Entertainment
Yaw Sarpong leads all stars in peace song
Iconic Ghanaian musician, Yaw Sarpong is leading a campaign for unity ahead of the December polls by collaborating with some prominent Ghanaian artistes on a peace song.
According to him, the song is aimed at sensitising the citizens to be peaceful as the general elections beckon.
Speaking at the launch of the song held at the premises of Think Media Expert, a key partner of the project at North Kaneshie in Accra, Yaw Sarpong said the song was recorded during the 2000 elections when he had returned from Liberia.
He said that considering the seeming tension characterising this year’s elections, his management led by Nana Kobo and Nana Poku Ashis, decided to bring other artistes on the song to tweak it to suit the current times.
As a result, Pat Thomas, Cynthia of Daughters of Glorious Jesus fame, CSP Kofi Sarpong, Fameye, Kuami Eugene, Lord Morgan, Bernice Ansah, Akwaboah, Joyce Blessing, Eno Barony, Bessa Simon and Wutah Afriyie are featured.
He told this paper that all the artistes wholeheartedly accepted to be on the song without taking any monetary reward, a gesture, he believes must be commended.
“I did not encounter any problem when I reached out to them, none of them demanded even GHC1, they proved to me they have a lot of love for Ghana, which is highly commendable,” Yaw Sarpong said.
Recounting his Liberia experience he said that election violence was something one should never encourage, adding that “it derails a country’s progress.”
He said that his team was exploring the possibilities of staging a concert for all the artistes on the song to perform ahead of the general elections.
Other musicians who were at the launch with their solidarity messages also called on Ghanaians to remain peaceful before, during and after the elections.
Sadiq Abdulai Abu and Fred Kyei Mensah, who represented the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) respectively added their voices to the call for peace which the country needs to enhance development.
The song is currently available on all digital music stores.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Entertainment
More Creative Arts Industry players ‘storm’ Parliament
The ninth Parliament, which is set to commence January 7, 2025, will have more creative industry players than ever.
This follows their success at the December 7 presidential and parliamentary elections that saw former President John Dramani Mahama voted back to the Jubilee House.
Among them are Ebi Bright (MP-Elect, Tema Central), Baba Sadiq (MP-Elect, Okaikoi Central), A Plus (MP-Elect, Gomoa Central), Ohene Kwame Frimpong (MP-Elect, Asante-Akim North), and John Dumelo (MP-Elect, Ayawaso West Wuogon).
Tema Central)
Okaikoi Central)
Gomoa Central),
Ayawaso West Wuogon).
They cut across sectors like music, film and financial side of the entertainment ecosystem and would be expected to bring their expertise to bear on debate to enhance the industry.
Ebi Bright is a Ghanaian actress who entered politics in 2016. She won the primaries to contest as Member of Parliament for Tema Central in the 2024 election which she won.
Baba Sadiq is the founder of the 3 Music Awards and doubles as an Entertainment analyst. He was elected as Member of Parliament for the Okaikoi Central constituency on the ticket of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Kwame Asare Obeng is popularly known as A Plus. He was a hiplife musician with keen interest in politics and social issues. He came to the limelight with his ‘Freedom of Speech’ album ahead of the 2000 general election.
John Dumelo is a popular Ghanaian actor, farmer and politician, born in February 1984 to Mr and Mrs John Dumelo.
He had his basic school education at the Christ the King School in Accra and continued to the Achimota Senior High School and the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology where he read Civil Engineering.
He is a popular face on the screens, having stared in several Ghanaian and Nigerian movies.
Ohene Kwame Frimpong is an entrepreneur and Chief Executive Officer of Salt Media Group. He plays a key role in the entertainment industry by supporting up and coming artistes.
As ‘freshers’ in the house, they would be expected to tap into the rich experience of Ablah Dzifa Gomashie, MP for Ketu South and another ‘goddess’ on the screen
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Entertainment
Siisi Baidoo adjudged Best Male Vocalist at 2024 Praise Achievement Awards
Siisi Baidoo, one of Ghana’s most talented gospel artists, has been honoured with the Male Vocalist of the Year award at the just-ended prestigious Praise Achievement Awards 2024.
Over the years, Siisi Baidoo has distinguished himself with his rich music content and unrivalled vocal dexterity.
Other artistes in that category were Joe Mettle, Luigi Maclean, Kofi Owusu Peprah, Perez Musik, Kwaku Teye and others.
He has to his credit, songs such as ‘Otim Ho Daa’, ‘Fire’, ‘Jesus in My Boat’, ‘Mede W’ayeyi’, ‘Hymns of God’, among other great songs that have touched many lives with his latest being Do it Again featuring Joe Mettle.
The Praise Achievement Awards does not only celebrate established artists like Siisi Baidoo but also provides a platform to acknowledge the diverse talents contributing to the growth and vibrancy of gospel music in Ghana, from musicians and singers to producers, songwriters, and technical crew.
This year’s ceremony saw a host of other talented individuals recognised for their contributions. Nacee, Joe Mettle, Piesie Esther and other celebrated gospel artistes also received awards on the evening.
Siisi Baidoo has just released his highly anticipated new album ‘Writings on the Wall’ on Thursday, November 28, and hopes it will be a great blessing to all.
