Entertainment
Yaw Sarpong leads all stars in peace song
Iconic Ghanaian musician, Yaw Sarpong is leading a campaign for unity ahead of the December polls by collaborating with some prominent Ghanaian artistes on a peace song.
According to him, the song is aimed at sensitising the citizens to be peaceful as the general elections beckon.
Speaking at the launch of the song held at the premises of Think Media Expert, a key partner of the project at North Kaneshie in Accra, Yaw Sarpong said the song was recorded during the 2000 elections when he had returned from Liberia.
He said that considering the seeming tension characterising this year’s elections, his management led by Nana Kobo and Nana Poku Ashis, decided to bring other artistes on the song to tweak it to suit the current times.
As a result, Pat Thomas, Cynthia of Daughters of Glorious Jesus fame, CSP Kofi Sarpong, Fameye, Kuami Eugene, Lord Morgan, Bernice Ansah, Akwaboah, Joyce Blessing, Eno Barony, Bessa Simon and Wutah Afriyie are featured.
He told this paper that all the artistes wholeheartedly accepted to be on the song without taking any monetary reward, a gesture, he believes must be commended.
“I did not encounter any problem when I reached out to them, none of them demanded even GHC1, they proved to me they have a lot of love for Ghana, which is highly commendable,” Yaw Sarpong said.
Recounting his Liberia experience he said that election violence was something one should never encourage, adding that “it derails a country’s progress.”
He said that his team was exploring the possibilities of staging a concert for all the artistes on the song to perform ahead of the general elections.
Other musicians who were at the launch with their solidarity messages also called on Ghanaians to remain peaceful before, during and after the elections.
Sadiq Abdulai Abu and Fred Kyei Mensah, who represented the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) respectively added their voices to the call for peace which the country needs to enhance development.
The song is currently available on all digital music stores.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
The Blood Crew, a Ghanaian contemporary gospel music group based in Kumasi, celebrated its 10th anniversary in ministry with a special cake-cutting ceremony during the Grace Concert held at Gracefields Chapel, Havlah Temple, Ahodwo.
The celebration formed part of the group’s annual live recording event, ‘The Blood Effect’, which brought together thousands of worshippers, gospel music lovers, ministers, and invited guests for an unforgettable night of worship and live music recording.
The anniversary cake was officially cut by the Founder and Music Director of the group, David Nana Bonsu, popularly known as Nana Quophi, together with Rev. Simon Ampofo, shortly after the first session of live recordings featuring newly composed songs and selected old compilations.
The ceremony was witnessed by alumni members, current team members, invited gospel artistes, instrumentalists, management, and worshippers who gathered to celebrate the milestone achievement of the ministry.
The occasion marked 10 years of The Blood Crew’s contribution to gospel music ministry, worship, fellowship, evangelism, mentorship, and youth impact through music.
Members of the group used the opportunity to reflect on their journey over the years and expressed gratitude to God for sustaining the ministry and helping them remain impactful.
The event featured ministrations from UK-based Ghanaian gospel artiste Emmanuel Gyamfi, Pastor Edwin Dadson, Team Eternity Ghana, Manuel Tuffour, Joshua Ahenkorah, and Yefter Nkansah.
The group described the anniversary celebration as a moment of thanksgiving, reflection, and renewed commitment to continue impacting lives through gospel music and worship ministry.
Over the years, The Blood Crew’s annual ‘The Blood Effect’ live recording event has grown into a recognized platform for worship, spiritual impact, and gospel music ministry in Kumasi and beyond.
This year’s edition uniquely combined live recordings with the group’s 10th anniversary celebration, making it one of the most memorable editions since the ministry began.
By Spectator Reporter
Contrary to the belief that winning an award elevates an actor to an almost ‘godlike’ status, Ghanaian actor Melvin Dain holds a different view.
According to him, accolades were important, but they do not define the true essence of an actor.
Speaking ahead of the Ghana Movie Awards scheduled for tomorrow, Dain emphasised that awards should be seen as recognition rather than a measure of ultimate worth.
“I don’t think awards define who an actor is; however, I believe they provide recognition and validate an actor’s performances in the industry,” he said.
The actor has been nominated in two categories; Best Actor in a Supporting Role and Discovery Actor of the Year, a milestone he describes as both encouraging and humbling.
“Being recognised at this stage means a lot to me. It tells me that the work I’m putting in is being seen, and that alone is encouraging,” he noted.
Reflecting on his journey, Dain said the nominations have offered him the opportunity to appreciate his growth in the industry.
“It reminds me of where I’m coming from and how far I’ve come. It also gives me more reason to keep pushing, to keep learning and to keep growing as an actor,” he added.
Despite the recognition, the actor remains grounded, acknowledging the stiff competition in both categories.
He described his chances of winning as evenly balanced, given the calibre of nominees.
“Looking at the names on the list, I will say it’s a 50/50 chance. Some of these people are my idols, and just being in the same category with them is a humbling moment for me,” he said.
He added, “the nominations represent more than just a shot at winning; they affirm my rise in the industry and reinforces my commitment to excellence.”
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
