Report reaching Beatwaves indicates that the body of the late music
producer, Faisal Helwani will arrive in the country tomorrow Thursday,
July 31 for burial.

The music producer and copyright advocate, who was born 62 years ago at Agona Swedru in the Central Region, prior to his death, had traveled to Lebanon to seek medical attention but unfortunately died while undergoing treatment.

The late legendary music producer who died last Sunday was believed to have suffered from diabetes and heart failure.

Faisal Helwani was the Chief Executive Officer of Bibini Music and owner of former Napoleon Night Club in Osu. His record label Bibini Music discovered popular blind musician, Onipa Nua. He was also the brain behind the “Pop Chain Idol”, a show which sought to unearth hidden musical talents.

Faisal recorded songs virtually in all Ghanaian languages and from all genres, and worked with music greats as E.T. Mensah, Onipa Nua, Agya Koo Nimo, South Africa’s Hugh Masekela, Osibisa, Kofi Sammy, Obibini Takyi and a host of others.

In a chat, Mac Tontoh, one of his close associates who wept bitterly when he visited the family of the late music producer, said while Faisal Helwani was on his sick bed “he called to tell me to continue the fight against corruption in the music industry and that he sees me as one of the pillars of success.

“He even told me that although he is far away from Ghana, he wanted me to update him with the happenings in the music industry.”

Mac said Ghana’s music industry would surely feel the absence of the late music producer, who has done a lot for the industry in Ghana and Africa.

The producer and promoter with varied interest in the music industry and whose singular contribution to the growth of music in Ghana is unsurpassed, has left a great void with his passing away.

On his part, the Vice President of the International Federation of Musicians (FIM), Alhaji Sidiku Buari said it was very sad that the industry had lost one of its leading producers.

According to him, the late producer was among those who formed the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) and played a vital role in projecting the image of the union.

Alhaji Sidiku Buari mentioned that when he returned home from the States in the early 80s “it was he who called me and pleaded with me to join him to streamline the operation of the industry.

“We have been very close and had worked together on so many projects, although sometimes we disagree on issues concerning the music industry.”The FIM Vice President added that it was rather unfortunate that Faisal Helwani, who had sacrificed his whole life for the music industry, could not live to enjoy the fruit of his labour.

“I pray that the Almighty God will receive him with both arms. May his soul rest in perfect peace.”