Entertainment
Samini promotes road safety at MTN Carols Night
Samini, the live music maestro and evergreen reggae-dancehall performer, who said he had just recovered from a bout of malaria, admonished Ghanaians to sustain the fight against malaria and also observe road safety measures during the yuletide.
This was when he hit the stage and took over the microphone to dish out some great tunes to the audience at the MTN Carols Night held at the Grand Arena in Accra on Friday, December 10.
In a message, which was delivered in the form of a song, Samini urged Ghanaians not to drink and drive in order to avoid accidents during the Christmas festivities. He cautioned the people to protect themselves against malaria.
After the message, he did “his own thing” with some of his popular songs in a rub-a-dub style. He increased the tempo in the arena when he ‘dropped’ his popular energetic song, “Where my baby dey” and left the audience yearning for more.
Stonebwoy and Kuami Eugene who were also on the bill took turns to dole out some thrilling performances to the audiences at the venue as well as those who patronised the show on MTN digital platforms.
Soul and highlife singer, Abiana opened the three-hour sizzling show, clad in a gleaming dark green puffy-sleeved long dress, sporting a cropped hairdo that gave her a smart look that complemented her energetic performance.
With a Christmas song, “Mary did you know?” a Ga love song and a couple of other tunes, Abiana touched the audience in an exciting way that earned her some applause at the end of her performance.
MTN Hitmaker Season 9 winner, Adepa Zela was the next artiste on the stage. Looking sharp in her brown sleeveless top and off-white skirt, perfected with sneakers, commonly known as ‘camboo’, hit the audience with some popular Christmas songs – “Joy to the World” and “Pa Ram Pa Pam Pam”. She topped off her performance with some Akan songs, “Te3 Abofo 3nne” and “Nyame ye,” which she did with a touch of rap.
The MTN Viva Voices Choir followed with a number of Carols in English and Akan. Members of the choir entertained the audience with choreographed dance moves as the conductor stole the show with his unique dance steps and conducting style.
The musical side of the show got heated up when the leader of the BHIM Nation, Stonebwoy a.k.a 1 GAD stormed the stage in a sharp black suit over a white shirt, sporting dreadlocks with the sides shaved. Song after song, he got the audience up on their feet as he got down from the stage and joined them on the floor to sing, dance and take selfies with his fans.
The last performer among the galaxy of stars on the bill, Kuami Eugene, stepped on stage in an all-white apparel and switched the show into a praise and worship session with a back-to-back medley of well-known gospel songs. He ended his performance with a couple of hits from his repertoire.
The ‘Lessons’ for the night were read by AJ Sarpong of Citi TV, Wisdom Ndukwe, Vice President of the University of Ghana Students Representative Council (SRC), Mrs. Mercy Tagoe Quarcoo, Coach of the Black Queens and Dr. Emmanuel Nii Armah Tackie, CEO of D2E Limited.
Others were Stonebwoy, Ms. Olivia Quartey, Deputy Director General for Managerial Operations, National Communications Authority (NCA), comedian, Clemento Suarez, and Barbara Kayi, Manager, Trade, Marketing, Sales and Distribution Division, MTN Ghana.
The CEO, Mr. Selorm Adadevoh in a short address said 2021 was be a year of reckoning, coming off the back of 2020, which challenged “all of us in different ways”. “The event is to celebrate and also say thank you to Ghanaians for your support through the years”.
According to the CEO, 2021 was special because it marked 25 years of MTN operations in Ghana and the event was also meant to thank God for His blessings.
MTN has, in the last few weeks, held a number of musical events to mark its 25th anniversary. The shows included the MTN Hitmaker All Stars Concert, which featured Kuami Eugene, KiDi and a host of past winners of the popular music talent hunt show, Hitmaker.
Ghanaian music icon, Akwasi Poku Addae, known in Showbiz circles as Kwaisey Pee has honoured his promise to children suffering from cancer.
Ahead of his 25th anniversary event held at the D’ Icon Event Centre at East Legon last year, he made a promise to donate some funds to children suffering from cancer.
True to his word, the musician has recently made a donation of GHC50,000 to the Paediatric Oncology Unit of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital.
He told the Ghanaian Times that children are so dear to him, and was optimistic the support would go a long way too impact lives.
The music dynamo also promised that the gesture will not be the last,” it will be a continuous feature from me.”
He also called on Ghanaians home and abroad to lend a helping hand to children suffering from cancer.
According to him, children with cancer have many needs, and a helping hands will go a long way ease the suffering.
“Cancer treatment is very expensive, and leaving that to parents of the children alone, will be a huge burden, with support from you and myself, we can make some changes in other people’s lives,” he concluded.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
In the ever-evolving journey of Ghanaian music, there are individuals whose contributions transcend the spotligh.
There are always men and women who work quietly yet powerfully to preserve culture, nurture legends, and keep the soul of the music alive across generations and borders.
One such figures is Jerry Amoah, widely known and affectionately called Nana Kobo.
This year, Ghana Music Awards-USA honours Jerry Amoah for his unwavering commitment to sustaining Ghanaian music, both at home and in the diaspora.
It is a recognition long deserved, a celebration of decades of passion, sacrifice, and cultural stewardship.
Jerry Amoah’s journey has never been about personal glory. Instead, it has been anchored in service: promoting Ghanaian sounds, advocating for artistes, and ensuring that the richness of Ghana’s musical heritage continues to resonate beyond national borders.
Through his tireless efforts, many Ghanaian musicians have found platforms, audiences, and renewed relevance, especially within Ghanaian communities abroad.
Central to his legacy is his steadfast support for gospel music and, in particular, his enduring association with legendary gospel icon Yaw Sarpong.
At times when gospel music needed champions, Jerry Amoah stood firm—protecting its values, amplifying its message, and honoring its pioneers. His respect for Yaw Sarpong is not merely professional; it reflects a deep appreciation for music as ministry, heritage, and moral compass.
Colleagues often describe Nana Kobo as a bridge—connecting generations, genres, and geographies.
He understands that Ghanaian music is not just entertainment, but identity. Through festivals, promotions, mentorship, and behind-the-scenes advocacy, he has helped ensure that Ghana’s rhythms, lyrics, and spiritual expressions remain relevant in a globalized world.
As Ghana Music Awards-USA prepares to bestow this honour, it is not simply recognizing one man—it is saluting a lifetime of dedication to culture, faith, and music.
Jerry Amoah’s story reminds us that true impact is measured not by applause, but by legacy.
And in the story of Ghanaian music, Nana Kobo’s legacy is written in bold, enduring notes.
