Entertainment
TGMA 2026: Who rules Ghana music tonight as AOTY?
The biggest event on Ghana’s entertainment calendar is set for a night of honours, pomp, and pageantry.
It is a night where musicians who excelled during the year under review will be rewarded through the endorsement of the Telecel Ghana Music Awards Board, the Academy, and the general public.
The Grand Arena, the ideal venue for the 27th TGMA, will host a star-studded audience of musicians, media personalities, businessmen, politicians, actors, and footballers among others.
On this night, the most coveted prize is the Artiste of the Year (AOTY) category, which will see the crowning of a new king or queen of Ghana music.
Two heavyweights in the category, Stonebwoy and Sarkodie, have the opportunity to set an enviable record as the only artistes to win the coveted title for a third time.
Should they fall short, the opportunity shifts to Black Sherif and Diana Hamilton to equal the record of two wins, joining the elite ranks of past double-winners like VIP.
A win for Diana Hamilton, will set her up in a lonely journey at the top as the only gospel musician, to win the Artiste of the Year for the second time.
Alternatively, Wendy Shay could make her debut by winning the award for the first time. This would make her team up with Diana Hamilton as the only female artistes alive to hold the title. The late Ebony, won it posthumously in 2018.
If the title slips past them and falls to Medikal, he will also become a first-time winner, etching his name into the annals of Ghana music history.
Patrons can look forward to electrifying performances from a long list of confirmed artistes, including Black Sherif, Diana Hamilton, Piesie Esther, R2Bees, Medikal, Wendy Shay, Lasmid, Kofi Kinaata, Samini, and Fido, among others.
Beyond the ultimate prize, several other major categories are up for grabs, including Music Video of the Year, New Artiste of the Year, Gospel Artiste of the Year, Most Popular Song of the Year, and Songwriter of the Year.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
The fourth edition of International AmoFest lived up to its promise on Saturday, May 2, delivering a vibrant “three-in-one” experience that left the audience at Alliance Française in Accra buzzing.
The night was a masterful blend of sound and stagecraft. Berima Amo, the visionary behind the festival, led an impressive lineup of performers, including Pedro Kastelijns, Martha Apini, Rudy Ray, and Lamisi.
Together, they showcased a fusion of global music and authentic Ghanaian Highlife, staying true to the festival’s mission of preserving Ghana’s original rhythmic soul.
Adding a unique layer to the evening, Uncle Ebo Whyte’s Roverman Productions took to the stage, blending theater with the night’s musical energy.
The experience concluded with a high-energy after-party, fulfilling Berima Amo’s goal of creating a truly immersive and memorable night.
Reflecting on the event’s purpose, Amo emphasised the need for intentionality in protecting Highlife.
He called on every Ghanaian, as well as government institutions, to actively foster an environment where the genre can thrive on the global stage.
The main event followed a successful educational outreach on April 24, where over 250 high school students participated in a Highlife workshop at the Centre for National Culture.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Africa’s celebrated music icon and highlife maestro, Kojo Antwi, has been selected as the headline performer for the 2026 Europe Day reception in Accra, marking a historic 50 years of partnership between the European Union (EU) and Ghana.
The event, scheduled for Thursday, May 7, 2026, at 6:00 pm, forms part of activities commemorating the Golden Jubilee of diplomatic, trade, and cultural relations between Ghana and the EU, which dates back to 1976.
Europe Day remains one of the most significant diplomatic gatherings on Ghana’s calendar, traditionally attracting more than 600 guests, including members of the diplomatic corps, senior government officials, and key stakeholders from various sectors.
The 2026 edition will be celebrated under the theme “Golden Bridge,” symbolising half a century of friendship, cooperation, and shared values between Ghana and the European Union.
Organisers say the evening will feature a rich cultural showcase, with Kojo Antwi affectionately known as “Mr Music Man” and “The Maestro” leading the entertainment segment.
His signature blend of highlife, soul, and Euro-African rhythms is expected to bring a fitting artistic touch to the milestone celebration.
In an official invitation letter signed by Rune Skinnebach on behalf of the EU and dated Wednesday, May 6, 2026, organisers described Kojo Antwi as the ideal choice for the occasion.
The letter stated: “We therefore cannot think of any better artiste to lift this special occasion to new levels of entertainment and national pride.”
It further expressed hope that the celebration would strengthen future collaboration, noting: “We hope this event will transform into sustained collaboration and partnership in the future.”
Kojo Antwi remains one of Africa’s most respected musical figures, with a career spanning decades and 13 acclaimed albums to his credit.
Widely regarded as the “King of Love Songs,” he has consistently delivered timeless hits that continue to resonate across generations.
From his early performances in Europe with his first band to his illustrious solo career in Ghana, the Maestro’s journey has been defined by creativity, resilience, and global recognition consistently projecting Ghana’s cultural excellence on the world stage.
Beyond his music, Kojo Antwi’s influence extends across the African entertainment landscape, inspiring generations of musicians. He recently expanded his legacy with the release of his memoir, “Mr Music Man: The Journey,” a deeply personal account of his life, artistry, and enduring impact making him one of the few African musicians to chronicle his story in his own words.
As Europe Day 2026 approaches, organisers say the choice of Kojo Antwi reflects more than entertainment value, but a celebration of an enduring cultural bridge between Ghana and Europe honouring a living legend whose music continues to unite hearts across continents.
By Enoch Ntiamoah Siaw
