Entertainment
MTN SIW brings Kumasi to standstill with massive turnout
ACP Kofi Sarpong
The Garden City, Kumasi came to a standstill on Easter Sunday, when the MTN Stands In Worship (SIW), took centre stage for the first time in the region.
Hundreds of gospel music lovers trooped to the Golden Bean Hotel, to experience what eventually came out as one of the biggest events within the region this year.
At 5pm (the scheduled time for the show), most of the audience were seated with DJ Carcious warming up the auditorium with some ‘welcoming’ melodies for the anxious fans who were looking forward to a memorable evening.
The night officially started with a grand entrance by MC Abena Kay who ensured that the audience settled in with her amazing command and blend of the Twi and English languages.
What caught the attention of many was some elegant royal folks (chiefs) adorned in rich kente fabrics seated on time and ready to be immersed into powerful ministrations.
Starting with the Kumasi Evengel Choir, patrons were treated to over half an hour renditions of local chorals including “Just by the Power of God,” “God You’re Good” by Francis Adyei,”Yedi Nkunim” and “Watua M’aka’ by Tagoe Sisters among others.
Apostle Dr Nana Sarpong then delivered his words of exhortation titled ‘Consider’ and urged Christians to take advantage of such programmes to praise God for his mercy and sacrifices.
His message paved way for the classic man in the Ghanaian gospel music industry, ACP Kofi Sarpong who set the roof on fire with his outstanding energy and stage craft.
Starting with “Amen” and then Esther Piesie’s “Ewuradi Mo,” followed “Agyenkwa” and his usual Presbyterian hymns, the crowd went agog and practically joined him on stage to sing and dance along.
The City’s favourite Bra Sammy’s performance which followed was nothing short of spectacular with his soothing and spirit-filled voice to bring the crowd into worship mood.
Beginning with his remarkable rendition of local worship, “the Nation’s Worshipper” as affectionately called, switched into some powerful praises to bring back ACP’s energy.
The night, however, was far from over as one of Ghana’s greatest vocalists and live band performer, Obaapa Christy took over for another spectacle serving audience with a mocktail of old, recent and new songs including “Ebeyeyie,” “Hyebre Sesafo”, “Aseda” and “Wagye Me.”
After that she perfectly introduced the icing on the cake, Kweku Gyasi with their song “Mesuafre Awurade” to crown the night with another memorable performance.
Patrons did not waste time as they joined the evergreen performer on stage with his high-powered display to dance the night away in what many described as the best gospel event to ever happen in Kumasi in recent times.
Entertainment
Ghanaian screenwriter Osarfo Anthony appointed as a judge for US Presidential Service Center Film Festival
Renowned Ghanaian screenwriter and entertainment journalist, Osarfo Anthony, has been appointed as a judge for the 2024 US Presidential Service Center (USPSC) Film Festival.
Osarfo expressed his excitement at the appointment, emphasizing the rigorous process he went through to secure the position.
He stated that he applied a year ago. “I underwent a thorough background check, which included a review of my criminal records and an assessment of my professional image on social media, interactions, and my writings on art, media, and filmmaking. They monitored me for almost a year before giving me this appointment.”
Osarfo will be working alongside other judges from around the world, all of whom have extensive experience in screenwriting, filmmaking, and diverse cultures. Their responsibility is to assess and select the winners, finalists, and runners-up for the film festival, which will take place in the United States (Glover, North Carolina).
The USPSC International Film Festival is an all-inclusive festival that celebrates films and series about the first families and White House stories, with a focus on supporting aspiring filmmakers in securing funding and production opportunities.
In addition to his judging role, Osarfo’s recent supernatural horror screenplay has garnered recognition, including selection for the prestigious Nostos Screenwriters Retreats hosted in Italy (Arezzo, Tuscany). He was among 8 screenwriters selected across the globe for a two-week intensive training in an environment structured to foster collaboration and high-quality script development.
He has also achieved success in various genre-friendly competitions, placing and winning awards for:
WINNER, Best Original Screenplay – Hollywood Blood Horror Festival.
WINNER – Best Supernatural Horror Script – Hollywood Horrorfest.
WINNER – Best Horror Screenplay – Hollywood Just4shorts Film and Screenplay Contest.
FINALIST (twice) – 13Horror.com Film & Screenplay Contest.
FINALIST Horror/Thriller category – Creative World Awards (CWA).
SEMI-FINALIST – Los Angeles Crime and Horror Film Festival.
SEMI-FINALIST – Filmmatic Short Script Contest.
SEMI-FINALIST – Screenwriters Network (SWN) Script Competition.
Entertainment
I received confirmation from God before I divorced my husband – Ohemaa Mercy
Ghanaian gospel music diva, Ohemaa Mercy has surprisingly revealed that she received a confirmation from God before she divorced her husband.
Ohemaa Mercy and her husband Mr. Isaac Twum-Ampofo are currently divorced.
Over the years, Ohemaa Mercy, had been tight-lipped about her marriage challenges and subsequent divorce.
During an interview on TV3’s Today’s Woman with Cookie Tee, she revealed that the Holy Spirit guided her to seek for divorce.
This, according to her, was to aid her focus on her ministry and avoid any destruction.
In the interview she shared that during COVID-19, she spent time praying and seeking God’s direction, which led her to take the “bold step” of divorce.
“I remember when I was going through divorce. During COVID-19, I depended solely on God for direction, I had a strong covenant with him. I will go to the mountains to pray for three months and I really wanted to hear what the Lord will tell me about what is going on around me. So, when I heard it clearly, I took that bold step. I had the confirmation from God, If I didn’t, I wouldn’t have done it,” she revealed.
Ohemaa Mercy stated that her ex-husband agreed to the decision and they remain on good terms, prioritizing their children and supporting each other.
The gospel musician emphasised that her divorce has allowed her to experience God’s presence and guidance more strongly in her life than before.
“I give God the glory because I am divorced but this is the time I have seen the hand of God so strong on my life, even more than when I was married,” she said.
“When I spoke to my partner too, he understood that we needed to take a break and pray and see what the Lord will do. I told him, ‘I really want us to take a break and move the Ministry, which I know is your passion for me. Let me run with it, let’s take care of the kids and support each other. If I’m going through something, we talk about it. I don’t want to fail God because I feel I’m failing God”, she stated.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
