Entertainment
Global Citizen, pgLang, Ghana President partner to announce ‘Move Afrika, Ghana’
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, and President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, have announced at the World Economic Forum that, Accra- Ghana will join Kigali (Rwanda), as a host city for this year’s Move Afrika.
This follows the decision of Global Citizen and pgLang to bring back Move Africa to Ghana to pioneer a first-of-its-kind international music touring circuit across Africa, driving economic investment, job creation, and as well supporting entrepreneurship opportunities in each host country
President Nana Akufo-Addo who expressed gratitude to the organizers said, Ghana was delighted to join Rwanda in becoming the next destination for Global Citizen’s pan-African tour, which is expected to continue impacting talent across the continent.
“I am excited to announce that later this year, Global Citizen will return to Ghana with Move Afrika. Global Citizen is known for leveraging live music events to engage youth while creating social and economic impact.
“We are delighted to join Rwanda in becoming the next destination for Global Citizen’s multi-year, multi-market pan-African tour, and expect continued impact in the years ahead. Today, we celebrate this milestone for Ghana. We look forward to future announcements on this growing cohort of Move Afrika destinations.” President Akufo-Addo said.
President Paul Kagame said, last month, Rwanda was privileged to host the inaugural Move Afrika concert, in partnership with Global Citizen, and stressed that, without exaggeration, Kendrick Lamar moved the whole city of Kigali with his performance.
“We are even happier that he took the time to engage with our local artists. Africa has the talent. More often than not, what they lack is mentorship and support.
Global Citizen’s commitment to develop the workforce needed for professional concert tours will leave an important economic legacy for our region.” President Paul Kagame said.
The Chief Vision Officer for Global Citizen, Mr Kweku Mandela added that, Global Citizen is honored to bring Move Afrika to Ghana, stressing that, the partnership with the Ghanaian and Rwandan governments would showcase the best of African creative talent to the world.
“This concert will generate economic investment into the local creative economy, which will have a lasting impact across the continent for years to come,” he said.
Move Afrika: Ghana builds on Global Citizen’s previous campaigns and events across the African continent include: Move Afrika: Rwanda held at the BK Arena in 2023; Global Citizen Festival: Mandela 100, which brought Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Ed Sheeran, Usher, Eddie Vedder and Chris Martin of Coldplay to Johannesburg, South Africa in 2018; Global Citizen Live: Lagos that featured Davido, Femi Kuti, and Tiwa Savage at Fela Kuti’s New Afrika Shrine in 2021; and Global Citizen Festival: Accra, which brought Usher, SZA, Stormzy, and TEMS to the Black Star Square in 2022.
BY BERNARD BENGHAN
Entertainment
Shatta Wale pulls out of Afro+ Fest 2025
The management of Shatta Wale has announced that the artiste will not be able to perform at Afro+ Fest 2025 in Washington, D.C.
In a statement, Media and Public Relations Manager for the Shatta Movement team, Samuel Atuobi Baah, popularly known as Sammy Flex, said the cancellation was due to “unforeseen logistical constraints and tight timelines” which were outside the control of both Shatta Wale and the festival organizers.
According to the statement, Shatta Wale and his team had worked tirelessly over the past weeks to make the performance possible, and the artiste was fully prepared to join his fans in Washington, D.C.
It added that Shatta Wale was “truly disappointed” to miss the moment.
It stressed that the decision was not because of any lack of effort or willingness from Shatta Wale or Afro Plus, but rather a result of challenges many artistes face when traveling internationally under evolving regulations and time-sensitive requirements.
It further assured fans that Afro+ Fest 2025 “will still deliver an incredible experience” and noted that plans were already underway to set a future date for Shatta Wale to connect with his fans in person.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Entertainment
Empress Gifty wins Artiste of the Year at the 6th Ghana Music Awards USA
Renowned Ghanaian gospel musician, Empress Gifty Adorye, has been crowned Artiste of the Year at the 6th edition of the Ghana Music Awards USA held on August 16, 2025, at ACX1 Studios in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
The gospel star, who attended the event with her husband, Mr. Hopeson Adorye, also won the Gospel Song of the Year, making it a double victory on the night.
For the ultimate award, she beat stiff competition from King Promise, Stonebwoy, Shatta Wale, Diana Hamilton, Joe Mettle, Fameye, KiDi, King Paluta, and Team Eternity.
The ceremony, which celebrates Ghanaian music talents in both Ghana and the diaspora, saw US-based Ghanaian artistes such as Jay Hover, C-Ben and Kay Rockz receive honors.
Special tributes were paid to late Highlife icons Dada KD and Daddy Lumba, while Gyedu-Blay Ambolley was recognized with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
The night featured thrilling performances from Empress Gifty, Gyedu-Blay Ambolley, Kofi Kinaata, and comedian OB Amponsah.
In her acceptance speech, Empress Gifty thanked God, her fans, her manager, and the Ghana Music Awards USA organizers for the recognition.
She expressed her gratitude to radio stations, DJs, and all supporters who have stood by her throughout her career, saying: “I have a grateful heart. Thank you to everyone who voted for me and continues to support my journey. God bless you all.”
By: Jacob Aggrey
