Entertainment
Dance legends honoured at maiden Ghana Dance Industry Awards
It was a top-of-the-world dance experience at the Aviation Social Centre on Saturday, January 30, 2021, when the dance legends, Adjetey Sowah, Akosua Agyapong, Reggie Rockstone, Terry Bright Ofosu, among 20 other dance personalities and other institutions were honoured at the maiden edition of the Ghana Dance Industry Awards (GHADI Awards).
According to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Dancetera, Robert Klah, “the purpose of the awards is to honour the dance icons and stakeholders who have contributed to the development of dance over the years.”
He said, that subsequent editions of the award scheme, “in addition to honouring other dance icons and industry stakeholders, will feature competitive categories to ensure the recognition of the best dance artistes and celebration of excellence every year.”
Honourees were picked from the various sectors of the dance industry, celebrating them for works done, and expressing appreciation to Dancers & DanceSport Association of Ghana (DDASPAG), Rhythms Africa, Multimix Mediafor supporting the maiden edition.
These persons were awarded for their contributions to the following: James Parker of Apex Ballroom Dance for over 14 years of ballroom dance development and the inclusion of highlife dance; Lumo Bortei-Doku for dedicating two decades of his life to Afro-Latin dance in Ghana and operating Dancation International sessions; Ricci Boateng for operating Salsa in the Garden City, Kumasi and recently, Kizalsa in Accra, spanning 12 years of impact, as well as the salsa duo performers Luumva Laryea & Beatrice Danquah for representing Ghana at several international festivals.
Heroz Dance Crew, 4Bent Dance Crew, High Spirit Dance Crew, and Kyses (all-female) Studios, were also honoured in the street for projecting street dance culture over the last decade.
The praise dance category had Worship in Motion and Divinity Blazers recognised for promoting urban gospel dance and inspiring many talents to dance in the church.
Furthermore, the National Dance Company, Ghana Dance Ensemble, and the Dance Department of the School of Performing Arts (UG-Legon), were duly acknowledged for their roles in theatre dance.
Malta Guinness was also recognised for their investments in street dance development; Shekoross for over a decade of organising free annual street dance shows; Hon. Dzifa Gomashie for supporting dance over the years at the highest office ever.
For those whose works promoted Ghana dance beyond borders, Fuse ODG was acknowledged for his global promotion of Azonto Dance,Incredible Zigi for creating dance steps such as ‘Pilolo’ & ‘Kupe’ which were performed by global stars, Ezuntey Flex for promoting Azonto Dance through his ‘I am Azonto’ dance project, DWP Academy for rising to become the most influential dance academy in Ghana with branches in the USA and Asia.
To acknowledge the importance of DanceSport, medals were presented to winners of the various dance competitions held; Battle in the Ring Competition from season one to four.
The night came alive with numerous performances from the best talents Ghana has to offer. The programme was graced by Mark Okraku Mantey, President of the Creative Arts Council, Nana Fredua-Agyeman Ofori-Atta, acting Board Chair of the National Theatre, Nii Tete Yartey, former Artistic Director of the National Dance Company and son of the legendary Professor F. Nii Yartey of blessed memory, Head of Dance Department of the School of Performing Arts, Mr. S. Kuwor, Vivian of Vivie’s Dance Factory, Petra Peterson of Salsa Ghana, and other industry stakeholders from the various dance communities as well as the media.
Entertainment
The DebbyQueen Talk Show returns with Powerful New Seasons from today
The highly anticipated DebbyQueen Talkshow is set to premiere Season 5 this month on Lifestyle TV, promising viewers an even deeper dive into the inspiring, emotional, and transformative stories that have made the show a must-watch across Africa.
For global viewers, episodes will be available on the DebbyQueen TV YouTube Premium, Instagram, and Facebook, featuring exclusive behind-the-scenes content.
Hosted by the charismatic and insightful Mrs. Deborah Borketey-Tackie (DebbyQueen), the talkshow has built a reputation for its raw, unfiltered conversations with some of Africa’s most influential personalities. From entrepreneurs and activists to artists and change-makers, each episode delivers powerful life lessons, vulnerability, and motivation.
