With anticipation steadily building toward the 2026 Telecel Ghana Music Awards, a fresh wave of debate has been sparked after Medikal’s manager, Kofi Jam, publicly voiced his concerns about what he sees as the persistent sidelining of rap music at the highest level of recognition.
In a bold and reflective social media post, Kofi Jam credited artists like Medikal for keeping rap music alive and thriving in Ghana, insisting that their contribution to the industry has been both impactful and consistent over the years. However, he questioned why that same level of influence has not translated into top honours, particularly the coveted Artiste of the Year award.
He highlighted a striking gap that has since caught the attention of music fans and industry stakeholders alike — the last time a rapper won the Artiste of the Year title at the awards scheme was in 2016, nearly ten years ago. To him, this is not just a coincidence but a worrying pattern that suggests rap music may not be receiving the recognition it truly deserves.
Kofi Jam further pointed to Medikal’s track record, describing him as one of the most consistent and relevant rappers in the country. From hit releases to cultural influence and a strong connection with the youth, he believes Medikal has earned his place among the top contenders and should not be overlooked.
The manager also revisited the controversial 2017 awards season, where Medikal secured several nominations but failed to win any major award — a situation many fans still consider a significant snub. According to him, moments like that reinforce the perception that rap artists are often undervalued within the scheme.
As the 2026 edition approaches, these comments have added pressure on the organizers to demonstrate fairness and balance in their selection process. More importantly, they have reignited a broader industry conversation about how different genres are evaluated and whether the current system truly reflects the evolving soundscape of Ghanaian music.
For now, Kofi Jam’s message is clear — the time has come for rap music, and artists like Medikal, to receive the recognition their consistency and influence have long deserved.
Ghanaian artiste Bisa Kdei has linked the outcome of the 2024 elections to the speed at which voters shift their attention from government achievements to present-day challenges, saying this played a key role in the New Patriotic Party’s defeat.
On JoyPrime, the “Asew” composer stated that the demand for change was not driven solely by dissatisfaction with the government’s performance. Instead, he argued that voters quickly moved on from the administration’s early gains and became more focused on the challenges that surfaced later in its term.
In his view, that shift in perception was enough to tilt public sentiment, even though he believes the government had recorded meaningful progress during its early period in office.
He also reflected on the current political climate under John Dramani Mahama, cautioning that similar dynamics could resurface if economic conditions weaken in the years ahead.
“I said recently that John Mahama is moving too fast. He came, and the cedi’s strength against the dollar is solid.
“In Ghana, people easily forget, so things might be good now, but if it gets bad during the latter part of the administration, Ghanaians will forget all that you did for them. I think that is what happened to the previous administration and forced people to call for change,” Bisa Kdei said.
UK-based event promoter Jonny Jesus, also known as Doctor Jesus, is continuing to make waves within the Ghanaian entertainment scene with his annual Ghana Independence celebrations in Birmingham, United Kingdom.
Over the past four years, the event has consistently sold out, establishing itself as one of the most anticipated Ghanaian nightlife experiences for the diaspora in the UK.
The first edition took place at Cave Birmingham, where it quickly gained recognition within the Ghanaian community. As interest grew, the event later moved to Coded Birmingham, where recent editions have also sold out, attracting attendees from across different cities in the UK.
Jonny Jesus has built a strong reputation for delivering high energy events that celebrate Ghanaian culture, music and community. His events bring together DJs, performers and partygoers, creating an atmosphere that reflects the vibrancy of African nightlife.
Speaking on the growth of the event, Jonny Jesus explained that his goal has always been to create a space where people can connect, celebrate their heritage and enjoy memorable experiences.
As Ghanaian music continues to gain global recognition, events like these play an important role in connecting communities abroad and showcasing the culture on an international stage. With four consecutive sold out editions, Jonny Jesus continues to position himself as a key figure in promoting Ghanaian nightlife in the UK, with plans to expand even further in the coming years.
About Jonny Jesus
Jonny Jesus, whose legal name is Doctor Jesus, is a UK based event promoter known for organising large scale nightlife events celebrating African music and culture. His Ghana Independence celebrations have grown into one of the most recognised Ghanaian cultural nightlife experiences in the UK, attracting attendees from across the country.
