Entertainment
Why Patience Nyarko got it wrong “attacking” Joe Mettle
I had the surprise of my life this weekend, when I heard a gospel musician, Patience Nyarko, expressing disaffection for the hype of a colleague, Joe Mettle.
From the nature of gospel music genre, and what goes into it, it should be the last place where an artiste would be embittered by the rise of a colleague.
It was really surprising for such words to come from a gospel artiste even if provoked to the highest degree.
A true gospel musician is called by God and he or she understands the ministry and as such, must be guided by the Holy Spirit when making utterances about the ministry.
Why should gospel artiste Patience Nyarko be irked by a radio presenter, OB Nartey’s assertion that “Joe Mettle is the only artiste with an international appeal.”
This claim was seconded on Onua FM’s “Anigye Mmre” entertainment programme by another Ghanaian promoter, Allordia, in the United Kingdom.
According to Allordia, “most local gospel musicians billed for shows in UK flop, with the exception of Joe Mettle”.
This did not go down well with the “Obi Nyane Me” hitmaker, who felt it was an insult to other gospel artistes in the country.
Against this backdrop, she “fired” Joe Mettle on the show when expressing her disappointment, saying, “Joe Mettle doesn’t deserve his hype and that he mostly sings existing hymns.”
For her, there were other amazing talents other than Joe Mettle who wrote their own songs and must enjoy the spotlight, adding that Joe Mettle, who had been around for over a decade had not reached where Ghanaians were trying to project him.
At best Patience Nyarko and other musicians should ask themselves what is making Joe Mettle attractive to international gigs and all the hype as well as what he puts in his songs.
It must be made clear that there is no problem with a gospel artiste singing existing songs or hymns, rather it is how one is able to move the crowd and make ‘annointing’ rain on the congregation.
One mark of a gospel artiste is how to make the Holy Spirit fill a room during performances among others, not whose song it is. Congregation concentrates on the anointing, not composers.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Entertainment
Western Music Awards to Honour Rev. Charlie Sam with Lifetime Achievement Award
Westline Entertainment, organizers of the prestigious Western Music Awards revealed that, amongst the highlights of this year’s event is the honouring of the renowned gospel legend, Rev. Charlie Sam, with a ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ for his outstanding contribution to the Gospel music industry.
The much-anticipated 2024 edition of the Medimafo Western Music Awards (WMA) is set to take place on Saturday, September 21, 2024 at the GPHA Auditorium in Takoradi.
Rev. Charlie Sam, a beloved figure in the Western Region and beyond, has spent decades enriching the spiritual lives of many through his powerful music ministry. His dedication to spreading the gospel through music has left an indelible mark on the Ghanaian Gospel scene, making him a deserving recipient of this prestigious award.
The event will feature live performances from celebrated Artistes across multiple genres, including Amandzeba, 2Toff, Fiifi Lattex, and Gospel sensation, Ewuraba Esi.
Also gracing the stage will be the energetic acts of Osofo Inkumsah, Ayesem, Nero X, Blaq Mic, and Origee, promising a memorable evening of entertainment.
The evening will begin with a red-carpet event at 7pm, followed by the main show at 8pm with tickets going for GH₵100 for standard and GH₵150 for VIP access.
The Western Music Awards, powered by Westline Entertainment, continues to celebrate and uplift talents from the region, and this year’s edition is set to further strengthen its legacy.
This momentous event is supported by major partners such as Medimafo Herbal Center, GNPC Foundation, and Evamex Pharmacy, among others.
This year’s WMA is not only about celebrating music but also recognizing the legends who have paved the way for the next generation, with Rev. Charlie Sam leading the list of honourees.
Themed ‘Diversity for Peace,’ this year’s awards is to drum home the need to have a peaceful election. “Even though we are diverse in political affiliation, we should do that in peace. We are aware of the influence of the awards so we are using that to send a message,” Nana Kwesi Coomson, Public Relations head of Western Music Awards mentioned.
Entertainment
KOKA’s Arrest: He threatened my life- Ohemaa Mercy sets record straight
Media Personality, Kwaku Osei Korankye Asiedu, affectionately called KOKA was picked up by the police yesterday.
Following the arrest, gospel musician, Ohemaa Mercy has taken full responsibility.
In a statement to clarify the arrest, Ohemaa Mercy noted that “Team Ohemaa Mercy would like to address the events of yesterday and
provide clarity on the circumstances surrounding the arrest of Kwaku Osei Korankye Aseidu (KOKA).”
It added that, “The team and its lawyers take full responsibility for reporting the threats made against the life of the artiste Ohemaa Mercy, which led to the arrest.”
Additionally, the statement added that “We want to categorically state that Becky of JoyNews had no involvement
whatsoever in this matter, nor was she responsible for the arrest of KOKA,
as some have speculated.”
“We extend our sincerest apologies to Becky for being unfairly drawn into
this situation, despite her complete lack of knowledge or involvement
We will provide further updates as necessary in due time,” the statement concluded.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
