Entertainment
Stop charging churches for programmes – Gospel musician advises
In an age where many Ghanaian musicians make more money from gigs than record sales, a gospel singer still does not understand why gospel musicians should charge for their performance.
Not that Mrs. Leticia Acheampong Hars does not understand the prevailing issues; far from that.
She is just surprised why some gospel artistes could boycott shows including church events simply because their charges were not met.
This, she insists is simply not right because “singing the word of God is not business’.
‘I prefer a situation where the church or event organisers will bless me after my ministration, but not to charge them’ she told The Spectator Agoro on Monday.
Mrs Leticia Hars known in showbiz circle as QueenLet said most gospel artistes had taken it as a business but the primary objective of a minister was to win souls and propagate the word of God to the world.
QueenLet who doubles as a nurse, said gospel artistes needed to find other things to do that would fetch them money.
‘Money from our music should only come in as supplementary support not the main source of your income”.
Mrs Hars is currently promoting her two singles titled ‘Dear Holy Spirit and Anwawadwuma – marvellous God.
The German-based gospel artiste added that her two singles talked about the Holiness and the handi work of God.
She used this opportunity to thank the award winning gospel artiste, Esther Smith and Rev. Dr Mary Ghansah for supporting her ministry by endorsing her singles.
She urged up and coming artistes to also make spirit filled songs in order to win more souls for Christ.
“We need to understand the purpose of gospel music, we don’t just sing, problems must run away when we sing, signs and miracles must happen and souls must be won”, stressed .
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
Entertainment
More Creative Arts Industry players ‘storm’ Parliament
The ninth Parliament, which is set to commence January 7, 2025, will have more creative industry players than ever.
This follows their success at the December 7 presidential and parliamentary elections that saw former President John Dramani Mahama voted back to the Jubilee House.
Among them are Ebi Bright (MP-Elect, Tema Central), Baba Sadiq (MP-Elect, Okaikoi Central), A Plus (MP-Elect, Gomoa Central), Ohene Kwame Frimpong (MP-Elect, Asante-Akim North), and John Dumelo (MP-Elect, Ayawaso West Wuogon).
Tema Central)
Okaikoi Central)
Gomoa Central),
Ayawaso West Wuogon).
They cut across sectors like music, film and financial side of the entertainment ecosystem and would be expected to bring their expertise to bear on debate to enhance the industry.
Ebi Bright is a Ghanaian actress who entered politics in 2016. She won the primaries to contest as Member of Parliament for Tema Central in the 2024 election which she won.
Baba Sadiq is the founder of the 3 Music Awards and doubles as an Entertainment analyst. He was elected as Member of Parliament for the Okaikoi Central constituency on the ticket of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Kwame Asare Obeng is popularly known as A Plus. He was a hiplife musician with keen interest in politics and social issues. He came to the limelight with his ‘Freedom of Speech’ album ahead of the 2000 general election.
John Dumelo is a popular Ghanaian actor, farmer and politician, born in February 1984 to Mr and Mrs John Dumelo.
He had his basic school education at the Christ the King School in Accra and continued to the Achimota Senior High School and the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology where he read Civil Engineering.
He is a popular face on the screens, having stared in several Ghanaian and Nigerian movies.
Ohene Kwame Frimpong is an entrepreneur and Chief Executive Officer of Salt Media Group. He plays a key role in the entertainment industry by supporting up and coming artistes.
As ‘freshers’ in the house, they would be expected to tap into the rich experience of Ablah Dzifa Gomashie, MP for Ketu South and another ‘goddess’ on the screen
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Entertainment
Siisi Baidoo adjudged Best Male Vocalist at 2024 Praise Achievement Awards
Siisi Baidoo, one of Ghana’s most talented gospel artists, has been honoured with the Male Vocalist of the Year award at the just-ended prestigious Praise Achievement Awards 2024.
Over the years, Siisi Baidoo has distinguished himself with his rich music content and unrivalled vocal dexterity.
Other artistes in that category were Joe Mettle, Luigi Maclean, Kofi Owusu Peprah, Perez Musik, Kwaku Teye and others.
He has to his credit, songs such as ‘Otim Ho Daa’, ‘Fire’, ‘Jesus in My Boat’, ‘Mede W’ayeyi’, ‘Hymns of God’, among other great songs that have touched many lives with his latest being Do it Again featuring Joe Mettle.
The Praise Achievement Awards does not only celebrate established artists like Siisi Baidoo but also provides a platform to acknowledge the diverse talents contributing to the growth and vibrancy of gospel music in Ghana, from musicians and singers to producers, songwriters, and technical crew.
This year’s ceremony saw a host of other talented individuals recognised for their contributions. Nacee, Joe Mettle, Piesie Esther and other celebrated gospel artistes also received awards on the evening.
Siisi Baidoo has just released his highly anticipated new album ‘Writings on the Wall’ on Thursday, November 28, and hopes it will be a great blessing to all.