Ghanaian actress and entrepreneur Charly D has denied claims of a romantic relationship with Kwaku Manu, stressing that their association has always been strictly professional.
Speaking on Okay FM during an interview with Nana Romeo, she addressed the speculation directly, explaining that she was fully aware Kwaku Manu was married and has only ever related to him as a superior in the industry, not a partner.
She used the moment to underline his influence on her journey, pointing out that when it comes to people who have significantly helped her gain visibility, his name stands out.
According to her, the projects they worked on together played a major role in introducing her to a wider audience, noting that without those films, many Ghanaians might have only associated her with her food business rather than acting.
Charly D also expressed deep appreciation for the opportunities he created for her, stating that her current recognition is largely tied to the platform he gave her and emphasizing the respect she holds for him because of that.
Returning to the rumours, she reiterated that there has never been any romantic involvement between them and that he has never made any such advances, stressing that everything between them revolves strictly around their professional collaboration.
She added that their strong on-screen connection may be what fuels the speculation, but insisted it comes down to experience and familiarity. In her view, her ability to fully embody different roles, combined with how long they have known each other, allows them to deliver convincing performances that audiences may sometimes misinterpret as something more.
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Kuburah Diamonds and Sadiq Abdulai Abu, a Ghanaian politician, are celebrating 10 years of marriage.
In a Facebook post, she disclosed that their relationship spans 17 years, with a decade of that time spent in marriage.
“It’s been ten ( 10 ) of Allah Did in marriage and seventeen ( 17 ) years of knowing each other. Insha Allah FOREVER TO GO! in this Duniya ( earth ) and Akhira ( hereafter ). Ameen May Allah shower us with love, patience and happiness and bless our offsprings to be the coolness of Allah and be of immense benefit to us and humanity.”
She complemented her message with a Quranic supplication that speaks to the couple’s shared values and aspirations:
“Our Lord, grant us from among our spouses and offspring comfort to our eyes and make us an example for the righteous.”
Her message comes at a moment of rising public attention for her husband. Recently, President John Dramani Mahama named Sadiq Abdulai Abu (Baba Sadiq) as Ghana’s High Commissioner-designate to the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Ghanaian actress and entrepreneur Victoria Lebene has ignited fresh debate within the country’s creative arts space after publicly criticising what she describes as a lack of unity and sincerity among industry players.
Her remarks come in response to concerns raised by filmmaker Frank Rajah Arase, who questioned the growing trend of Ghanaian actors shifting their focus to Nigeria.
He cited notable names such as Yvonne Nelson and James Gardiner as examples of talents increasingly exploring opportunities beyond Ghana’s borders.
Reacting to the issue, Victoria Lebene did not mince words, stating that the Ghanaian film industry is plagued by “fake smiles and pretense.”
According to her, there is a deep-rooted lack of genuine love, trust, and support among stakeholders, which continues to hinder growth and collaboration.
She warned that without a significant change in mindset and attitude, the industry risks losing its relevance and struggling to reclaim its former glory.
Lebene further stressed that what the sector needs is “repentance” and sincerity, urging creatives to rebuild trust and foster stronger relationships.
Meanwhile, James Gardiner, who currently serves as the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the National Film Authority, offered a more optimistic perspective.
Speaking at the press screening of the film Virgin on the Throne, he acknowledged the existing challenges but expressed confidence in ongoing efforts to strengthen the industry.
He noted that stakeholders are actively working toward growth and sustainability despite the hurdles.
The conversation has reignited discussions about the future of Ghana’s film industry, particularly around issues of collaboration, trust, and the increasing migration of talent.
As debates continue, many observers believe that addressing internal divisions could be key to revitalising the sector and restoring its competitive edge.
Speaking in an interview on Angel FM with Saddick Adams, Stonebwoy broke his silence about hugging Shatta during the event organised to raise funds for the Black Stars’ 2026 World Cup campaign by the request of President Mahama.
According to Stonebwoy, the scene does not mean he is cool with Shatta Wale.
In the interview, he continued that disrespecting and attacking others,, all in the name of marketing is just not acceptable because there are lots of ways to sell a brand without necessarily dragging the names of others.
