Entertainment
Ghana Music Awards UK unveils nominees
Ernest Kwasi delivering his address
It was a night of class at the Labadi Beach Hotel as industry players thronged the launch of this year’s Ghana Music Awards-UK. The event also saw the unveiling of the nominees of artistes who excelled in the year under review. In all, over 42 categories were announced on the night recently.
Hiplife/Hip Hop Artiste of The Year category will see, Black Sherif, Sarkodie, Medikal, Amerado, DJ Azonto, and Lasmid battle it out. Interestingly, the Hiplife/Hip Hop Song of The Year is a contest for Friday Night – Lasmid, Scarface – Medikal, Grace – Amerado ft. Lasmid, Ewiase – Kweku Flick, Country Side – Sarkodie ft. Black Sherif, Soja – Black Sherif, Fa No Fom – DJ Azonto, Benzo – Malcom Nuna, Kwacha – YPee ft. Yaw TOG, Pressure – Kimilist, Obaa Hemaa – Skyface SDW ft. O’Kenneth, Reggie, Beeztrap KOTM, Kwaku DMC & Jay Bahd. The coveted category, Artiste of the Year will be a tough encounter for Black Sherif, Piesie Esther,Stonebwoy, Sarkodie, King Promise
and Shatta Wale to snatch the ultimate.
Delivering the keynote address, the Director of Operations at the Presidency, Lord Oblitey Commey,said,the event has proven that Ghanaian artistes are not only masters of their craft, but ambassadors of the country’s Ghanaian cultural heritage.
He added that Ghanaian music has come a long way as musicians have been able to break through and project the name and image of the country.
According to him, the country basks in the glory and acknowledges the roles played by past and present Presidents, adding that President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has shown commitment to the creative arts through building infrastructure and access to resources and policies that promote creativity.
He also called for the spirit of collaboration in the quest to break boundaries.
The former Deputy Minister of Tourism Arts and Culture, Dzifa Gomashie urged the ministry to pay attention to the creative arts.
She said, “so far, I think our ministry, this is not to bash anybody, our ministry focuses on Tourism more than it does on the creative arts and that must stop.”
The Member of Parliament for Ketu South said the sector employs a lot of people in the value chain and for that reason, there is a need for more support from the government.
Speaking on behalf of the organisers, renowned artiste manager, Ernest Kwasi, said, the journey has been a tough and difficult one, but with the belief in their dream and the support of stakeholders, the launch and unveiling were successful.
He said the event is a people choice awards scheme that seeks to champion Ghanaian music on the international scheme and presents other business, culture among other opportunities.
According to him, the expectation is to award excellence and become the biggest music event in the diaspora.
He said the main event would be held in London, on October 7, 2023 in the United Kingdom. Ernest Kwasi expressed his appreciation to Tabea, Lawson Herbal, Adonko, Remit Choice Money Transfer, and Blue Jeans among others for coming on board to support the growth of Ghana music.
The patrons were mesmerised by performances from Mabel Okyere, Perez Musik, Keche Joshua, Mo Spence, Lasmid, GodMother Shegah, FBS, and Epixode among others.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
The Ghana Music Awards USA (GMA-USA) has officially recognized a select group of distinguished individuals as Life Patrons during a special announcement.
The Life Patron recognition is reserved for those who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to the advancement of Ghanaian music, both in the United States and globally, says Mr Emmanuel Kusi Mensah (Capito), the COO of the awards scheme.
According to the GMA-USA organizers, Life Patrons are more than supporters—they are visionaries and cultural ambassadors who have invested their time, resources, expertise, and networks to promote Ghanaian talent abroad.
Their efforts have helped position the GMA-USA as a premier event in the diaspora, connecting artists, fans, and stakeholders from all walks of life.
Speaking at the event, the CEO of GMA-USA Mr Dennis Boafo (Don D), expressed his profound gratitude: “Our Life Patrons are the backbone of this awards scheme. Their passion for music and culture is truly inspiring, and their contributions ensure the continued growth and relevance of Ghanaian music internationally.”
The newly inducted Life Patrons will be celebrated throughout the year, with special features and profiles highlighting their impact.
