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.
Entertainment
Sparqlyn reminisces as he congratulates Shatta Wale for winning two awards at 43rd IRAWMA
Ghanaian musician and former member of musicial gorup, Dunsin, Ahmmed Kanneh Larweh, popularly known as Sparqlyn, has congratulated Ghanaian music heavyweight, Shatta Wale following his impressive double victory at the International Reggae and World Music Awards.
Shatta Wale recently made headlines after winning two major awards at the prestigious event held in Florida, USA, securing Best African Dancehall Entertainer and Concert of the Year for ShattaFest.
Reacting to the achievement, Sparqlyn could not hide his excitement after sighting news of the awards on Monday, May 18, 2025.
According to him, the one thing that caught his attention was the plaque presented to Shatta Wale. He noted that the design looked strikingly similar to the one Dunsin received when they won at the MUSA Awards over a decade ago.
The resemblance, especially the upper part of the plaque, instantly brought back memories of his former group’s historic moment on the African stage 13 years ago when the group represented Ghana proudly in South Africa.
It will be recalled that back in 2013, Dunsin achieved international recognition after winning Most Exciting Group in Africa and Most African Video at the MUSA Awards held in Pretoria, South Africa. The awards came on the back of their global hit project “Ɔyɛadeɛyie,” a song that helped elevate the group’s profile beyond Ghana.
At the time, Sparqlyn, then known by many as Kele within the group, was the one who represented Dunsin at the event to pick up the award.
Ghanaian dancehall artiste Charles Nii Armah Mensah, known as Shatta Wale, has won two awards at the 43rd International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA) held in Florida over the weekend.
He picked up the Best African Dancehall Entertainer award as well as Concert of the Year for ShattaFest.
In a statement, Shatta Wale’s management expressed appreciation to the organisers and supporters of the awards.
“Management would like to sincerely appreciate the organisers of the IRAWMA awards for the recognition and continuous support for African music on the global stage.
“We also extend our deepest gratitude to fans across the world, especially the Shatta Movement fraternity, for their unwavering support, votes, and dedication throughout the years,” the statement said.
The statement added that the latest wins reaffirm the artiste’s position as one of Africa’s leading musical exports and a prominent figure in global dancehall culture.
The awards bring Shatta Wale’s total haul at the IRAWMA to 11, highlighting his continued presence on the international reggae and dancehall scene.
At last year’s edition, he won three awards: Best African Dancehall Entertainer, Best Music Video for “Killa Ji Mi”, and Best Crossover Song for “Commando” featuring Bounty Killer. -GNA
