TV3 Launches ‘Bands Alive’

In the 1960s when Ghana’s music was based on live band performances, connoisseurs in the industry never anticipated that one day the genre would negatively be affected by the interminable growth of technology. Today the genre is totally relegated to the background, with focus on computerized beats. Majority of young artistes mount the stage and mime while live band instruments are beautifully arranged on the same stage. This has not only diverted Ghana’s attention from live band music, but is also thwarting the nation’s efforts to penetrate the international music scene. In reversing the situation and averting other possible effects, TV3, in collaboration with the Gama Films Company (GFC), has introduced a live band reality show dubbed ‘Bands Alive - Living The Music’. The event, which was launched last Friday at TV3’s studio B, would be running for the next 12 weeks and is expected to give Ghanaians the opportunity to relish the professionalism in live band music. The historic launch of the event attracted a number of music lovers, including ministers of state such as Hon Nana Akomea, Minister of Manpower, Youth and Employment; Sampson Kweku Boafo, Minister of Chieftaincy and Culture; George Andah, MTN PRO; musician, Stan Plunge among other top-gun stars.Twelve live bands which were selected for the event treated the studio audience to some thrilling introductory performances. The groups - Liberty, The Sax, M1, BIB, Amen, Trinity, S-Touch, Big Shot, CAF, 3x3, Kakraa and Warriors - played good live band music to the admiration of the audience, and MC KKD did not fail to comment on that. Meanwhile, while the event continues, each of these groups would not only ‘battle’ for the ultimate prize of live band instruments and six months recording deal as well as other souvenirs from sponsors with their talents, but must also win more public votes through texts to short code 1788 as well as marks from judges. Music heavyweights like Mac Tontoh, Rex Omar, Charles Amoah, Diana Hopson and Nana Nkrumah are the judges for the event. Speaking at the ceremony, Hon S.K. Boafo said the introduction of the live band reality show was the beginning of the end to computerized sounds. He commended TV3 and GFC for the great job and said the show must be improved.