Entertainment
Nominations open for Western Gospel Awards
Prolific GH, organisers of Western Gospel Awards have opened nominations for the third edition of its award scheme aimed at recognizing and appreciating talents who are propagating the gospel of God through music in the Western region.
Artiste managers, producers, presenters, record labels and Gospel musicians can submit their entries online from July 1 to July 31.
Categories to be awarded include: Gospel Artiste of the Year, Gospel Collaboration of the Year, New Gospel Artiste of the Year, Female Gospel Artiste of the Year, Male Gospel Artiste of the Year, Gospel Song of the Year , Female Vocalist of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, Gospel Radio / TV Presenter of the Year, Gospel Radio / TV Show of the Year and Choral Choir / Group of the Year, Minister of the year (New).
The rest are Contemporary Choir / Group of the Year, Urban / Contemporary Gospel Artiste of the Year, Best Lyrical Content of the year, Producer of the Year, Sound Engineer of the Year, Instrumentalist of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, Gospel Music Video of the Year, Best Gospel Artiste – DIASPORA and Choreography / Mime Group of the Year.
In all, 22 awards will be given on the awards night come Sunday, November 5, 2023.
Organisers of the event (Prolific GH) said the award scheme aspire to foster quality works from Gospel artistes in the Western Region.
Last year, gospel musician KDM was adjudged the overall Artiste of the year at the Second Edition of the award scheme.
Cwesi Oteng graced the occasion with a perfomance and was awarded as a pace setter and contributor to Urban Gospel.
Rev. Amy Newman was honoured with the lifetime achievement award for her immense contribution to the Gospel Fraternity.
Dr. Steven Wayoe (CEO of Wayoe Engineering and Construction LTD) was also honoured for his Remarkable contribution to the growth of the Gospel industry in the Western Region.
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
