AFRIMA 2025: AU Awards Host City Right To Lagos, Nigeria

It is official. Lagos, Nigeria, one of Africa’s largest and most vibrant cities, has been chosen by the African Union Commission (AUC) and the International Committee of AFRIMA to host the 2025 edition of the prestigious All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), where it will welcome leading and budding African music superstars, creative industry professionals, international media, members of the diplomatic corps and fans of African music from around the world.

At a landmark event held at its headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia the African Union also revealed the much-awaited AFRIMA 2025 Calendar, detailing the events, key dates, and milestones that will lead up to the grand finale which will take place on November 25-30, 2025 in Lagos, Nigeria.

The AFRIMA 2025 is anchored on a bold theme titled, ‘Unstoppable Africa,’ which was also one of the key elements revealed at the Addis Ababa event.

Jointly Announcing Lagos as the host city for AFRIMA 2025 with Jannet Hadadi from Morocco,a key figure in music distribution and publishing in Northern Africa and the middle East,Angela Martins, Director for Social Development, Culture and Sport at the African Union Commission, said the state has consistently been an excellent host She noted that Lagos’ strong track record is a key reason the AU and the International Committee are confident it will once again deliver a world-class event.

FESTAC ‘77 To Represent African Cinema Showcase At 2025 Cannes Film Festival

Highly anticipated historical fiction FESTAC ‘77 has been selected by the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC) to make an exclusive preview at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival in France, offering audiences a first look at the film that revisits Africa’s largest cultural festival.

Produced by Adonis Production and distributed by Filmone Entertainment, the African export film explores the historical significance of the Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC ‘77), reflecting on its cultural legacy and impact on African identity.

The Cannes showcase marks a laudable moment for the film, which has gained global attention for its production and star power. The film aims to elevate Africa’s history on the global stage with a focus on high production values and historical storytelling.

In a quote, Adonijah Owiriwa, Executive Producer FESTAC ‘77 spoke on the film’s historical depth and its role in reclaiming African narratives: “This film is a reclamation of Africa’s rich history. The project was about revisiting a defining moment in African unity and cultural assertion, bringing to life a tale of the ambitions, conflicts, and triumphs that shaped our storytelling.

King Promise Wins Artist Of The Year At 2025 TGMA

King Promise's journey to claiming the coveted Artist of the Year award marks a defining moment in Ghana's vibrant music industry.

The "Favourite Storyr" hitmaker's ascension to this prestigious recognition comes after years of consistent musical excellence, international breakthroughs, and an unwavering commitment to elevating African sounds on the global stage.

Born Gregory Bortey Newman, King Promise has transformed from a promising talent to a bonafide superstar through his distinctive blend of afrobeats, highlife, and R&B.

His signature silky vocals paired with infectious melodies have created a catalog of hits that resonate across continental boundaries.

Ghana Launches The Black Star Experience: Ambitious Cultural And Tourism Initiative Set To Transform Creative Economy

Ghana officially launched “The Black Star Experience” yesterday at a high-profile event held in Accra, marking a transformative new chapter in the country’s cultural and economic development. 

The initiative is designed to position Ghana as Africa’s cultural and creative epicenter through an ambitious year-round showcase of festivals, art, music, fashion, cuisine, film, and heritage.

The launch ceremony, graced by a cross-section of dignitaries, creatives, and international media, was headlined by His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana, who delivered a stirring keynote address to officially inaugurate the initiative.

“Today marks a historic moment in our nation’s journey,” President Mahama declared. “We boldly step into a future where our culture, arts, and tourism do not just tell our story, but sell our story to the world. The Black Star Experience is more than a project—it is a movement to reclaim our identity, celebrate our heritage, and unlock the boundless potential of our tourism, culture, and creative economy.”

See All The Photos From The Unveiling Of The Black Star Experience

 President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama on Thursday, May 1, officially launched the Black Star Experience, a flagship cultural and tourism initiative aimed at establishing Ghana as Africa’s leading destination for arts, heritage, and entertainment.

The initiative, which forms part of the President’s 120-Day Social Contract with Ghanaians, fulfills a key campaign promise to transform Ghana’s tourism landscape by showcasing the country's rich cultural assets and creative talent.

The Black Star Experience is designed as a year-round celebration that spans a wide range of disciplines—including music, film, fashion, cuisine, literature, architecture, and diaspora engagement.

