Entertainment
Dr Bawumia launches GMX music streaming app
GMX (Ghana Music Xperience), the latest music streaming innovation, is set to transform the music landscape with its unparalleled focus on Ghanaian music content, discovery, and personalised experiences.
The groundbreaking platform is poised to redefine how music lovers engage with Ghanaian music, both locally and internationally.
GMX will boast of an extensive library of Ghanaian music, ranging from traditional folk to contemporary genres like hiplife and dancehall. The platform’s cutting-edge features include exclusive content, early access to new releases, seamless music search and discovery, personalised playlists, and social media integration.
Speaking at the launch, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Ghana’s Vice President, said, “With our music, we are building a legacy which requires tools and platforms to ensure our artistes and all those who contribute to this vibrant industry receive their due recognition, compensation and rightful place on the global stage.
“We’re in a digital revolution and it is very important we use the tools offered by the digital age to monetise our talents in the Ghanaian music industry. The value of the global economy is in digitalisation and when we say we need to promote our talent, then we need to go digital as that is where the money is.
We need the GMX streaming app for the local empowerment of our industry. If you look at the digital revolution in the world, you’re either a developer of apps or a user. The developers are those who make money and the users pay. So, it is very important to have local ownership of these apps.
The Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr Andrew Egyapa Mercer, who was present at the launch pronounced GMX as a revolution in the Ghanaian music landscape.
“In Ghana, music is our heartbeat, a channel through which we express our story, tradition and help unite communities. As we launch GMX, it is a celebration of our media heritage and the showcasing of our range of artistes,” he said.
This (GMX) aligns perfectly with the government’s mission to advance the creative arts space. Platforms like GMX will allow us to showcase our culture to the world and contribute significantly to tourism,” he added.
GMX’s unique features among others include, exclusive Ghanaian content including pacesetters from the Gold Coast era to contemporary trailblazers.
The platform will provide early access to new releases, behind-the-scenes footage, artist interviews, and exclusive releases.
There will also be seamless music search and discovery, powered by an intuitive recommendation engine, personalised playlists, curated by experts and powered by advanced AI as well as social media integration, allowing users to share favourite tracks and connect with others.
By Spectator Reporter
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.
Entertainment
Israel Ofori thrills fans at Rhythms of Africa
One of Ghana’s budding gospel musicians, Israel Ofori, was among artistes that thrilled fans at the Rhythms of Africa event held at the Independence Square in Accra last Friday.
Themed ‘The peace edition,’ the free event aimed at promoting peace, unity and harmony ahead of the general elections today.
Minister Israel treated the audience to two of his songs, ‘Ene Wo’ and ‘Aseda’ to which the audience sang along and danced to.
Speaking to The Spectator after the event, Minister Israel said the opportunity offered him by the organisers was a great one, and was pleased to join Ghanaians and other gospel artistes to “lift the name of Jesus Christ at the Independence Square.”
“Ghana will remain peaceful before, during and after the elections because the praises and worship of Ghanaians have gone up so the glory of God will come down,” he added.
The night featured powerful performances from other gospel artistes such as Sonnie Badu, the brainchild of the event, Empress Gifty, Ceccy Twum, ACP Kofi Sarpong, Broda Sammy and other artists.
By Jemima Esinam Kuatsinu