Entertainment
Gilly & The Stars: Reviving highlife music with a global touch
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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/
Ghanaian rapper Medikal has advised musicians to focus on building financial security rather than relying mainly on awards, shows and public recognition.
According to him, the difficult situations some senior musicians face after years in the industry should serve as a lesson to younger artistes.
Medikal made the comments on TikTok while sharing his thoughts on an interview involving veteran Ghanaian musician DJ Barosky, whom he claimed is currently homeless in the United Kingdom.
He expressed surprise at the situation, noting that he grew up listening to and admiring some of the senior musicians who influenced his generation.
“Bro, right now, social media, I know if you tell which one be real or what be fake,” Medikal stated, questioning the reality of what people see online.
He argued that musicians should make money and put proper financial plans in place while they are active in the industry.
“If you be artist for this country, you for make money, collect money, put certain things in place,” he said.
Medikal stressed that awards and performances were important but should not replace financial planning.
He encouraged artistes to be careful with their relationships and to understand that the entertainment industry is largely driven by money.
According to him, even friendships can change when a person’s financial circumstances change.
He therefore urged musicians not to become discouraged by financial losses but to remain focused on creating wealth.
“Make money. If you lose money, still collect money,” he advised.
Medikal said the experiences of older artistes should encourage current musicians to take their finances seriously and prepare for life beyond their peak years in the entertainment industry.
By: Jacob Aggrey
It was a night of colour, culture and creativity as Miss Tourism Ghana successfully held its Regional Costume & Talent Night in Accra.
The event drew fashion lovers, culture enthusiasts, and proud supporters who came out to witness Ghana’s beauty queens represent their regions on one grand stage.
From the moment guests stepped in, the atmosphere was electric, ushering,
Okra, Zabe, Gina, Akpe, Sela, Afia,Asher and Ajua into the auditorium to mesmerize patrons.
The blistering night, commenced with a breathtaking regional costumes rocked by contestants that told stories of Ghana’s traditions from, african print, kente, smock, batakari, beads and other indigenous fabrics.
Each outfit with beautiful local accessories to match was paired with confidence, poise, and pride.
The night then shifted gears into the talent segment. The audience was treated to powerful performances traditional dance, spoken word, fashion, singing, and drama all centered on promoting Ghana’s tourism and heritage.
The judges were stunned with the various displays and passed favorable commentaries encouraging the contestants to keep giving their all.
Patrons left with unforgettable moments, and the contestants delivered to their expectations.
Organisers of Miss Tourism Ghana congratulated all the amazing participants who took part and urged them to forged ahead strongly before the grand final.
They also, encouraged families and friends to keep their favourite in the competition through their campaigns and votes.
The search for Ghana’s next tourism ambassador is officially on, and the competition is getting tighter with each stage.
Beyond the glamour, Miss Tourism Ghana continues to use the platform to market Ghana’s tourist sites, culture and hospitality to the world.
The Regional Costume & Talent Night served as both entertainment and education, reminding Ghanaians of the beauty in our diversity.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
