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
Legendary Ghanaian gospel musician and founder of the Asomafo gospel group, Yaw Sarpong, is reporteddead.
The 66 year old gospel artiste is said to have died at the Emena Hospital in Kumasi on January 20, where he was receiving medical treatment.
For sometime now, Yaw Sarpong had been dealing with prolonged health challenges, forcing him to reduce his public appearances and step away periodically from performances.
Yaw Sarpong is widely credited as a pioneer of contemporary Akan gospel music.
Through Yaw Sarpong and Asomafo, he introduced a distinctive sound marked by rich harmonies, disciplined arrangements and lyrics firmly grounded in Christian teachings.
His leadership and musical direction helped shape the identity of gospel music in Ghana for decades.
Some popular tunes by the group includes ‘Wo Haw Ne Sen’, ‘Tie Obiaa’, ‘Aduro Yesu’ and ‘Awurade Kasa’, tracks that continue to feature prominently in churches and Christian gatherings across the country.
Yaw Sarpong’s death comes barely some weeks after the passing of Maame Tiwa, a key pillar of the Yaw Sarpong’s Asomafo music group.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
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Heavens will come down at the International Central Gospel Church, Temple East (ICGC) as gospel songstress Diana Hamilton holds her annual concert.
The annual concert ‘Awake Experience’ with Diana Hamilton will take place in Accra on February 15, and at the church of Pentecost, Bantama Kumasi on February 22.
Speaking to The Spectator Agoro, she said this year offers another opportunity to have an experience with God, saying “So I want to be in his presence and watch him do mind blowing things.”
The ‘Aha Ye’ hit maker also announced that leading up to the event, the Diana Hamilton Team will embark on various outreaches to spread the gospel through ministration.
Themed ‘Dwell,’ will bring together renowned artiste and worshippers to celebrate faith and music.
Notable among them are Elder Dr Kwesi Mireku, Ntokozo Mbambo, Sisi Baidoo, Nana Yaw Ofori- Atta, Tagoe sisters and Joojo Arhin.
Diana Hamilton is a celebrated Ghanaian gospel singer, songwriter, and nurse, known for her inspirational music, spiritual depth, and impactful stage presence.
She has achieved historic wins like VGMA Artiste of the Year in 2021, becoming the first female gospel artist to do so, and is also recognised for her philanthropic work through the Diana Hamilton Foundation.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
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