Entertainment
Grammy Academy CEO reveals consideration for Afrobeats category
Mixed reactions have trailed the revelation of the Grammy Academy CEO Mr. Harvey Manson that the Academy is considering adding an Afrobeats category to its prestigious award.
Speaking at the meet-the-press session at the Kotoka International Airport when he touched down for the 13th edition of the Grow, Unite, Build Africa (GUBA) Awards, slated for September 29, 2022, at the Kigali Convention Centre in Rwanda.
He disclosed that the academy has kicked off the first process in the long road to adding an Afrobeats category to the Grammys. “The categories are decided by members of the awards scheme who look at quality. Whatever comes in is voted on after carefully accessing it,” he said.
According to Harvey, the academy had a meeting with Afrobeats creatives that includes artists, producers, songwriters, and executives where they talked about Afrobeats and its many Genres.
He further revealed that the members of the academy will have to submit a proposal for the addition of a new category before deliberations will kick off. However, the listening session with the Afrobeats leaders is the first step.
What this means: the addition of an Afrobeats category to the Grammys will mean that songs that fall under the Afrobeats subgenre will be eligible for nomination.
While the Afrobeats is primarily a description of Nigerian and Ghanaian mainstream music, the West has often muddled it up with any sound coming from Saharan Africa. The implication is that South African genres such as House, Amapiano, and Kwaito might be considered Afrobeats. Similarly, Congolese sounds like the Soukous or the East African Singile might be termed Afrobeats.
It will be up to the Academy to adequately identify the essential elements that make a song Afrobeats as doing this will be the first step in truly awarding the right songs irrespective of where it’s made.
In the meantime, Harvey Mason will be meeting some stakeholders in the Ghana music industry tonight to discuss the way forward for the sector and other related matters.
The meeting, he pointed out will afford him the opportunity to learn more about Ghana’s music business including its royalty system among many other relevant conversations focused on the growth of the entertainment industry.
Source: starrfm.com.gh
Entertainment
TGMA26: Empress Gifty deserves Traditional Gospel Song and Gospel Artiste of the Year- Nana Kwame Gyan
Broadcaster, Nana Kwame Gyan has strongly endorsed gospel heavyweight, Empress Gifty for two top awards at this year’s Telecel Ghana Music Awards.
According to him, Empress Gifty worked harder in the year under review than any gospel artiste.
Speaking on Onua FM Entertainment show last Saturday, he said, Empress Gifty’s ‘Watch Me’ was powerful than any other gospel song.
Again, he said the Gospel Artiste was seen on all major platforms performing in 2024.
Against this backdrop, the Broadcaster said it would be disappointing if Empress Gifty is not crowned the ultimate winner in both categories nominated.
He therefore called on all industry players and music lovers to vote massively for Empress Gifty.
He was optimistic that her hardwork in the year under review will not to go unnoticed.
Express Gifty’s hit record, Watch Me produced and written by Kuami Eugene has been nominated for Traditional Gospel Song of the Year.
She has also been nominated for Gospel Artiste of the Year at this year’s TGMA.
This year’s event is slated to take place at the Grand Arena on Saturday, May 10, 2025.
Entertainment
Abiana drops heartfelt anthem to celebrate mothers
Sensational female vocalist, Eldah Naa Abiana Dickson, known by her stage name Abiana, has dropped a new banger to celebrate the irreplaceable role of mothers in society.
The powerful new single, which features Souly Bird from Germany, comes as a timely tribute ahead of Mother’s Day observances worldwide.
The song has a francophone flavor, but very soothing as she blends it with her beautiful afro-soul voice.
The song, born from personal reflection, carries profound meaning for the artist. “Since losing my mother, Esther Kofitse Mawusi, I have gained a deeper appreciation for all mothers,” Abiana shares. “We often take their love for granted, saying ‘thank you’ sometimes, but never enough. This song is my eternal gratitude set to melody.”
More than just another Mother’s Day tribute, the single represents Abiana’s conscious decision to add her voice to the global chorus honouring maternal figures.
“There are many songs celebrating mothers, but I realised – where is my voice? This won’t be my last ode to mothers, because praising them is a never-ending privilege,” the vocalist explains.
She further added, “To most of us, Mother’s Day would be the only time we would appreciate them as the years go by. Her departure became a realisation of the lessons each day of her life taught me, and every single moment lived with her was a privilege.”
Abiana continues to establish herself as one of Ghana’s most compelling vocal talents, blending authentic storytelling with rich musicality. Her growing discography reflects both artistic excellence and deep social consciousness.
“I couldn’t say thank you enough, but a thank you sung in melodies and a song will live forever,” she reiterated.
Abiana remains committed to delivering exceptional music that resonates with listeners and showcases the rich cultural heritage of Ghana.
The award-winning female vocalist recently dropped an Extended Play (EP) titled “Taste of Africa,” which is making waves globally and captivating souls.
With unparalleled artistry and a compelling musical vision, she continues to showcase vibrant and ever-evolving music to a global audience through various digital streaming platforms
