnerships that prioritize cultural identity, public safety, and economic sustainability for indigenous people worldwide. According to him, the arts are essential tools for peacebuilding, civic awakening, and sustainable development.
He described high-life music as more than just a sound—it is a testament to resilience, joy, and memory. Dr Sackey added that high-life music teaches and binds people together in ways that politics cannot. He praised Bigshots GH for their cultural accomplishments, referring to them as cultural diplomats whose talent and commitment exemplify the power of creativity to unite, heal, and inspire action.
“You are part of Ghana’s soft power, our gift to the world. Let this concert be the beginning of not just a musical series but of a renewed national movement that recognizes the arts as a pillar of progress,” he said.
Recognizing Contributions to Community and Global Welfare
Ambassador Sackey was honored with a citation by the Department for his passion for ambassadorial work and promoting civic education. His efforts in fostering harmony in community relations, seeking global human interest, and welfare have been widely recognized.
Through their performances and initiatives, Bigshots GH continues to make a significant impact on both local and international stages, showcasing the potential of music as a medium for cultural preservation, education, and global connection.