Connect with us

Entertainment

COVID-19 restrictions:Will the entertainment industry bounce back?

Published

on

The continuing COVID-19 crisis is undoubtedly creating enormous uncertainty and change in the running of affairs in the entertainment industry across the world.

For this reason, one of the questions with no clear-cut answer on the minds of stakeholders is, when will the industry return to normal considering the devastating effect of the pandemic?

Some players in the entertainment industry  had  made significant job cuts and business changes to survive the initial disruption in the COVID-19 crisis, but with the continuing restrictions, recovery will be ‘a hard nut’ to crack.

Following the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions in Ghana somewhere last year after the Ghana Health Service told a good news of  drastic reduction in number of people infected it was all Joy for the entertainment industry.

Advertisement

All those in the value chain, ie, musicians, actors, comedians and comediennes, event organisers,movie producers, equipment suppliers, among others were confident that some of the loses made in the past, would be recouped.

As a result, they started mapping up strategies to comeback from a tough time, even though business was not as usual.

This brought some smiles to many stakeholders who were gradually getting onto the right path to take off.

Unfortunately, all of these hopes where dashed last Sunday, January 31,2021, when  President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo during his 23rd COVID-19 update announced a ban on some entertainment events.

Advertisement

“So, fellow Ghanaians, until further notice, funerals, weddings, concerts, theatrical performances, and parties are banned,” he said.

The President further added that beaches, night clubs, and pubs continued to remain shut.

This had once again caused players in the industry to bite their fingers, as artistes, events organisers, event venue owners, and some traders in the sector would not be able to recoup revenue lost.

Though some stakeholders in the value chain have resorted to new avenues in the digital space, the revenue generation is not quite satisfactory comparable to what they used to rake.

Advertisement

This notwithstanding, it is becoming obvious that for companies and players in the entertainment industry to survive, there is the need to break old models and build new ones that would ensure a return to growth.

It would mean that these players need to research into the changing needs of patrons in this COVID-19 era and satisfy them, but how sustainable it would be, is another question begging for answers.

By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme

Advertisement
Continue Reading
Advertisement

Entertainment

Diana Hopeson returns with new album Megyae

Published

on

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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Entertainment

Miss Ghana 2026 winners presented to Tourism Minister 

Published

on

The Miss Ghana team in a Photograph with the Minister, Abla Dzifa Gomashie and colleague Members of Parliament
The Miss Ghana team in a Photograph with the Minister, Abla Dzifa Gomashie and colleague Members of Parliament

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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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 

Advertisement
Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending