Entertainment
Mercy Owusu urges Ghanaians to remain strong
One of the nation’s finest gospel musicians, Mercy Owusu, has asked Ghanaians to hold on strongly to God, with the belief that He is the only solution to their problems.
“We’re in very challenging times with regard to the COVID-19 pandemic, but I believe when we look onto God and pray, we shall overcome,” she said.
Madam Owusu, 40, told The Spectator on Wednesday that she had gone through lots of difficult moments in life, “but anytime I turn to God in faith, He comes answering me”.
“Indeed, I will use this august medium to express my profound and heartfelt gratitude to the God Most High.
“As it’s written in His word, in all things – whether good or bad, give thanks to God, we have an assurance in the Lord that though the mountains be cast in the seas and the billows roll even in a fiercest hurricane, He is with us.”
According to Madam Owusu, who has been in the ministry for 17 years, the “raging and heartbreaking roar of coronavirus has become an albatross around the neck of every nation”, and urged those whose businesses and general life have been affected by the pandemic to stay strong in the Lord.
“As your beloved sister, I will like to encourage you to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. God tells us in his word not to fear. He says do not be afraid; neither be dismayed for I’m the Lord your God I will deliver you and surely I will keep you.”
The Techiman-born gospel musician stressed emphatically that no matter the storms in life, “having Jesus in the boat is an ultimate assurance that we would not capsize”.
“No matter the kind of job you’re doing; you may be the president, doctor, pastor, trader, farmer or any front line worker, just as you have always been before the outbreak of coronavirus pandemic, continue to discharge your duty in boldness and in courage.
“Yes, we are in dark moments but I want to assure that there shall be light at the end of the tunnel. Let’s keep our hands crossed and be fervent in prayer. I will leave you with a message of encouragement from Isaiah 41:10 onwards. Again be strong and courageous.”
Madam Owusu expressed her profound appreciation to Ghanaians for patronising her songs, advising them to adhere to all the COVID-19 safety protocols.
She has nine tracks to her credit. Among some of her popular songs on the ‘Ye Nsuro’ album are ‘Ayebiofo Nyame,’ Me wo Awurade,’ ‘Awurade Fie’ and ‘Ono no waye.’
Source: Ghanaian Times
Ghanaian musician Ezecheal Kwasi Asimeng Frimpong, popularly known as Ancienth has released a new Palmwine single titled ‘Asukese Abena’.
The song is a celebration of love, culture, and the timeless wisdom embedded in Ghana’s traditional way of life.
According to him, the project is meant to remind people that Palmwine music is not a relic of the past.
“Through this project, I want people to understand that Palmwine music is not a relic of the past, it is a living heritage that still speaks powerfully to the present,” he said.
Ancienth traces his journey in Palmwine music to the pioneering work of Kwame Asare, also known as Jacob Sam, and the Kumasi Trio. He credits them with laying the foundation for one of Ghana’s most important musical traditions, a path that later generations continue to walk.
“I entered this space because I believe every nation must protect its cultural voice,” Ancienth explained, adding that “Palmwine music carries our stories, values, humour, history, and identity. Preserving it is not only a musical responsibility but also a cultural one.”
The musician described the journey as rewarding but challenging, noting that traditional music often receives less attention and investment compared to mainstream genres.
To strengthen the space, he is calling for greater support from the media, cultural institutions, educational bodies, and the public.
“My appeal to Ghanaians is simple, support indigenous music, because when a people lose their cultural sound, they gradually lose part of their identity,” he added.
As a torchbearer of Palmwine Music, Ancienth says his mission is to honour the legacy of the pioneers while introducing Palmwine music to new generations and audiences across the world.
Asukese Abena is now available on all digital platforms, including YouTube
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has expressed profound sorrow over the death of celebrated visual artist and Guinness World Record holder Sharon Dede Padi, popularly known as Padiki.
In a statement signed on behalf of the Chief Executive Officer, Maame Efua Houadjeto, the Authority said Padiki’s passing was a painful loss to Ghana’s tourism and creative sectors, as well as the nation at large.
“Padiki was more than a Guinness World Record holder. She was a beacon of resilience, determination, creativity, and youthful excellence whose remarkable achievement brought pride not only to herself and her family but also to Ghana,” the statement said.
It added that through her determination to dream big and push boundaries, she inspired countless young people to believe that passion, perseverance and hard work could make the impossible possible.
The Authority said Ghana had lost “one of its brightest ambassadors whose story embodied the spirit of innovation, excellence, and the boundless potential of our people”.
Maame Efua Houadjeto, together with the management and staff of the GTA, extended condolences to Padiki’s family, friends and loved ones, as well as all those inspired by her journey.
