Entertainment
We have a unique brand – Ghanaian music duo Dope Nation explain the choice of name
The all-time favourite Ghanaian music duo, Dope Nation has finally shared the inspiration behind their choice of name, adding a bit of detail on their new sound, ‘GhanaPiano’ and life back in Senior High school.
When asked to explain the meaning behind their name ‘Dope Nation’, the talented duo indicated that “The meaning ‘Dope’ is that jargon that we all term as unique in its own way; it has that wow factor.
“Musically, we are unique in our own form. We have this elite vision for music and that is why we call ourselves ‘Dope’. It’s a ‘Nation’ because it’s a movement and we are the ones representing it.”
With their new sound that infuses Ghanaian music genres and that of the famous South African ‘Amapiano’, the twins talk about why they decided to explore that idea and the name they gave to it, adding that their favourite song on it has not yet been released.
Speaking to Chrystal Kwame-Aryee on Showbiz 360, they stated “We think this is the time we all get updated with musical intelligence and at the same time, get entertained as well. The world is updating so fast in every industry with music inclusive. We know that since we the twins are at the borders of the Western world and that of Africa, we should find that bridge that connects everyone and that’s why we have ‘GhanaPiano’.”
Still on the same topic, according to them, “It’s basically the fundamentals of the instrumentals in the songs and since we are repping Ghana, we just had to use ‘Ghana’ and ‘Piano’, coining the term, ‘GhanaPiano’. The funny thing is, the favorite song is not yet out. You’ll hear it and be amazed.”
Shifting the conversation a bit to focus on how they got separated during their Secondary school days, one of the twins, Tony Boafo known as Twist, takes viewers down memory lane as he reveals he had to rap-battle his brother, Micheal Boafo popularly known as B2.
“My dad separated us when we were going to high school. I went to a boys’ school; GSTS and my brother went to Sekondi College. We used to have inter-college rap battles. I go to school after school and battle with the best rappers there. I then met my brother’s school. When I went there, I hadn’t seen him in a while so I asked who the best rapper was and they brought this guy (referring to his twin),” he disclosed.
The ‘GhanaPiano’ EP has been outdoored with songs like ‘Gboza’, ‘Clap’ and ‘Check My Zingo’, streaming on all platforms. The duo promises more fire and asks fans to stay put, anticipating for what is yet to come.
source: 3news.com
The biggest event on Ghana’s entertainment calendar is set for a night of honours, pomp, and pageantry.
It is a night where musicians who excelled during the year under review will be rewarded through the endorsement of the Telecel Ghana Music Awards Board, the Academy, and the general public.
The Grand Arena, the ideal venue for the 27th TGMA, will host a star-studded audience of musicians, media personalities, businessmen, politicians, actors, and footballers among others.
On this night, the most coveted prize is the Artiste of the Year (AOTY) category, which will see the crowning of a new king or queen of Ghana music.
Two heavyweights in the category, Stonebwoy and Sarkodie, have the opportunity to set an enviable record as the only artistes to win the coveted title for a third time.
Should they fall short, the opportunity shifts to Black Sherif and Diana Hamilton to equal the record of two wins, joining the elite ranks of past double-winners like VIP.
A win for Diana Hamilton, will set her up in a lonely journey at the top as the only gospel musician, to win the Artiste of the Year for the second time.
Alternatively, Wendy Shay could make her debut by winning the award for the first time. This would make her team up with Diana Hamilton as the only female artistes alive to hold the title. The late Ebony, won it posthumously in 2018.
If the title slips past them and falls to Medikal, he will also become a first-time winner, etching his name into the annals of Ghana music history.
Patrons can look forward to electrifying performances from a long list of confirmed artistes, including Black Sherif, Diana Hamilton, Piesie Esther, R2Bees, Medikal, Wendy Shay, Lasmid, Kofi Kinaata, Samini, and Fido, among others.
Beyond the ultimate prize, several other major categories are up for grabs, including Music Video of the Year, New Artiste of the Year, Gospel Artiste of the Year, Most Popular Song of the Year, and Songwriter of the Year.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
The fourth edition of International AmoFest lived up to its promise on Saturday, May 2, delivering a vibrant “three-in-one” experience that left the audience at Alliance Française in Accra buzzing.
The night was a masterful blend of sound and stagecraft. Berima Amo, the visionary behind the festival, led an impressive lineup of performers, including Pedro Kastelijns, Martha Apini, Rudy Ray, and Lamisi.
Together, they showcased a fusion of global music and authentic Ghanaian Highlife, staying true to the festival’s mission of preserving Ghana’s original rhythmic soul.
Adding a unique layer to the evening, Uncle Ebo Whyte’s Roverman Productions took to the stage, blending theater with the night’s musical energy.
The experience concluded with a high-energy after-party, fulfilling Berima Amo’s goal of creating a truly immersive and memorable night.
Reflecting on the event’s purpose, Amo emphasised the need for intentionality in protecting Highlife.
He called on every Ghanaian, as well as government institutions, to actively foster an environment where the genre can thrive on the global stage.
The main event followed a successful educational outreach on April 24, where over 250 high school students participated in a Highlife workshop at the Centre for National Culture.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
