Entertainment
ICONIC: Stonebwoy performs with Angelique Kidjo, Youssou N’Dour, Ibrahim Maalouf, and more in London
Ghanaian reggae and afropop star Stonebwoy joined Grammy-winning singer Angelique Kidjo on stage at the Royal Albert Hall on Friday night, as part of her 40th anniversary concert.
The two artists performed their collaborative single Manodzi, a song that celebrates the resilience and diversity of African cultures, in front of a packed and enthusiastic audience.
Stonebwoy, who is one of the most popular musicians in Ghana and Africa, expressed his gratitude and admiration for Kidjo, who he described as a “legend” and a “mentor”.
He also praised the legend for her contribution to the global recognition and appreciation of African music.
“It’s an honour and a privilege to be here with you tonight. You are a living legend, a mentor, and a role model for me and many others. You have paved the way for us to showcase our talent and our culture to the world. Thank you for inviting me to share this stage with you,” he said.
Kidjo, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest singers of all time, reciprocated the compliments and thanked Stonebwoy for his collaboration and friendship.
The concert was a celebration of Kidjo’s 40-year career spanning catalogue, which includes 14 studio albums, four Grammy awards, and collaborations. The night also featured performances from artists such as Laura Mvula, Grammy-nominated trumpeter Ibrahim Maalouf, and Senegalese superstar Youssou N’Dour.
The audience, which included fans from different backgrounds and generations, cheered and danced along to the music, creating a festive and joyful atmosphere. Some of the attendees shared their impressions and reactions on social media, praising the performance and the message of the concert.
“What a night! Angelique Kidjo and Stonebwoy were amazing. They brought the house down with their energy and talent. I loved every minute of it,” one user wrote on Twitter.
“This was more than a concert. It was a celebration of Africa, of music, of life. Angelique Kidjo is a force of nature, and Stonebwoy is a star. They made me proud to be African,” another user commented on Instagram.
A leading name in African music circles, Stonebwoy is credited with pioneering and powering the Afro-dancehall music genre into a globally accepted cultural phenom.
The artist is gearing up for his highly anticipated BHIM Festival at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday, December 22, 2023.
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.
