Entertainment
Music Society launched to promote Ghana’s cultural identity
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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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Organisers of Rhythms On Da Runway have announced November 28, 2026 as the date for the 16th edition of the event, to be held at the Palms Convention Centre.
This year’s edition, themed: ‘UNBOUND: Because You’ve Got Style’, is focused on breaking barriers in fashion and creating space for all.
According to the Chief Executive Officer of Nineteen57 Events, Shirley Emma Tibilla, affectionately called Cookie Tee, the focus of this edition is to give everyone an opportunity to express themselves without barriers.
She told The Spectator that as a leading fashion brand in the country and beyond, they want to open doors for people regardless of their colour, size and abilities among others.
Described by the BBC as “the biggest cultural exposé in Africa,” Rhythms On Da Runway returns this year as a celebration of fashion, music and individual expression without limits.
Organisers say for years fashion has been shaped by narrow ideas of who belongs on the runway, with certain body types, ages and abilities placed at the centre while many others are left out. UNBOUND seeks to open that picture.
This year’s runway will welcome people with different abilities, backgrounds, body types and personal stories. The theme will influence model casting, the collections, the stories told through the clothes and the way guests experience the event.
Beyond the runway, ‘Unbound’ will create room for young people to learn from established designers, gain practical experience and explore careers within fashion and the wider creative industry.
It will also open conversations around adaptive fashion, accessible event design, talent discovery, mentorship and employment.
The 2026 edition will bring together fashion designers and music stars from Ghana and across the African diaspora, with strong collections, live performances and an all-star cast of celebrity models.
The event will also feature the Black Star Awards, which will honour public figures shaping Africa’s future through leadership and contributions to the continent’s Orange Economy.
Organisers say the list of participating designers, performing artists, award recipients and other event details will be announced in the coming weeks.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
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Veteran Ghanaian gospel musician Bernice Offei has passed on Saturday August 12, 2026.
She was 63.
The news of her demise flashed through social media on Saturday, prompting an outpouring of grief from musicians, fans and members of the Christian community, who have since paid tribute to her distinguished career.
She gained strong reputation as a singer, songwriter and minister whose music transcended generations.
Some of her popular songs include ‘Kaa She Gbeyei,’ ‘It’s By Grace,’ ‘Nyame Kokroko’ and ‘N’adom Ara Kwa.’
Her contribution to the growth of gospel music in Ghana was recognised in 2009 when she won the Best Female Vocal Performance and Songwriter of the Year awards at the Ghana Music Awards, now known as the Telecel Ghana Music Awards.
Beyond music, Mrs Offei distinguished herself in academia and professional life. She attended Achimota School before earning an MPhil in Crop Science from the University of Ghana and a Master’s Degree in Information Technology from University College London in the United Kingdom.
Mrs Offei was married to Prof. Samuel Kwame Offei, a former Pro-Vice Chancellor of the University of Ghana, and the couple had two children.
Her death comes days after she was reported missing but was later found safe.
Mrs Offei leaves behind a rich music legacy that continues to inspire faith, hope and resilience among generations of listeners. -GNA
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