Entertainment
GMA announces Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Obrafour, George Jahraa and Kwabena Kwabena for African Legends Night
The stage is set for another extraordinary night of African music, culture, and celebration as the much-anticipated African Legends Night returns Friday, December 1, 2023, at the Grand Arena in Accra.
This year’s edition is poised to make history with an exceptional lineup – the Princess of Africa, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, the Hiplife legend, Obrafour, Highlife icon, George Jahraa, and the master soul singer, Kwabena Kwabena.
African Legends Night has become synonymous with celebrating the musical excellence and contributions of African legends, and this year is no exception. These legends, each with their unique style and musical influence, will captivate the audience in an unforgettable night of music and celebration.
Yvonne Chaka Chaka, affectionately known as the “Princess of Africa,” has graced the global music stage for decades with her powerhouse vocals and timeless hits. Her songs, including “Umqombothi,” have transcended borders, making her a beloved African icon. Beyond her musical career, Yvonne Chaka Chaka is known for her philanthropic work and advocacy for social causes.
Obrafour, fondly referred to as the “Rap Sofo” of Ghana, is a pioneer in the hiplife music genre. His thought-provoking lyrics and innovative style have garnered him a dedicated following across Africa. He continues to be an influential figure in the Ghanaian music industry.
George Jahraa, a highlife colossus, became very popular when he released his first album “Driver-Banza” in 1990, which was hot with six tracks including “Sanukade”. He has hit songs like “Ashikele”, “Asor” and many others. His performances are marked by an electrifying stage presence that resonates with audiences.
Kwabena Kwabena, known for his soulful ballads and romantic melodies, has become a household name in the music scene. His enchanting voice and emotionally charged lyrics have made him a favourite among music enthusiasts.
Commenting on the lineup, Emma Wenani, Chief Director of Global Media Alliance, organizers of African Legends Night said “We are thrilled to present these exceptional artistes for this year’s African Legends Night.”
“Their music has left an indelible mark on the African music landscape, and we are excited to honour their contributions on one stage. This promises to be a night to remember,” Emma Wenani added.
The African Legends Night promises an enchanting evening filled with soul-stirring live performances, cherished classics, and an opportunity to celebrate the richness and diversity of African music.
Powered by Global Media Alliance, African Legends Night is a musical concert held annually with the aim of recognizing and celebrating African musicians who are considered living legends.
The event has over the years celebrated living legends such as Hugh Masekela of South Africa, Femi Kuti of Nigeria, Freddy Meiway, and Ghanaian legends like Amakye Dede, George Darko, Ofie Cudjoe, Gyedu Blay Ambolley, Ben Brako, Kojo Antwi, Samini, Rex Omar, Nat Brew, Akosua Agyapong, Nana Tuffuor, Ofori Amponsah and Daddy Lumba
Entertainment
‘Artivism’ at TGMA27: Okyeame Kwame uses gold-themed Red Carpet look to wage war against galamsey
Renowned musician and “Rap Dacta” Okyeame Kwame transformed the 2026 Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA) red carpet into a platform for environmental activism, making a bold visual statement against the devastating effects of illegal mining, affectionately called galamsey.
Arriving in a striking ensemble, the artiste was draped in gold colours from head to toe, complete with a matching gold-plated sword.
However, the glamour carried a somber message. Flanked by two bodybuilders who performed as figures suffering from the physical and environmental “cancers” of illegal mining, Okyeame Kwame’s appearance served as a stark contrast between the beauty of Ghana’s gold and the destruction caused by its extraction.
Speaking to host Giovanni Caleb, the musician explained that his “glittering” look was a deliberate irony intended to spark a national conversation.
“I wanted to look like gold to remind Ghanaians that while gold glitters, galamsey destroys our rivers, our rocks, our air, and our nature,” Okyeame Kwame stated.
He further emphasised that the fight against environmental degradation transcends partisan lines.
“If we glitter like this once every year and forget that it is not the responsibility of the NPP or NDC, but the collective responsibility of all Ghanaians to stop this galamsey cancer, then we have failed,” he added.
Long recognized as an ‘Artivist,’ Okyeame Kwame has a storied history of using his public platform to champion social and environmental causes.
The 2026 TGMA, while a night of musical celebration, was momentarily refocused by the Rap Dacta’s plea for the protection of Ghana’s natural heritage, proving once again that art remains one of the most powerful tools for social change.
Okyeame Kwame is currently out with new single dubbed, “Clap,” a song encouraging communal support and celebration of others’ successes.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
The biggest event on Ghana’s entertainment calendar is set for a night of honours, pomp, and pageantry.
It is a night where musicians who excelled during the year under review will be rewarded through the endorsement of the Telecel Ghana Music Awards Board, the Academy, and the general public.
The Grand Arena, the ideal venue for the 27th TGMA, will host a star-studded audience of musicians, media personalities, businessmen, politicians, actors, and footballers among others.
On this night, the most coveted prize is the Artiste of the Year (AOTY) category, which will see the crowning of a new king or queen of Ghana music.
Two heavyweights in the category, Stonebwoy and Sarkodie, have the opportunity to set an enviable record as the only artistes to win the coveted title for a third time.
Should they fall short, the opportunity shifts to Black Sherif and Diana Hamilton to equal the record of two wins, joining the elite ranks of past double-winners like VIP.
A win for Diana Hamilton, will set her up in a lonely journey at the top as the only gospel musician, to win the Artiste of the Year for the second time.
Alternatively, Wendy Shay could make her debut by winning the award for the first time. This would make her team up with Diana Hamilton as the only female artistes alive to hold the title. The late Ebony, won it posthumously in 2018.
If the title slips past them and falls to Medikal, he will also become a first-time winner, etching his name into the annals of Ghana music history.
Patrons can look forward to electrifying performances from a long list of confirmed artistes, including Black Sherif, Diana Hamilton, Piesie Esther, R2Bees, Medikal, Wendy Shay, Lasmid, Kofi Kinaata, Samini, and Fido, among others.
Beyond the ultimate prize, several other major categories are up for grabs, including Music Video of the Year, New Artiste of the Year, Gospel Artiste of the Year, Most Popular Song of the Year, and Songwriter of the Year.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
