Entertainment
VGMA Honors Titans at the National Music Summit 2023
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The VGMA (Vodafone Ghana Music Awards) recently honored two exceptional individuals, Elder SK Ampiah and Francis Kwakye, with the prestigious Titan Award at the National Music Summit 2023.
This award is a testament to their immense contributions to the development and growth of the music industry in Ghana.
Both Elder SK Ampiah and Francis Kwakye have dedicated their lives to elevating the music industry and their efforts have not gone unnoticed.
The event happened at La Palm Beach Hotel on 21st June 2023, in commemoration of World Music Day.
Elder SK Ampiah has played a pivotal role in the gospel music industry.
As a writer, instrumentalist and singer, his music compositions have been the true vehicles for praise and worship over decades.
He’s composed over 200 songs over 5 decades, including Onyame Tumfo (God Almighty), Onyame yɛ Nyame Kɛse (God is a great God), Yesu ne wu (The death of Jesus), Me twer ɔbotan bi (I lean on a particular rock), Mmo Yesu (Well done, Jesus).
It is common knowledge that his songs are performed in almost every Christian gathering in Ghana as praise and worship.
Similarly, Francis Kwakye has made significant contributions to the music industry through his relentless efforts since 1969.
For 54 years his dedication, commitment and selflessness to sound engineering in the Ghana music industry has known no bounds, working with virtually all legends and A-lists artistes in Ghana, and providing services for entertainment shows across the nation and internationally.
Via self-founded company, Rythms Africa, he’s extended his services to over 1000 events and programs.
The VGMA Titan Award serves as an inspiration to others in the industry, encouraging them to strive for excellence and make a positive impact. It also highlights the importance of recognizing and honoring individuals who have dedicated their lives to the betterment of the music industry.
Elder SK Ampiah and Francis Kwakye’s contributions will continue to inspire future generations of musicians, producers, and industry professionals to work towards the development and growth of the music industry in Ghana.
It is through their vision, passion, and determination that the music industry in Ghana continues to thrive.
The Titan Award is a fitting tribute to their exceptional achievements and the legacy they leave behind.
Mr. Kwakye’s presentation was heartily presented by the legendary singer and Acting President of MUSIGA, Bessa Simons, who could not hold back his personal tribute in the process.
Elder SK Ampiah, who was represented by his son, had is plaque presented by legendary singer and former President of MUSIGA Diana Hopson.
With excitement that could not be hidden, she did not only give her personal tribute in words, she brought Elder SK Ampiah’s songs to life by singing them live.
The event was hosted by Andy Dosty with performances from Prince Hakeem, Indigenous Band and Nii Tete Tetteh & the Tendaan Muzik.
Dancehall artiste Stonebwoy has responded to Sarkodie after the rapper’s recent tweet about principles in the music industry.
In a lengthy post on X (formerly Twitter), Stonebwoy recounted how he called Sarkodie the day after his Rapperholic show in the UK to congratulate him, adding that their conversation lasted over 10 minutes.
He noted that after his (Stonebwoy) own show at the OVO Arena, Sarkodie posted a video on social media.
“Whatever message you meant to send across, only you can explain,” Stonebwoy wrote.
According to him, after he made what he described as a factual tweet about the industry, he still reached out to Sarkodie privately because of some cryptic posts the rapper had been making.
“You called back immediately. I missed it, but I called you back after, and we spoke for more than an hour on industry, behaviors, and perspectives,” he disclosed.
Stonebwoy revealed that during their hour-long chat, Sarkodie made it clear that no artiste could be forced to uphold any principle, stressing that in the Ghanaian music industry artistes must play along as long as it benefits them.
“You were very clear about how no artiste could be ‘forced’ to uphold any form of principle. That, literally, in our industry, artistes must play along so far as it benefits them, and it cannot matter how, because we all care about different things. Which is evident in Video 1,” he stated.
Referencing two videos he shared, Stonebwoy concluded that Sarkodie’s recent tweet was equally been considered, insisting that without principle, advice is merely an opinion.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Ghanaian rapper Sarkodie has sent a heartfelt message to his fanbase, SarkNation, urging them to move away from toxic fan culture and return to what made the group special.
In a long statement shared on social media, the rapper acknowledged SarkNation for birthing many of the fanbase trends in Ghana today, saying he doesn’t take that for granted.
He praised the “day ones”, the first wave of SarkNation, for positioning his brand with commitment and loyalty, without toxic energy.
According to him, a true SarkNation member should not be consumed by what another brand is doing.
“A true SarkNation member shouldn’t be consumed by what another brand is doing. Focus on the brand you love. No hate. No bitterness. No unnecessary competition. You don’t have to tear someone else down to prove your loyalty to Sarkodie,” he cautioned.
Sarkodie noted that as fanbases grow, dilution is inevitable, but the current trend of fanbases tearing each other down does not help the industry or the artists they claim to support.
He advised his fans not to fall for bait and online triggers, and cautioned artists against entertaining fans who insult other brands just to elevate them.
According to him, “Just because a fan sh**s on another brand to elevate you doesn’t mean they love you more… They may look like they’re fighting for you, but they genuinely don’t give AF about you.”
The rapper called on the new crop of SarkNation to learn from the old crop, whose focus was always the music, the movement and the brand.
“I know I’m still here because of God, SarkNation and hard work, so I never joke with you guys. I appreciate y’all more than you know,” he added.