Among the highlights of the programme are: the Pan-African Month, Celebrating Heritage, History and Diaspora Engagement, the Ghana Film Festival and Awards Month, Ghana Music World, Culinary Month, Architecture, Design, Arts and Crafts, Fashion and Textiles Month, and Literacy and Literary Month.

Charterhouse Announces New Date For 26th Telecel Ghana Music Awards

Charterhouse, organizers of the prestigious Telecel Ghana Music Awards, has announced a date change for the 2025 Telecel Ghana Music Awards.

Initially scheduled for May 3, 2025, at the Grand Arena, Accra, the main awards event will now be held on May 10th, 2025, at the same venue.

The change affects the calendar of activities leading to the main awards ceremony, including the Master Class, which has now been rescheduled to Thursday, 8th May 2025, and the Pre-Party to Friday, 9th May 2025.

The organizers have not explained the cause for the change but have since apologized for “any inconvenience” the date change may cause.

Richard Nii Armah Quaye Expands Lynx Beyond Music

In Ghana’s dynamic business landscape, few names carry as much weight as Richard Nii Armah Quaye. Known for his strategic investments in youth-driven businesses, he has played a crucial role in the growth of multiple industries, from hospitality to fintech.

Now, through his Quick Angels investment firm, he is helping propel Lynx into an era of innovation and diversification—solidifying its position as more than just a music powerhouse.

A key milestone in this transformation is the launch of Lynx Electronics, a technology subsidiary dedicated to pushing the boundaries of entertainment and consumer tech. At the forefront of this expansion is the Lynx Reverb Headset, a premium audio device designed to deliver an immersive listening experience.

This move represents Lynx’s bold step into the tech industry, bridging the gap between music and cutting-edge sound innovation.

GEM’s Star-Studded Cast Brings The Illegal Mining Crisis To The Big Screen

The illegal gold mining industry, known locally as Galamsey, continues to be a significant challenge in Ghana, with devastating environmental consequences. Last year, Ghanaian citizens engaged in protests to demand an end to illegal mining due to its health risks.
 
The conversation surrounding this issue has been ongoing for years, not only because of the environmental disasters, but also due to the societal poison it has become.

Adding its voice to the awareness campaign is the new film GEM, directed by Justice Ornan, which features an ensemble cast of both veteran and rising stars.

The cast includes Gloria Sarfo, William Lamptey, Hilda Abrabaso, Ricky Adelayitar, Brian Angels, Kobina Sam, and Omari Dwamena. Set in the small rural community of Abankese, GEM follows the story of Paapa, a 15-year-old tech-savvy dreamer who harbors ambitions of improving internet access in his village by building a router. 

AJ Akuoko Sarpong To Host TGMA Nominees Announcement

Ghana’s entertainment scene is about to witness another unforgettable night as the vibrant and dynamic 3FM and TV3 Presenter, AJ Akuoko Sarpong has been officially announced as the host of the 26th Telecel Ghana Music Awards Nominees announcement.

Known for her electrifying stage presence, unmatched energy, and deep connection to Ghana’s music and media industry, AJ Sarpong is set to bring her signature charisma to the grand unveiling of this year’s biggest music contenders.

The Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA) has, for over two decades, been the pinnacle of musical recognition in Ghana, celebrating the artistry, dedication, and impact of musicians who continue to shape the industry.

The #26thTGMA Nominees Announcement serves as the official curtain-raiser to the main awards night, revealing the most outstanding names and songs that have dominated the past year.

Burniton Music Group Appoints Vida Adutwumwaa Boateng As Head Of Public Relations

Burniton Music Group (BMG), the record label of multiple award-winning Ghanaian Reggae and Dancehall Artiste Stonebwoy, has announced the appointment of seasoned media professional, Vida Adutwumwaa Boateng as its Head of Public Relations.

With over a decade of experience in the entertainment industry and corporate communications space, Vida Adutwumwaa Boateng brings a wealth of expertise in media relations, content strategy, and industry communications.

She began her career as a producer for a radio entertainment show at Peace FM, a subsidiary of the Despite Media Group, and later advanced to the role of Deputy News Editor at United Television (UTV).

As a respected entertainment pundit, Vida has contributed insightful analysis on various entertainment platforms. She has also played a key role in the communications team for the 3Music Awards and other international award schemes, further solidifying her influence in the industry.

