Entertainment
“Akesse Brempong is a blessing – Barima Okyere
Gospel Instrumentalist and musician, Barima Okyere has spoken about how much Ghana’s gospel reggae singer, Akesse Brempong’s songs really bless and inspire him when he listens to it.
“Akesse’s songs are mind blowing. They really inspire and bless. I love playing with him when the opportunity sets in”, he said.
As one of the recommended instrumentalists on the gospel music scene in Ghana, Barima is quite particular about branding and is selective about quality music.
He believes that as an artiste or personality, it is one of the best ways to grow your production for the market.
In an up-close Interview with social media personality, Skbeatz Records and monitored by The Spectator, when he was asked about his relationship with Akesse, he said, “Akesse is a big bro and boss. He is down to earth. I love working with him. I play the bass for him on number of occasions when we meet.
“Akesse’s songs are really good; talk of his recent album ‘Heal Our Land’ album. Playing with him on same stage is such a privilege”, he stressed.
Barima further admitted that the ‘Crazy Love’ hit is a strong asset in the Ghanaian gospel fraternity and that he deserves praises.
“My crew and I have plans to even organise a tribute for Akesse. Preparations are on-going”, he said, and indicated that it was best to celebrate and appreciate people while alive.
Over the years, the Basically Worship brand has been very relevant and supportive, as a bassist for various artistes such as Kofi Owusu Peprah, Francis Amo, the Blood Crew, Joshua Ahinkorah, Nii Okai and others.
He is yet to release his own projects to bless the world.
“People should watch out. There is something coming up from the camp of the Basically Worship Crew”, he said.
By Sampson Kofi Annin Agyekum
Gospel artiste, Obaapa Christy has officially launched her annual concert, ‘Royal Praise 2026’, set to be held in Accra and Kumasi this August.
The maiden Accra edition comes off Sunday, August 9, at the UPSA Auditorium. She will be joined on stage by gospel heavyweights Empress Gifty, Celestine Donkor, Joyce Blessing, Kweku Gyasi, Uncle Ato, and Akesse Brempong.
The Kumasi edition follows a week later on Sunday, August 16, at the Church of Pentecost, Bantama.
Patrons there can expect performances from legendary Mama Esther, Broda Sammy, Ernest Opoku, Joyce Blessing, Kwame Gyedu, and Lady Prempeh.
Speaking at the launch at Alisa Hotel on June 12, Obaapa Christy explained that the event was christened Royal Praise, “because as a child of God, I see myself as royalty, same as you. We are all royals in the house of God.”
She urged attendees to embrace the ‘royal’ theme with their dress code and said the concert was meant to stay as an annual event to honour God for His works.
According to her, the event has come to stay, and called on all and sundry to support.
Obaapa Christy thanked fans and sponsors for supporting the launch and expressed optimism for more backing ahead of the main events.
Supporting artistes on the bill who attended the launch threw their weight behind the maiden edition and called on Ghanaians to throng the venues in their numbers.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Fashion enthusiasts, shoppers, and industry stakeholders gathered at the A&C Mall at East Legon on Saturday as Ghanaian fashion brand, Neesa Atelier officially opened its newest retail outlet to unveil an exclusive capsule collection inspired by West Africa’s rich cultural heritage.
The launch, held as an intimate ‘Sip & Shop’ experience, marked a significant milestone for the growing fashion brand as it expanded its physical presence while showcasing its latest collection, Dust & Raffia.
The collection offers a creative exploration of the cultural links between Ghana and Mali, blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary fashion design. Guests at the event were given a first look at the limited-edition pieces, which featured a hand-spun cord, raffia, jute, and Bogolan (mudcloth) elements.
According to the Creative Director of Neesa Atelier, Pamela Sarkodee, the collection celebrates the enduring connections among African communities and highlights the beauty of indigenous craftsmanship.
“This collection celebrates the stories that connect us across borders. By bringing together Bogolan, raffia, jute, and cordwork, we wanted to create pieces that honour heritage while presenting a contemporary vision of African luxury,” she said.
Throughout the event, guests toured the new retail space, interacted with the collection, and enjoyed an exclusive shopping experience that included special in-store offers. The occasion also provided an opportunity for fashion lovers to engage with the brand’s vision of blending culture, creativity, and community.
The Dust & Raffia collection draws inspiration from the textures, symbols, and traditions that have connected Ghanaian and Malian communities over generations. Through the use of natural materials and handcrafted techniques, the collection seeks to preserve cultural narratives while presenting them through modern fashion.
The new A&C Mall outlet has been designed to provide customers with an immersive shopping experience, giving them access to Neesa Atelier’s signature collections as well as future releases within one of Accra’s leading retail and lifestyle destinations.
Industry observers say the expansion reinforces Neesa Atelier’s growing reputation within Ghana’s fashion industry as a contemporary African brand committed to celebrating identity, heritage, and craftsmanship through innovative design.
The Dust & Raffia capsule collection is currently available for pre-order, with a wider public release expected in the coming weeks.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
