Entertainment
Hands Across Africa team call on Deputy Minister of Tourism
• Mr. Mark Okraku Mantey (fourth right) in a photograph with Hands Across Africa team
The Hands Across Africa team paid a courtesy call on the Deputy Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), Mark Okraku-Mantey on June 28, 2022, at the Ministry.
The Goodwill Ambassador of St. Lucia, Taj Weekes who led the delegation stated that one of the major goals of this agenda is to look at the seven pillars of the ‘Beyond The Return initiative’, which is to “Give Back to Ghana,” as well as donate to charity.
He disclosed that the Hands Across Africa Musical Festival and Expo under the banner of ‘They Often Cry Outreach’ (TOCO) in collaboration with MOTAC, Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), Diaspora Affairs – Office of the President, Beyond The Return Secretariat (BTR) and Yoks Investment Ltd. is set to take place on July 23, 2022, at the Accra Sports Stadium under the theme, “Re-igniting the Spirit of Emancipation”.
According to them, some of the top International and Ghana’s finest artistes who would be performing at the event include, MzVee, Brinsley Forde (Aswad), Eric Donaldson, Okyeame Kwame, DSP Kofi Sarpong, Blakk Rasta, Roc Riva, Taj Weekes and many others.
As part of his remarks, Mr.Okraku- Mantey, assured the team that the ministry and its agencies were ready to support TOCO Foundation and Hands Across Africa to achieve their stated objectives and vision in Ghana.
Hand Across Africa (Festival & Expo) leverages its platform to help the youth to expand their network for new possibilities.
Taj Weekes confirmed that the charity has provided 76 football scholarships to children in the Caribbean, and that they are in Ghana to replicate it.
The Hands Across Africa team paid also courtesy call on the Director of Diaspora Affairs, Office of the President, Mr. Akwasi Awuah Ababio to formally announce the event and their objectives to him.
Present in the meeting were Mrs Angela Serieux Weekes (Co-Founder and Creative Director of TOCO Foundation – Hands Across Africa), Mr. Seth Ocran( President of Car Rentals Association, (YOKS Investments) and President, TOCO Foundation Ghana), Rev. Jones Aruna Nelson( Head, Corporate Affairs, Ghana Tourism Authority), Kofi Atta Kakra Kusi( Deputy Head, Ghana Tourism Authority), Mrs Constance Adomaa Takyi (PRO, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture ), Elorm Beenie, Creative Content Director of Hands Across Africa, among others.
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
Sista Afia keen on winning Highlife Artiste of the Year crown
Ghanaian music diva, Sista Afia is keen on winning the Highlife Artiste of the Year crown.
Sista Afia, the only female nominated in a category with men, had 27 successful shows,both locally and internationally, within the year under review.
This notwithstanding, she believes that the number of music releases coupled with numerous performances across the country and abroad puts her in pole position to win the ultimate.
She is of the belief that as the only female in the category testifies the level of work she put in to be amongst the men.
Sista Afia has therefore urged the board, the academy and the general public to vote for her massively to win the crown.
For the past 10 years, she has poured her heart and soul into preserving and innovating Ghana’s beloved highlife sound, weaving modern rhythms with soulful melodies that keep the genre alive in the hearts of the youth.
While trends have come and gone, Sista Afia stayed true to her roots, giving us timeless music that tells real stories, our stories.
What makes her presence powerful isn’t just her voice or her music; it’s her message. In every note she sings, there’s a quiet defiance. A reminder that women, too, can carry the legacy of highlife.
The 26th TGMA is slated to take place on May 10 at the Grand Arena.
The event will see varied performances and artistes who have distinguished themselves in the year under review rewarded.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
