Entertainment
Joseph Matthew wins ‘International Artiste of the Year’ at EMA 2020
UK-based Ghanaian Afro gospel artiste, Joseph Matthew, known in the music scene as JM, has won the ‘International Artiste Of the Year’ at this year’s edition of the annual Emerging Music Awards (EMA).
EMA is an award scheme that sought to honour and appreciate the musical works of young artistes who have excelled in the eight main music genres in Ghana.
The awards ceremony which was held virtually in Accra last Saturday was streamed live on Angel TV and other social media platforms.
The award winning gospel artiste of international repute beat Elijah The Worshiper (France), Bekey Mills (Austria), Tony 2 Bless (Italy), Melody Frimpong (USA), Esther Afua Yerenkye (USA), Francis Armah (UK), Rich Boggie(Germany), Freddy X (USA), Jay Baba (USA), Bra Chief (Italy), Jide Williams (USA) and Massimo Youngblood (UK).
Gospel Songstress, Jayana was also adjudged Emerging Artiste Of The Year whilst Male Vocalist of the Year went to Abochi (Bestie). Derrick Korankye took home Gospel Artiste of the Year with Kophi Mystro being honoured Dancehall Artiste of the Year among others.
This year’s edition saw 25 top talented emerging musicians in the Ghanaian music industry being recognised and celebrated on one prestigious platform.
JM’s music has gone down well with some gospel music lovers in Ghana and beyond.
He started his music career some years back and has featured in a number of musical events on both local and international musical platforms.
The time has come for musicians who were outstanding in the year under review in 2025 to earn nomination at Ghana’s prestigious music awards.
The much-awaited nomination for the 27th Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA) is slated for today, March 14, 2026.
As part of measures to build up anticipation, the announcement will commenced with an hourly unveiling of nominees across all official TGMA social media platforms and partner channels from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Everything would be wrapped up in the evening with a special ceremony to officially kick off the 27th TGMA season, featuring the unveiling of the Big Five categories alongside key remarks from industry stakeholders at the Palms Convention Centre.
At the ceremony, the TGMA Calendar Indicating official schedule of activities leading up to the main awards ceremony will be unveiled.
Following the close of the submission window, the Board and the Selection Committee spent weeks reviewing works released during the year under review.
Each entry was carefully evaluated for artistic merit, technical excellence, and cultural impact to ensure that the final nominee list reflects the very best of Ghanaian music.
The 27th Telecel Ghana Music Awards is produced by Charterhouse in partnership with TV3, Closeup, British Council, refreshed by Guinness and powered by Telecel .
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
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Thousands of music enthusiasts thronged the Adaklu Youth Resource Centre on Thursday night for the Torcher Experience Concert headlined by Ghanaian music icon Stonebwoy, blending entertainment with youth empowerment.
The atmosphere at the concert grounds changed, the moment Stonebwoy began his grand entry onto the stage at the “Torcher Experience” concert.
As the powerful Ewe song “Mele Gbagbe Há Wo le alia” started playing through the speakers, the crowd erupted with loud cheers and excitement waving their hands in unison, sang along, and some held up their phones with flashlights, lighting up the night as they waited to see the Bhim Nation President appear.
Notable of him, Stonebwoy stepped onto the stage with well-rehearsed symbolic choreography and energy, dressed stylishly as he was ushered on the stage by white-clad men wielding long sticks, from where he acknowledged the massive crowd.
The song created an emotional and energetic mood, making the audience feel connected to the performance. As he moved closer to the front of the stage, the cheers grew even louder, setting the tone for an unforgettable night of music and celebration in Ho and beyond as patrons celebrate music, unity and community spirit.
The venue came alive with excitement as fans sang along to popular songs and enjoyed energetic stage performances, creating a vibrant atmosphere that lasted late into the morning.
A delegation led by Mr James Gunu, together with Edem Agbana and Edem Kpotosu, Members of Parliament of Ketu North and Ho Central, respectively attended the event, and presented a citation and helped in cutting a birthday cake to the artiste in recognition of his contribution to music and youth development.
Mr Gunu commended Stonebwoy for projecting the Volta Region and Ghana onto the global stage through music while inspiring young people to pursue their talents and ambitions.
In a notable gesture during the concert, the artiste donated GH¢100,000 as seed funding towards the Volta Youth Development Fund, an initiative aimed at supporting youth entrepreneurship and creating opportunities for young people in the region.
Although the concert recorded massive patronage and lively performances, some patrons raised concerns about intermittent sound challenges; however, many remained at the venue until about 05:30am hours, cheering and calling for more performances as Stonebwoy thrilled the audience with his dynamic stagecraft and popular hits. GNA
