Entertainment
Outstanding student DJs to be recognised by Ghana DJ Awards
The board and organisers of Africa’s biggest DJ festival, the annual Ghana DJ Awards event have introduced a new category to recognise the efforts of student DJs.
This is to motivate young people who entertain their colleagues and fans during raves and events, both on and off-campus across the country.
The “Best Student DJ” of the year award is part of the new categories introduced in this year’s edition of the award scheme, to encourage students who juggle the demands of life while going to school and working to earn their due as DJs simultaneously.
This disclosure was made by Rev. Azigiza Jnr, chairman of the Ghana DJ Awards board, on Peace FM’s entertainment review show. According to him, “the Best Student DJ category was created to reward outstanding student DJs who despite their inability to own expensive gadgets, are still able to rip the turntables”.
To be nominated, one must be a student or recent graduate in good standing and be over 17 years.
Nominations for this year’s edition are selected by the Ghana DJ Awards’ board and the voting academy comprised of fans and an esteemed group of entertainment industry players.
Fans will be able to cast their vote for their favourite DJs via text on ghanadjawards.org and on both Twitter and Instagram with a designated hashtag.
This year’s edition of the Ghana DJ Awards is set to take place on November21, 2020.
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.
