Entertainment
Yaw Sarpong passes on
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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Award-winning Ghanaian musician, Michael Owusu Addo, affectionately called Sarkodie has described his annual event, Rapperholic concert as bigger than just a music event, highlighting its significant economic impact.
In a post after a successful Rapperholic edition in Kumasi, the rapper noted that the concert stimulates economic activity across Kumasi, Accra and the wider Ghanaian economy.
According to him, this is driven through tourism, hospitality, transportation, food, fashion, media, advertising, employment and the creative supply chain.
“The economic value of this concert extends far beyond ticket sales. It includes visitor spending, revenue for local businesses, temporary jobs created, suppliers paid and the future tourism and commercial opportunities generated by the event,” he stated.
Sarkodie called on government and the private sector to seize the opportunity to build an ecosystem where Ghanaian entertainment generates measurable economic value, supports businesses, creates jobs and attracts visitors.
“Let’s invest in our creative economy. The potential goes far beyond the stage,” he added.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Multiple award-winning dancehall artiste Emmanuel Andrew Samini popularly known as Samini is set to return to his Dansoman base with the much-anticipated Samini Experience on December 24.
The musician, who has nurtured top talents from the community in the past, says this year’s edition will be held in collaboration with the Dansoman Homecoming Carnival, to make the event bigger.
Speaking to the media at Kegali Hotel during a press launch on Friday, October 16, Samini said activities including a clean-up exercise, health walk, Children’s Day and games will take place from December 18 ahead of the main event.
According to him, the choice of Dansoman is to give back to the community where it all started.
He added that the event was also aimed at nurturing future talents by giving them a platform to showcase their abilities.
He disclosed that some music legends from Dansoman and other big names in the music industry will be on the bill to thrill patrons.
Samini also revealed that the Dansoman Exhibition streets will be blocked to make way for the unforgettable night of music.
He expressed appreciation to the Ablekuma West Municipal Assembly for their collaboration to ensure the success of the programme.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
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