Happy Man Bitters withdraws sponsorship for Upper East Music Awards
The Happy Man Bitters brand says the decision to suspend its sponsorship of the event is in response to the controversy surrounding the awards scheme
The headline sponsor of the Upper East Music Awards, Happy Man Bitters, has announced the indefinite suspension of its partnership with the organisers of the music awards scheme.
The chief executive officer of Charge Ltd, owner of the Happy Man Bitters brand, Dr Emmanuel Bortey Borketey, said the decision is a result of the controversy surrounding the scheme.
Recently, the music award scheme was caught in some disagreements, including allegations from the reigning artist of the year, Nambawan.
The artist accused the organisers, among many infractions, of ill-treatment and disrespect for his person.
In support of progress
In a statement posted on his Facebook wall, Dr Borketey, while smartly announcing that he has fulfilled his pledge to support the awards scheme with GHC20,000 in prize money, said the company’s doors are closed temporarily and that it will not be giving sponsorship or partnering the award scheme.
He announced, however, that his door was still open to projects that will drive the development of society.
“Going forward, I advise my good friend Kabu Banks and his One Love Entertainment team to reconsider their decisions on hosting the annual award scheme, because my brand and I seek peace and we try not to engage in any project engulfed in controversies.
“On this note, our doors are closed temporarily till further notice concerning giving sponsorship or partnerships for UEMA. Doors are still open to any project that evolves around societal progress,” Dr Borketey posted on Facebook.
Mixed reaction to suspension
The announcement by Happy Man Bitters has prompted varying reactions, with many voicing their dissatisfaction with the suspension.
Most residents, music lovers and industry players in the Upper East Region feel that the decision was harsh and are calling on the company to rescind it.
Some others, however, say the decision is the panacea to curb the corrupt behaviour associated with the event over the years.
But as calls mount on the company to rescind its decision, Dr Borketey has already advised the organisers – One Love Entertainment, to reconsider some of the decisions that determine the shape of the annual event.
He explained Happy Man Bitters will not engage with any project that is mired in controversy.
Senyalah Castro
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