Entertainment
Michael Blackson to host New Year’s Eve Countdown Fireworks programme
• Michael Blackson
Ghanaian-American comedian, Michael Blackson, is set to host a star-studded New Year’s Eve Countdown Fireworks programme in the country to promote tourism and position Ghana as a preferred destination for African Diaspora during the festive season.
Dubbed: “Extravaganza To See”, the programme which is expected to bring about 20,000 guests including international and local musicians is slated for December 31, at the Independence Square at exactly 8:00pm to usher patrons into 2023.
This initiative organised by AKvance in partnership with KLM Airlines was to complement the government’s initiative “Beyond the Return” in boosting travel to Ghana and to make the festive season a joyous one.
This was revealed by the creator of Countdown Africa who doubles as the founder of AKvance, Akua Kufuor.
The celebration also was to support one of the country’s key agendas to build up the tourism, arts, and culture sector while assisting in business growth and investment opportunities in the country.
According to the organisers, there would be surprise performances from various musicians from America and Ghana on the night.
The Country Manager of KLM Airlines, Mees Van Ojik, expressed her outfit’s excitement “to be the first official travel partners of Countdown Africa and look forward to bringing everyone from everywhere to the historic event.
Patrons could obtain their tickets for the event from the official site, and that all ticket holders shall receive discount code from all destinations into the country, courtesy Official Travel Partner, KLM Airlines.
Entertainment
Shatta Wale pulls out of Afro+ Fest 2025
The management of Shatta Wale has announced that the artiste will not be able to perform at Afro+ Fest 2025 in Washington, D.C.
In a statement, Media and Public Relations Manager for the Shatta Movement team, Samuel Atuobi Baah, popularly known as Sammy Flex, said the cancellation was due to “unforeseen logistical constraints and tight timelines” which were outside the control of both Shatta Wale and the festival organizers.
According to the statement, Shatta Wale and his team had worked tirelessly over the past weeks to make the performance possible, and the artiste was fully prepared to join his fans in Washington, D.C.
It added that Shatta Wale was “truly disappointed” to miss the moment.
It stressed that the decision was not because of any lack of effort or willingness from Shatta Wale or Afro Plus, but rather a result of challenges many artistes face when traveling internationally under evolving regulations and time-sensitive requirements.
It further assured fans that Afro+ Fest 2025 “will still deliver an incredible experience” and noted that plans were already underway to set a future date for Shatta Wale to connect with his fans in person.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Entertainment
Empress Gifty wins Artiste of the Year at the 6th Ghana Music Awards USA
Renowned Ghanaian gospel musician, Empress Gifty Adorye, has been crowned Artiste of the Year at the 6th edition of the Ghana Music Awards USA held on August 16, 2025, at ACX1 Studios in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
The gospel star, who attended the event with her husband, Mr. Hopeson Adorye, also won the Gospel Song of the Year, making it a double victory on the night.
For the ultimate award, she beat stiff competition from King Promise, Stonebwoy, Shatta Wale, Diana Hamilton, Joe Mettle, Fameye, KiDi, King Paluta, and Team Eternity.
The ceremony, which celebrates Ghanaian music talents in both Ghana and the diaspora, saw US-based Ghanaian artistes such as Jay Hover, C-Ben and Kay Rockz receive honors.
Special tributes were paid to late Highlife icons Dada KD and Daddy Lumba, while Gyedu-Blay Ambolley was recognized with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
The night featured thrilling performances from Empress Gifty, Gyedu-Blay Ambolley, Kofi Kinaata, and comedian OB Amponsah.
In her acceptance speech, Empress Gifty thanked God, her fans, her manager, and the Ghana Music Awards USA organizers for the recognition.
She expressed her gratitude to radio stations, DJs, and all supporters who have stood by her throughout her career, saying: “I have a grateful heart. Thank you to everyone who voted for me and continues to support my journey. God bless you all.”
By: Jacob Aggrey
