Entertainment
Joy FM organises MUSIGA Presidential Debate
Candidates aspiring to take up mantle of leadership of the Musicians Union of Ghana, MUSIGA, last Saturday had their policies put to a strict scrutiny a debate powered by Joy FM’s Showbiz A-Z entertainment programme.
The Event held at Labadi Beach Hotel, brought the three aspirants, Bessa Simons, Deborah Freeman and Ras Caleb Appiah Levi before industry stakeholders.
George Quaye, moderator of the programme, gave all the aspirants opportunity to present their manifestoes with alternative solutions to MUSIGA’s woes, and later put their presentation to strict scrutiny through thought-provoking questions.
Consequently, the gathering made up of musicians, journalists and others in the music value chain were given the opportunity to ask the aspirants questions.
The Acting President, Bessa Simons, who has once served as First Vice and National Organiser, in his presentation said, as part of his plans to make MUSIGA attractive, he would introduce a professional training and exchange programmes to expand the scope of knowledge of musicians.
Also, he promised to strengthen the Regional bodies, and champion digitisation agenda as well as an insurance policy to attract more musicians.
Madam Deborah Freeman, who was once a secretary of the union on her part said, her policies would protect creative and performing right, develop talent,and improve copyright.
“I will champion cultural exchange, welfare and insurance policies, and ensure accountability to ensure a strong union,”she said.
She promised befitting offices for all the regions in her first 100 days in office and review the constitution of the union.
Ras Caleb Appiah Levi, who is the Greater Accra Regional Chairman of MUSIGA, noted that he was ready to unify the group, and lead them on a path which would make the union more attractive than it was.
He said high on his agenda was a review of the constitution because the union needed a cleansing to ensure music industry was respected.
MUSIGA is set to go to the polls on January 12, 2022, to elect a new president to succeed, Bice Osei Kuffour, affectionately called Obour.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
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
