Entertainment
Okyeame Kwame details reasons GHAMRO is struggling
Revered Ghanaian musician, Okyeame Kwame has detailed reasons the Ghana Music Right Organisation,(GHAMRO) is currently struggling to live up to expectations.
Okyeame Kwame made this submission in a recent discussion on United Television (UTV).
According to him, the first reason for GHAMRO’s unending crippling is that the artistes who are key stakeholders do not care.
According to him, with his experience over the years, artistes have failed to show interest in the affairs of GHAMRO, and this he said has affected the institution’s usefulness.
He said their lack of interest does not contribute to idea sharing and constructive criticism for improved GHAMRO.
Additionally, he said GHAMRO is ineffective in its administrative approach.
This ineffectiveness, he said has caused them the ability to put in place the right mechanism for effective collection and distribution of royalties.
Consequently, Okyeame Kwame added that most of the media houses do not log and pay the appropriate royalties expected of them. This, according to him, makes it difficult for the media to be exonerated from the current challenges bedevilling GHAMRO.
He said in advanced societies the media and other users of music pay royalties to enhance the work of the Collective Management Organisations (CMOs).
According to him, the media has a huge responsibility to educate people about paying royalties, and if the same institution is not paying, it would be difficult for them to preach to others about the need to pay.
Finally, he noted that the Attorney General’s Department with legal oversight responsibility does not care about the plight of GHAMRO, adding that it is why the needed reforms have not taken place for a seamless running of affairs.
“Attorney General has what it takes to call the media houses to order by ensuring all of them follow the law and log, and at the same time be stringent on GHAMRO to ensure they are rightly executing their function,” Okyeame Kwame said.
According to him, “Should the CMO falter, their licence could be revoked by so doing GHAMRO will sit up.”
Against this backdrop, Okyeame Kwame urged all key stakeholders to play their useful roles to ensure an effective collection and distribution of royalties to the right owners.
Okyeame Kwame has recently released a classic song dubbed “Sika” featuring multiple award-winning musician, Kofi Kinaata.
The song, which is making waves is available on all streaming platforms.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
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
Empress Gifty to thrill patrons at MTN Stands In Worship on Easter Sunday
Ghanaian gospel heavyweight, Empress Gifty is set to thrill thousands at this year’s MTN Stands In Worship event.
The programme brings believers together annually to celebrate the death and resurrection of Christ.
This year’s edition, slated for the Grand Arena on Sunday, April 20, will feature Empress Gifty.
Against this backdrop, the anointed gospel musician has urged all patrons to come with a heart of worship and praise.
She is optimistic that a lot of miracles will happen through the ministration.
“Through our ministrations instant miracles will happen and you are going to have an encounter with God,” she told The Spectator.
Empress Gifty again appealed to patrons not to come alone, but with their families and friends to receive blessings.
Empress Gifty, who had a big song dubbed Watch Me, has been nominated in the Best Traditional Gospel Song of the Year and Gospel Artiste of the Year categories at this year’s 26th Telecel Ghana Music Awards.
