Entertainment
Dwomtofohene Nana Kwame Ampadu bows out
Ghanaian music lovers were on Tuesday morning hit with sad news of the passing of one of the iconic highlife powerhouses, Nana Kwame Ampadu, affectionately called Dwomtofohene, to wit King of Musicians.
This unfortunate demise of this legend after some weeks of sickness shocked the nation as many poured out their tributes to celebrate his amazing contribution to the music industry.
Nana Ampadu was born on March 31, 1945, and passed away at age 76.
Ampadu hails from Obo, in the Kwahu area of the Eastern Region but he spent a part of his childhood a village called Adiembra.
MUSIGA
The umbrella body of musicians in the country, Musicians Union of Ghana(MUSIGA) in a release sent to The Spectator stated, “The Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) has learnt with regret of the passing of the legendary Nana Kwame Ampadu 1.This is huge national loss.
“As a trail blazing musician, you spawned a whole generation of musicians.
Your music was a source of inspiration, education and entertainment to many. The stories you told in your songs were veritable nuggets of wisdom and will continue to give solace to many.
“You always had a story for every occasion and every interaction with you was like an adventure into the land of wisdom.
As the current chairman of the Ageing Musicians Welfare Fund (AMWeF), you were committed to the welfare of your fellow musicians and even when your health was failing, you never missed the call to duty.
Dwomtofohene, nante yie. Damirifa due.”
Music journey
Nana Kwame Ampadu was a Ghanaian musician credited with numerous popular highlife tracks. Nana Ampadu’s “African Brothers Band” was formed in 1963. he has about 800 songs to his credit.
In 1964, young Ampadu met Mr. Jerry Hansen, leader and founder of the Ramblers Dance band and cultivated his acquaintance where Ampadu gave Jerry eight songs in all for free which the Ramblers Band recorded.
Some of the songs are Ntoboase, Afutusem, Scholarship, Me Nsoromma Bepue. All these songs became hit tracks. One good turn deserves another. Mr. Jerry Hansen seeing the musical competence in Ampadu, introduced him to Phillips West Africa Ltd., a recording publishers and Ampadu was given the chance to record two single tracks for a 45 R.P.M release.
The maiden recording was done at the Ghana Film Industries Corporation (G.F.I.C) onNovember 14, 1966.
The first track recorded that day was Agyanka Dabere with Suminaso Ntonko as the flip side. This single was released on December 21, 1966.
The single album became an instant hit and served as a beginning of a new era in the guitar band sector. The thought provoking nature of the lyrics in those two title tracks, made many people feel it was some old or veteran musicians who sang these songs.
A book of condolence has been opened at the residence of Nana Ampadu.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Entertainment
Shatta Wale pulls out of Afro+ Fest 2025
The management of Shatta Wale has announced that the artiste will not be able to perform at Afro+ Fest 2025 in Washington, D.C.
In a statement, Media and Public Relations Manager for the Shatta Movement team, Samuel Atuobi Baah, popularly known as Sammy Flex, said the cancellation was due to “unforeseen logistical constraints and tight timelines” which were outside the control of both Shatta Wale and the festival organizers.
According to the statement, Shatta Wale and his team had worked tirelessly over the past weeks to make the performance possible, and the artiste was fully prepared to join his fans in Washington, D.C.
It added that Shatta Wale was “truly disappointed” to miss the moment.
It stressed that the decision was not because of any lack of effort or willingness from Shatta Wale or Afro Plus, but rather a result of challenges many artistes face when traveling internationally under evolving regulations and time-sensitive requirements.
It further assured fans that Afro+ Fest 2025 “will still deliver an incredible experience” and noted that plans were already underway to set a future date for Shatta Wale to connect with his fans in person.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Entertainment
Empress Gifty wins Artiste of the Year at the 6th Ghana Music Awards USA
Renowned Ghanaian gospel musician, Empress Gifty Adorye, has been crowned Artiste of the Year at the 6th edition of the Ghana Music Awards USA held on August 16, 2025, at ACX1 Studios in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
The gospel star, who attended the event with her husband, Mr. Hopeson Adorye, also won the Gospel Song of the Year, making it a double victory on the night.
For the ultimate award, she beat stiff competition from King Promise, Stonebwoy, Shatta Wale, Diana Hamilton, Joe Mettle, Fameye, KiDi, King Paluta, and Team Eternity.
The ceremony, which celebrates Ghanaian music talents in both Ghana and the diaspora, saw US-based Ghanaian artistes such as Jay Hover, C-Ben and Kay Rockz receive honors.
Special tributes were paid to late Highlife icons Dada KD and Daddy Lumba, while Gyedu-Blay Ambolley was recognized with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
The night featured thrilling performances from Empress Gifty, Gyedu-Blay Ambolley, Kofi Kinaata, and comedian OB Amponsah.
In her acceptance speech, Empress Gifty thanked God, her fans, her manager, and the Ghana Music Awards USA organizers for the recognition.
She expressed her gratitude to radio stations, DJs, and all supporters who have stood by her throughout her career, saying: “I have a grateful heart. Thank you to everyone who voted for me and continues to support my journey. God bless you all.”
By: Jacob Aggrey
