Entertainment
AfroStepz Dance Academy clinches wins Praise Dance Battle 2024
The Praise Dance Concert of the 10th Ghana Dance Festival came off last Saturday, featuring the best of Praise Dance Ministers in a holy dance battle for the number 1 spot.
The event which was held at PIWC Atomic, in partnership with the PIWC’s Ministry to Celebrities, saw AfroStepz Dance Academy emerge winners, ahead of Dance 360, Flames Dance Company, CDS, Shepherds, KTwins Gh, and Pawers Nation.
The three-round competition had audience spellbound from start to finish, with dance ministers giving off their best in each round.
For round one, dance ministers performed to their own mix, laced with a Scott Evans song, where the following groups made it top 5- AfroStepz Dance Academy, Dance 360, Flames Dance Company, Shepherds, and CDS.
In round two, dance ministers took on the creative task of using Dance Drama to couch various messages including values from Samson and Delilah; The Prodigal Son; Elijah and the prophets of Baal; Unity and Love over division by parties ahead of coming elections; amongst others.
After the second round, Flames Dance Company were declared winners of the 3rd position with 1000cedis as their prize. AfroStepz and Dance 360 moved on to the final round, where they had to battle for the 1st and 2nd position.
The battle had a face-off format, and featured two of their best dancers in a round of Afropop and hiphop songs, per DJ’s choice.
This round was declared a tie by the competition’s esteemed judges – Illyboy (Leader of Arenees Dance Crew), Erica Appa (Leader of Heroz Dance Crew, and House Ghana), The GreatNet (Leader of Let’s Dance Africa), Abena Lar (Dancer-Bachelor of Arts in Dance and Psychology) and Scott Evans (Urban Gospel Artiste).
To break the tie, the judges called for another face off. In the end, MC of the event, Psalm One, announced AfroStepz as 1st place winners, with 4000 cedis prize money, and Dance 360 as 2nd place winners, with 2000 cedis prize money.
According to CEO of the Ghana Dance Festival, Robert Klah, “dance means different things to different people and the are happy to use their platform to allow for the different expressions in gospel fraternity.
He said, ” This year, we decided to bring the praise dance back to the church, and to offer more people the opportunity to use their dance as a tool of worship and service to God.”
He said “We grateful for the partnership with PIWC Atomic, facilitated by Pastor Michael Laryea and approved by Apostle Athony Mensah. While we are happy with the event, we look forward to a bigger experience next year.”
The event also saw a discussion on how the dancers and the urban gospel singers can work together.
In the panel discussion moderated by Robert Klah, several issues on promotion were discussed. Urban gospel artistes Scott Evans, Kobby Salm, and Kingz Kid represented the interest of the urban gospel musicians.
Kingz Kid highlighted the role of dancers in the promotion of gospel songs using this experience as a reference point.
On his part, Kobby Salm charged the dancers to play their role in the ecosystem by working with musicians to build the industry.
Additionally, Scott Evans reached out to dancers for more collaboration in for collective growth.
Jay Smoke, who was the event DJ used the opportunity to highlight REPJESUS.com platform as a main source of urban gospel library accessible to anyone interested in Ghanaian urban gospel songs.
The session closed with an appreciation of dancers and musicians with a clear understanding to working together, to achieve kingdom objectives.
Also ministering at the event were Let’s Dance Africa, Tema Dance Academy, Incredible Afro, City of Twins, The Talent Tribe, KCC, Yung Commissioner, and JoVarni.
Royal Vessel Incorporated charged the atmosphere with praise and worship at the beginning of the programme.
The programme was made possible with the support of Ps Michael Laryea, and coordinating team Nana Akoto Agyapong, Enoch Agyepong and Dompe, all of PIWC Atomic.
The Praise Dance Concert of the 10th Ghana Dance Festival was in collaboration with DanceSport Ghana, Dancers & DanceSport Association of Ghana (DDASPAG), Ministry to Celebrities of PIWC, and powered by Dancetera.
Kwame Nsiah Apau, widely known as Okyeame Kwame, and the Rap Dacta, celebrated his 50th birthday with the release of a rhythmic reggae tune titled “Clap.”
The song shines a spotlight on applauding those making remarkable contributions to society and encourages people to celebrate the successes of their friends and family.
Just a week after its release, “Clap” has garnered widespread positive reactions from influencers across Ghana, Jamaica, America, South Africa, and other parts of the world.
In one of the reaction videos shared by Okyeame Kwame, renowned entrepreneur and philanthropist Richard Nii Armah Quaye, aka RNAQ, expressed his admiration, saying, “Love this song and the lyrics. I want to support its promotion with GHC 100,000. Well done.”
Okyeame Kwame, who had previously promised to build a Paediatric Emergency Ward at Manhyia Hospital in Kumasi before his birthday, would certainly benefit from this generous support for such a meaningful project.
His 50th birthday celebration was a successful all-white event held at +233 Pub and Grill, featuring amazing performances that added to the memorable occasion.
Watch Okyeame Kwame clap visualiser here:
https://youtu.be/qMO-Ufr6Vwc?is=ByivCkKtmUVcHxV_
Organisers of the Telecel Ghana Music Awards 27 have announced “A Touch of Glitter as the official red carpet theme for this year’s ceremony.’’
In a statement issued on Thursday, April 16, Charterhouse indicated that the theme is designed to promote elegance and creativity while maintaining a refined fashion standard.
According to the organisers, the red carpet remains one of the most anticipated moments of the awards, offering artistes, celebrities, and guests the opportunity to express themselves through fashion while celebrating Ghanaian identity.
They explained that for this year’s edition, attendees are encouraged to include subtle elements of shimmer in their outfits.
This, they noted, can be done through fabric choices, embellishments, or accessories, with the focus on elegance rather than excess.
The statement added that the red carpet event will take place on May 9, 2026, at 7:06 pm, ahead of the main awards ceremony.
Head of Public Events and Communications at Charterhouse, Robert Klah, noted that the theme invites guests to explore creativity with sophistication while maintaining a polished appearance.
The organisers further assured that the event will continue to deliver a blend of music, fashion, and culture, making it a key highlight on Ghana’s entertainment calendar.
By Jacob Aggrey
