Entertainment
Nominees for Ghana Arts and Entertainers Awards 2020 announced
Nominees for this year’s Ghana Arts and Entertainers Awards (GAEA) 2020 have been announced with stiff competitions among personalities nominated for the second edition.
GAEA scheme organised by Konamah Entertainment was designed to reward hardworking actors and entertainers in the country, and it is aimed at creating a unified front to promote a healthy relationships amongst the industry players.
Speaking to The Spectator, the brain behind the scheme, Cecilia Gyase Konamah, affectionately called Abena Ghana, said, the jury had an uphill task going through the numerous lists to finally settle on the nominees for the 48 categories.
She commended her team and stakeholders in making the process successful. Abena Ghana was optimistic that the next phase towards the main event would also be smooth.
The nominations cut across from radio, television, movie, blogging and social media influencers among others.
The grand finale for the event is scheduled for Miklin Hotel at East Legon on October 31, 2020.
In all 48 categories are up for grabs, with five people to be honoured on the main awards night.
Some of the categories for this year’s edition include television station of the Year, Best YouTube Host, New face on Television Show, Best Male Presenter, Discovery of the Year, Woman of the Year, Man of the Year, Best Female Presenter of the Year and Best Celebrity Fashion Icon.
Others are, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress, Best Film, Blogger of the Year, and Best Radio Station among many others.
Organisers, after the event, embarked on a humanitarian project by giving aid to aged actors and actresses, among others.
The likes of Selassie Ibrahim, Nadia Buari, Roselyn Ngissah, MzGee, Emilia Brobbey, Portia Asare, Akwasi Boadi, Kwadwo Nkansah, Jessica Williams, Ola Michael, Stacy Amoateng, Aisha Yakubu, Gifty Andoh Appiah, Serwaa Amihere, Vim Lady and Giovanni Caleb among many others are on the list of norminees.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Ghanaian musician Ezecheal Kwasi Asimeng Frimpong, popularly known as Ancienth has released a new Palmwine single titled ‘Asukese Abena’.
The song is a celebration of love, culture, and the timeless wisdom embedded in Ghana’s traditional way of life.
According to him, the project is meant to remind people that Palmwine music is not a relic of the past.
“Through this project, I want people to understand that Palmwine music is not a relic of the past, it is a living heritage that still speaks powerfully to the present,” he said.
Ancienth traces his journey in Palmwine music to the pioneering work of Kwame Asare, also known as Jacob Sam, and the Kumasi Trio. He credits them with laying the foundation for one of Ghana’s most important musical traditions, a path that later generations continue to walk.
“I entered this space because I believe every nation must protect its cultural voice,” Ancienth explained, adding that “Palmwine music carries our stories, values, humour, history, and identity. Preserving it is not only a musical responsibility but also a cultural one.”
The musician described the journey as rewarding but challenging, noting that traditional music often receives less attention and investment compared to mainstream genres.
To strengthen the space, he is calling for greater support from the media, cultural institutions, educational bodies, and the public.
“My appeal to Ghanaians is simple, support indigenous music, because when a people lose their cultural sound, they gradually lose part of their identity,” he added.
As a torchbearer of Palmwine Music, Ancienth says his mission is to honour the legacy of the pioneers while introducing Palmwine music to new generations and audiences across the world.
Asukese Abena is now available on all digital platforms, including YouTube
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has expressed profound sorrow over the death of celebrated visual artist and Guinness World Record holder Sharon Dede Padi, popularly known as Padiki.
In a statement signed on behalf of the Chief Executive Officer, Maame Efua Houadjeto, the Authority said Padiki’s passing was a painful loss to Ghana’s tourism and creative sectors, as well as the nation at large.
“Padiki was more than a Guinness World Record holder. She was a beacon of resilience, determination, creativity, and youthful excellence whose remarkable achievement brought pride not only to herself and her family but also to Ghana,” the statement said.
It added that through her determination to dream big and push boundaries, she inspired countless young people to believe that passion, perseverance and hard work could make the impossible possible.
The Authority said Ghana had lost “one of its brightest ambassadors whose story embodied the spirit of innovation, excellence, and the boundless potential of our people”.
Maame Efua Houadjeto, together with the management and staff of the GTA, extended condolences to Padiki’s family, friends and loved ones, as well as all those inspired by her journey.
