Entertainment
Al-Shabab co-founder killed in Somalia strike
The Somali government has announced that a co-founder and senior al-Shabab militant, Abdullahi Nadir, was killed on Saturday in the southern Middle Jubba region.
The Somali information ministry said that Nadir was the head of al-Shabab’s religious propagation unit and was the subject of a $3m (£2.7m) US bounty.
It added that al-Shabab considered Nadir a potential successor to its current leader, Ahmed Omar Diriye, aka Abu Ubaidah, who has long been rumoured to be “in poor health”.
Abdullahi Nadir, a top leader of #Alshabab terrorists, wanted by Somali government for long time has been killed in operation conducted by Somali National Army and international security partners in Haramka village in Middle Jubba region, on 01-10-2022.
#Somalia
Private media reported that Nadir was killed in a drone strike.
The information ministry said that Somali security forces and international partners killed Nadir in an operation, but did not mention a drone strike.
The US Africa Command, which frequently targets top al-Shabab militants and positions, has not yet commented on the development.
Source: BBC
Legendary Ghanaian gospel musician and founder of the Asomafo gospel group, Yaw Sarpong, is reporteddead.
The 66 year old gospel artiste is said to have died at the Emena Hospital in Kumasi on January 20, where he was receiving medical treatment.
For sometime now, Yaw Sarpong had been dealing with prolonged health challenges, forcing him to reduce his public appearances and step away periodically from performances.
Yaw Sarpong is widely credited as a pioneer of contemporary Akan gospel music.
Through Yaw Sarpong and Asomafo, he introduced a distinctive sound marked by rich harmonies, disciplined arrangements and lyrics firmly grounded in Christian teachings.
His leadership and musical direction helped shape the identity of gospel music in Ghana for decades.
Some popular tunes by the group includes ‘Wo Haw Ne Sen’, ‘Tie Obiaa’, ‘Aduro Yesu’ and ‘Awurade Kasa’, tracks that continue to feature prominently in churches and Christian gatherings across the country.
Yaw Sarpong’s death comes barely some weeks after the passing of Maame Tiwa, a key pillar of the Yaw Sarpong’s Asomafo music group.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
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Heavens will come down at the International Central Gospel Church, Temple East (ICGC) as gospel songstress Diana Hamilton holds her annual concert.
The annual concert ‘Awake Experience’ with Diana Hamilton will take place in Accra on February 15, and at the church of Pentecost, Bantama Kumasi on February 22.
Speaking to The Spectator Agoro, she said this year offers another opportunity to have an experience with God, saying “So I want to be in his presence and watch him do mind blowing things.”
The ‘Aha Ye’ hit maker also announced that leading up to the event, the Diana Hamilton Team will embark on various outreaches to spread the gospel through ministration.
Themed ‘Dwell,’ will bring together renowned artiste and worshippers to celebrate faith and music.
Notable among them are Elder Dr Kwesi Mireku, Ntokozo Mbambo, Sisi Baidoo, Nana Yaw Ofori- Atta, Tagoe sisters and Joojo Arhin.
Diana Hamilton is a celebrated Ghanaian gospel singer, songwriter, and nurse, known for her inspirational music, spiritual depth, and impactful stage presence.
She has achieved historic wins like VGMA Artiste of the Year in 2021, becoming the first female gospel artist to do so, and is also recognised for her philanthropic work through the Diana Hamilton Foundation.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
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