Yaw Boadu-Ayeboafoh (NYB) Appointed As Head Of Amin Music

Amin Music has officially appointed Yaw Boadu-Ayeboafoh, popularly known as NYB, as the Head of the label, marking a new chapter for the rising music company.

NYB, a well-respected figure in the Ghanaian entertainment industry, brings a wealth of experience in artist management, digital marketing, and music business strategy. His appointment signals Amin Music’s commitment to solidifying its presence in the industry and elevating its artists to new heights.

In his new role, NYB will oversee the label’s operations, spearhead artist development, and drive strategic partnerships. With a keen eye for talent and an in-depth understanding of the evolving music landscape, he is expected to implement innovative initiatives to expand Amin Music’s influence locally and internationally.

Speaking on his appointment, NYB expressed enthusiasm about the journey ahead. “Amin Music has a vision that aligns with my passion for developing artists and pushing Ghanaian music onto the global stage. I am excited to lead this team and create opportunities that will impact the industry positively.”

The Wait Is Over: 26th TGMA Nominees Set To Drop This Saturday

 The air is electric in Ghana's music scene as the long-anticipated nominee announcement for the 26th Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA) is nearly here. Mark your calendars for Saturday, 15th March, when the nominees will be revealed live on TV3 and across the Ghana Music Awards official social media channels.

Get ready for an exciting ride—this year's nominations promise to be some of the most competitive yet. After weeks of submissions and meticulous deliberations, music fans across the country will finally learn which artists and groups will be contending for the highly coveted awards.

The Road to the Nominees Announcement

It all began on 21st January 2025, when nominations officially opened for the TGMA. Artists and groups had until 16th February to submit their works released between January 1st and December 31st, 2024.

The response was nothing short of phenomenal, with over 1,500 entries pouring in from more than 130 talented artists and groups—a true testament to the dynamic and ever-growing nature of Ghana's music industry.

Media Maven Peace Hyde Accepted Into Harvard Kennedy School’s Global Leadership And Public Policy Program

The prestigious program which is an exclusive invite only initiative created by the Word Economic Forum and Harvard, is designed to prepare leaders to better address critical global policy issues with innovative, multi-stakeholder solutions.

The curriculum combines theory and practice, featuring content-rich sessions and small group discussions with peers and leading faculty from the Harvard Kennedy School alongside insights from illustrious global business leaders.

The Global Leadership Program selects leaders committed to addressing the most pressing issues facing our world today.

Peace Hyde who was recently featured on the cover of GQ Magazine as a Titan of African Unscripted TV, had this to say on her Instagram page:

7th Time’s The Charm: National Women’s Summit & Expo Celebrates Another Milestone!

On March 7, 2025, the Grand Arena played host to an extraordinary celebration, as women from all walks of life came together to make history at the 7th National Women’s Summit & Expo.

Held at the iconic Grand Arena, this event reaffirmed its position as Ghana’s leading conference for women in celebration of International Women’s Day.

The National Women’s Summit, an annual affair has become a cornerstone of Ghana’s commitment to gender equality. What started as a modest initiative six years ago, courtesy of Charterhouse, has blossomed into an awe-inspiring gathering where women come together to share, mentor, and inspire.

Mrs. Theresa Oparebea Ayoade, the CEO of Charterhouse and convener of the summit, could barely contain her joy as she welcomed a diverse crowd that included teens, seasoned professionals, high-flying executives, and esteemed queen mothers.

This wasn’t just another conference; it was a powerful, intergenerational celebration of women rising, thriving, and championing each other. As Mrs. Ayoade passionately shared her journey, the room was reminded that no woman rises alone—and that mentorship, networking, and self-discovery are keys to unlocking untapped potential.

Charterhouse Announces The Business Elevate Series With The Launch Of ‘The GASTRO FEASTIVAL’

 Charterhouse, Ghana’s leading event management and audiovisual production company, is marking its 25th anniversary of delivering top-tier events with the introduction of an exciting new initiative: The Business Elevate Series.

This innovative series is designed to shine a spotlight on key economic sectors through a series of dynamic B2B and B2C events, including industry conferences, seminars, and exhibitions.

Kicking off the series is The Gastro Feastival, a groundbreaking annual food industry festival that will showcase Ghana's rich and diverse food ecosystem and agribusinesses from production to consumption. The launch event will take place on Friday, March 7, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Grand Arena (Accra International Conference Centre).

This landmark event will bring together food industry stakeholders, enthusiasts, experts, and organizations to: