Local musicians need domestic digital platforms – Okraku Mantey


Mr. Mark Okraku Mantey, the Deputy Minister for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, says local musicians need a domestic digital platform to distribute their music.

He said the convention where Ghanaian musicians distributed their music on international digital platforms did not yield the desired results of increased revenue.

The international digital platforms, he reiterated, were designed specifically to serve the countries in which they were made.

He said this during the Africa Music Business Dialogue, which was held in Accra.

He said it was imperative that the industry players within the music industry deliberated on how to develop localised distribution platforms specifically for the Ghanaian market.

‘I ask myself what percentage our musicians take from international digital platforms. If it is in Ghana that these musicians are getting this meagre money, then we complain, but since it is an international digital platform, we are excited. Even if it is lower, we will still distribute our songs on their platf
orms. We need our own platforms to distribute our music, and I think we need to have a conversation on how we can develop our own,’ he said.

African Music Business Dialogue is a yearly event that brings players in the music industry together to discuss the future of African music.

The event featured many activities, including an exhibition, panel discussions, workshops on the monetary aspect of the industry, and networking sessions.

Mr. Enoch Nana Yaw Oduro-Agyei, Founder of African Music Business Dialogue, in an address, called for a solution-based conversation to develop measures to address the challenges facing the music industry.

He urged the players in the industry to frequently educate themselves about the industry as trends in the industry kept changing.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Stonebwoy, Wiyaala deliver a stunner as 13th African Games close in style


The curtains were drawn on the 13th African Games staged in Accra, Saturday night, with thrilling performances from some of Africa’s finest artistes.

The closing ceremony held at the University of Ghana Stadium in Accra was another colourful spectacle, as athletes from all over Africa marched around the tracks to bid farewell after competing in the games.

The ceremony was climaxed by series of musical performances, but it was Ghanaian artiste, Stonebwoy, who lit up the stage, leaving over 10,000 fans ecstatic.

His opening performance with the ‘Kpo Keke’ hit song brought the venue alive. The accompanying fireworks and lighting that made the performance a delight to watch.

The award-winning Ghanaian artiste performed a selection from his repertoire of hit songs, and a new single with Nigeria’s Odumodulvck, and then he signed off on an impressive fashion.

Africa’s music lioness, Wiyaala, opened her performance, exuding her unique energy, and got the fans cheering her on.

Cameroonian rapper Stanley Enow, wh
o was sharply dressed, also made his presence felt on stage, as did Congolese musician Innoss’B.

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo congratulated all athletes who won medals for their countries, especially the Ghanaian contingent, who won 68 medals.

He also commended the hard work of the coaches, officials, and supporting staff for their invaluable role in ensuring the successful organisation of the games.

Meanwhile, the 13th African Games, which was acclaimed as one of the best to have been held in recent memory, saw the likes of Egypt, Nigeria, and South Africa dominating the medal table.

Egypt will host the next African Games in 2027.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Veteran Highlife musician George Darko dies aged 73


Ghanaian Highlife legend George Darko has died at the age of 73. The news of the ‘Akoo te Brofo’ hitmaker emerged on Wednesday morning, with the cause of death still unknown.

Popular music producer Fred Kyei Mensah announced the death of George Darko and wrote this on Facebook, ‘I just heard of your demise this morning, legendary George Darko of ‘Ako te brofo fame. You blazed the trail in Ghana’s music with the introduction of Burger Highlife.

‘It was nice that I worked with you on a number of projects, especially the provision of a rehearsal place and instruments for your live performances. How are the mighty falling? He was the head of my wife’s family in the Akropong Osaebrom family. Rest well. Still, good beads don’t rattle,’ he wrote.

George Darko, who is often regarded as the ‘King of Highlife,’ was an amazing guitarist who brought a contemporary feel to Ghanaian Highlife music in the early 1980s.

The composer and songwriter helped form the popular Bus Stop Band but went solo in 1988, having release
d numerous albums. The Highlife circles have been dealt a huge blow with the recent passing away of another legend, KK Kabobo, last week.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Ghanaian songstress Elizha unveils dancehall jam featuring Anthony B


Ghanaian songstress Elizha is on a new dancehall adventure as she features award-winning Jamaican producer and artiste, Anthony B.

The singer/songwriter has unveiled her new single titled ‘Sugar’ as she takes listeners on a rollercoaster dancehall ride with Anthony B, who has worked with some of the best musicians around the world.

The feature is indeed historic, as Elizha becomes the first Ghanaian female artiste to feature a top Jamaican reggae and dancehall icon.

The US-based Ghanaian singer is on a mission to reassert herself as one of the budding musical stars to emerge from Ghana, and she shows no signs of slowing down.

Produced by Kros, the new jam by the American-based Ghanaian musician is her first major collaboration in her career, which has sparkled over the past months.

Elizha has had a remarkable career thus far having been adjudged the Best Female Vocalist at the 2023 Ghana Music Awards USA. The ‘Sugar’ single is available across various streaming platforms.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Kofi Mante drops music video for ‘Bad Boy’ featuring Bisa Kdei


Ghana’s music sensation Kofi Mante has finally released the official video for his hit collaboration ‘Bad Boy,’ featuring multiple award-winning singer Bisa Kdei.?

? The ‘Bad Boy’ single showcases the dynamic synergy between Kofi Mante and Bisa Kdei, two powerhouse artistes known for their distinctive styles and remarkable vocals who talk about real-life happenings.

? With its catchy melodies and irresistible rhythm, the song had already been an anthem, earning a place on playlists in Ghana and around the world.?

? The music video, directed by multi-talented filmmaker Gordon Appiah, brings the lyrics of ‘Bad Boy’ to life with drama and artistic finesse.?

? The relatable events in this short film make it easier for one to understand and appreciate the concept of the song. With so much inside Kofi Mante that he is yet to give to the world, ‘Bad Boy’ is just the beginning.

Source: Ghana News Agency

King Paluta tops music charts with ‘Aseda’ single


Ghanaian musician Thomas Adjei Wireko, popularly known as ‘King Paluta,’ is making waves with his newly released single titled ‘Aseda’.

The ‘Aseda’ song since its release a few days ago is the most searched song on streaming platform Boomplay.

The motivational single has appeared in the top music charts of various music streaming platforms, including Audiomack, Apple Music, and Shazam.

The ‘Aseda’ single, which translates in English as ‘Thanks,’ has received massive radio airplay, with many social media users using the sound on TikTok for their videos.

King Paluta, who is the favourite to win New Artiste of the Year at the upcoming Ghana Music Awards, has been sensational this year with his verse on Rap Fada’s ‘Odo Bi Y3 Bad’ dominating TikTok trends.

The Kumasi-based rapper and singer has made significant strides in his career and produced massive hits last year, which include ‘Yahitte,’ ‘Sika Aba Fie,’ and ‘Aha Ahye.’

Popularly touted as the ‘Hardest rapper,’ King Paluta continues to showcase his vers
atility with some ruthless vocals, which has propelled him to stardom.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Kweku Flick reveals how his new song makes him ecstatic


Ghanaian music sensation Kweku Flick says writing the lyrics of his new song titled ‘Our Day’ always made him happy, considering his rollercoaster music journey.

The amazing vocalist, who has been one of the top rising music stars in the country, recently made waves with his ‘Praise’ single featuring the multiple Grammy nominee Rocky Dawuni.

The ‘Our Day’ single produced by Apya happens to be Kweku Flick’s first single of the year that has been beautifully curated and a prospect for Afrobeats Song of the Year.

The rhythm of the new song is certainly captivating, with Kweku Flick delivering some catchy hooks with his infectious high-tempo voice, drawing the attention of listeners.

According to the BKC Music signee, the new song makes him reminisce about some good things that had happened over the past few years after a tough start to his music career.

‘For me, it is a way of remembering my special moments, and I know my fans also have some special moments, so I created this jam for us all to enjoy.

‘Mus
ic is my life, and I enjoy writing songs that bring positive energy to music lovers, and it was very emotional for me to write this song,’ he said.

Kweku Flick added that his new song was a celebration of friendship, thanking all who have helped him climb up to become one of the top music stars in the country.

Source: Ghana News Agency

13th African Games: Spectacular lighting, fireworks meets Ghanaian rhythm, culture in opening ceremony


The opening ceremony of the 13th African Games was a spectacle to watch, especially with the impressive lights and fireworks in celebration of Ghanaian and African culture.

It has been a long wait for Ghana to ‘Experience the African Dream,’ as the theme of the African Games may imply, but it was worth the wait as the host displayed some fascinating scenes at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium on Friday.

On the podium was a large pyramid platform that lit up the stage with numerous cultural and modern choreographic performances.

After the parade of nations that are participating in the 13th edition of the African Games as well as the speeches from high-profile dignitaries, the stage was set for a festive mood.

Multiple award-winning Ghanaian dancehall and reggae musician Shatta Wale climbed the gigantic stage to thrill the thousands of spectators at the stadium.

Dressed in his colourful Ghanaian traditional attire, Shatta Wale performed some of his hit songs, including ‘On God,’ ‘My Level,’ and ‘Ayo
o.’

Indeed, Shatta Wale’s presence on stage sparked energy in the crowd, which sang along to most of his songs.

Legendary Ebo Taylor and Pat Thomas also had their turns on stage with a cool Highlife performance.

South African singer and dancer Kamo Mphela also showcases her intriguing dance moves while performing her worldwide hit song ‘Dalie,’ which kept the audience on their feet.

King Promise closed out the performance with some of his notable hit songs, especially the timeless ‘Terminator’ song, which brought the stadium alive.

The ceremonial lighting of the African Games torch was done by Ghanaian Olympian Rex Brobbey to set the stage for an extraordinary display of talent.

Source: Ghana News Agency