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.
Bussiness
Shatta Wale bags two awards at 43rd IRAWMA Awards

Ghanaian dancehall artiste Charles Nii Armah Mensah, known as Shatta Wale, has won two awards at the 43rd International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA) held in Florida over the weekend.
He picked up the Best African Dancehall Entertainer award as well as Concert of the Year for ShattaFest.
In a statement, Shatta Wale’s management expressed appreciation to the organisers and supporters of the awards.
“Management would like to sincerely appreciate the organisers of the IRAWMA awards for the recognition and continuous support for African music on the global stage.
“We also extend our deepest gratitude to fans across the world, especially the Shatta Movement fraternity, for their unwavering support, votes, and dedication throughout the years,” the statement said.
The statement added that the latest wins reaffirm the artiste’s position as one of Africa’s leading musical exports and a prominent figure in global dancehall culture.
The awards bring Shatta Wale’s total haul at the IRAWMA to 11, highlighting his continued presence on the international reggae and dancehall scene.
At last year’s edition, he won three awards: Best African Dancehall Entertainer, Best Music Video for “Killa Ji Mi”, and Best Crossover Song for “Commando” featuring Bounty Killer. -GNA
Entertainment
Herty Borngreat announces comeback after 13-year absence

Legendary gospel artist Herty Ofori Borngreat is officially returning to the music scene after a 13-year hiatus, her management announced Wednesday.
The surprise announcement ends over a decade of absence from the music industry for the celebrated singer.
According to an official statement released by her management team, the upcoming comeback will feature a rollout of new music projects and various spirit-filled initiatives aimed at inspiring hope and connecting with believers globally.
“We are delighted to officially announce that Herty Ofori Borngreat is making a highly anticipated return to the gospel music scene,” the management team noted in a statement, expressing deep gratitude to fans and partners for their unwavering loyalty during her long absence.
They added, “We are confident that this comeback will be both impactful and memorable.”
Management has urged fans, the media, and the global gospel community to follow her official social media platforms for update.
No specific dates have been set for the first single, but updates are expected in the coming weeks.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme




