Entertainment
Build national dance studio …Traditional dancer urges government
Bukom Mama on stage
Samuel Mama Marquaye, a traditional dancer known by his stage name Bukom Mama, has called on the government and industry stakeholders to build a national dance studio to help local dancers develop their talents.
He said cultural dance would generate more revenue for the country if the necessary investment was made in the sector.
Speaking in an interview with The Spectator in Accra, Mr Marquaye said that the governments of Senegal and Guinea had invested in Performing Arts and were reaping the benefits.
He said, “Dancing projects the aesthetic culture of the country and it could be used to preserve our heritage when the needed attention is given to it.”
“We can’t go away from our tradition and our heritage, therefore, we need sponsorship and promotion to help increase youth involvement in this rich cultural heritage,” he said.
The performer with two decades of experience in the industry, observed that cultural dancers had not received the necessary recognition over the years and that it was time to change the narrative.
According to him, Western influence on Ghanaian music and dance was killing indigenous cultural heritage. For this reason, he said the government and stakeholders should “invest in the industry so that the values of traditional dancing and drumming can be exposed and enhanced.”
He further called for equal opportunities for traditional drummers and dancers so they could drive good financial returns from their craft.
By Joyceline Natally Cudjoe
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.
