Entertainment
VGMA Commemorates World Music Day with 3rd National Music Summit
In commemoration of the 2023 World Music Day, Charterhouse Productions Limited, organizers of the prestigious Vodafone Ghana Music Awards, presented the 3rd Annual National Music Summit.
The event which was well attended by some of the music industry’s biggest names, had 3 distinct phases of value.
The first part of the event was an Unsung Music Business Workshop, aimed at providing upcoming artistes and music industry professionals with the essentials of music business.
The speakers for this session were Kofi Boachie-Ansah – Record producer and creative entrepreneur; George Britton – Artiste Manager/ CEO GB Records; and Ike Otoo Arhin – Co-founder of Crux Global / Artiste Manager.
This workshop served as a great opportunity for individuals who are looking to make a career in the music industry or enhance their existing knowledge.
The audience gained valuable insights into various aspects of music business, as speakers touched on marketing, promotion, contracts, copyright, branding and more.
Overall, this session was an invaluable opportunity for individuals looking to make their mark in the music industry and take their careers to new heights.
The second segment was a dialogue of national interest – How the Ecosystem Can Raise More A-list Artistes, With Global Appeal. Panelists of this session were Rocky Dawuni – 3-time Grammy Awards Nominee; Okyeame Kwame – Award Winning Artiste / Entreprenuer; and Joe Mettle – Award Winning Gospel Artiste.
One of the main challenges faced by Ghanaian artists is the lack of exposure in the international market. Given the global interest in African music, there is the need for music professionals to discuss how to grow A-list aritstes with global appeal.
The speakers reiterated a vital point; ‘By focusing on international market penetration, cross-border collaborations, and artist development, the music ecosystem can create a conducive environment for Ghanaian artists to succeed on a global scale’.
The final session highlighted four individuals worth celebrating.
Two of these four personalities were honored as VGMA Music Titans. These are Francis Kwakye, Sound Engineer and CEO of Rythyms Africa, and Elder S.K. Ampiah, songwriter, singer and composer with several decades of impact in the gospel music industry.
The final 2 artistes honored at the event are Indigenous Vibes, awarded as the Best Traditional Artiste and Prince Hakeem Mathews, awarded as the Best Instrumentalist.
Emily Meisel, a representative from the French Embassy, as part of the activities for the day, made a representation on the support the embassy has for the Ghana music industry.
The event enjoyed music from instruments by Prince Hakeem Matthews, and traditional music from Nii Tete Tetteh and the Tendaan Muzik, and Indegenous band.
According to Robert Klah, Head of Public Events & Communications, “we cannot celebrate world music day without music. And music, we all know, cannot succeed without the required business backing. Evidently, the two go together.
It is only right that we celebrate the World Music Day, we highlight both the music and the business.”
The event was held on 21st June, 2023 at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel, and it was hosted by on-air media personality, Andy Dosty.
The 3rd National Music Summit is a 24th VGMA event, organized by Charterhouse, partnered by Yango, TV3, and proudly brought to you by Vodafone, further together.
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
