Entertainment
Oko Vanderpuije is the ‘Host-Guest of Honour’ for maiden Akra Book Party tomorrow
In commemoration of the 2024 edition of the UNESCO World Book Day, Read Ghana Read Consult and partners are introducing a different type of book event solely dedicated to celebrating the leisure aspect of books.
It is dubbed the “Akra Book Party”.
“Akra Book Party” shall host activities to make participants have fun e.g. Read 2 Bounce, Blast a Balloon & read, read & play video games, dramatic reading, reading carnival, scrabble, to mention but a few. It shall be preceded by a conversation on the theme “Is the Book industry rightly positioned to contribute to the creative economy?” as the opening ceremony.
There shall be a special author-readers connect session with Selma Alhassan (a renowned Ghanaian broadcaster and currently an author) and an art-book exploration with Dede Padiki of the Guinness World Record Pent-a-thon fame.
As expected, there shall be an exhibition of books by authors and publishers including the Town and Country publishers.
The former mayor of Accra and currently the Member of Parliament for Ablekuma South Constituency where the venue for the event (Mamprobi Gale Community Library) is located, Alfred Oko Vanderpuije shall be the host-guest of honour.
He is among other things billed to also read and converse with participants who are largely drawn from the constituency.
Other invited dignitaries for the event include the Country representative of UNESCO in Ghana, Nii Lantey Vanderpưye (MP for Odododiodioo constituency), the former and longest serving minister of state, Hon. Totobi Kwakye, Amandzeba among others.
The 2024 edition of “Akra Book Party” is free and scheduled for Tuesday, April 23, at 10:00 am.
Entertainment
Aku Favor shares inspiration behind new song ‘Celebrate’
• Aku Favor
Ghanaian gospel singer Aku Favor has shared the story behind her new song, “Celebrate.”
The song was released on September 5, 2024 on all the various music streaming platforms.
In an interview with The Spectator Agoro, she explained that the song comes from her deep desire to praise and worship God continuously.
“I have always wanted to connect with God in a deeper way. This song is my way of showing that desire, to give God the constant praise and worship He deserves.” Aku Favor explained.
Aku Favor is known for praising and worshiping God wherever she is, whether in the kitchen or the bathroom; she always finds a way to lift God’s name. She shared that she got some of the lyrics for ‘Celebrate’ while taking her bath; receiving biblical inspiration while reading the Bible, specifically Psalm 150:6.
She said that with God’s guidance, she has created a beautiful song in English, Twi, and Ewe.
Her journey in gospel music has always been driven by her passion for worship, and this new song is no different. Fans are excited to hear the release and experience the spiritual depth and dedication that she puts into her music.
As gospel music continues to grow, artistes like her are making a strong impact by creating songs that are more than just entertainment; they are tools for worship and spiritual connection.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
Entertainment
Contenders for 8th GMA-UK unveiled
Nominations for this year’s Ghana Music Awards-UK have been unveiled with some surprises and keen competition.
The event held last Thursday at Yaya La Parisienne, Labone in Accra, brought together some musicians and industry players.
Powered by Alordia Productions, the Taabea Ghana Music Awards UK 2024 will be held on Saturday, October 19, at the Grand Sapphire Hotel, Croydon, London.
Speaking at the event, the Coordinator for GMA-UK, Ernest Kwesi, expressed his appreciation to all stakeholders for their support.
According to him, GMA-UK will continue to create a platform to promote Ghanaian artistes and their music to the world.
He encouraged music lovers and fans to vote for their favourite nominees in each category from now till the main event.
Interestingly, Black Sherif, King Promise, Kuami Eugene, Nacee, Sarkodie, Stonebwoy, Shatta Wale and Amerado will wrestle each other for the coveted ‘Artiste Of The Year crown whiles Seven KiZs, Kasar, Lali x Lola, Keeny Ice, Kwesi Amewuga, Alaptawan
Safo Newman, Beeztrap KOTM, Fad Lan Kwekus and Kofi Badd contest for the Uncovered Artiste of the Year award.
Another keen battle will be the Reggae/Dancehall Artiste of the Year, where Stonebwoy
Shatta Wale and Samini will feature.
Best Gospel of the Year Artiste category will see Diana Hamilton, Joe Mettle, Joyce Blessing and others compete for the ultimate.
There are categories like Hip Hop Artiste of the Year, Hip Hop Song of the Year, Highlife Artiste of the Year, Best Rapper of the Year, Best Collaboration and Most Popular song of the year among others up for grabs.
