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/
Gospel musician Lady Adwoa marked her birthday in a deeply spiritual way on Sunday, July 19, 2026, with the release of her latest single, ‘ASEDA,’ a powerful song of thanksgiving that reflects her personal journey of faith, resilience, and unwavering trust in God.
The new release, whose title translates as “Thanksgiving,” is more than just another gospel song. It is a heartfelt testimony of God’s sustaining grace and faithfulness through some of the most challenging moments of the singer’s life.
According to Lady Adwoa, ASEDA was inspired by her experiences over the past five years; a period she described as one of intense trials that tested both her faith and resilience. Despite the difficulties, she said every challenge became another reminder that God never abandons those who trust in Him.
“Through every difficult season, God simply came through for me. He has been faithful through it all,” she said.
She explained that the message of the song is rooted in the biblical admonition to remain thankful in every circumstance.
“The Bible teaches us to give thanks in all circumstances, so whether in the good, the bad, or the ugly, I choose to give thanks to God,” she added.
By releasing ASEDA on her birthday, Lady Adwoa said she transformed what is traditionally a personal celebration into an offering of gratitude to God for preserving her life and strengthening her through every season.
With the declaration, “ASEDA FATA NYAME” meaning God deserves all the thanks. The singer said the song encapsulates her testimony and serves as an encouragement to others to remain steadfast in faith regardless of life’s uncertainties.
The uplifting single combines a message of hope with heartfelt worship, reminding listeners that gratitude should not be reserved only for seasons of abundance but should also be expressed amid life’s trials.
Lady Adwoa has encouraged gospel music enthusiasts and the general public to stream ASEDA on her YouTube channel and follow her social media platforms for updates on her music ministry and future projects.
The release has already begun drawing attention among gospel music lovers, with many expected to connect with its timeless message of gratitude, hope, and unwavering confidence in God’s faithfulness.
An International Relations student at Cumbria University, Rumzia Sule, has been officially crowned Miss Ghana 2026, emerging victorious over 12 other contestants to claim the coveted national title.
The grand finale of the 69th edition, held under the theme “Empowering Women, Enduring Legacy,” saw the University of Ghana graduate Fatimatu Zara Ishacu finish as the first runner-up and Whitney Opoku Nketia adjudged the second runner-up.
Other awards, such as Miss Fitness, Miss Talent, Miss Eloquent, Most Beautiful Skin, Miss Congeniality, Most Disciplined, and Miss Photogenic, went to Nedlyn Appiah, Lucille Akua Oputa-Otutu, Davinia Owusu Kuffuor, Lawrencia Serwaa Amankwa, Fatimatu Zara Ishacu, Anita Appiah, and Whitney Opoku Nketia, in that order.
Rumzia also won the Beauty with Purpose award.
Unlike previous editions, this year’s pageant adopted a strategic, scaled-down format. Shifting away from traditional pomp and pageantry, to a more personal and community skills development theme.
The final selection was held at the Oak Plaza Hotel in Accra before an elite panel of judges, relatives of contestants amongst others present to witness the historic occasion.
According to the organisers, Exclusive Events Ghana and the Miss Ghana Foundation, the format change was a deliberate choice, as part of preparations towards the upcoming milestone for the brand both nationally and internationally, that is, next year’s landmark 70th, in Ghana and this year’s 75th anniversaries, internationally.
Despite the cozy setting of the coronation, the finalists underwent the full, rigorous pageant journey following nationwide auditions on June 27, 2026.
The young women participated in intensive, weeks-long mentorship, leadership, and entrepreneurship programme designed to test their resilience, empathy, discipline, and professionalism.
Furthermore, the contestants demonstrated their commitment to national development by rolling up their sleeves for the National Clean-Up Exercise, supporting President John Dramani Mahama’s call to restore cleanliness across Ghana by desilting choked gutters in parts of Accra.
The Foundation emphasised that these outreach programmes were vital evaluation tools used to identify a queen who genuinely embodies compassion and a willingness to serve society beyond the glamour of the stage.
Rumzia’s exceptional public speaking and commanding vision ultimately separated her from the field.
As the new Miss Ghana 2026, Rumzia will now begin preparations to represent the nation on the international stage at the upcoming Miss World pageant in Vietnam.
