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
Management of Ghanaian dancehall artiste Shatta Wale, born Charles Nii Armah Mensah, has confirmed plans to take legal action against broadcaster and musician Blakk Rasta over comments they describe as defamatory.
In a press release issued on Monday January 19 2026, Shatta Wale’s management announced that the artiste has instructed his lawyers to file a defamation lawsuit following a series of public statements which they consider false and damaging to his reputation.
The statement noted that Shatta Wale respects freedom of expression and the role of the media in public discussion. |
However management stressed that free speech comes with responsibility and requires accuracy fairness and professionalism especially when discussing a person’s character and integrity.
According to the management the decision to go to court was taken after careful consideration.
They explained that the legal action is meant to protect the artiste’s personal and professional image and to reinforce the need for responsible broadcasting in Ghana’s media space.
Management also indicated that since the matter is now before the courts Shatta Wale will not address the issue through the media.
They expressed confidence in the judicial process and believe the courts are the right place to resolve the matter.
The statement assured fans business partners and the general public that Shatta Wale remains focused on his music ongoing projects and positive contributions to the entertainment industry.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Christmas festivities were nothing short of fun and excitement, especially for patrons of Dodi World in Akosombo in the Eastern Region.
A major highlight was a memorable voyage aboard the famous MV Dodi Princess II, a 150-capacity pleasure boat, which sailed to the scenic Dodi Island, an 84-hectare natural haven.
Among the patrons was a vibrant social group known as ‘Weekend Day Out’, which brings together individuals from diverse backgrounds and workplaces to interact, share ideas and enjoy memorable leisure experiences.
On December 26, the group joined hundreds of other fun lovers to fill the vessel to capacity for what many described as an experience of a lifetime.
The over five-hour journey from Dodi World through to Dodi Island was electrifying. Patrons enjoyed breath-taking rare views of the island’s rich natural scenery and wildlife before returning onboard for the cruise back to the starting point.
The atmosphere was further enlivened by music from DJs and a live band, complemented by an array of drinks and grilled meals, ensuring both young and old had something to cheer about throughout the voyage.
For members of the Weekend Day Out group, the trip served as a joyful reunion with friends after a year of professional commitments, while also providing an opportunity to plan future adventures in the coming year.
Speaking after the event, one of the patrons, Ms Gloria Yaa Baby, said although she had embarked on the voyage several times, the most recent experience was particularly breathtaking and memorable.
“This one was different, with more people and interactive sessions. It gave me many reasons to return and experience the fun again with the Weekend Day Out group,” she stated.
With another exciting adventure scheduled for March this year, she encouraged Ghanaians to make time out of their busy schedules to relax, unwind and enjoy life.
By Spectator Reporter
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