Entertainment
Rhythms of Africa 2024 Peace edition slated for November 29
Sonnie Badu
Ghanaian gospel musician and pastor, Sonnie Badu, will host a ground-breaking concert dubbed “Rhythms of Africa: The Peace Edition” on Friday, November 29 at the Independence Square in Accra.
Sponsored by Agromonti Company, the concert is focused on promoting peace, love, and unity as the country gets ready for elections on December 7.
Admission is free.
According to the organisers, the concert will feature top gospel musicians who will use their songs to encourage unity alongside dignitaries who will use their presence to inspire peace.
“Through powerful music and worship, they will remind Ghanaians that peace starts with each person and spreads to everyone around them. The main message is clear: Ghana must stay united and strong, no matter the challenges,” he added.
The organisers told The Spectator that the Independence Square, where the event will be held, was a symbol of Ghana’s freedom and strength. “Sonnie Badu chose this location to show his commitment to bringing the country together during this important time.
“I believe that music, prayer, and faith are strong tools to heal divisions and give people hope, especially as the elections approach.”
“Rhythms of Africa: The Peace Edition” is not just a concert. It is a moment for everyone to reflect, pray, and commit to keeping the peace in Ghana. As people come together under the sky at this historic venue, they will be reminded that unity is Ghana’s greatest strength.
This concert is a chance to celebrate peace and come together as one nation. Let’s all take part in this amazing experience and stand together for a peaceful and bright future for Ghana.”
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
