Entertainment
GMA-USA unveils nominees for second edition
The nominees of the second edition of Ghana Music Awards USA was unveiled last Saturday, and as usual the competition was tight with a lot of musicians gearing up for the ultimate.
The event which is organised by the Don’s Music Production in partnership with Highlife Media USA, rewards musicians who released their works between January and December 2020.
Interestingly, musicians in the United States of America are separated from artistes based in Ghana.
The US-based female Artiste of the Year contest would see the likes of Nana Adwoa, Millicent Yankey, Herty Corgie, Inspirational Gifty, Melody frempong, Esther Afua Yirenkyi and Stella Addo competing for the title.
The US-based Artiste of the Year would be a tight ‘fight’ among Humphrey Tettey, Jayhover, Kaykay Amponsah, Jamin Beats, Oboy Murphy, Archipalago, Bra Collins, Renak, DJ ASumadu and Cburn.
The US-based Best Rapper of the Year would be an interesting battle among Bra Collins, DJ Asamudu,UNDXray and Young Theoryy.
Other categories for artistes based in the USA include Music Video of the Year, Afro Pop Artiste of the Year, Best Gospel Song of the Year and Discovery of the Year.
For the artistes based in Ghana, Adina, Diana Hamilton, Celestine Donkor, MzVee, Efya, Sista Afia, Efe Grace and Joyce Blessing would battle it out for the Female Vocalist of the Year.
Eric Jeshrun, Joe Mettle, Diana Hamilton, MOG Music, Celestine Donkor, Akesse Brempong, Nacee and Yaw Sarpong & Asomafo would wrestle it out for the ultimate in the Gospel Artiste of the Year category.
It will be a tough battle in the Afrobeat/Afropop Artiste of the Year category among Gyakie, KiDi, King Promise, Wendy Shay, Darkovibes, Kelvin Boy, Adi Self and Mr.Drew.
The coveted Artiste of the Year race would be a hard nut to crack as KiDi, Sarkodie, Kuami Eugene, Fameye, Medikal, Stonebwoy, Mr.Drew and Diana Hamilton prove their mettle for the crown.
There are other exciting categories with tight competition in the award scheme which is expected to take place in August at Tropicana Hotel, Atlantic City, New Jersey.
THE president of the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) Mr Bessa Simon has described criticism against a donation made to the family of the legendary Yaw Sarpong as misleading and a means to tarnish their image.
According to him, GH¢500 donated to the family during one week observance wasn’t the final funeral contribution but a symbolic amount to help with refreshment during the one week observance.
• Yaw Sarpong
He told the Spectator Agoro that the Union will make a formal donation at the funeral to the icon in the gospel industry.
“Giving an amount at one week is a common practice and shouldn’t overshadow Yaw Sarpongs legacy” he added
Meanwhile others praised MUSIGA for showing solidarity, others condemned the amount, describing it as inadequate and disrespectful to the legacy of the veteran singer.
Yaw Sarpong, born in Accra, emerged as one of Ghana’s most influential gospel musicians and a defining voice in contemporary Christian music across West Africa.
Rising from humble beginnings and shaped by the political and social turbulence of post-independence Ghana, he transformed gospel music with a distinctive blend of spiritual depth, lyrical clarity, and disciplined musical arrangement.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
Ace-Liam Nana Sam Ankrah, Ghana’s celebrated child prodigy and youngest achiever ever recorded in the Guinness World Records’ 70-year history is set to captivate audiences at the upcoming Ghana Independence Day celebrations in Beijing, China.
The Ghana Embassy in the People’s Republic of China will host series of events culminating on March 6, 2026, to mark Ghana’s 69th Independence Anniversary, with Ace Liam’s artwork prominently featured.
As part of the Embassy’s cultural initiatives, an art exhibition will showcase creative works by top Ghanaian artists including Ace Liam and renowned artist Ibrahim Mahama.
The exhibition aims to celebrate Ghana’s vibrant cultural heritage and foster closer cultural ties between Ghana and China.
At just 3 years old, Ace-Liam has earned acclaim for his innovative artistic talents. His participation in the Independence Day events highlights the role of young Ghanaian artists in promoting the country’s rich culture on a global stage.
Ambassador Kojo Bonsu, during a press soiree held on February 5, 2026, emphasised Ghana’s commitment to deepening its relationship with China through cultural exchange and economic collaboration.
The planned events will also include a business forum and a fashion show by Nineteen57, blending traditional and modern Ghanaian styles.
This will be Ace-Liam’s second international art exhibition after his debut in Barbados at the GUBA Awards.
In 2025, he received an award at the UK Parliament House of Commons as a Global Child Prodigy in Arts. He was also awarded the Kid Creator of the Year at the Creators Awards Ghana 2025.
In a related development, Ace-Liam Ankrah has been recognised as a Young Achiever in the Guinness World Records Book 2026 edition, becoming the youngest achiever in the organisation’s 70-year history.
Featured in the special anniversary edition marking seven decades of global excellence, Ace-Liam joins a distinguished group of record holders and global icons such as Simone Biles, Usain Bolt, and Dolly Parton. His achievements have made a lasting impact worldwide, capturing international attention through the extraordinary power of early childhood creativity.
This latest recognition by Guinness World Records marks a defining milestone not only for Ace-Liam, but also for Ghana and the African creative community. It highlights the importance of nurturing creativity from an early age and demonstrates the extraordinary possibilities that emerge when talent is supported and allowed to flourish.
Reacting to this news, Ace-Liam’s Mother/Manager Chantelle Kuukua Eghan remarked, ‘Ace-Liam being featured in the 2026 Guinness World Records Book as a Young Achiever is a dream come true. I feel blessed and super excited to be his mother. This is not just a win for him, but a win for all kids in the world.’’
Ace-Liam’s artistic journey began at just six months old when his mother, Ghanaian visual artist Chantelle Kuukua, laid out a canvas and paints to keep him engaged while she worked on a commissioned piece.
What began as a simple moment of curiosity quickly revealed something remarkable. Within minutes, he created his first artwork, later titled The Crawl, a vibrant expression that marked the beginning of an exceptional creative path.
Edem Mensah –Tsotorme
