Entertainment
I don’t perform for free — Obaapa Christy
In an era where talent is often expected to be free, ace gospel artiste Christiana Adwoa Twene, popularly known as Obaapa Christy, has revealed that she does not perform for free, not even for friends.
According to her, she has invested in her craft with money, and there is a need for her to be ‘blessed’ after performing. She emphasised that while people expect her to minister for free, they often forget that performing comes with expenses she must cover personally.
“That’s my job and that’s what God has blessed me with, so if I don’t charge, how then will I feed? When someone has a problem and they seek help from me, it’s the same money that I would use to assist the person,” she said on a cooking show on UTV.
Obaapa Christy stated that people might perceive her as not spiritual, but that is far from the point she wants to make, adding that her fees cover essential costs such as transportation and logistics.
“I won’t be on TV and say I don’t charge; I do. When someone charges less for an event, it doesn’t mean I should also take a lesser amount of money. There are levels to everything, and in this job we do, I’ve been able to build my brand so I’m different from others who charge less,” she shared.
She began her career with the ‘Hallelujah Voices’ before releasing her debut album, ‘Me Te Ase,’ in 2002. For over two decades, she has won multiple awards, including several Ghana Music Awards, and has become an icon in the gospel music genre.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
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Award-winning Ghanaian musician, Wendy Asiamah Addo, known in showbiz circles as Wendy Shay, is poised for Artiste of the Year crown this year.
Through her hard work last year, the musician has earned about seven nominations for this year’s Telecel Ghana Music Awards.
Wendy Shay was nominated for Artiste of the Year, Album of the Year, Afrobeats Song of the Year, Afrobeats/Afropop Artiste of the Year, International Collaboration of the Year, Collaboration of the Year and Most Popular Song of the Year.
Speaking exclusively to her management, they said Wendy Shay last year graced over 40 shows, including her successful Shay Concert held at the West Hills Mall in Accra on November 22, 2025.
Additionally, they noted that through her hard work, she had international features with Movado (Apology), Phina (Too Late Remix), Bedjine (Too Late Remix), Guchi (Too Late Remix) and Niggy Boy (Weed & Wine).
They further told the paper that her ‘Ready’ album garnered over 25 million streams across all platforms, including massive airplays, adding that most of the songs featured prominently at parties and diverse events in Ghana and beyond.
Her management concluded that the hard work made her brand very attractive for Corporate Ghana, a feat which led Wendy Shay to secure ambassadorial deals with Peeva and Hisense.
Against this backdrop, they are optimistic that Wendy Shay is in pole position to win the coveted Artiste of the Year crown this year, and therefore called on industry players, all and sundry to vote for her.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
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Ghanaian highlife and Afrobeat musician Berima Amo has signed a new international recording deal with UK-based world music label ARC Music, a move seen as another boost for the global recognition of West African music.
Known for blending traditional highlife with Afrobeat, jazz and other global influences, Amo has become a strong advocate for preserving and promoting authentic African musical heritage while introducing it to new audiences around the world.
The announcement comes ahead of the release of his much-anticipated album “Rhythms of Love,” recorded live at Studio 150 Bethlehemkerk in Amsterdam. The album will be released worldwide on May 24, preceded by two singles: “Fake Flowers” on May 1 and “Yaba” featuring Tallulah Rose on May 8, 2026.
The new project is expected to expand Amo’s reputation as both a cultural preserver and musical innovator, pushing the boundaries of African sound through powerful rhythms and cross-genre fusion.
With five albums, two EPs and ten singles already available across major streaming platforms, Berima Amo continues to grow his global audience.
Berima Amo, a singer, trumpeter, composer and bandleader originally from Ghana and now active in Europe, has built a reputation for preserving the roots of highlife while reimagining it for modern audiences. Through performances, collaborations and educational initiatives, he has championed traditional African rhythms and instruments while blending them with Afrobeat, jazz, soul and orchestral music.
Many in the industry now view Amo as a torchbearer for authentic West African music, continuing the legacy of legendary figures such as E. T. Mensah, The Ramblers International Band, Rex Lawson, Ebo Taylor, Nana Ampadu, King Onyina, Osibisa and Fela Kuti, helping to carry the sound of West Africa to the world.
