Entertainment
Bessa Simons is new MUSIGA President
Veteran Highlife musician, Bessa Simons is MUSIGA president. In a highly anticipated election held today under the auspices of the Electoral Commission of Ghana, the veteran Highlife musician beat his only rival Ras Caleb, to become the newly elected President of the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA).
Bessa, who had been the Acting MUSIGA president since 2008 polled a total of 324 votes, with Ras Caleb securing 66 votes.
The election, which took place in all the regions, had a good turnout of MUSIGA members who came in to exercise their rights to vote.
Members of MUSIGA Greater Accra Region cast their votes at the Accra Tourist Information Centre.
The election was expected to bring to rest all the prolonged disagreements among members of the union after the elections was postponed four times.
In earlier interview with Graphic Showbiz, Bessa Simons pledged to work tirelessly to advance the interests of musicians across the country.
His win and tenure is expected to usher in a period of innovation and growth for the organisation and the Ghanaian music industry at large.
He highlighted the importance of unity and collaboration within MUSIGA, emphasising that “together, we can achieve great strides in the music industry.”
Below is the results from various regions across the country.
Greater Accra:
Bessa Simons: 83 votes
Ras Caleb: 24 votes
Ashanti:
Bessa Simons: 53 votes
Ras Caleb: 8 votes
Upper West:
Bessa Simons: 9 votes
Ras Caleb: 2 votes
Northern Region:
Bessa Simons: 19 votes
Ras Caleb: 4 votes
Eastern Region:
Bessa Simons: 25 votes
Ras Caleb: 2 votes
Volta Region:
Bessa Simons: 22 votes
Ras Caleb: 7 votes
Central Region:
Bessa Simons: 44 votes
Ras Caleb: 10 votes
Upper East:
Bessa Simons: 16 votes
Ras Caleb: 2 votes
Western Region:
Bessa Simons: 18 votes
Ras Caleb: 4 votes
Brong Ahafo Region:
Bessa Simons: 35 votes
Ras Caleb: 3 votes
Source: Graphic.com
Entertainment
Redeemed Baptist Church congratulates trio
Three members of the Redeemed Baptist Church in Ogbojo – Emerita Professor Elizabeth Ardayfio-Schandorf, Mrs Florence Mangwe Hutchful and Mrs Comfort Owusu, were among 22 award recipients for their exceptional contribution to national development at the 10th Ghana Women of Excellence Awards ceremony held in Accra.
The trio were recognised for their exceptional performances in their respective field of endeavours.
Emerita Ardayfio-Schandorf is a seasoned geographer and Chairperson of the Public Interest and Accountability Committee (PIAC), Mrs Hutchful comes in as the first President of the Chartered Institute of Human Resource Management, Ghana and Mrs Owusu as the Executive Director of the Association of Rural Banks (ARB) Ghana.
The awards, held on the eve of the International Women’s Day, is a component of Ghana’s observation of the Day which was under the theme ‘Empowering the Ghanaian woman for National Development.”
The clergy and congregation of the Redeemed Baptist Church says Ayekoo to the award winners.
Entertainment
TGMA unveils nominees for 26th edition
Organisers of the Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA) have unveiled nominations for the 26th edition of the awards.
A ceremony to unveil the awards held last Saturday at the Grand Arena was filled with shocks, surprises, and excitement.
The ultimate category, Artiste of the Year will see, Kweku Smoke, Joe Mettle, Team Eternity, King Promise, Black Sherif, King Paluta and reigning champion, Stonebwoy.
King Paluta, King Promise and Stonebwoy
Best New Artiste of the Year, a key category for the emerging talents to make a mark will feature Lali X Lola, Arathejay, Rap Fada, Beeztrap KOTM, and Kwesi Amewugah.
Lovers of gospel music will have a tough time choosing Empress Gifty, Joe Mettle, Team Eternity, Piesie Esther, Diana Hamilton or MOG Music as the Gospel Artiste of the Year.
Medikal, Sarkodie, King Paluta, Black Sherif, Kweku Smoke, Beeztrap and Amerado will battle it out for the Best Hiplife/Hip Hop Artiste of the Year crown.
A category which would generate controversy is the Best Rap Performance with a fierce contest between Sarkodie, Okyeame Kwame, Eno Barony, Lyrical Joe, Flowking Stone and Kweku Smoke.
There are other interesting categories like Highlife Song of the Year, Telecel Most Popular Song, Male and Female Vocalists of the Year among others up for grabs for the 26th edition of the Telecel Ghana Music Awards.
The reigning Artiste of the Year, Stonebwoy was nominated in the same category again in addition to Album/EP of the Year – “Up and Running”, Best Reggae/Dancehall Song – “Psalm 23”, Best Music Video – “Jejereje”, Best Reggae Dancehall Artiste, International Collaboration of the Year – “Ekelebe” featuring OdumoduBlvck, “Jiggle And Whine” featuring Spice, and Most Popular Song – “Jejereje”.
This year’s edition of Ghana’s biggest music night comes off on May 3, 2025, at the Accra International
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
