Entertainment
Abiriw Music Expo: A Resounding Success In Celebrating Ohum Festival
The picturesque town of Abiriw in the Eastern Region of Ghana recently witnessed the climax of its iconic Ohum festival, an ancient tradition celebrated with much pomp and cultural fervour.
This year’s festivities reached new heights with the inclusion of a mega Abiriw Music Expo, curated by the visionary Frank Kwabena Owusu, popularly known as Franky5.
The event, featuring performances by A-list gospel artists, aimed not only to entertain but also to draw investment and spotlight Abiriw’s abundant tourism potential.
Ohum Festival, a cultural cornerstone for the Akuapem and Okere people, holds great significance as it marks the beginning of the harvest season for new farm crops.
The celebration attracts people from diverse backgrounds, including the diaspora, showcasing the rich cultural tapestry of the region.
Following the traditional Durbar of Chiefs and Traditional Leaders, which highlighted the cultural heritage of the Akuapem and Okere people, the Abiriw Music Expo took centre stage to conclude the festivities. Gospel luminaries such as Piesie Esther, Nacee, Mabel Okyere, Empress Gifty, and Joseph Atarah graced the stage, delivering unforgettable performances that left patrons in awe.
In addition to the gospel performances, the expo featured resounding acts by some of the top highlife musicians, adding a diverse musical flavour to the celebration. Franky5, the mastermind behind the music extravaganza, expressed the importance of incorporating a musical concert into the festival celebrations. He highlighted the support received from the chief of Abiriw, granting permission for the annual event, emphasizing the intention to leverage creative arts to attract investment to the fertile land with immense tourism potential.
Frank Kwabena Owusu stated, “We are trying to use creative arts to draw investment to Abiriw because it is fertile land and has so much tourism potential. From the waterfall and other tourism attractions, people must pass by Abiriw for their holidays to enjoy all these goodies I am mentioning.”
The success of the Abiriw Music Expo underscores the community’s commitment to merging tradition with contemporary expressions of culture. By attracting top-tier artists and creating a platform for cultural celebration, the event not only brought joy to the residents but also positioned Abiriw as a destination ripe for investment and tourism.
As the echoes of the music fade away, the legacy of the Abiriw Music Expo lingers, leaving a lasting impression on the hearts of those who attended and setting a promising precedent for future editions. The town of Abiriw has truly demonstrated that cultural festivals can be catalysts for economic growth and community development, with the arts playing a pivotal role in shaping the narrative of a region with immense potential.
By:JSmart Amenuveve
Ghanaian gospel artiste, Jesse Delali, has released his latest single, ‘Hallelujah’, a powerful praise anthem that urges believers to lift the banner of worship and give glory to the King of kings.
Rooted in gratitude, surrender, and heartfelt adoration, ‘Hallelujah’ is more than a song; it is a declaration of God’s greatness and a reminder that He deserves the highest praise not only because of His mighty works, but simply because of who He is.
The upbeat tempo contemporary church praise jam blends energetic rhythms with a worshipful message, making it a perfect sound for Sunday services, personal devotion, and moments of collective celebration in the presence of God.
Speaking about the inspiration behind the song, Jesse Delali describes ‘Hallelujah’ as a call for every believer to exalt God regardless of circumstances.
“God deserves our praise at all times. ‘Hallelujah’ is a declaration of gratitude and surrender-a reminder that our worship is not only tied to what God does for us, but who He is,” he explains.
The production of ‘Hallelujah’ was handled by renowned music producer Junior Boateng of Newgenn Studios, who crafted a rich and energetic soundscape that complements the song’s celebratory message.
The official music video, shot and edited by Kwame Aboagye of Envision Media, brings the song’s message to life through captivating visuals recorded live in Ottawa, Canada that reflect the joy, passion, and spiritual atmosphere behind the praise anthem.
With ‘Hallelujah’, the drummer turned singer continues his mission of creating music that inspires faith, encourages worship, and draws hearts closer to God, following his recent release of ‘For All You’ve Done’
Renowned Ghanaian highlife musician, Pozo Hayes, has received an electric mobility scooter from the Nat Arthur Foundation –Tower of Hope to enhance his mobility, independence and overall well-being.
The presentation, which brought together family members, friends and well-wishers, showed the Foundation’s commitment to supporting vulnerable individuals and improving their quality of life.
The Spokesperson for the Foundation, Ms Philomina Kuntum Blankson, said the donation was part of the Foundation’s mission of restoring hope and transforming lives through acts of compassion and community support.
According to her, the Foundation recognised the challenges faced by some vulnerable persons and remained committed to providing practical assistance to improve their daily lives and preserve their dignity.
Ms Blankson said the foundation has over the years undertaken various charitable interventions aimed at improving lives through healthcare support, community development projects and humanitarian assistance.
“The donation to Pozo Hayes forms part of its broader efforts to promote dignity, inclusion and social support for persons facing mobility and other life challenges,” she added.
Receiving the scooter, Pozo Hayes expressed gratitude to the Nat Arthur Foundation and all those who contributed towards the initiative.
He described the gesture as life-changing, saying the mobility scooter would greatly improve his movement and enable him to carry out his daily activities with greater ease and confidence.
The veteran musician also commended the Foundation for its kindness and concern for the welfare of vulnerable members of society.
Dignitaries who attended the event were Prophet King Solomon, Nana Offeh Sebede3 Adeamuoduro Trimud3 Kaakyire Kwame Appiah I, Bosomtwe Asaman Manhene Benkumhene/Detiesohene of Lake Bosomtwe, associates of the musician.