This season’s release marks a bold step forward for the show, featuring enhanced storytelling, new segments, and even more gripping interviews. Mrs. Borketey-Tackie has curated a lineup of guests whose journeys, filled with struggle, resilience, and triumph, will leave audiences inspired and empowered.
From Pascal Amanfo (award-winning film director) to Whitney Boakey-Mensah (women’s health advocate), Mrs. Mary Amoah (an autistic mother’s journey), Atinganma Talata (an Endometriosis survivor), each guest will share untold stories of setbacks and comebacks.
Focus on Youth & Entrepreneurship, with Africa’s next generation in mind, the show will feature young innovators, startup founders, and thought leaders sharing practical advice on business, leadership, and overcoming adversity.
This season’s production is proudly supported by an impressive roster of leading brands, reflecting the show’s growing influence and commercial appeal.
La-Palm Royal Beach Hotel, the venue sponsor, takes center stage as the headline sponsor.
Other major sponsors include HM Life Mixture reinforcing its commitment to health and wellness, Wilmar Africa producers of Frytol cooking oil, JAMAA Detergent, and Fortune Spread showing support towards entrepreneurship and youth empowerment.
Bel-Aqua Mineral Water and Bel Beverages serve as the official hydration partners, ensuring premium refreshments for guests and crew. Ghandour Cosmetics enhances the glamour with professional beauty services.
Additional supporting partners include our fabric sponsors: Mabelina Fabrics, Trinity Kente, Lana Fabrics, Fabric Lot Gh. Ahlai Maadai Enterprise and Hair sponsors: Hair Logistics Gh, Look Afriq, and Hairytales.
The culinary experience is elevated by EzyGrab Gh. and Randa Cakes & More as the official food sponsors for the crew and guests.
Additional support comes from Soul Impact Family Production, the lighting and stage partner, Akenteng Furniture, providing sofas for the set, and Sweet Aroma Print, in charge of all branding and print materials.
Thanks to the backing of these premium sponsors, the show has undergone significant upgrades in production.
The set design at La Palm Royal Beach Hotel exudes sophistication, featuring multi-camera cinematic techniques that rival international talkshows. The inclusion of professional makeup stations by Vendajules Slay World, Glorigels World, KL Makeover and Amy’s Ethicon ensures host and guests look their best.
The DebbyQueen Talkshow has become more than just a TV program, it’s a cultural movement. By blending authentic African storytelling with universal themes of resilience, the show has captured audiences beyond Ghana, including viewers in Sierra Leone, Liberia, South Africa, Canada, and the diaspora.
Media analysts praise its unique approach where vulnerability meets empowerment and its ability to spark meaningful conversations about success, mental health, and personal growth.
“This season is about truth, transformation, and triumph,” says Mrs. Deborah Borketey-Tackie.
“We are not just sharing stories, we are changing mindsets. Whether you are an entrepreneur, a dreamer, or someone looking for hope, these episodes will speak to you,” she concluded
Entertainment
Nana Jesse releases prayer song from Upper Room Experience concert
Kumasi-based gospel singer Nana Jesse, known in showbiz circles as Sylvester Gyasi, has released a prayer song from the Upper Room Experience Concert.
The song, titled ‘let your will be my will’, reflects Nana Jesse’s heartfelt surrender to God, expressing his dependency on divine guidance.
Through soul-stirring lyrics and a harmonious chorus, he and his accompanying musicians declared their submission to God’s will, reaffirming their trust in His direction.
Released on Friday, May 30, the song is already resonating with listeners, gaining more views on YouTube within days of its debut.
Fans have praised its uplifting message and the rich blend of voices that bring the prayer to life.
‘Let your will be my will’ was carefully arranged by Nana Jesse, Nana Kofi Junior, and Moses Boadu, ensuring a powerful and spiritually enriching experience for all.
With its heartfelt lyrics and inspiring melodies, it is set to bless many across different walks of life, offering a reminder of faith, surrender, and divine purpose.
The official song is available now on YouTube.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
