Entertainment
Ghana Jazz Foundation launched
Dr Odoi speaking at the launch
Ghana Jazz Foundation (GJF), a non-profit organisation, aimed at promoting artistic performances and elevating the country’s music has been launched in Accra.
The Foundation is committed to using innovative and strategic methods to connect local talents to the diaspora and global sister institutions.
The launch came off during the Jazz Festival dubbed “Jazz in January” which took place from January 4 -January 7.
Speaking at the launch, the lead Founding Member, Dr Adrain Oddoye Odoi said, the foundation would work with local musicians to sustain and grow jazz music in the country.
He said, GJF will thrive on collaborations, educational programmes, support for musicians and live music venues.
Dr Odoi added that the foundation would ensure a deep collaboration between lovers of jazz and give a fresh approach to how resources could be mobilized to promote live music in Ghana.
Dr Odoi further told The Spectator Agoro that the foundation would roll out Accra Jazz Academy in February, which would be a musical education programme including specific courses, workshops, masterclasses and concerts.
The President of the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA), Bessa Simons applauded the originators of the move, saying it has come at the right time.
According to him, in the near future, MUSIGA will collaborate with GJF to improve upon the music industry.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Accra is set this weekend as Porials Pitch 2026 makes its highly anticipated return—an event that has rapidly evolved from a social media-driven concept into one of the country most influential retail gatherings.
Set for Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Accra Mall (Ghud Park), the festival will open its doors at 8:00 AM, drawing a mix of bargain hunters, young entrepreneurs, and lifestyle enthusiasts eager to experience what has become a defining moment on Accra’s commercial calendar.
Dulcie Boateng—entrepreneur, influencer, and CEO of Dulcie Porium—whose ability to mobilize audiences both online and offline continues to reshape the local retail landscape. Often dubbed Ghana’s “Snapchat Queen,” Boateng has leveraged her digital influence into tangible economic impact, with Porials Pitch standing as a prime example.
More Than a Market
While at first glance the event may appear to be a conventional pop-up market, Porials Pitch has steadily carved out a niche as a hybrid of commerce, culture, and community engagement. This year’s edition will feature 100 vendors, offering a curated blend of vintage pieces, emerging fashion brands, beauty products, and mainstream goods—many at discounted prices reaching up to 50 percent.
The Business Behind the Buzz
Perhaps the most telling indicator of the event’s momentum lies behind the scenes. Vendor slots for the 2026 edition reportedly sold out in just two minutes, generating approximately GH¢600,000—a figure that speaks not only to demand but also to the growing confidence in influencer-led commerce within Ghana.
A Reflection of a Changing Retail Culture
As Ghana’s urban consumer culture continues to evolve, events like Porials Pitch 2026 highlight a broader shift toward experience-driven retail—where shopping is no longer just transactional but social and immersive.
With free entry and an open invitation to the public, this weekend’s gathering is expected to draw significant crowds, reinforcing Accra’s reputation as a hub for innovation in commerce and youth-driven enterprise.
Whether viewed as a marketplace, a cultural event, or a case study in modern entrepreneurship, Porials Pitch 2026 is poised to once again capture the city’s attention—and its spending power.
Guinness Ghana has announced a new annual prize package for winners of the Album/EP of the Year category at the Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA), as part of efforts to support the country’s music industry.
The company said beginning from the 27th edition of the awards, the winner of the category will receive a GH¢100,000 cash prize, funding support for a music video for their next project, and a curated album listening experience.
According to Guinness Ghana, the initiative is aimed at promoting creative excellence and contributing to the growth of Ghana’s music ecosystem.
Head of Media and Partnerships at Guinness Ghana, Yaa Amoah-Owusu, said the category represents the highest level of artistic work in the industry.
“The Album/EP of the Year category represents the pinnacle of artistic expression — body of work, storytelling, and sonic identity. This package is Guinness Ghana’s way of recognising excellence and investing in the future of the artist and the industry at large,” she stated.
She added that the company’s support goes beyond recognition on awards night, as it seeks to create long-term value for artistes and the wider creative sector.
Guinness Ghana, a long-time partner of the awards scheme, noted that the initiative will also help increase visibility and audience engagement for the winning artiste’s future projects.
The nominees for the Album/EP of the Year category include Black Sherif for Iron Boy, Stonebwoy for Torcher, Gyakie for After Midnight, Medikal for Disturbation II, Wendy Shay for Ready, and Kweku Smoke for Walk With Me.
Head of Public Events and Communications at Charterhouse, Robert Klah, welcomed the initiative, describing it as timely support for the music industry.
“This is an important intervention from Guinness Ghana. It aligns with our commitment to celebrate and elevate Ghanaian music, while also creating tangible support for artistes,” he said.
He added that the move highlights the importance of albums and EPs as lasting creative works.
The announcement comes ahead of the 27th Telecel Ghana Music Awards, organised by Charterhouse, with Telecel as headline sponsor, media partnership from TV3, and support from Guinness Ghana.
Guinness Ghana Breweries PLC is one of the country’s leading beverage companies and continues to support arts, culture, and community development in Ghana.
By: Jacob Aggrey
