Entertainment
11 African countries, three languages: Merck Foundation CEO acknowledges health workers with “My White Army”
As part of effort to encourage and show solidarity for health workers risking their lives to save lives amidst the coronavirus pandemic, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Merck Foundation, Dr Rasha Kelej has shown the way.
He has produced a song by bringing together musicians from 11 African countries to use three languages, English, French and Arabic to compose a song.
The song written by a Ghanaian contemporary gospel music dynamo, Cwesi Oteng is to acknowledge the amazing work by, doctors, nurses and other hospital staff in Africa.
Other artistes on the song include, A Pass from Uganda, Kambua from Kenya, Mahmoud Al Leithy from Egypt, Nikki from Nigeria, Rozzy from Sierra Leone, Salatiel from Cameroon, Sean K from Namibia, Sunita from The Gambia, Tom Close from Rwanda and Wezi from Zambia.
Speaking of the new song, Dr Kelej emphasised, “I strongly believe, it is important for the people on the front line; doctors, nurses and health workers know how grateful we are. I don’t want this to be a one-off thank you, but one that becomes a regular act of gratitude across our communities. I have heard stories of horrible behaviour against our health workers, such as, landlords are forcefully evicting them due to paranoia that they might spread COVID -19. It is shocking, illegal and inhuman behaviour”.
She further added that though she was not a professional music director or producer, as the CEO of Merck Foundation she had produced and directed many documentaries with the aim to break the stigma around infertile women and to empower women and girls in education in Africa and Asia as part of their programmes.
“So, I believe I have the talent and experience needed. Most importantly, I have the vision of inclusive Africa, all regions of Africa; North, South, West and East in one work and one initiative that goes across the whole continent and the whole world,” Rasha Kelej added.
Aside this, which is her personal contribution towards the COVID-19 fight, her organisation, Merck Foundation has partnered with 18 First Ladies in four main focus areas which include; supporting the livelihood of thousands of casual workers and women during the lockdown, launching the ‘Stay at Home’ Media Recognition Awards, launching an inspiring children storybook ‘Make the Right Choice’ to sensitise children and youth about coronavirus and building healthcare capacity by providing online one year diploma for African doctors in Respiratory Medicines and Acute Medicines.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
A renowned Ghanaian gospel musician, Madam Gloria Ampofo is set to launch her fourth album on October 25, at Mount Zion Methodist Church, Sakumono.
The fourth album titled ‘Aseda’ is to give thanks to God and also celebrate her 70th birthday.
Madam Gloria Ampofo, also an alumna of St. Roses Senior High School told The Spectator Agoro that her fourth album is a collection of songs meant to uplift hearts and honour God’s goodness.
The gospel artiste stated that she feels strong, healthy, and grateful at 70 a blessing not everyone gets.
According to her, she wants to use this opportunity to thank God and share songs that reflect His mercy, healing, and love.
“God has been so good to me for the past 70 years. I feel younger, and I can’t stop thanking Him,” she explained .
Madam Ampofo’s music journey began in 2014 with her first album of Christmas carols. She later composed songs for Ghana’s 60th anniversary and the Black Stars during the 2022 World Cup.
Her work earned her an award from the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) in 2024.
Now, with five albums and seven decades of life, she hopes this new release will bring healing, peace of mind, joy, and spiritual strength to everyone who listens.
Among her songs includes ‘I love you jesus’, ‘Njomo da fee fee(Ga), ‘ Awurade ye ma me daa’ and any more
By Beatrice Wonovi Kpeglah
The Kumasi metropolis was thrown into a state of frenzy last Saturday as thousands of fans flocked the Baba Yara Sports Stadium for Sarkodie’s Rapperholic Concert that climaxed the 2025 Momo Fest.
Despite a heavy rainfall, the event, powered by MTN, drew unprecedented crowds for the month-long initiative to promote financial inclusion, the use of mobile money, and raise awareness on MoMo fraud prevention.
The musical event was preceded by educational roadshows, cashless market fairs, and community engagement activities across the country.
Vendors at the MoMo Cashless Market and Fair, set up within the stadium premises, offered goods and services payable exclusively through mobile money, giving patrons a live demonstration of MoMo’s utility.
The concert, headlined by multiple award-winning rapper Sarkodie, featured performances from several high-profile Ghanaian artistes including Medikal, Kofi Kinaata, Donzy, Kweku Smoke, and Efya.
But the appearance of Shatta Wale, who joined Sarkodie on stage, took the excitement a notch higher as it marked a rare public collaboration between the two top acts.
The event would go into the history books as one of the largest music gatherings in Kumasi and a fitting conclusion to a festival that sought to blend innovation with entertainment.
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