Entertainment
Ghana Music Awards-USA outlines programmes for 2021
Organisers of the annual Ghana Music Awards-USA (GMA-USA) have outlined programmes for the second edition of the scheme.
According to them, the research team had started work this January, to pave way for nominees announcement in March 2021.
“There would be a call for nomination for Ghanaian musicians based in the United State of America, and for Ghanaian artistes the research team will look out for artistes who qualify to make the cut, and present them to the academy and the board,” he revealed.
Speaking to The Spectator in an interview, the Chief Executive Officer,(CEO) of Ghana Music Awards-USA, Mr Dennis Boafo said, the nominees announcement would be made in Ghana.
He added that in all, they were looking at about 32 categories to honour hard working musicians who have excelled in the year under review, adding that Male and Female Artistes of the Year remained the ultimate.
Mr.Boafo said the main event is scheduled for 7 August 2021,at Tropicana Hotel in Atlantis City,New Jersey,United States of America
He disclosed that the three-day event would start on Friday, August 6, with a media soiree, then on August 7, a beach party, followed by red carpet and the main event.
The Sunday which is August 8, would be earmarked for other events to wrap up the awards.
Talking about challenges faced, he said, organising such events are capital intensive and difficult, due to the need to satisfy two communities, a move which calls for numerous logistics.
Mr Boafo, posited that the longevity of the scheme would go a long way to promote Ghana music to the rest of the world, and therefore called on all and sundry to support the scheme.
According to him, aside awarding deserving artistes, the scheme serves as a tool to promote Ghanaian artistes in America.
“This present avenues to take artistes on tour in America, and also serve as a bridge between Ghanaian musicians based in the USA, and those in Ghana,” he added.
Also, he said, there are opportunities to help Ghanaian artistes collaborate with other world heavyweights among others things in the entertainment industry to ensure growth.
He revealed that their exploits are not limited to music, but also reaching out to the needy in society with Samsung tablets and other learning gadgets.
GMA-USA, powered by Don’s Music Production, was launched in January, 2020 at the 915 NJ-73 MT Laurel Township, New Jersey 08054 in the United States of America.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
THE president of the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) Mr Bessa Simon has described criticism against a donation made to the family of the legendary Yaw Sarpong as misleading and a means to tarnish their image.
According to him, GH¢500 donated to the family during one week observance wasn’t the final funeral contribution but a symbolic amount to help with refreshment during the one week observance.
• Yaw Sarpong
He told the Spectator Agoro that the Union will make a formal donation at the funeral to the icon in the gospel industry.
“Giving an amount at one week is a common practice and shouldn’t overshadow Yaw Sarpongs legacy” he added
Meanwhile others praised MUSIGA for showing solidarity, others condemned the amount, describing it as inadequate and disrespectful to the legacy of the veteran singer.
Yaw Sarpong, born in Accra, emerged as one of Ghana’s most influential gospel musicians and a defining voice in contemporary Christian music across West Africa.
Rising from humble beginnings and shaped by the political and social turbulence of post-independence Ghana, he transformed gospel music with a distinctive blend of spiritual depth, lyrical clarity, and disciplined musical arrangement.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
Ace-Liam Nana Sam Ankrah, Ghana’s celebrated child prodigy and youngest achiever ever recorded in the Guinness World Records’ 70-year history is set to captivate audiences at the upcoming Ghana Independence Day celebrations in Beijing, China.
The Ghana Embassy in the People’s Republic of China will host series of events culminating on March 6, 2026, to mark Ghana’s 69th Independence Anniversary, with Ace Liam’s artwork prominently featured.
As part of the Embassy’s cultural initiatives, an art exhibition will showcase creative works by top Ghanaian artists including Ace Liam and renowned artist Ibrahim Mahama.
The exhibition aims to celebrate Ghana’s vibrant cultural heritage and foster closer cultural ties between Ghana and China.
At just 3 years old, Ace-Liam has earned acclaim for his innovative artistic talents. His participation in the Independence Day events highlights the role of young Ghanaian artists in promoting the country’s rich culture on a global stage.
Ambassador Kojo Bonsu, during a press soiree held on February 5, 2026, emphasised Ghana’s commitment to deepening its relationship with China through cultural exchange and economic collaboration.
The planned events will also include a business forum and a fashion show by Nineteen57, blending traditional and modern Ghanaian styles.
This will be Ace-Liam’s second international art exhibition after his debut in Barbados at the GUBA Awards.
In 2025, he received an award at the UK Parliament House of Commons as a Global Child Prodigy in Arts. He was also awarded the Kid Creator of the Year at the Creators Awards Ghana 2025.
In a related development, Ace-Liam Ankrah has been recognised as a Young Achiever in the Guinness World Records Book 2026 edition, becoming the youngest achiever in the organisation’s 70-year history.
Featured in the special anniversary edition marking seven decades of global excellence, Ace-Liam joins a distinguished group of record holders and global icons such as Simone Biles, Usain Bolt, and Dolly Parton. His achievements have made a lasting impact worldwide, capturing international attention through the extraordinary power of early childhood creativity.
This latest recognition by Guinness World Records marks a defining milestone not only for Ace-Liam, but also for Ghana and the African creative community. It highlights the importance of nurturing creativity from an early age and demonstrates the extraordinary possibilities that emerge when talent is supported and allowed to flourish.
Reacting to this news, Ace-Liam’s Mother/Manager Chantelle Kuukua Eghan remarked, ‘Ace-Liam being featured in the 2026 Guinness World Records Book as a Young Achiever is a dream come true. I feel blessed and super excited to be his mother. This is not just a win for him, but a win for all kids in the world.’’
Ace-Liam’s artistic journey began at just six months old when his mother, Ghanaian visual artist Chantelle Kuukua, laid out a canvas and paints to keep him engaged while she worked on a commissioned piece.
What began as a simple moment of curiosity quickly revealed something remarkable. Within minutes, he created his first artwork, later titled The Crawl, a vibrant expression that marked the beginning of an exceptional creative path.
Edem Mensah –Tsotorme
