Entertainment
Close down Copyright office, it has failed us- Ernest Akwasi
Popular gospel music producer, and Managing Director of Media Excel Productions, Kwasi Ernest has called for the shutting down of the country’s copyright office for it has outlived its usefulness.
According to him, “we have inherited an informal sector which has caused us so much damage.”
Speaking on Gospel Parliament hosted by Kwame OB Nartey on Vision 1 FM, and monitored by this paper he said the copyright system of Ghana was one of the worst institutions and would have shut it if he had the powers of President of the country.
“If I were the President of Ghana, I would shut the Copyright office down, it is one of the worst institutions,” he stressed.
He went on to say, that the copyright society had failed the entire music industry, and not done enough to protect them.
“Just five minutes away from the Copyright office, unscrupulous people have pirated CDs and have the guts to sell at a traffic light close to the copyright office,” he disclosed.
According to him, “what irks him is that there is a percentage in the levies received, which goes into budget for education, sensitisation, and equipping the task force among others”.
“Unfortunately, all of these responsibilities are reneged upon, as piracy continues to be the bane of the music industry, leaving stakeholders to their fate”.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
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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