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.
GOMOA Central Constituency in the Central Region of Ghana was the place of attraction for this year’s Easter, as Member of Parliament (MP) for the area, Kwame Asare Obeng, affectionately called Aplus staged a four-day carnival.
The event started with a welcome bonfire night, where the people of Gomoa and some dignitaries proceeded through the principal streets of Gomoa Central on Thursday, April 2, 2026.
It continued on Friday with Highlife Night, which saw Kwabena, Bless, Dada Hafco, Kofi Nti, Ofori Amponsah, Samini and others rock patrons.
Saturday started with a walk from Obuasi through Afranse to Ekwamkrom, where a durbar of chiefs was held.
The night erupted with concert at Ekwamkrom headlined by Ghana’s Finest Sarkodie. Sarkodie indeed proved his mettle with back-to-back hit songs and engaging performance.
Patrons also enjoyed mind-blowing performances from Keche, Kuami Eugene, Tinny, Obaapa Christy, Sista Afia and many others.
On Sunday, which was the final day, witnessed packed performances from Patapaa, Kofi Kinaata, Jupitar, Kwaw Kese, Piesie Esther, and Amerado amongst others.
Patrons enjoyed exquisite catwalk on the runway as Smully Wear put together some local designers for a fashion show.
The likes of Aplus, MP for the area, Deputy GTA Boss Gilbert Aggrey (Abeiku Santana), New Media President Eugene Osafo Nkansah and Media Personality Kleff Maxwell Justice (KMJ) were all on the runway as models.
On each day, up and coming musicians had their time on the big stage to enthrall the audience.
Mr Kwame Asare Obeng in an interview with The Spectator expressed his appreciation to the traditional leaders of the area, the constituents, Corporate Ghana and all and sundry for their unflinching support.
He said the success of the maiden edition will lead to even a bigger one next year.
According to him, his constituents who own businesses like hotels, restaurants, other traders and drivers among others were able to cash out from the carnival, which was very satisfying to him.
“Empowering the community to make ends meet to cater for their families was important for me. I have engaged most of them, and they are happy with sales. This makes me very happy,” he said.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
THE Accra Sports Stadium will host the maiden edition of Katon Praise 2026, a global worship gathering aimed at uniting believers across nations through spirit-led praise, on Friday, April 17.
The event, scheduled to begin at 4pm, will bring together worshippers for an atmosphere of prayer, music and reflection centred on the theme: ‘To See Jesus Glorified.’
Organisers have said that Katon Praise was more than a musical concert, noting that it was intended to serve as a movement that connects people in a shared moment of worship, regardless of location.
According to the organisers, the programme will feature a line-up of worship ministers performing under a unified sound to create a collective worship experience.
The gathering will also be streamed live on the Katon Meet platform to enable audiences around the world to participate.
Organisers say the Accra edition marks the beginning of what is expected to grow into a global worship platform that brings together believers to celebrate faith through music and prayer.
Worshippers attending the maiden programme are expected to experience an evening of praise and spiritual reflection as voices from different backgrounds join in a common expression of faith.
The organisers have encouraged the public to follow the movement through the hashtags #KatonPraise and #KatonMeet on social media platforms. -GNA
