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
Veteran Ghanaian actor, Fred Amugi, has been cast in the upcoming Pan-African television series, Kismet, where he will play the role of Chief Ademola, a wealthy and influential Yoruba patriarch.
The series, set for production in Abuja and other parts of Nigeria, brings together a diverse cast ensemble from Ghana, Nigeria, Cote d’Ivoire, South Africa, Cameroon, Kenya, and the United States.
A statement copied to the GNA in Accra said “It forms part of a broader effort to strengthen collaboration within Africa’s creative industry while positioning African stories for global audiences.”
Speaking on his involvement, Fred Nii Amugi, whose acting career spans more than four decades, described the role as a meaningful milestone.
“It is a proud moment for me at this stage of my career to be part of a Pan-African series,” he said.
“Playing a Yoruba character as a Ghanaian reflects something deeper about who we are as Africans. It reminds us that we are one people, connected beyond borders,” he indicated.
He added that his preparation for the role went beyond performance.
“As a Ghanaian of Ga heritage, I am taking time to study the historical and cultural links between the Ga and Yoruba people.
“I am learning about these connections so I can represent the character with truth and respect.”
“It is important that the world sees the shared identity that exists across our continent,” he noted.
Kismet is being developed as a high-quality thriller series with a Pan-African perspective, drawing talent from across the continent and the diaspora.
According to Nana Dwomoh-Doyen Benjamin, President of the African Chamber of Content Producers and production advisor for the project, the series represents the united image of Africa that is capable of contributing to the global creative economy.
“As part of building a Pan-African creative economy, Kismet is a call for Africans to come together and tell our stories as one people.
“We are also aligning this effort with the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to create a strong continental market for African content,” he underlined.
The producer of the series, Paul Joegad, emphasised the global ambition behind the project.
Based in the United States, Joegad noted that the production was designed to meet international standards while maintaining authentic African storytelling.
“We are leveraging diaspora networks and global experience to create a series that resonates across cultures,” he said.
“Our goal is to produce content that can stand on international platforms through quality and strong storytelling.”
He added that assembling the right team had been central to the project’s vision. Among those involved is Mawuko Kuadzi, a Casting Society of America (CSA) member and the first African to win an Artios Award in its 40-year history.
The producers say the series seeks to position Africa as a major player in global content, fostering international Pan-African partnerships. –GNA
The management of Prophet Joseph Atarah Ministries (PJAM) has announced the 2026 edition of the highly anticipated annual gospel concert, Atarah Praise.
This edition, under the theme: ‘Dalet,’ is scheduled for 4pm, Sunday, May 24, at the Bayview Village.
Patrons will enjoy an atmosphere charged with powerful worship, prophetic ministration, and spiritual renewal.
Against this backdrop, Prophet Joseph Atarah will team up with some of Ghana’s finest gospel ministers, including Piesie Esther, Kofi Owusu Peprah, Obaapa Christy, and Siisi Baidoo.
Over the years, Atarah Praise has evolved into one of Ghana’s most impactful worship gatherings, attracting thousands of believers seeking a profound encounter through music, prayer, and thanksgiving.
The 2026 edition is positioned as a divine platform for renewal, restoration, and spiritual awakening.
Patrons are encouraged to arrive early to secure convenient seats and be there with the heart of the worship.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
