Entertainment
Black Sherif: Global hitmaker from a small city
Ghanaian music space has revolutionised over the years with the country’s deep-rooted highlife genre serving as the bedrock and paving way for the amalgamation of several genres to create world-class masterpieces revered across the globe.
From the early days of Mercury Dance Band which gained notability with their classic hit, ‘Kai Wawa’, Honny and Bees Band to Osibibisa, a Ghanaian-British rock band with a Caribbean flavour who derived inspiration from the motherland touring and raising high the Ghanaian national colours on the global stage to the fusion of highlife, disco and funk which resulted in burger highlife in the 1980’s and Hiplife, the Ghana music space has enjoyed an impressive streak.
In 2019, there was a cry in the wilderness – a ticking time-bomb who was in his formative years lashing out soothing melodies waiting to explode.
From a small mining city in the Ashanti Region called Konongo, the teenager at the time was looking to see his ripples felt in the greater depths of the regional capital, Kumasi.
Black Sherif’s unique sound blends was the differentiating factor with highlife as its bedrock, his adept tendency to communicate real situations with his sentimental ballad style grabs one’s attention on the first listen.
Songs such as Destiny, Ankonam, Money, Ade Akye and Mariana were his earliest armour during his formative days.
He was tipped as one of the young artiste to look out for with an impressive trajectory as prescribed by some digital streaming outlets due to the numbers he was amassing on their platforms.
The 21-year-old’s story is rooted in grit, hard work and free will with the knack to churn out songs which carries the hope and aspiration of his people.
Following the release of the 1st and 2nd Sermon installations and subsequently, ‘Kwaku The Traveller’, Black Sherif’s global appeal was on the ascendancy attracting a following from both the UK, US and Caribbean market with features from Stormzy, Arrdee, Tory Lanez, Popcaan, Bas among others.
The street preacher dropped his maiden album, ‘The Villain I Never Was’ last year, his self-styled autobiography, a definitive moment in the career of this young genius cementing his name among the greats in Africa.
The album peaked No.12 on the Billboard World Albums chart, No.9 on the UK Apple Music, the album spent 5 months on the Nigerian Apple Music chart, and No.27 on the US Apple Music album chart. It was No.49 on Fader’s top 50 albums in 2022 among others.
The album has amassed millions of streams across digital streaming platforms and shared his art on several big stages such as the MOBO Awards 2022, Soundcity MVP’s, and Afrimma Awards 2022 with a nomination on BET Awards 2022 for the ‘Best International Act’.
Black Sherif performed on the maiden edition of Wireless Middle East, Abu Dhabi last month —sharing a stage with Travis Scott, Roddy Rich and Central Cee. He billed to perform on Pharrell William’s ‘Something in the Water’ festival slated for April 28, 2023, at the Virginia Beach, Afronation US, as well as, his US debut at the Palladium, Times Square- New York City on May, 20, 2023.
With a record 11 nominations at the 23rd Vodafone Ghana Music Awards including the ultimate Artiste of the Year category, Black is shooting for the stars.
He is also in the running for Most Popular Song of the Year, Best Reggae/ Dancehall song, Best Hip Hip Song, Best Afro-Pop Song, Album/EP of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, Best Music Video, Best Collaboration and Best Hiplife/Hip pop Artiste respectively.
With all these categories in the bag, the line have been drawn.
If talk on the digital and traditional media is anything to go by, music lovers will be witnesses an unprecedented spectacle on the night of May 6, 2023.
Since the voice of the people is the voice of God, will VGMA be the night that the youngster who was once at his ‘downest in life’ finally sits atop the hill?
Gospel Singer Joe Mettle Donates and Fellowships with Flood Victims of Mepe, Volta Region
Joe Mettle has extended his support to the victims of recent devastating floods in Mepe, Volta Region. This benevolence act, which serves as a beacon of hope in these challenging times, is part of his annual “Love Gift” initiative, where he visits communities, fellowships with them, and makes generous donations.
