October 18, 2024, Grace Nyele Mensah, the Operations and Music Publishing Lead at Apprise Music, proudly represented Ghana at the 2024 MaMA Music Convention & Festival in Paris, France. As part of a delegation of music publishing professionals, her participation underscores Ghana’s growing presence in the global music industry.
The trip was fully funded by the French Development Agency (AFD) in partnership with Ghana’s Creative Arts Agency (CAA), reinforcing efforts to strengthen creative collaborations between Ghana and the Francophone world.
Showcasing Ghana on an International Stage
The MaMA Convention, known for highlighting emerging talent worldwide, featured 120 artists performing for industry leaders, media, and music enthusiasts. Mensah was joined by other key Ghanaian representatives, including Mark Okraku-Mantey, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts; Frank Kwabena Owusu, Deputy CEO of the Creative Arts Agency; creative industries executive Kōfi Boachie-Ansah II; and additional stakeholders working to elevate Ghana’s music sector.
Exploring Strategic Partnerships
At the convention, Mensah engaged with global industry figures to explore collaboration opportunities and exchange insights on advancing Ghana’s music publishing landscape. She connected with:
- Alexandre Deniot (President, Global Music Community) – A key figure advocating for innovative career solutions for artists and professionals.
- Caroline Bourgeois (President, CARO.B Music Publishing) – A publishing executive specializing in copyright management, sync licensing, and global administration.
- Akotchayé Okio (International Development Officer for Africa, SACEM) – Leads SACEM’s African initiatives, focusing on rights collection and redistribution.
- François Bloque – A seasoned artist developer and tour strategist, helping musicians achieve global touring success and streaming milestones.
- Oyinkansola Fawehinmi (Entertainment Lawyer and Consultant) – An award-winning legal expert shaping Africa’s creative and sponsorship ecosystems.
Strengthening Ghana’s Music Publishing Sector
The Ghanaian delegation focused on improving rights management, synchronization deals, and international collaborations—key areas for the country’s creative industry. Under Mensah’s leadership, Apprise Music is poised to implement new strategies to support artists and enhance administrative processes.
The AFD-CAA initiative is part of a broader vision to position Ghana as a creative industry powerhouse in West Africa. Collaborations with international organizations like SACEM and CARO.B Music Publishing are expected to drive improvements in royalty collection, copyright enforcement, and revenue opportunities for Ghanaian artists.
Ghana’s participation in MaMA 2024 marks a significant step in bridging African and European music markets, highlighting the country’s increasing influence in the global music business.
