Entertainment
‘Beyond The Return’ music business masterclass finds innovative ways to market Ghanaian Music
- /home/u249204778/domains/spectator.com.gh/public_html/wp-content/plugins/mvp-social-buttons/mvp-social-buttons.php on line 27
https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Mr.Frank-Kwabena-Owusu-moderating-the-panel-discussion-at-the-masterclass.jpg&description=‘Beyond The Return’ music business masterclass finds innovative ways to market Ghanaian Music', 'pinterestShare', 'width=750,height=350'); return false;" title="Pin This Post">
- Share
- Tweet /home/u249204778/domains/spectator.com.gh/public_html/wp-content/plugins/mvp-social-buttons/mvp-social-buttons.php on line 72
https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Mr.Frank-Kwabena-Owusu-moderating-the-panel-discussion-at-the-masterclass.jpg&description=‘Beyond The Return’ music business masterclass finds innovative ways to market Ghanaian Music', 'pinterestShare', 'width=750,height=350'); return false;" title="Pin This Post">
A masterclass with the aim of improving the business side of the Ghanaian music industry has been held at the Accra Tourism Information Centre.
The programme was powered by the Ghana Tourism Authority and the ‘Beyond The Return’ Secretariat in conjunction with the Creative Arts Council and The Bridge Zone.
The initiative which is one of the Return Conversations as part of ‘Beyond the Return’ programme was dubbed, “The Business of Music – Finding Innovative ways to market Ghanaian Music to the Rest of the World.”
Panelists included SONY Music President, Glyn Aikins, Music Producer, Trumpeter, Composer & Educator, Dontae Winslow, Composer, Guitarist & Producer, Vasti Jackson, Senior Integrated Media Specialist – Radio One USA, Coriya Burns, Award Winning DJ, Malcolm Xavier, and President, Creative Arts Council, Mark Okraku Mantey.
The discussions focused on key areas in the music industry such as marketing, finance, technological advancements, new channels for distribution and sales, networking, and new trends.
Addressing the programme from the Accra Tourist Information Centre where is was streamed live to audience in and outside the country, Mark Okraku Mantey, advised industry players not to allow their creativity to be boxed by recounting how he challenged the status quo in the past and succeeded.
According to him, as a young producer, he did not allow what was the order of the day to dictate to his creativity, for this reason, he introduced Hip Hop into highlife with songs like Kokooko by the late Dasebre Gyamenah.
“As creative people, we should not be limited in our creativity but go beyond the box and be innovative in our ways, else the market will outpace us,” he said.
Mr Mantey further urged players in music business to be very particular about their recordings and not to compromise on sound, rhythm, chord progression and mastering among others when producing music.
Vasti Jackson, on his part said the tool one used in music production made the change, adding that fundamentally, good infrastructure to produce the right sound was vital.
Touching on streaming, he said, even though it had exposed music from Africa, those who made a lot of money were the top executives and not mostly artistes, saying it had devalued the financial reward of musicians.
Glyn Aikins, said that measurement of music consumption for some time now had been easy due to technology, which made it simple for people to find out the genre making waves, and which market was available for people to tap into.
“Management need to understand the vision of the artiste, and should be able to put in place the right measures to propel the artistes to get there,” he added.
On music from Ghana crossing over to the global market, he urged those in the circles to network and liaise with other people outside the country to get their music out there.
He said some of the major record labels were opening up satellite offices in Africa which was good news for musicians.
Coriya Burns urged those in the music space to focus on making their messages clear and getting to the right people to fix their songs at the important places.
Malcom Xavier, also asked disck jockeys to commence their own initiatives, throw their parties and use social media among other platforms to promote it to be able to make a lot of revenue for themselves and said that he was opened to promoting music from Ghana.
Dontae Winslow called for dedication and passion to work as well as ensure they actively partake in all the chain of music production.
