Entertainment
I was told prophetic and music ministries were my calling – Prophet Atarah reveals
Even though he did not have smooth vocals, and never thought of ever singing, a prophecy in 2010 concerning his music ministry has manifested in his life.
‘Singing Prophet’ Joseph Atarah who was a trumpeter, and a drummer, has shared a story about his prophetic and music ministries.
Born and bred at Koforidua in the Eastern Region, the founder of Believers’ Grace Ministry International who spoke to The Spectator said, he started learning how to play trumpet in 1997 where he joined the Armed Force Band known as Pink Five as a drummer.
He told this reporter that there was a prophesy to him that playing instruments was not his path, “I was told prophetic ministry was rather my calling.”
For this reason, he resigned from the band when he heard the voice of God in 2006 and joined his brother at Adenta in Accra, to follow his prophetic call.
At the later part of 2008, he started a fellowship, which grew in number. After praying about it, on January 10, 2010, it was turned to Sunday service which has since been a success story.
Prophet Atarah who is also the host of Grace Hour an online midnight prayers service, further revealed that in 2010, “someone prophesied to me that I was going to have a singing ministry as part of my prophetic ministry.”
According to him, at first, he misunderstood it for having a music band, because he was an instrumentalist although did not have a singing voice.
Later, the gift of singing manifested in the life of Prophet Atarah, which led him to composing a lot of songs during church service, including his new single ‘Woye Odo’.
“The song was composed in 2012, but getting to the later part of last year, I reached out to Piesie Esther and we recorded together,” he said.
Prophet Atarah who has been in the prophetic ministry for about 16 years, expressed surprise about the wonderful reception his song has received and expressed appreciation to God for how far he has brought him.
According to him, he would release more songs in the coming months and later release an album to complement his music ministry.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Entertainment
Nanabanyin Dadson Honoured with Prestigious TGMA Titan Award
The Palms Convention Centre at La Palm Royal Beach Hotel was ablaze with glitz, and electrifying performances as the 26th Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA) celebrated its winners in an exclusive event dubbed “Nite with AOTY” on Friday, June 6, 2025.
The night was not just about music—it was also a night of honour and legacy, with veteran journalist and cultural icon Nanabanyin Dadson taking home the prestigious Titan Award for his immense contributions to Ghana’s music and arts ecosystem.
This award was presented by the CEO of Charterhouse, Mrs. Theresa Ayoade, who lavished praise on Dadson, highlighting his invaluable contributions to the industry and to the Ghana Music Awards scheme since its inception.
Titan Award: Nanabanyin Dadson’s Enduring Legacy
Nanabanyin Dadson is a distinguished Ghanaian journalist, arts critic and educator whose influential career spans over three decades. His work has left a lasting imprint on Ghana’s creative and cultural landscape – particularly in the areas of music journalism, arts criticism, and cultural tourism.
A graduate of the University of Ghana with a degree in English and a diploma in Performing Arts, Mr Dadson further pursued postgraduate studies in African Studies and Communication.
He began his journalism career as an arts reporter and columnist with The Mirror and Daily Graphic, before becoming Editor of Graphic Showbiz. Under his leadership, the paper rose to prominence as Ghana’s foremost publication dedicated to entertainment, music and the creative arts.
Throughout his career, Mr Dadson has consistently championed the arts and tourism sectors, using his platform to advocate for greater visibility, understanding and appreciation of Ghana’s rich cultural heritage.
His commentary and reportage helped elevate cultural tourism into national conversation, encouraging the public and policymakers alike to recognise its value.
His work has been published in a range of national and international outlets – including West Africa Magazine, African Concord, Africa Magazine, Africa Asia, and the Torino Film Festival Magazine – and cited in academic publications such as Africa Cinema, Politics and Culture by Manthia Diawara.
He also contributed to landmark publications including Jubilee Ghana – A 50-Year News Journey Through Graphic, the Journalism Style Book, and the Journalism Policy Guide for the Graphic Communications Group.
Widely acknowledged as the only arts journalist of his time with both academic and practical grounding in the arts, Mr Dadson brought critical depth, eloquence and clarity to his writing.
His stated mission – to move the arts from the margins and reposition them as a serious and essential part of public discourse – has been largely realised, due in no small part to his pioneering efforts.
Now serving as Head of the Department of Journalism, Visual and Digital Communication at the African University of Communications and Business (AUCB) in Accra, he continues to mentor and inspire the next generation of media practitioners.
