Entertainment
Kofi Kinaata honoured as Western Gospel Awards celebrates 5 years of Humanitarian Excellence
Prolific GH, the Western Gospel Awards has successfully marked its fifth anniversary with a grand celebration dedicated to honouring gospel excellence and outstanding humanitarian impact.
The milestone event, held under the theme “Humanitarian Excellence,” brought together gospel ministers, industry leaders, philanthropists, and community influencers to celebrate service, faith, and social responsibility.
Held on December 20, 2025 at the Western Serene Atlantic Hotel in Takoradi, a major highlight of the evening was a Industry Award presented to multiple award winning Artiste Kofi Kinaata for his visible positive impact on the youth through his music and other philanthropic activities he embarks on.
Kofi Kinaata’s community driven initiatives through his Team Move Football Club and his regular donations and support for less privileged were highlighted in the citation of the award.
Receiving the award on his behalf, Kofi Kinaata’s Public Relations Officer, Nana Kwesi Coomson appreciated the organizers and also dedicated the award to the supporting Team Move fans across the world and also Kofi Kinaata’s mother, Auntie Ama.
Also at the Western Gospel Awards were Lifetime Achievement Awards, presented to renowned gospel icon Empress Gifty and respected cleric Bishop Emmanuel Botwe, in recognition of their decades of unwavering contribution to gospel ministry, music development, and humanitarian service that has positively transformed lives across Ghana and beyond.
The ceremony also honoured distinguished personalities with Industry Honours for their exceptional influence and commitment to national development.
Celebrated among them were multiple award winning musician Kofi Kinaata, media and creative industry advocate Eng. Kwame Adu Mante, Mr.Theophilus Quartey (Mr. Tee) and gospel minister Bishop Bernard Ogyiri Asare, whose collective efforts continue to shape the creative, spiritual, and cultural landscape of the region and country.
In recognition of individual efforts impacting lives and communities, awards were presented to global content creator Wode Maya and humanitarian advocate Dr. Mrs. Sarah Liki Wayoe for their remarkable dedication to social development, education, and community empowerment.
The awards night further spotlighted gender empowerment and youth philanthropy. Ms. Yaa Amoako Adu was honoured with the Humanitarian Woman Empowerment Award for her outstanding work in advancing women’s development and leadership, while Mr. Nana Quasi – Wusu (Pm) and Nana Kwesi Coomson was celebrated as the Philanthropist of the Year for thier inspiring commitment to supporting vulnerable groups and community initiatives.
Mr. Maxwell Bills Ghansah express that as the Western Gospel Awards marks five years of impact, the event reaffirmed the platform’s mission to promote gospel music excellence while amplifying humanitarian values that foster unity, compassion, and national development. Organizers expressed gratitude to sponsors, partners, churches, and the media for their continued support throughout the years.
Five years on, the Western Gospel Awards stands as a powerful symbol of faith, service, and humanitarian excellence—celebrating not only voices raised in worship, but hands extended in service to humanity.
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.
