Entertainment
Accra erupts in worship as Atarah Praise 2026 lights up Bayview Village
Sunday night in Accra carried a different kind of charge. At Bayview Village, hundreds gathered for Atarah Praise 2026 and turned the venue into a night-long altar of praise, leaving with hoarse voices and lifted spirits.
Running under the theme: ‘Dalet’, the event found its rhythm from the opening chords. Believers didn’t hold back, and the lineup that followed showed why Atarah Praise has become a staple on Accra’s gospel calendar.
Siisi Baido opened with a charged, anointing-filled set that got the crowd on their feet from the first minute. Clapping, singing, and worshiping together, the atmosphere was set early.
The energy shifted when Prophet Atarah took the stage. He started with a brand-new anthem for the Black Stars ahead of the World Cup, merging faith with national pride and getting the whole room singing along. He then moved into his own catalog, delivering the high-energy ministrations fans had come for.
Next up was Piesie Esther, reigning Traditional Gospel Song of the Year winner. She commanded the stage with presence and authenticity, blending traditional rhythms with worship in a way that had people dancing and praising at the same time.
Obaapa Christy closed out the main lineup and kept the momentum going. For her entire set, the crowd remained standing hands lifted, voices raised. No one sat down.
When it ended, the message from patrons was clear: they wanted more. The biggest request of the night was for organisers to extend the time next year.
Atarah Praise 2026 didn’t just meet expectations. It left people asking for round two.
Ghanaian musician Ezecheal Kwasi Asimeng Frimpong, popularly known as Ancienth has released a new Palmwine single titled ‘Asukese Abena’.
The song is a celebration of love, culture, and the timeless wisdom embedded in Ghana’s traditional way of life.
According to him, the project is meant to remind people that Palmwine music is not a relic of the past.
“Through this project, I want people to understand that Palmwine music is not a relic of the past, it is a living heritage that still speaks powerfully to the present,” he said.
Ancienth traces his journey in Palmwine music to the pioneering work of Kwame Asare, also known as Jacob Sam, and the Kumasi Trio. He credits them with laying the foundation for one of Ghana’s most important musical traditions, a path that later generations continue to walk.
“I entered this space because I believe every nation must protect its cultural voice,” Ancienth explained, adding that “Palmwine music carries our stories, values, humour, history, and identity. Preserving it is not only a musical responsibility but also a cultural one.”
The musician described the journey as rewarding but challenging, noting that traditional music often receives less attention and investment compared to mainstream genres.
To strengthen the space, he is calling for greater support from the media, cultural institutions, educational bodies, and the public.
“My appeal to Ghanaians is simple, support indigenous music, because when a people lose their cultural sound, they gradually lose part of their identity,” he added.
As a torchbearer of Palmwine Music, Ancienth says his mission is to honour the legacy of the pioneers while introducing Palmwine music to new generations and audiences across the world.
Asukese Abena is now available on all digital platforms, including YouTube
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has expressed profound sorrow over the death of celebrated visual artist and Guinness World Record holder Sharon Dede Padi, popularly known as Padiki.
In a statement signed on behalf of the Chief Executive Officer, Maame Efua Houadjeto, the Authority said Padiki’s passing was a painful loss to Ghana’s tourism and creative sectors, as well as the nation at large.
“Padiki was more than a Guinness World Record holder. She was a beacon of resilience, determination, creativity, and youthful excellence whose remarkable achievement brought pride not only to herself and her family but also to Ghana,” the statement said.
It added that through her determination to dream big and push boundaries, she inspired countless young people to believe that passion, perseverance and hard work could make the impossible possible.
The Authority said Ghana had lost “one of its brightest ambassadors whose story embodied the spirit of innovation, excellence, and the boundless potential of our people”.
Maame Efua Houadjeto, together with the management and staff of the GTA, extended condolences to Padiki’s family, friends and loved ones, as well as all those inspired by her journey.
