Entertainment
New Studios should focus on international mastering practices -TiC
Ghanaian music superstar, TiC known in private life as Nana Kweku Okyere Duah has waded into the discussion on the promise by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to build recording studios for artistes.
During the Manifesto launch at Cape Coast last Saturday, the NPP promised that should Ghanaians give them another four-year mandate, they would build a state-of-the-art studio in Accra, Tamale, Takoradi and Kumasi.
Speaking on the issue in an interview with The Spectator, TiC said “it is a good idea, but there is a need for breakdown as to what the studio would entail.”
In this light, he has advised that the focus of the studio should be on international mastering practices with large acoustic dimensions, laced with choral group recording section, and live performing arena.
According to him, the quality of the sound from Ghana was crucial for the promotion of music on the international market, and it would be prudent for an international mastering practices to be an issue of concern to improve the sounds through such an initiative.
He noted that this would make the songs from the country stand the test of time and rub shoulders with songs from any parts of the world.
He pointed out that music development facility coupled with provision of grants for tours to expose Ghana music to the rest of the world, would bring about more foreign exchange to boost the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
TiC stated that some past and present musicians conveniently took their music to other countries to master them after local production, even though some producers in the country were doing well.
He was optimistic that with mastering in focus, it would go a long way to support the Ghana music industry.
TiC is currently embarking on a project raising funds to support rape victims in the country.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Entertainment
Sparqlyn reminisces as he congratulates Shatta Wale for winning two awards at 43rd IRAWMA
Ghanaian musician and former member of musicial gorup, Dunsin, Ahmmed Kanneh Larweh, popularly known as Sparqlyn, has congratulated Ghanaian music heavyweight, Shatta Wale following his impressive double victory at the International Reggae and World Music Awards.
Shatta Wale recently made headlines after winning two major awards at the prestigious event held in Florida, USA, securing Best African Dancehall Entertainer and Concert of the Year for ShattaFest.
Reacting to the achievement, Sparqlyn could not hide his excitement after sighting news of the awards on Monday, May 18, 2025.
According to him, the one thing that caught his attention was the plaque presented to Shatta Wale. He noted that the design looked strikingly similar to the one Dunsin received when they won at the MUSA Awards over a decade ago.
The resemblance, especially the upper part of the plaque, instantly brought back memories of his former group’s historic moment on the African stage 13 years ago when the group represented Ghana proudly in South Africa.
It will be recalled that back in 2013, Dunsin achieved international recognition after winning Most Exciting Group in Africa and Most African Video at the MUSA Awards held in Pretoria, South Africa. The awards came on the back of their global hit project “Ɔyɛadeɛyie,” a song that helped elevate the group’s profile beyond Ghana.
At the time, Sparqlyn, then known by many as Kele within the group, was the one who represented Dunsin at the event to pick up the award.
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
