Entertainment
Music Society launched to promote Ghana’s cultural identity
![Prof. John Collins[middle] with interim executives and dignitaries after the programme Photos Okai Elizabeth.](https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Prof.-John-Collinsmiddle-with-interim-executives-and-dignitaries-after-the-programme-Photos-Okai-Elizabeth.jpg)
The Ghana Music Society (GHAMS) was officially launched last Thursday at the University of Ghana (UG) in Accra, with the aim of promoting Ghana’s cultural identity through music and the arts.
GHAMS is also expected to play a key role in advancing music research, performance, and cultural preservation, both locally and internationally. As part of the launch, a newly elected Executive Council was inaugurated to steer the affairs of the society.
The Council is chaired by Professor Daniel Avorgbedor, assisted by Dr Adwoa Arhine as Vice President, Dr Eric Sorvu Doe as General Secretary, and Professor John Annan as Treasurer.
In his acceptance speech, Prof. Avorgbedor urged stakeholders to renew their commitment to promoting Ghana’s cultural identity through music, dance, and the creative arts. He also highlighted the importance of investing in the creative and professional skills of the next generation through mentorship to ensure sustained growth in the creative arts sector.
Professor John Collins, who officially launched the society, narrated how music has historically been used to tell stories and predict moods, describing it as food for the soul. According to him, the society has come to stay and is ready to support individuals interested in being part of it.
He observed that Ghana has produced key pioneers who played pivotal roles in music, yet lacks an umbrella body to honour such personalities. He also underscored the need to extend creative arts education beyond the classroom to reflect the identity and values of the people.
The Chairman for the launch and Dean of African Studies at the University of Ghana, Dr Sylvanus Kuuvor, urged the society to focus on African themes and concepts of music. He explained that this would help promote African identity and enable musicians from the continent to stand out globally.
“We need to create our own identity and discuss anything that has to do with musical arts of Africa, and this initiative is here to stay to make it a success,” Dr Kuuvor said.
He therefore called on corporate bodies and the private sector to support the vision of the society in promoting Ghanaian culture, and urged the executive members to work collectively to achieve its objectives.
The event was attended by various stakeholders in the creative arts industry, including both local and international musicians, as well as academia.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
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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.
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