Entertainment
E-Ananse Library to host Sage Poetry August 23
Ghana’s literary landscape will welcome a fresh, high-calibre addition this August as poet and rapper, Paul Forjoe Jnr, launches Sage Poetry on August 23, at the E-Ananse Library, East Legon.
The maiden edition will feature spoken word acts like Akotowaa, Nana Fredua-Agyeman Jnr, and Nana Asaase, delivering a rich blend of artistry, culture, and spoken word mastery.
Paul Forjoe explained that unlike open-mic events, Sage Poetry offers a deliberately curated, two-hour programme where three featured poets, each performing two original poems.
Paul Forjoe Jnr, popularly known as Hondred Percent said the event will offer a heritage recitation by a guest poet to honour voices of the past and finally, “a poetic wrap-up capturing the event’s highlights in verse,” he added.
According to him, this format ensures a tight, engaging experience while providing audience the opportunity to connect personally with the performers after the show.
Hondred usually known for his creative brand Lorgorligi Locomotion, noted that Sage Poetry is about “quality, preservation, and connection where we are creating an archive that celebrates Ghanaian poetry and inspires others to engage with it; both live and online.”
“Each edition of the event partnered by Stylus Innovation, will be professionally recorded, archived, and shared via YouTube and social media platforms,” he added.
This effort aims to build a lasting digital library of Ghanaian poetic expression and encourage global audiences to discover and engage with the country’s vibrant literary talent.
Sage Poetry will be held three times annually in April, August, and December. Each edition will feature new artistes and creative collaborations.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
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
