Entertainment
Olivetheboy signs with Sony Music’s Columbia Records
Ghanaian Afrobeats singer Olivetheboy has inked a deal with Sony’s Columbia Records through subsidiary, Bu Vision Ent.
He joins an impressive list of African icons to have signed to Sony Music, including D’Banj, Davido, Wizkid, and the decorated legend Angelique Kidjo.
Led by Bu Vision founder and Columbia’s Executive Vice President Bu Thiam, with Olivetheboy’s management, Loop Music/FulLCircL Management Ltd, the monumental partnership was signed over the weekend but will be made official during a special unveiling event for the rising star on Friday, August 24, 2023.
Olivetheboy first came to the attention of Sony/Columbia Records through Bu Vision in May 2023 following the release of his international hit single, Goodsin. 
The song was deemed the most streamed Ghanaian single of 2023, earning the young virtuoso recognition as Ghana’s hottest artiste of 2023 so far, according to a midyear report by Chartmetrics.
Columbia EVP Bu Thiam personally flew down to Ghana in June, before finally sealing the game-changing deal last weekend after three months of talks.
And now, Bu Vision will oversee the crooner’s A&R while all licensing, promotion and distribution of creative works will be managed by Sony/Columbia Records.
The partnership suggests that Loop Music/FulLCircL Management Ltd will likely retain ownership of his recordings, as has been done to date.
Olivetheboy’s deal with Sony/Columbia, the second major music label in the world, is truly revolutionary.
It is only the second time the label has poached from the Ghanaian market, having first signed Gyakie in 2021.
Apart from cementing Olivetheboy as one of Africa’s foremost talents, the feat continues Ghana’s rapid upward trajectory on the global music map.
Source: Myjoyonline.com
Legendary Ghanaian gospel musician and founder of the Asomafo gospel group, Yaw Sarpong, is reporteddead.
The 66 year old gospel artiste is said to have died at the Emena Hospital in Kumasi on January 20, where he was receiving medical treatment.
For sometime now, Yaw Sarpong had been dealing with prolonged health challenges, forcing him to reduce his public appearances and step away periodically from performances.
Yaw Sarpong is widely credited as a pioneer of contemporary Akan gospel music.
Through Yaw Sarpong and Asomafo, he introduced a distinctive sound marked by rich harmonies, disciplined arrangements and lyrics firmly grounded in Christian teachings.
His leadership and musical direction helped shape the identity of gospel music in Ghana for decades.
Some popular tunes by the group includes ‘Wo Haw Ne Sen’, ‘Tie Obiaa’, ‘Aduro Yesu’ and ‘Awurade Kasa’, tracks that continue to feature prominently in churches and Christian gatherings across the country.
Yaw Sarpong’s death comes barely some weeks after the passing of Maame Tiwa, a key pillar of the Yaw Sarpong’s Asomafo music group.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
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Heavens will come down at the International Central Gospel Church, Temple East (ICGC) as gospel songstress Diana Hamilton holds her annual concert.
The annual concert ‘Awake Experience’ with Diana Hamilton will take place in Accra on February 15, and at the church of Pentecost, Bantama Kumasi on February 22.
Speaking to The Spectator Agoro, she said this year offers another opportunity to have an experience with God, saying “So I want to be in his presence and watch him do mind blowing things.”
The ‘Aha Ye’ hit maker also announced that leading up to the event, the Diana Hamilton Team will embark on various outreaches to spread the gospel through ministration.
Themed ‘Dwell,’ will bring together renowned artiste and worshippers to celebrate faith and music.
Notable among them are Elder Dr Kwesi Mireku, Ntokozo Mbambo, Sisi Baidoo, Nana Yaw Ofori- Atta, Tagoe sisters and Joojo Arhin.
Diana Hamilton is a celebrated Ghanaian gospel singer, songwriter, and nurse, known for her inspirational music, spiritual depth, and impactful stage presence.
She has achieved historic wins like VGMA Artiste of the Year in 2021, becoming the first female gospel artist to do so, and is also recognised for her philanthropic work through the Diana Hamilton Foundation.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
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