Entertainment
Create avenues for young creatives …Michael Okyere to stakeholders
Michael Okyere
The United Kingdom (UK)-based Ghanaian gospel musician, Michael Okyere has called on stakeholders in the creative arts industry to create avenues for young creatives to be exposed to greater audiences.
According to him, it is not easy for musicians to penetrate the mainstream industry without a familiar person assisting them.
Speaking in an interview with The Spectator Agoro in Accra, the ‘Aseda’ hitmaker indicated that young creatives needed rooms to enjoy some mileage, thus stakeholders should facilitate the process for them.
He observed that there were lots of things to be done in the industry to ensure the welfare of musicians.
Touching on his music, Michael Okyere stated that he had the divine calling to preach God’s word through music and all his songs were inspirational and could heal and motivate the downtrodden.
“As someone who loves the things of God and music, it’s quite easy to combine both into a craft that many can appreciate. Music has always been a calling so professionally, I’m just following what my heart desires,” he added.
Michael Okyere has released a new song ‘Adepa’ to talk about how precious God is and why he is a great prize to own.
He urged Ghanaians and music lovers to stream the songs on all digital platforms.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Entertainment
Shatta Wale pulls out of Afro+ Fest 2025
The management of Shatta Wale has announced that the artiste will not be able to perform at Afro+ Fest 2025 in Washington, D.C.
In a statement, Media and Public Relations Manager for the Shatta Movement team, Samuel Atuobi Baah, popularly known as Sammy Flex, said the cancellation was due to “unforeseen logistical constraints and tight timelines” which were outside the control of both Shatta Wale and the festival organizers.
According to the statement, Shatta Wale and his team had worked tirelessly over the past weeks to make the performance possible, and the artiste was fully prepared to join his fans in Washington, D.C.
It added that Shatta Wale was “truly disappointed” to miss the moment.
It stressed that the decision was not because of any lack of effort or willingness from Shatta Wale or Afro Plus, but rather a result of challenges many artistes face when traveling internationally under evolving regulations and time-sensitive requirements.
It further assured fans that Afro+ Fest 2025 “will still deliver an incredible experience” and noted that plans were already underway to set a future date for Shatta Wale to connect with his fans in person.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Entertainment
Empress Gifty wins Artiste of the Year at the 6th Ghana Music Awards USA
Renowned Ghanaian gospel musician, Empress Gifty Adorye, has been crowned Artiste of the Year at the 6th edition of the Ghana Music Awards USA held on August 16, 2025, at ACX1 Studios in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
The gospel star, who attended the event with her husband, Mr. Hopeson Adorye, also won the Gospel Song of the Year, making it a double victory on the night.
For the ultimate award, she beat stiff competition from King Promise, Stonebwoy, Shatta Wale, Diana Hamilton, Joe Mettle, Fameye, KiDi, King Paluta, and Team Eternity.
The ceremony, which celebrates Ghanaian music talents in both Ghana and the diaspora, saw US-based Ghanaian artistes such as Jay Hover, C-Ben and Kay Rockz receive honors.
Special tributes were paid to late Highlife icons Dada KD and Daddy Lumba, while Gyedu-Blay Ambolley was recognized with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
The night featured thrilling performances from Empress Gifty, Gyedu-Blay Ambolley, Kofi Kinaata, and comedian OB Amponsah.
In her acceptance speech, Empress Gifty thanked God, her fans, her manager, and the Ghana Music Awards USA organizers for the recognition.
She expressed her gratitude to radio stations, DJs, and all supporters who have stood by her throughout her career, saying: “I have a grateful heart. Thank you to everyone who voted for me and continues to support my journey. God bless you all.”
By: Jacob Aggrey
