Sinking Sand For Film Festival

The Dream Child song, which seeks the accelerated socio-economic advancement of the African child through investment in education and empowerment of the African child by governments, corporate bodies and civil society, was launched a few weeks ago. The ‘Dream Child African Renaissance Project’, which is spearheaded by ace highlife musician, president and founder of the Highlife Institute, Ben Brako, in collaboration with Scratch Studios, was established to raise money for several charity causes. The lyrics on the track Dream Child, among other things, highlight the resilience of the African people over the years and the attitudinal change needed for development. This project in itself featured various African artistes who came together to work on a common goal- to foster love and unity for global advancement. The ‘Dream Child Project’ brought together over 25 top African musicians with international stature. They include award winning musicians such as Hugh Masakela, Pat Thomas, Shasha Marley, Obour, Wutah, Carlos Sakyi, Bessa Simons, Amandzeba Nat Brew, Nana Fynn, Paulina Oduro, Gloria Dwamena, Noble Nketia, Ackah Blay, Osei Tutu, Ishmael Koranteng, Shabo, Steve Bedi, Freeman, Paulette, J Martins, Nadjat and many others. Proceeds from sales of the Dream Child single will be channeled primarily into charity projects, particularly the Korle-Bu Children’s Clinic headed by Dr. Welbeck, and for absolute credibility, KPMG has been tasked to manage the funds to ensure maximum benefit to the children. The Dream Child song, written by Brako, will keep the audience spellbound with its fusion of African rhythms and other global sounds, which Scratch Studios calls SYNCHOS (Synchronized Soul). The lyrics are inspiring, encouraging the African child to “Dream Deep, and Leap Deep”, despite the several negative factors that militate against its progress. In addition, the Highlife Institute and Scratch Studios have teamed up to organize a live musical concert which will feature all the musicians involved with the charity single, plus others. This concert, which will take place later this year; will be used as an opportunity to undertake a civic education exercise on how to behave in the event of a disaster. In a related development, Scratch Studios, which has a state-of-the-art recording studio with facilities that meet international standards, has put in place experts to train singers, instrumentalists, sound engineers, and equip industry practitioners with vital knowledge about music and copyright issues through the organisation of seminars and workshops. The Chief Executive Officer of Scratch Studios, Kofi Amoakohene, who is eager to help develop the music industry, told BEATWAVES that his outfit is ready to contribute towards the changing trend of Ghanaian music by providing top quality services, including recording facilities for audio and video productions, rehearsal rooms, instruments and a 400-seater venue for live performances. He noted that Scratch Studios, situated next to The Guest hotel in East Legon, has become the meeting place for Ghanaian superstars; from musicians to filmmakers, sound engineers and music business tycoons.