He has also delivered lectures at institutions such as New York University (Ghana), the Ghana Institute of Journalism, and BlueCrest College.
His contributions have been recognised with several awards – including the Ministry of Information’s Artswriter Prize (1986, 1988), the Ghana Journalists Association’s Arts & Culture Writer of the Year (1996), and the GJA Recognition Award for Journalism (2004).
Nanabanyin Dadson remains a towering figure in Ghanaian cultural journalism – a passionate advocate for the arts and tourism, and a custodian of Ghana’s creative legacy.
Receiving the Titan Award, Dadson was celebrated as a true custodian of Ghana’s creative legacy, whose work has elevated cultural tourism and arts discourse in the nation.
Other Honourees of the Night
The event also recognised two other outstanding personalities:
1. Opoku Sanaa – Instrumentalist of the Year
A renowned bassist and music director, Sanaa has performed globally, from Expo 2020 Dubai to the Coca-Cola Arena, and worked with top artists like Joe Mettle, Diana Hamilton, and Cwesi Oteng. His 2024 album, “It’s Time”, showcases his genre-defying talent, solidifying his place among Africa’s finest instrumentalists.
2. Susuma Pan-African Dance & Music Ensemble – Traditional Artiste of the Year
Founded in 1991 by Nana Kwame Dadzie, this award-winning ensemble has taken Ghanaian traditional music and dance to global stages, preserving and promoting the country’s rich cultural heritage.
Entertainment
An Unforgettable Night of Music & Honors: King Promise Thrills at “A Nite with Artiste of the Year”
The Palms Convention Centre at La Palm Royal Beach Hotel in Accra was alive with energy on Friday, June 6, as Ghana’s music industry gathered for the second edition of “A Nite with Artiste of the Year” (AOTY).
The exclusive event, celebrating King Promise’s historic Artiste of the Year win at the 26th Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMAs), delivered stellar performances, prestigious recognitions, and unforgettable moments.
King Promise Lights Up the Stage
The “5 Star General”, King Promise, took center stage for an intimate, electrifying performance, reminding everyone why he claimed the TGMA’s top prize.
From “Terminator” to “Paris”**, he had the crowd singing along to every word, blending smooth vocals with infectious energy.
The night also featured powerful opening performances by urban gospel artiste Scott Evans, while Titi Owusu (a Best Female Vocal Performance nominee) and dynamic duo Lalli x Lola kept the vibes high.
Honouring Excellence: Special Awards Presentation
Beyond the music, the night celebrated outstanding contributors to Ghana’s entertainment industry with three honorary awards: Opoku Sanaa – Instrumentalist of the Year.
A versatile bassist and music director, Opoku Sanaa has worked with top artists like Joe Mettle, Diana Hamilton, and Cwesi Oteng while performing globally at events like Expo 2020 Dubai. His latest album, “It’s Time”, showcases his innovative artistry.
Susuma Pan-African Dance & Music Ensemble – Traditional Artiste of the Year
For over 30 years, Susuma has been a cultural ambassador, promoting Ghanaian music, drumming, and dance worldwide.
Their performances continue to preserve and elevate Ghana’s heritage. Nanabanyin Dadson was the recipient of the Titan Award.
A renowned journalist and educator, Nanabanyin Dadson has shaped Ghana’s music and arts journalism for decades.
As former Editor of Graphic Showbiz, his work has been pivotal in elevating Ghana’s creative industry.
TGMA Winners Receive Their Plaques
The night also saw plaque presentations to 26th TGMA winners, including Empress Gifty, King Paluta, Team Eternity, Beeztrap KOTM, Epixode, OliveTheBoy, Peewezle, Banini, Ether Goodwyll and Tulenkey, adding to the celebratory atmosphere.
Industry Networking & Key Announcements
Hosted by the vibrant Andy Dosty (who also DJ’d the event), the night fostered great connections among industry players.
Robert Klah, Head of Public Events & Communications, announced the upcoming TGMA Music Summit slated for June 21 at the British Council, a key event for music professionals.
Brought to You by Telecel & Partners
Produced by Charterhouse, with support from TV3, Closeup, Guinness Ghana, and the British Council, the event was proudly presented by Telecel – Connecting Energies.
“A Nite with Artiste of the Year” was a perfect blend of celebration, recognition, and memorable performances. With King Promise’s captivating stage presence and deserving honorees, the night proved once again why Ghana’s music scene shines bright.
