Entertainment
Point of View: Ghanaian artistes have knack for live band music amidst COVID-19
Necessity, they say, is the mother of invention, and clearly this is what has taken the Ghanaian music industry by storm in the midst of deadly coronavirus wreaking havoc around the world.
Since the outbreak of COVID-19 in Ghana, various measures have been taken by the government to help curb the spread of the virus. i.e ban on social gathering.
Though there has been some easing, it has not impacted the music scene significantly to open up for major concerts.
There is no denying the fact that concerts amongst other public events are the major sources of income for most Ghanaian artistes.
Due to the situation, there have not been a lot of events on the music scene, as artistes and their managements put in a lot of effort to change the status quo by shifting from the traditional concert model to charting new paths.
As the nation adjusts to the new reality of life, a number of artistes and bands are connecting with their fans on live streaming platforms, exhibiting their prowess and knack for live band music to help alleviate the uncertainty and fear instigated by the outbreak.
It is established that music is a powerful means of connecting people, and the joy even becomes intense when it is’ enjoyed live.
Performing without an audience is certainly a little awkward, however, these concerts were far from the normal miming the industry is noted for, as artistes have exhibited their prowess in live band music.
Many a time, Industry players complain of the lack of love for live band music among Ghanaian artistes.
The narrative has however, shifted in the wake of COVID-19, as the likes of, Samini, Stonebwoy, Shatta Wale, Wendy Shay, Edem, Eric Jeshrun, Joe Mettle, Akesse Brempong, Kelvyn Boy, M.anifest, Adina, Cina Soul, Efya, Wiyaala, Camidoh among others have rekindled hope in live band music in the country.
Clearly, the virtual concerts are shaping up to be part of their business portfolio, with the hope of generating healthy income and engaging a geographically dispersed base of core fans.
It is my hope that this new normal will positively impact the music industry when COVID-19 is defeated, because a vibrant music economy drives value for countries in several important ways.
It cannot be underestimated that it fuels job creation, economic growth, tourism development and artistic growth, and strengthens a country’s brand.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Entertainment
TGMA unveils nominees this Saturday
The air is electric in Ghana’s music scene as the long-anticipated nominee announcement for the 26th Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA) is nearly here.
Music lovers should mark their calendars for Saturday, March 15, when the nominees will be revealed live on TV3 and across the Ghana Music Awards official social media channels.
This year’s nominations promise to be some of the most competitive yet. After weeks of submissions and meticulous deliberations, music fans across the country will finally learn which artists and groups will be contending for the highly coveted awards.
The Road to the Nominees Announcement
It all began on January 21, 2025, when nominations officially opened for the TGMA. Artists and groups had until 16th February to submit their works released between January 1, and December 31, 2024.
The response was nothing short of phenomenal, with over 1,500 entries pouring in from more than 130 talented artists and groups—a true testament to the dynamic and ever-growing nature of Ghana’s music industry.
The Deliberation Process
Once the deadline passed, an expert panel of industry insiders and stakeholders rolled up their sleeves for the daunting task of sifting through the entries.
The review process was thorough, with each submission evaluated based on a set of specific criteria to ensure only the most deserving artists and groups made it onto the shortlist.
The final selections were validated by the TGMA board and key industry players, ensuring transparency and fairness every step of the way.
The Big 5 Categories: The Showstoppers
While every category brings its own set of thrills, the Big 5 awards are the ultimate crown jewels. These prestigious categories will be revealed live on TV3 on Saturday, 15th March, it includes; Record of the Year, Album of the Year, Telecel Most Popular Song, New Artiste and Artiste of the Year.
The Telecel Ghana Music Awards: Celebrating Excellence
The Telecel Ghana Music Awards play an essential role in showcasing and celebrating the best of Ghana’s musical talent. By recognizing excellence, the awards inspire artists to reach new creative heights while fueling the growth of the industry.
They also serve as a unifying force, bringing together artists, industry leaders, and music lovers in a shared celebration of Ghanaian music.
With Ghana’s top artists and groups battling it out for the prestigious honors, the anticipation is at an all-time high. As the music industry continues to evolve, the TGMA remains a true benchmark of excellence.
Entertainment
Ghana need industry bank to fund talents — Rocky Jigga
Ghanaian UK-based afrobeat singer, Emmanuel Rocky Gyeniaw Jnr known in entertainment circles as Rocky Jigga has expressed the need for an industry bank to fund talents.
According to him, this will help Ghanaian musicians to compete effectively with their foreign counterparts.
Rocky Jigga believes that many talented musicians have coiled back into their shells due to funding challenges.
“There’s more room for improvement. The industry needs more investors from both the government and private sector at large. We need an industry bank that funds talents, events and everything entertaining,” he said.
Rocky Jigga recently released ‘Slow Down,’ featuring Ball J.
The song which came with its video was produced by B Boat and it emphasised a man’s preference for an ideal woman irrespective of the size.
