Entertainment
VGMA should empower our Traditional Music genres, they best define the Ghanaian Sound – Maweta
Every year after the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards, there’s always banter back and forth from diverse corners as to how things should have been done.
This year was not an exception even though many are largely satisfied with the outcome.
Veteran Traditional Musician, Israel Maweta, has chided VGMA, Ghana’s prestigious award scheme to pay attention to Traditional Music.
He lamented how Ghanaian Traditional Music and Folklore has dwindled over the years. Though he celebrates new forms of music and how they have been accepted by the music community, he is worried about how Traditional Music has been left to wither away, something that according to him needs to be reversed.
In an interview he granted on Swiss 93.7FM in Ho with MC Flexal, he reiterated the need to pay attention more to the genre so it doesn’t go extinct.
He previously won “Traditional Song Of The Year” at VGMA 2003 with his viral song “Akume He” (Dagger).
Israel Maweta made a big comeback this March, after a 7-year hiatus, and dropped a song he titled “I No Go Blame You”, an Afro-contemporary song which blends Traditional ensembles with choral and a touch of Amapiano.
He is due to release some upcoming projects before the end of the year.
Stream Song on Digital Stores here: https://ditto.fm/inogoblameyou
Listen on Audiomack: https://audiomack.com/israelmaweta/song/i-no-go-blame-you
Watch Official Video here: https://youtu.be/LXjBhMjlZAM
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.