Pained Stonebwoy emphasised that Shatta Wale can not rain insults on his wife and mother and think a hug can bring the tension between them to a halt.
Stonebwoy further added that his late mother would be disappointed at him should he ignore all the disrespect from Shatta Wale and become cool with him.
“If I suddenly start smiling with Shatta Wale, my late mum will even unalive me,” he said.
Ghanaian dancehall artiste Stonebwoy has disclosed that the political use of his hit song Jejereje during the 2024 general elections negatively impacted his career and professional relationships.
Speaking in an interview with Saddick Adams on Angel FM, the award-winning musician explained that the song was originally created as a festive track for the December season but was later adopted by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) as part of its campaign.
According to Stonebwoy, this unexpected political association altered public perception of both the song and his personal brand.
The musician revealed that the situation created tension between him and his record label at the time.
He said the label believed he had deliberately aligned himself with the political campaign and may have received financial compensation; Claims he strongly denied.
Stonebwoy noted that the misunderstanding escalated to the point where he could no longer effectively defend himself amid growing public narratives, ultimately leading to a split from the label.
Despite the NDC’s use of his song, Stonebwoy said he faced backlash from sections of the public who accused him of having affiliations with the rival New Patriotic Party (NPP).
This controversy culminated in a social media campaign under the hashtag #DropStonebwoy, which called for his removal from the Ghana Victory Concert held on January 5, 2025—an event organised to celebrate the NDC’s electoral win.
Stonebwoy disclosed that he was eventually dropped from the performance lineup for the concert but was not given a clear explanation for the decision.
He indicated that the incident further fueled negative perceptions about him at the time.
The artiste emphasised that Jejereje was never intended for political use and maintained that he had no involvement in its adoption for campaign purposes.
🚨 STONEBWOY IN CONTROVERSY OVER NDC'S USE OF 'JEJEREJE' 🔥
Ghanaian Afro-Dancehall star Stonebwoy is facing backlash from his record label executives after the National Democratic Congress (NDC) adopted his hit song 'Jejereje' as a campaign anthem. The party's use of the song… pic.twitter.com/SfLnwjByfa
A fresh directive from within the Ekuona Royal Family of Parkoso has introduced a new layer of uncertainty into the ongoing legal dispute tied to Suit No. GJ/0437/2026, as leadership changes reshape who now controls the family’s legal strategy.
In a formal letter dated Wednesday, March 25, 2026 and addressed to Baba Jammal & Associates, the newly appointed acting head of family, Abusuapanyin Kwabena Brefo, also known as Mr. Jones Kennedy Brefo, announced that he has assumed authority over all matters concerning the Ekuona Royal Family of Parkoso. He succeeds Mr. Victor Kofi Owusu Boahene, who, according to the communication, was customarily removed from office on March 11, 2026.
The leadership transition, he indicated, comes with immediate consequences for ongoing litigation. Brefo stated that he is now in charge of all legal cases previously initiated on behalf of the family and has formally requested a full inventory of matters handled under the instructions of his predecessor.
At the centre of the directive is a clear instruction to halt a high-profile case currently before the courts. He specifically called for the discontinuation of Suit No. GJ/0437/2026, titled Abusua Panin Kofi Owusu vrs Akosua Serwaa Fosuh & 3 Others, arguing that the action does not reflect the current position or objectives of the family leadership.
The letter further requested that the law firm terminate the proceedings by close of day March 26, 2026. It also asked for a breakdown of any outstanding legal fees accrued from work already carried out on the family’s behalf.
Brefo added that all future correspondence should be channelled through his legal representative, Bright Obeng of Hayfron-Benjamin & Co., located at Opoku Bandoh Plaza in Kumasi.
Attached to the communication, according to the letter, is a confirmation from the Chief of Parkoso validating his appointment as acting head of the family.
The development comes on the back of an ongoing case at the Accra High Court, where an injunction application tied to the planned “Celebration of Life” event in honour of the late Daddy Lumba remains unresolved. The matter, filed by family head Kofi Owusu, seeks to halt the event organised in connection with the commemoration.
On March 25, 2026, proceedings at the court ended without a final ruling, with the presiding judge adjourning the injunction hearing to April 23, 2026.
