Entertainment
Okyeame Kwame protects culture with successful Hiplife Party
It was an atmosphere filled with nostalgia when multiple award-winning Ghanaian musician, Okyeame Kwame held his annual Hiplife Party at the +233 Jazz Bar and Grill in Accra.
Ahead of this year’s Hiplife Party, a conversation erupted on the protection of the Hiplife Genre and ensuring it does not die.
Everything that happened at Okyeame Kwame’s Hiplife Party on December 25, was intentional to develop more equity and affection for the genre.
Musicians who graced the stage proved their mettle with thrilling performances.
The night saw performances from fast-rising young chap Abochi, Abiana, Souly Bird, Crazy Keys, Afriyie Wutah, Screwfaze and Jamaica’s Hezron, among others.
The moment everyone was waiting for came, as the evergreen Okyeame Kwame took his turn to dish out hit after hit.
The touch of a live band, coupled with a mystifying performance from Okyeame Kwame, made it quite impossible for revellers to sit and watch, as they stood on their feet and danced throughout.
On the night, Okyeame Kwame wished the ecstatic patrons a happy new year filled with more success in the years ahead.
The party got to another height when ace Disc Jockey Andy Dosty took his turn on the turntable as journeyed through some breathtaking hiplife tunes from back in the day.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
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
