Entertainment
PRUMAS: Zakaria Sheriff crowned Artiste of the Year
Local artist, Zakaria Sheriff, known in the entertainment circle as ‘Best Ghally’ has been crowned the Artiste of the Year in the just-ended Upper West Regional Music Awards at Wa.
The Dawubie hit maker took home a motor bike and a plague of honour.
The 6th edition of the Progress Upper West Music Awards Scheme (PRUMAS) which took place over the weekend saw musicians who distinguished themselves within the year, pick awards in 22 respective categories with three honorary recognition to persons who had propelled the growth of the entertainment industry in the region.
PRUMAS was designed by the first radio station in the region, Radio Progress in 2013 to recognise talents of local artists and encourage them to work harder for national and international laurels.
To help nurture the talent of the artists and also achieve the aim of the awards scheme, this year’s edition of PRUMAS was preceded by nominees’ seminar with movers of the creative arts industry such as Songstress Noella Wiyaala and the Regional Secretary of MUSIGA, Mr Aziz Sungumo facilitating the meeting on issues concerning online marketing and monetisation, among others.
Best Ghally who doubles as a sound engineer won the overall best artiste for the second time after picking the award in 2017 with his popular track ‘Dawubie’.
The rapper cum singer has 150 tracks to his credit with two albums and one Extended Play (EP) and had featured in over 20 songs including a collaboration with popular musician, Wiyaala who hails from the region.
Prior to receiving the crown as the king of Upper West Music this year, Best Ghally had won 15 local awards including the Sissala Entertainment and Northern Entertainment Awards respectively.
Other awardees included Eugenia and DJ Skinny who won the Gospel Artist and best Disc Jockey of the year respectively. Hip hop artist, El Twist Dagarawon the Hip hop song of the year with his track ‘Supremacy’ whereas Badda Kasu picked the best Music for Development with his track, ‘Clean the Environment’.
The award scheme was used to also honour musicians Samini and Wiyaala as well as veteran presenter of the Regional Station of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, Seidu Bhomanjo for their contribution to the growth of the industry in the region.
From Lydia Fordjour And Rafia Abdul-Razak, Wa
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.