Participants which included musicians, producers, Djs, music executives and the media expressed appreciation to the organisers for the initiative.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Veteran Ghanaian gospel musician Diana Hopeson, is set to return to the music scene with a new album titled Megyae, a project centred on faith, worship, personal reflection and the power of God’s Word.
The seven-track album, which also includes an instrumental version of the title song, brings together different aspects of Hopeson’s musical journey, combining traditional Ghanaian gospel sounds with contemporary expressions.
At the centre of the project is the title track, Megyae, which was inspired by Psalm 119:9-16 and focuses on the need to keep God’s Word in the heart as a guide to living a righteous life.
Madam Hopeson explained that the song addresses the everyday struggle to overcome temptation, distractions and unhealthy habits that can prevent people from becoming who God has called them to be.
As a certified counsellor, she also seeks to draw attention to some of the deeper issues that can contribute to destructive behaviour and repeated unhealthy patterns.
The project acknowledges that addiction and other harmful behaviours may be linked to factors such as trauma, stress, mental health challenges and a person’s environment.
Megyae, therefore, presents both a spiritual message and an invitation for listeners to reflect, seek healing and embrace positive change.
Musically, the album brings together different eras of Hopeson’s sound.
The album opens with a worship version of one of her popular songs, Agyenkwa Hene, while Yesu Mo has also been reimagined in a worship style.
It further features two energetic praise medleys, including one inspired by Hopeson’s Awutu heritage, as well as an English interpretation of Psalm 119:9-16 titled Your Word In My Heart.
The title track appears in two versions, with one taking a warm, vintage-inspired approach that reflects the character of classic Ghanaian gospel music, while the other offers a more contemporary sound for younger listeners.
According to Hopeson, the combination of worship, praise, heritage and personal devotion is intended to create a musical journey while marking a new chapter in her contribution to Ghanaian gospel music.
Ahead of the official launch, she will host an online listening session on August 15, 2026, with further details expected to be announced on her social media platforms.
The Megyae album will officially be launched at an invitation and RSVP-only launch and fundraising event on August 30, 2026.
The fundraising event will support a nationwide school outreach and campaign inspired by the album.
Through Megyae, Hopeson is encouraging listeners to reflect on the things they need to let go of and consider the impact of allowing the Word of God to take root in their lives.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The newly crowned winners of Miss Ghana 2026 have been officially presented to the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, as the pageant prepares to mark 70 years of beauty, culture, and national pride.
The courtesy call, held recently in Accra, also marked the official unveiling of the queens to the Minister and Miss Ghana @70 Legacy Project, a year-long initiative to commemorate the pageant’s 70-year history and reposition it as a platform for tourism promotion, youth empowerment, and cultural diplomacy.
The delegation was led by Ms Inna Patty, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Exclusive Events Ghana, organisers of Miss Ghana.
The team presented their roadmap for the reigning queens, including preparations for the Miss World competition and a series of activities lined up ahead of the pageant’s 70th anniversary.
Commending the organisation for sustaining the pageant for seven decades, Madam Dzifa Gomashie pledged the ministry’s full support.
She assured that the queens’ activities will be aligned with national tourism campaigns and other key initiatives to project Ghana’s heritage to the world.
The grand finale of the 69th edition, held under the theme: ‘Empowering Women, Enduring Legacy,’ saw Rumzia Sule, an International Relations student at the University of Cumbria, crowned Miss Ghana 2026.
She emerged victorious over 12 other contestants to claim the coveted national title.
Also honoured on the night were Fatimatu Zara Ishaku, a University of Ghana graduate, who placed as 1st Runner-Up, and Whitney Opoku Nketia, who was named 2nd Runner-Up.
Founded in 1957, the same year Ghana gained independence, Miss Ghana remains the nation’s oldest and most prestigious beauty pageant.
For 70 years, it has crowned women who have gone on to serve as ambassadors for Ghanaian culture, fashion, education, and social impact.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