The GMA-USA team has encouraged the public and the music community to join in honoring these champions, whose legacy will inspire future generations of Ghanaian artists and music lovers.
Below are our Life Patrons:
Ing. Isaac Ampem Darko – (CEO, DARKXLYN COMPANY LTD)
Is a highly experienced civil engineer, entrepreneur, and pastor with decades of expertise in civil engineering, earthworks, geodetic surveying, and road design. With over two decades of professional experience, he has built a strong reputation as an industry leader and an excellent consultant.
Vida Djorgee – Chief Operating Officer (COO), Essential Quality Care
Vida Djorgee brings over 23 years of dedicated healthcare experience and serves as the Chief Operating Officer and Founder of Essential Quality Care in Portland, Oregon. She began her career with Providence Health Care Services, where she spent 17 years coordinating hospital operations before expanding her expertise into hospice and end-of-life care.
Isaac Ofori Amoako – (CEO Ike City Hotel)
Isaac Kwabena Ofori Amoako is the owner, CEO, and “Billionaire Boss” of Ike City Hotel. A prominent Ghanaian business mogul and philanthropist, who also serves as the CEO of the Ike City Group of Companies.
Before establishing his business empire in Ghana, Amoako spent over a decade in the diaspora, where he reportedly worked multiple jobs to build his capital.
He is widely recognized for his humanitarian work.
Sabaina Dugan
Is a Registered Nurse (RN) with sixteen years of work experience. She serves as an Associate Director of Nursing, specifically noted for her leadership qualities. Mrs. Dugan holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing and a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA)
As the CEO of Plush Media, a company involved in media production and events, Sabaina Dugan has spearheaded campaigns to integrate Ghanaian music, especially gospel music, into the American entertainment environment. Under the Plush Media umbrella, Mrs. Dugan helped organize the Shakana Experience 2024, a major gospel music event featuring many Gospel artists.
She is also the CEO and owner of Lucern Ventures, which showcases a diverse portfolio spanning healthcare, media, and general entrepreneurship.
Dr. Sandra Adom, PhD, FNP-C, RN, is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner, professor, and research professional with over 15 years of experience in clinical care and research.
She is passionate about compassionate, evidence-based healthcare and mentoring future healthcare professionals.
Dr. Adom also has a deep appreciation for Ghanaian music and culture. In 2025, she served as the Advanced Practice Provider for the Ghana Music Awards USA, supporting the health and wellbeing of performers and event participants.
The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, has launched Heritage Month to project the country’s rich culture and national identity.
The launch took place at Nationalism Park on Monday, March 2, 2026.
This year’s celebration, under the theme, “Experience Ghana, My Heritage, My Pride (Taste 69@69),” also marked the launch of the historic Vodza Regatta.
Speaking at the launch, Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie emphasized the role of tourism, culture and the creative arts in driving jobs, empowering youth and women, and stimulating domestic tourism.
She commended President John Dramani Mahama for offering to be the culture ambassador extraordinary.
According to her, the tourism and creative sector, as the biggest service provider, needs support because it has what it takes to create a lot of employment for Ghanaians.
The minister also charged schools, corporate Ghana, and everyone to visit local tourist sites across the country and enjoy the local cuisines.
She also commended the Ghana Culture Forum and the National Folklore Board for advancing Ghana’s heritage recognition efforts.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GTA, Maame Efua Houadjeto, noted that Heritage Month is both a cultural celebration and an economic activation strategy, with activities including discounted access to heritage sites.
Mrs. Efua Houadjeto noted that there would be “Taste 69@69” culinary showcase, a nationwide Heritage Caravan, Akwaaba Festival, Asa Baako Festival, Akple Festival, Kenkey Festival, Independence Open Mic Concert, and Ghana Day, among others.
She revealed that there would be the unveiling of a revitalised GTA digital platform and an enhanced Ghana Travel portal.
Present at the launch were the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Yussif Issaka Jajah, Ghana Tourism Development Company boss, Prof. Kobby Mensah, Deputy GTA CEO, Gilbert Abeiku Aggrey, other sector directors, traditional authorities, diplomatic representatives, stakeholders and the media.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
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