Entertainment
Merqury Quaye: Pioneering the DJ Culture in Africa
Merqury Quaye, a name that resonates throughout the African music industry, is widely hailed as the father of DJs in Africa. With his groundbreaking contributions and relentless efforts, he has revolutionized the DJing landscape across the continent. Merqury Quaye’s influence extends far beyond his home country of Ghana, inspiring countless DJs and shaping the way music is experienced throughout Africa. This article explores the remarkable journey and enduring legacy of Merqury Quaye, the visionary who laid the foundation for the DJ culture in Africa.
Pioneering the DJ Culture:
Merqury Quaye’s journey began at a time when the concept of DJing was relatively nascent in Africa. He recognized the power of music and saw the potential for DJs to not only entertain but also influence and elevate the industry. Merqury Quaye played a pivotal role in popularizing DJing as a profession and art form, bringing it to the forefront of African music culture.
Founding the Ghana DJ Awards:
A significant milestone in Merqury Quaye’s career was the establishment of the Ghana DJ Awards. Understanding the importance of recognizing and honoring DJs for their contributions, he created a platform that celebrates their artistry and showcases their talent. The Ghana DJ Awards has become a prestigious event, providing a stage for DJs to shine and promoting excellence within the profession.
Promoting African Talent:
Merqury Quaye has been a relentless advocate for African music and talent. Through his radio shows and events, he has tirelessly promoted and supported local artists, helping them gain exposure and recognition both within Ghana and beyond. Merqury Quaye’s dedication to African music has played a significant role in elevating the continent’s musical heritage and fostering a sense of pride in its diverse sounds.
Shaping the African DJ Scene:
As an accomplished DJ himself, Merqury Quaye has left an indelible mark on the African DJ scene. His skills behind the turntables are legendary, captivating audiences with his eclectic mixes and ability to read the crowd. Merqury Quaye’s performances are an immersive experience, seamlessly blending different genres and creating an electric atmosphere wherever he goes. He has set the bar high for DJs across Africa, inspiring them to continually push boundaries and strive for excellence.
Mentoring the Next Generation:
Merqury Quaye’s influence extends beyond his own achievements. He has dedicated himself to mentoring and nurturing aspiring DJs, sharing his knowledge and experience with the next generation. Through workshops, seminars, and personal interactions, he has played a vital role in shaping the careers of numerous DJs, imparting invaluable skills and instilling a passion for the craft.
Conclusion:
Merqury Quaye’s impact on the DJing landscape in Africa cannot be overstated. As the father of DJs in Africa, he has pioneered the profession, established platforms for recognition including the Ghana DJ Clinic, and propelled African music and talent onto the global stage. Through his vision, passion, and relentless dedication, Merqury Quaye has left an indelible legacy that will continue to shape and inspire DJs across the continent for generations to come. His contribution to the African music industry is truly exceptional, and his influence will be felt for years to come.
Accra is set this weekend as Porials Pitch 2026 makes its highly anticipated return—an event that has rapidly evolved from a social media-driven concept into one of the country most influential retail gatherings.
Set for Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Accra Mall (Ghud Park), the festival will open its doors at 8:00 AM, drawing a mix of bargain hunters, young entrepreneurs, and lifestyle enthusiasts eager to experience what has become a defining moment on Accra’s commercial calendar.
Dulcie Boateng—entrepreneur, influencer, and CEO of Dulcie Porium—whose ability to mobilize audiences both online and offline continues to reshape the local retail landscape. Often dubbed Ghana’s “Snapchat Queen,” Boateng has leveraged her digital influence into tangible economic impact, with Porials Pitch standing as a prime example.
More Than a Market
While at first glance the event may appear to be a conventional pop-up market, Porials Pitch has steadily carved out a niche as a hybrid of commerce, culture, and community engagement. This year’s edition will feature 100 vendors, offering a curated blend of vintage pieces, emerging fashion brands, beauty products, and mainstream goods—many at discounted prices reaching up to 50 percent.
The Business Behind the Buzz
Perhaps the most telling indicator of the event’s momentum lies behind the scenes. Vendor slots for the 2026 edition reportedly sold out in just two minutes, generating approximately GH¢600,000—a figure that speaks not only to demand but also to the growing confidence in influencer-led commerce within Ghana.
A Reflection of a Changing Retail Culture
As Ghana’s urban consumer culture continues to evolve, events like Porials Pitch 2026 highlight a broader shift toward experience-driven retail—where shopping is no longer just transactional but social and immersive.
With free entry and an open invitation to the public, this weekend’s gathering is expected to draw significant crowds, reinforcing Accra’s reputation as a hub for innovation in commerce and youth-driven enterprise.
Whether viewed as a marketplace, a cultural event, or a case study in modern entrepreneurship, Porials Pitch 2026 is poised to once again capture the city’s attention—and its spending power.
Guinness Ghana has announced a new annual prize package for winners of the Album/EP of the Year category at the Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA), as part of efforts to support the country’s music industry.
The company said beginning from the 27th edition of the awards, the winner of the category will receive a GH¢100,000 cash prize, funding support for a music video for their next project, and a curated album listening experience.
According to Guinness Ghana, the initiative is aimed at promoting creative excellence and contributing to the growth of Ghana’s music ecosystem.
Head of Media and Partnerships at Guinness Ghana, Yaa Amoah-Owusu, said the category represents the highest level of artistic work in the industry.
“The Album/EP of the Year category represents the pinnacle of artistic expression — body of work, storytelling, and sonic identity. This package is Guinness Ghana’s way of recognising excellence and investing in the future of the artist and the industry at large,” she stated.
She added that the company’s support goes beyond recognition on awards night, as it seeks to create long-term value for artistes and the wider creative sector.
Guinness Ghana, a long-time partner of the awards scheme, noted that the initiative will also help increase visibility and audience engagement for the winning artiste’s future projects.
The nominees for the Album/EP of the Year category include Black Sherif for Iron Boy, Stonebwoy for Torcher, Gyakie for After Midnight, Medikal for Disturbation II, Wendy Shay for Ready, and Kweku Smoke for Walk With Me.
Head of Public Events and Communications at Charterhouse, Robert Klah, welcomed the initiative, describing it as timely support for the music industry.
“This is an important intervention from Guinness Ghana. It aligns with our commitment to celebrate and elevate Ghanaian music, while also creating tangible support for artistes,” he said.
He added that the move highlights the importance of albums and EPs as lasting creative works.
The announcement comes ahead of the 27th Telecel Ghana Music Awards, organised by Charterhouse, with Telecel as headline sponsor, media partnership from TV3, and support from Guinness Ghana.
Guinness Ghana Breweries PLC is one of the country’s leading beverage companies and continues to support arts, culture, and community development in Ghana.
By: Jacob Aggrey
