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
Legendary Ghanaian gospel musician and founder of the Asomafo gospel group, Yaw Sarpong, is reporteddead.
The 66 year old gospel artiste is said to have died at the Emena Hospital in Kumasi on January 20, where he was receiving medical treatment.
For sometime now, Yaw Sarpong had been dealing with prolonged health challenges, forcing him to reduce his public appearances and step away periodically from performances.
Yaw Sarpong is widely credited as a pioneer of contemporary Akan gospel music.
Through Yaw Sarpong and Asomafo, he introduced a distinctive sound marked by rich harmonies, disciplined arrangements and lyrics firmly grounded in Christian teachings.
His leadership and musical direction helped shape the identity of gospel music in Ghana for decades.
Some popular tunes by the group includes ‘Wo Haw Ne Sen’, ‘Tie Obiaa’, ‘Aduro Yesu’ and ‘Awurade Kasa’, tracks that continue to feature prominently in churches and Christian gatherings across the country.
Yaw Sarpong’s death comes barely some weeks after the passing of Maame Tiwa, a key pillar of the Yaw Sarpong’s Asomafo music group.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
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Heavens will come down at the International Central Gospel Church, Temple East (ICGC) as gospel songstress Diana Hamilton holds her annual concert.
The annual concert ‘Awake Experience’ with Diana Hamilton will take place in Accra on February 15, and at the church of Pentecost, Bantama Kumasi on February 22.
Speaking to The Spectator Agoro, she said this year offers another opportunity to have an experience with God, saying “So I want to be in his presence and watch him do mind blowing things.”
The ‘Aha Ye’ hit maker also announced that leading up to the event, the Diana Hamilton Team will embark on various outreaches to spread the gospel through ministration.
Themed ‘Dwell,’ will bring together renowned artiste and worshippers to celebrate faith and music.
Notable among them are Elder Dr Kwesi Mireku, Ntokozo Mbambo, Sisi Baidoo, Nana Yaw Ofori- Atta, Tagoe sisters and Joojo Arhin.
Diana Hamilton is a celebrated Ghanaian gospel singer, songwriter, and nurse, known for her inspirational music, spiritual depth, and impactful stage presence.
She has achieved historic wins like VGMA Artiste of the Year in 2021, becoming the first female gospel artist to do so, and is also recognised for her philanthropic work through the Diana Hamilton Foundation.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
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