Entertainment
Empress Gifty and band ink performance deal with GMA-USA 2022
2022 seems to be another record breaking year for one of Ghanaian biggest gospel music exports, Empress Gifty.
The gospel music gem who has been a blessing to Africa and a pacessetter in her genre of music, is undoubtedly favourite of many music lovers in Ghana and Africa.
After making appreciable strides last year and rocking stages of huge musical concerts in Ghana and beyond the borders, she has now inked a new performance deal with Don Music Production, the organisers of Ghana Music Awards USA for their 2022 upcoming Nominees Announcement which is scheduled to happen on April 16, 2022, at Grand Roosevelt Ballroom, 2 Hudson Street, Yonkers, NY 10701 in the United States of America.
Aside the nominees announcement performance, Empress Gifty will mount the stage again to perform at the main event scheduled to take place on August 20, at the Lincoln Theatre.
The gospel artiste who is expected to perform all her hit songs with her band told The Spectator inan interviview indicated that she saw better prospects of the Ghanaian gospel music industry considering the international appeal over the years.
According to her, “2022 promises to be much more exciting beginning with this GMA-USA contract and performance opportunity, the people of USA should prepare for an experience from me and my team.”
On the part of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ghana Music Awards-USA, Mr Dennis Boafo affectionately called Don D, Empress Gifty and one other popular gospel artiste were penciled for this event because of their style of performance and vocal delivery.
He believes Empress Gifty after performing on major shows in Ghana during the festive season is ready to shake the Ghanaian communities in America with her songs and dexterity on stage.
Ghana Music Awards USA is an event which seeks to reward, celebrate and recognise, hard working musical talent from Ghana by promoting Ghanaian Music and the culture in the diaspora.
GMA-USA is the most prioritised and patronized Ghanaian event in America.
The Blood Crew, a Ghanaian contemporary gospel music group based in Kumasi, celebrated its 10th anniversary in ministry with a special cake-cutting ceremony during the Grace Concert held at Gracefields Chapel, Havlah Temple, Ahodwo.
The celebration formed part of the group’s annual live recording event, ‘The Blood Effect’, which brought together thousands of worshippers, gospel music lovers, ministers, and invited guests for an unforgettable night of worship and live music recording.
The anniversary cake was officially cut by the Founder and Music Director of the group, David Nana Bonsu, popularly known as Nana Quophi, together with Rev. Simon Ampofo, shortly after the first session of live recordings featuring newly composed songs and selected old compilations.
The ceremony was witnessed by alumni members, current team members, invited gospel artistes, instrumentalists, management, and worshippers who gathered to celebrate the milestone achievement of the ministry.
The occasion marked 10 years of The Blood Crew’s contribution to gospel music ministry, worship, fellowship, evangelism, mentorship, and youth impact through music.
Members of the group used the opportunity to reflect on their journey over the years and expressed gratitude to God for sustaining the ministry and helping them remain impactful.
The event featured ministrations from UK-based Ghanaian gospel artiste Emmanuel Gyamfi, Pastor Edwin Dadson, Team Eternity Ghana, Manuel Tuffour, Joshua Ahenkorah, and Yefter Nkansah.
The group described the anniversary celebration as a moment of thanksgiving, reflection, and renewed commitment to continue impacting lives through gospel music and worship ministry.
Over the years, The Blood Crew’s annual ‘The Blood Effect’ live recording event has grown into a recognized platform for worship, spiritual impact, and gospel music ministry in Kumasi and beyond.
This year’s edition uniquely combined live recordings with the group’s 10th anniversary celebration, making it one of the most memorable editions since the ministry began.
By Spectator Reporter
Contrary to the belief that winning an award elevates an actor to an almost ‘godlike’ status, Ghanaian actor Melvin Dain holds a different view.
According to him, accolades were important, but they do not define the true essence of an actor.
Speaking ahead of the Ghana Movie Awards scheduled for tomorrow, Dain emphasised that awards should be seen as recognition rather than a measure of ultimate worth.
“I don’t think awards define who an actor is; however, I believe they provide recognition and validate an actor’s performances in the industry,” he said.
The actor has been nominated in two categories; Best Actor in a Supporting Role and Discovery Actor of the Year, a milestone he describes as both encouraging and humbling.
“Being recognised at this stage means a lot to me. It tells me that the work I’m putting in is being seen, and that alone is encouraging,” he noted.
Reflecting on his journey, Dain said the nominations have offered him the opportunity to appreciate his growth in the industry.
“It reminds me of where I’m coming from and how far I’ve come. It also gives me more reason to keep pushing, to keep learning and to keep growing as an actor,” he added.
Despite the recognition, the actor remains grounded, acknowledging the stiff competition in both categories.
He described his chances of winning as evenly balanced, given the calibre of nominees.
“Looking at the names on the list, I will say it’s a 50/50 chance. Some of these people are my idols, and just being in the same category with them is a humbling moment for me,” he said.
He added, “the nominations represent more than just a shot at winning; they affirm my rise in the industry and reinforces my commitment to excellence.”
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
