Entertainment
YLeaderBoard Series 2024: A conversation with iconic Ben Brako
Ben Brako
Bernard George Kobena Brako, the iconic Ghanaian highlife artiste known as Ben Brako, was the esteemed guest on the inaugural episode of the 2024 YLeaderBoard Series.
The YLeaderBoard Series on Y107.9FM, serves as a platform for young individuals to glean wisdom from accomplished figures across various fields, aiming to inspire and empower the youth to reach their full potential.
During an enlightening session on the Myd Morning Show with Rev Erskine, Ben Brako shared captivating anecdotes from his life’s journey, offering insights into his path to success.
Reflecting on his musical career, Ben Brako discussed his evolution within the industry and the sources of his inspiration.
He fondly recalled his early days as a budding musician, noting how effortlessly the lyrics of his popular songs came to fruition.
“I composed many of my songs in Ghana, during my university days, before relocating to the UK. These songs eventually became some of my biggest hits,” he shared.
Acknowledging the dynamic nature of the music industry, Brako emphasised the importance of strategic partnerships for its growth.
He expressed a belief that Ghanaians should unite to champion local music, viewing this responsibility as one that extends beyond industry professionals.
Ben Brako also touched on broader societal issues, lamenting the neglect of creative arts industry, the Ghanaian economy and its populace.
He attributed the prevalence of illegal mining (galamsey) to the failure of leaders to value and preserve Ghanaian customs and culture.
“When you visit rural areas, you see no government assistance; it is the traditional leaders who provide for their people. They understand the culture and know where to seek help,” he remarked.
Eddy Blay, Y107.9FM’s Programmes Manager, underscored the series’ objective of creating a nurturing and inclusive environment for young people to learn, grow, and connect.
He expressed confidence in the YLeaderboard Series serving as a catalyst for positive change, with each episode featuring distinguished guests sharing their childhood, education, and life experiences to inspire the future leaders of Ghana.
The YLeaderboard Series airs every Wednesday on the Myd Morning Radio Show at 10am, offering a platform for guests to impart invaluable wisdom that can shape the aspirations of Ghanaian youth.
By Spectator Reporter
Guinness Ghana has announced a new annual prize package for winners of the Album/EP of the Year category at the Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA), as part of efforts to support the country’s music industry.
The company said beginning from the 27th edition of the awards, the winner of the category will receive a GH¢100,000 cash prize, funding support for a music video for their next project, and a curated album listening experience.
According to Guinness Ghana, the initiative is aimed at promoting creative excellence and contributing to the growth of Ghana’s music ecosystem.
Head of Media and Partnerships at Guinness Ghana, Yaa Amoah-Owusu, said the category represents the highest level of artistic work in the industry.
“The Album/EP of the Year category represents the pinnacle of artistic expression — body of work, storytelling, and sonic identity. This package is Guinness Ghana’s way of recognising excellence and investing in the future of the artist and the industry at large,” she stated.
She added that the company’s support goes beyond recognition on awards night, as it seeks to create long-term value for artistes and the wider creative sector.
Guinness Ghana, a long-time partner of the awards scheme, noted that the initiative will also help increase visibility and audience engagement for the winning artiste’s future projects.
The nominees for the Album/EP of the Year category include Black Sherif for Iron Boy, Stonebwoy for Torcher, Gyakie for After Midnight, Medikal for Disturbation II, Wendy Shay for Ready, and Kweku Smoke for Walk With Me.
Head of Public Events and Communications at Charterhouse, Robert Klah, welcomed the initiative, describing it as timely support for the music industry.
“This is an important intervention from Guinness Ghana. It aligns with our commitment to celebrate and elevate Ghanaian music, while also creating tangible support for artistes,” he said.
He added that the move highlights the importance of albums and EPs as lasting creative works.
The announcement comes ahead of the 27th Telecel Ghana Music Awards, organised by Charterhouse, with Telecel as headline sponsor, media partnership from TV3, and support from Guinness Ghana.
Guinness Ghana Breweries PLC is one of the country’s leading beverage companies and continues to support arts, culture, and community development in Ghana.
By: Jacob Aggrey
GOMOA Central Constituency in the Central Region of Ghana was the place of attraction for this year’s Easter, as Member of Parliament (MP) for the area, Kwame Asare Obeng, affectionately called Aplus staged a four-day carnival.
The event started with a welcome bonfire night, where the people of Gomoa and some dignitaries proceeded through the principal streets of Gomoa Central on Thursday, April 2, 2026.
It continued on Friday with Highlife Night, which saw Kwabena, Bless, Dada Hafco, Kofi Nti, Ofori Amponsah, Samini and others rock patrons.
Saturday started with a walk from Obuasi through Afranse to Ekwamkrom, where a durbar of chiefs was held.
The night erupted with concert at Ekwamkrom headlined by Ghana’s Finest Sarkodie. Sarkodie indeed proved his mettle with back-to-back hit songs and engaging performance.
Patrons also enjoyed mind-blowing performances from Keche, Kuami Eugene, Tinny, Obaapa Christy, Sista Afia and many others.
On Sunday, which was the final day, witnessed packed performances from Patapaa, Kofi Kinaata, Jupitar, Kwaw Kese, Piesie Esther, and Amerado amongst others.
Patrons enjoyed exquisite catwalk on the runway as Smully Wear put together some local designers for a fashion show.
The likes of Aplus, MP for the area, Deputy GTA Boss Gilbert Aggrey (Abeiku Santana), New Media President Eugene Osafo Nkansah and Media Personality Kleff Maxwell Justice (KMJ) were all on the runway as models.
On each day, up and coming musicians had their time on the big stage to enthrall the audience.
Mr Kwame Asare Obeng in an interview with The Spectator expressed his appreciation to the traditional leaders of the area, the constituents, Corporate Ghana and all and sundry for their unflinching support.
He said the success of the maiden edition will lead to even a bigger one next year.
According to him, his constituents who own businesses like hotels, restaurants, other traders and drivers among others were able to cash out from the carnival, which was very satisfying to him.
“Empowering the community to make ends meet to cater for their families was important for me. I have engaged most of them, and they are happy with sales. This makes me very happy,” he said.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
