A new Ghana-based music organisation, Duty World Records, has been launched with the mission of recognising and documenting outstanding musical achievements from across Africa.
Led by CEO Nana Kwesi Salem and COO Fiifi Odei Kaytu Ma-Onhiawoda, the organisation aims to fill what it describes as a long-standing gap in global music recognition, where African musicians often achieve remarkable feats without formal documentation or certification.
“Duty World Records was born out of necessity, not imitation,” the organisation said. “African musicians have been breaking boundaries for decades, yet many of these achievements go unrecognised. We exist to change that narrative.”
Duty World Records seeks to recognise a wide array of music-related records, including live show milestones, streaming achievements, songwriting feats, DJ performances, production output, performance endurance, and culturally rooted musical expressions often overlooked by international record bodies.
The organisation says eligibility is open to all musicians regardless of age, genre, nationality, or career stage. “If you create music, you are eligible,” it stated, adding that discipline, originality, and commitment are essential for any record attempt.
Artists interested in attempting a record must submit a proposal for review. Once approved, the attempt is conducted under strict guidelines that include structured monitoring and transparent documentation. Verification is based on continuous evidence gathering, expert review, independent witnesses, and verifiable data.
“Every record stands on evidence, not hype. If it cannot be proven, it cannot be crowned,” Duty World Records emphasised.
To ensure credibility, the organisation collaborates with music professionals, sound engineers, event specialists, and cultural consultants, maintaining firm standards while remaining relevant to African realities.
Although still new, Duty World Records says it is already shaping how musicians approach their craft, encouraging endurance, consistency, and long-term impact as part of artistry. In Ghana, it contributes to preserving music culture by formally documenting sound, language, rhythm, and identity through certified records.
The organisation admits it faces challenges common to new institutions, including skepticism and limited resources, but maintains that resistance is part of innovation. “We do not wait for Africa to be noticed. We document Africa ourselves,” it explained, highlighting how it differs from global record organisations.
Looking ahead, Duty World Records plans to expand beyond Ghana to build a continental archive of African music achievements. It is calling on musicians and creatives to view record-setting not just as a competition, but as a way to build legacy and preserve African excellence for future generations.
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