Entertainment
Gilly & The Stars: Reviving highlife music with a global touch
Ghana’s own Gilbert Otoo, widely known by his stage name Gilly & The Stars, continues to establish himself as one of the country’s finest highlife voices and songwriters.
Celebrated for his ability to compose in both English and Ga, Gilly stands in the tradition of great songwriters whose lyrical depth and cultural fluency elevate music beyond entertainment into timeless art.
Gilly blends Ghana’s native rhythms with modern influences to reach audiences worldwide.
Most of his songs are crafted in the Ga language, reflecting both pride in his heritage and a desire to showcase Ga culture on the world stage, and he is determined to make Ga-language highlife resonate across continents.
Highlife, Ghana’s gift to the world, has long enjoyed international acclaim — from West Africa to the Caribbean, Europe, and beyond. Gilly’s music is carrying that tradition forward.
With tracks available on iTunes, Amazon, YouTube, and other platforms, his sound defines a modern highlife — energetic, danceable, and soulful, yet enriched with crossover elements that appeal to a worldwide audience.
Fans can now enjoy the visuals to Gilly & The Stars’ highlife release, “Ye Oshia Sane (Dzi Wofie Asem),” a fresh tune set to hit the TV airwaves very soon.
The song “Ye Oshia Sane (Dzi Wofie Asem)” carries a powerful message about the importance of minding one’s own business.
It serves as a reminder to respect the personal choices of others and refrain from interfering in matters that do not concern us.
Watch video on YouTube here – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cO1uExTGDXc
Other songs such as “My Dear Adjeley,” “CHRISTIE,” and “Ekomefeemor” have become favorites among Ghanaians, songs that ignite dance floors at any gathering. These tracks embody the vibrancy of his style: rooted in highlife, yet universal in their groove.
“Highlife is Ghana’s gift to the world, and I want my Ga roots to shine through it globally,” Gilbert said.
His landmark 2010 release, the album “Fighting My Way Back”, remains a shining example of his versatility. The project carried something for everyone — from Hiplife and Reggae to R&B, Pop, and traditional Highlife — creating a rich crossover experience.
The album also boasted collaborations with both Ghanaian greats and international stars, including Cynthia Johnson of “Funky Town” fame.
Gilly shared studio time with Ghana’s finest artistes such as Adane Best, King David, Castro, Screwface, and Shilo, with the project expertly engineered by the legendary Jay Q, whom Gilly praises for perfectly capturing his musical vision.
Listen to ‘Fighting My Way Back’ album on YouTube here – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OTIfoEu7PA&list=OLAK5uy_meQiWiaxU5CNJS1VHAgbw5EC9EiKQpeGA
Gilly’s passion for music traces back to his secondary school days at Aggrey Memorial, where he first showcased his talent as a member of the school’s pop group, The Cooking Pots. Those early experiences laid the foundation for his journey into professional music.
Today, Agyingo Studioz serves as his creative hub, where he continues to record and refine his sound alongside one of Ghana’s most respected studio engineers, Agyingo.
As a songwriter and performer, Gilly remains devoted to carrying Ghanaian music into the global spotlight while honoring the traditions of highlife. With his artistry, he is not just preserving the sound of his homeland — he is expanding it, modernizing it, and sharing it with the world.
Subscribe to Gilbert Otoo’s YouTube page here – https://www.youtube.com/@gilbertotoo2665
Follow Gilbert Otoo’s Facebook page here – https://web.facebook.com/gilbert.otoo
Follow Gilbert Otoo’s Instagram page here – https://www.instagram.com/gillyotoo/
Highlife musician Ofori Amponsah has clarified that veteran sound engineer Fred Kyei Mensah did not introduce him to music legend Daddy Lumba, as many people believe.
He explained that he personally searched for a producer and took his demo to Daddy Lumba’s house himself.
After listening to the demo, Lumba decided to work with him.
Ofori Amponsah added that he later introduced Fred Kyei Mensah and Selina Orleans, he worked with, to Daddy Lumba for musical projects.
He described Daddy Lumba as a father figure and said their relationship remains strong.
By: Jacob Aggrey
It was all glitz, emotion, and pure energy inside the Adom TV studios as Sally Mann’s “Showtym” marked its first anniversary in grand style. The celebration brought together some of Ghana’s biggest names, turning the night into a spectacle of laughter, inspiration, and unforgettable moments.
The night kicked off in spectacular fashion with Efe Keyz and her band, who set the tone with electrifying live music that had the audience on their feet from the very start.
From Stonebwoy, Samini, Kuami Eugene, Kofi Kinaata, Okyeame Kwame, Okyeame Kofi, Piesie Esther, Ras Kuuku, Epixode, Osebo the Zaraman, Gloria Sarfo, Bandex, and many more — it was a gathering of stars showing love and support to one of their own.
Stonebwoy congratulated Sally for her remarkable journey, saying, “Congratulations to Sally for her tremendous contribution to the industry. As Showtym turns one, we celebrate you and tell you to keep shining. One day, I’ll be on the show.”
Samini also sent in his best wishes, describing Sally as one of the few bold voices in entertainment. Okyeame Kwame commended her honesty and confidence, saying, “Sally is exciting to watch and she speaks the truth always.”
Vida Adutwumwaa, Head of Public Relations at Burniton Music Group, presented Ghandour Cosmetics products to Sally on behalf of Stonebwoy and Dr. Louisa, praising her for her consistency and impact. Vida also encouraged the entertainment industry to give women more freedom to express themselves and take up space.
One of the most beautiful highlights of the night came when Andy Dosty, the former host of Showtym, made a surprise appearance live on air. Sally welcomed him with a warm hug as the two shared fond memories of the show’s journey and evolution. Their exchange reflected mutual respect and admiration, setting a lighthearted tone that got everyone smiling.
The emotional moment of the night came later when Sally spoke about Agyemang Prempeh. Fighting back tears, she expressed heartfelt gratitude for his unwavering support and guidance throughout her media journey.
Gloria Sarfo praised Sally’s growth and confidence, describing her as “a woman who is fearless, focused, and refreshing to watch.”
Ras Kuuku said, “We’re like family, so I came to join in your one-year celebration.” Piesie Esther added, “I always pray for Sally Mann anytime I see her on any show.” Kofi Kinaata also shared, “Thank you for keeping me in your good books, Sally.”
In a nostalgic moment, Okyeame Kofi revealed that Mark Okraku-Mantey once gave them his shirt to shoot Akyeame’s first album cover — a story that brought laughter across the room.
Bandex, a respected figure in Ghana’s entertainment industry, commended Sally for her courage and for “holding her ground in an industry that’s not always kind to outspoken women.”
MC Yaa Yeboah wrapped it beautifully, saying, “The pace at which within one year she has grown the show and given other stations competition is amazing.”
Then came the grand finale — DKB, in his typical hilarious fashion, popped a bottle of champagne on Sally during the live show, drenching the studio in laughter and celebration.
