Entertainment
PRUMAS: Zakaria Sheriff crowned Artiste of the Year
Local artist, Zakaria Sheriff, known in the entertainment circle as ‘Best Ghally’ has been crowned the Artiste of the Year in the just-ended Upper West Regional Music Awards at Wa.
The Dawubie hit maker took home a motor bike and a plague of honour.
The 6th edition of the Progress Upper West Music Awards Scheme (PRUMAS) which took place over the weekend saw musicians who distinguished themselves within the year, pick awards in 22 respective categories with three honorary recognition to persons who had propelled the growth of the entertainment industry in the region.
PRUMAS was designed by the first radio station in the region, Radio Progress in 2013 to recognise talents of local artists and encourage them to work harder for national and international laurels.
To help nurture the talent of the artists and also achieve the aim of the awards scheme, this year’s edition of PRUMAS was preceded by nominees’ seminar with movers of the creative arts industry such as Songstress Noella Wiyaala and the Regional Secretary of MUSIGA, Mr Aziz Sungumo facilitating the meeting on issues concerning online marketing and monetisation, among others.
Best Ghally who doubles as a sound engineer won the overall best artiste for the second time after picking the award in 2017 with his popular track ‘Dawubie’.
The rapper cum singer has 150 tracks to his credit with two albums and one Extended Play (EP) and had featured in over 20 songs including a collaboration with popular musician, Wiyaala who hails from the region.
Prior to receiving the crown as the king of Upper West Music this year, Best Ghally had won 15 local awards including the Sissala Entertainment and Northern Entertainment Awards respectively.
Other awardees included Eugenia and DJ Skinny who won the Gospel Artist and best Disc Jockey of the year respectively. Hip hop artist, El Twist Dagarawon the Hip hop song of the year with his track ‘Supremacy’ whereas Badda Kasu picked the best Music for Development with his track, ‘Clean the Environment’.
The award scheme was used to also honour musicians Samini and Wiyaala as well as veteran presenter of the Regional Station of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, Seidu Bhomanjo for their contribution to the growth of the industry in the region.
From Lydia Fordjour And Rafia Abdul-Razak, Wa
Ghanaian gospel dynamo, Piesie Esther, has expressed her readiness to take home the Gospel Artiste of the Year, Telecel Most Popular Song of the Year and Traditional Gospel Song of the Year awards at this year’s Telecel Ghana Music Awards.
The musician with many years of success under her belt in the gospel music industry has been nominated for three categories at this year’s Telecel Ghana Music Awards.
Piesie Esther was nominated for Gospel Artiste of the Year, Traditional Gospel Song of the Year, and Most Popular Song of the Year with her smash hit, Nyame Ye.
The award-winning musician believes that she had a wonderful year in 2025, which deserves recognition.
According to her, with over 36 shows, millions of streams enjoyed by her Nyame Ye song, coupled with numerous brand engagements, she was in a pole position to outwit other competitors.
“Family, I need your love and support now more than ever! I’ve been nominated at the Telecel Ghana Music Awards and we’re going all out for the win! ,” she noted.
She called on all and sundry that “Every single vote counts, and I truly appreciate your continuous support. Let’s do this together.”
This year’s Telecel Ghana Music Awards is slated for May 9, 2026 at the Palms Convention Centre in Accra.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Patrons at +233 Bar and Lounge had an unforgettable experience at the OK@50 All White Birthday Party last Saturday, April 18.
The Ghanaian music icon, Okyeame Kwame, turned 50 years last Friday, April 17, 2026.
Against this backdrop, the ‘Rap Dacta’ organised an All-White Party on Saturday to mark his 50th birthday to raise funds for the construction of a Paediatric Emergency Ward at the Manhyia Hospital.
This is a legacy project the musician is embarking on to mark his 50th birthday.
As part of the concert, patrons were treated to scintillating live performances by Afriyie Wutah, Akwaboah, Sista Afia, Kuami Eugene, KiDi, Kwabena Kwabena, Ras Kuuku, Abiana, Adina, Abochi, Kweku Darlington, and Kunta Kinte of Bradez fame.
One of the country’s finest DJs, Andy Dosty, also had his turn to mesmerise the patrons with hits from the past to present, a moment which saw many patrons on their feet for most of the time.
Okyeame Kwame rocked the gathering with numerous hits from his repertoire, including his new song dubbed ‘Clap.’
He also expressed appreciation to those who has genuinely supported his career to impact the lives of others.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
