Entertainment
VGMA Commemorates World Music Day with 3rd National Music Summit
In commemoration of the 2023 World Music Day, Charterhouse Productions Limited, organizers of the prestigious Vodafone Ghana Music Awards, presented the 3rd Annual National Music Summit.
The event which was well attended by some of the music industry’s biggest names, had 3 distinct phases of value.
The first part of the event was an Unsung Music Business Workshop, aimed at providing upcoming artistes and music industry professionals with the essentials of music business.
The speakers for this session were Kofi Boachie-Ansah – Record producer and creative entrepreneur; George Britton – Artiste Manager/ CEO GB Records; and Ike Otoo Arhin – Co-founder of Crux Global / Artiste Manager.
This workshop served as a great opportunity for individuals who are looking to make a career in the music industry or enhance their existing knowledge.
The audience gained valuable insights into various aspects of music business, as speakers touched on marketing, promotion, contracts, copyright, branding and more.
Overall, this session was an invaluable opportunity for individuals looking to make their mark in the music industry and take their careers to new heights.
The second segment was a dialogue of national interest – How the Ecosystem Can Raise More A-list Artistes, With Global Appeal. Panelists of this session were Rocky Dawuni – 3-time Grammy Awards Nominee; Okyeame Kwame – Award Winning Artiste / Entreprenuer; and Joe Mettle – Award Winning Gospel Artiste.
One of the main challenges faced by Ghanaian artists is the lack of exposure in the international market. Given the global interest in African music, there is the need for music professionals to discuss how to grow A-list aritstes with global appeal.
The speakers reiterated a vital point; ‘By focusing on international market penetration, cross-border collaborations, and artist development, the music ecosystem can create a conducive environment for Ghanaian artists to succeed on a global scale’.
The final session highlighted four individuals worth celebrating.
Two of these four personalities were honored as VGMA Music Titans. These are Francis Kwakye, Sound Engineer and CEO of Rythyms Africa, and Elder S.K. Ampiah, songwriter, singer and composer with several decades of impact in the gospel music industry.
The final 2 artistes honored at the event are Indigenous Vibes, awarded as the Best Traditional Artiste and Prince Hakeem Mathews, awarded as the Best Instrumentalist.
Emily Meisel, a representative from the French Embassy, as part of the activities for the day, made a representation on the support the embassy has for the Ghana music industry.
The event enjoyed music from instruments by Prince Hakeem Matthews, and traditional music from Nii Tete Tetteh and the Tendaan Muzik, and Indegenous band.
According to Robert Klah, Head of Public Events & Communications, “we cannot celebrate world music day without music. And music, we all know, cannot succeed without the required business backing. Evidently, the two go together.
It is only right that we celebrate the World Music Day, we highlight both the music and the business.”
The event was held on 21st June, 2023 at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel, and it was hosted by on-air media personality, Andy Dosty.
The 3rd National Music Summit is a 24th VGMA event, organized by Charterhouse, partnered by Yango, TV3, and proudly brought to you by Vodafone, further together.
Entertainment
Prophet Atarah opens new studio, launches Atarah Praise 2025
Prophet Joseph Atarah has launched his annual event aimed at bringing believers together in an atmosphere of worship and praise.
The theme for this edition is ‘Restoration’ with the belief that patrons would be restored in the face of their challenges.
The programme will be in two parts, with the first scheduled to take place in the United Kingdom at 5pm on May 11, at Pleasant Place Church.
The Ghana edition will take place at the forecourt of Believer’s Grace Crown Ministry International, Bond Square, Adenta Barrier, at 4pm on May 25.
Prophet Atarah has paraded Piesie Esther, Kofi Owusu Peprah, Nana Yaw Asare and Mavis Asante among others for the Ghana edition.
For the UK edition, patrons will enjoy performances from Kofi Owusu Peprah, Kobby Mantey, Emmanuel Smith, and Ern Ruthy.
Speaking at the launch, Prophet Atarah said, God has been good throughout last year, and 2025 has started on a positive note.
Against this backdrop, he wants to bring believers together and, in unity, to praise God.
He said, like what happened last year, a lot of miracles will take place.
In a related development, Prophet Atarah also commissioned a new studio for rehearsals and live recordings.
This, he said, was not limited to him, but open to every musician across all genres.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Entertainment
Empress Gifty to thrill patrons at MTN Stands In Worship on Easter Sunday
Ghanaian gospel heavyweight, Empress Gifty is set to thrill thousands at this year’s MTN Stands In Worship event.
The programme brings believers together annually to celebrate the death and resurrection of Christ.
This year’s edition, slated for the Grand Arena on Sunday, April 20, will feature Empress Gifty.
Against this backdrop, the anointed gospel musician has urged all patrons to come with a heart of worship and praise.
She is optimistic that a lot of miracles will happen through the ministration.
“Through our ministrations instant miracles will happen and you are going to have an encounter with God,” she told The Spectator.
Empress Gifty again appealed to patrons not to come alone, but with their families and friends to receive blessings.
Empress Gifty, who had a big song dubbed Watch Me, has been nominated in the Best Traditional Gospel Song of the Year and Gospel Artiste of the Year categories at this year’s 26th Telecel Ghana Music Awards.