The renwoned gospel artiste, known for his soulful music and philanthropic efforts, donated essential relief items and spent quality time in fellowship with the affected individuals. The donation included camp tents, food items and provisions, clean water, clothing, and medical supplies, aimed at providing immediate relief to the victims who have lost their homes and belongings in the flood following the Akosombo Dam spillage.
In addition to the material aid, Mettle also spent time in fellowship with the victims, offering words of comfort and encouragement. His visit brought smiles to many faces, as he shared prayers and sang gospel songs, lifting the spirits of those present.
Mettle expressed his deep sympathy for the victims and urged others to contribute in any way they can. “It’s a difficult time for those affected by the floods,” Mettle said. “Through the ‘Love Gift’, we hope to provide some comfort and help them get through this challenging period.”
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Member of Parliament for the North Tongu in the Volta Region, who received the donations on behalf of the community, expressed his gratitude. “We are deeply touched by Joe Mettle’s generosity. His ‘Love Gift’ initiative is a testament to the power of community spirit and compassion. On behalf of the people of Mepe, I would like to express our heartfelt thanks to Joe Mettle for his kindness and support during this challenging time.”
Meanwhile, Joe Mettle is set to hold his annual Christmas concert at the Assemblies Of God, Cedar Mountain Chapel International, East Legon on Monday (December 25).
Dubbed “Christmas with Joe Mettle & The Love Gift,” the multi-award-winning Ghana-based Gospel singer and songwriter will perform renditions of songs from his extensive and renowned discography fully backed by The Love Gift band. The one-night explosive and thrilling worship experience will also feature guest performances from other acclaimed worshipper leaders.
Get tickets here: www.joemettlemusic.com or dial *725*5050#
Rising Ghanaian musical talent Cee Levelz has released his newest single, “Confused,” produced and Mastered by Delmi Record Team.
The new Love song exemplifies Cee Levelz’s signature sound of Afrobeat, The lyrics and beat combined in a track that is sure to have you on your feet. The production of the track is bold and energetic, propelling Cee Levelz’s inspirational and Love-affirming message to the forefront.
“Confused” is a story about a guy who did something wrong to his girlfriend and the lady found it difficult to forgive him and was using silence to manipulate the guy’s feelings making him confused and didn’t know what to do to get her back.
The combination of Delmi Record Team’s production work and Cee Levelz’s catchy Loving hooks and melodies make “Confused” a must-listen Love song for those looking to get inspired and increase their Love profile. The track is sure to be an instant fan favorite.
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Entertainment
Travis Greene announces “Celebrate Ghana” gospel concert in Accra with Joe Mettle, Phil Thompson, and Victor Thompson
Gospel powerhouse and 5x GRAMMY-nominated gospel singer Travis Greene has announced a concert in Ghana on Wednesday, December 6, at the Empowerment Worship Centre—The Prayer Factory, Dzorwulu.
Dubbed “Celebrate Ghana”, the much-anticipated concert aims to bring solace and inspiration to Ghanaians after what many have described as a challenging year while presenting Ghanaians with the opportunity to experience spiritual upliftment like never before.
Speaking ahead of the event, headliner Travis Greene said: “…. in a world filled with challenges, we firmly believe that the constancy of God’s grace and love remains unwavering. It is in this spirit that we intend to create an atmosphere of authenticity, healing, and restoration for all who join us for this worship experience.”
With over three thousand worshippers expected to gather, the night will feature the likes of Ghana’s Joe Mettle, Phil Thompson, Victor Thompson, and more, who are expected to captivate the audience with soul-stirring performances featuring some of their most celebrated songs.
Tickets for “Celebrate Ghana” are available now at Hallmark Café Dzorwulu, Achimota Shell, Mont. 19 Swaniker Street, Abelemkpe Accra, and online at celebrateghana.eventbrite.com.
Known as a raw, expressive singer and songwriter, contemporary Christian and gospel artist Travis Greene incorporates several genres into his sound. Following his emergence in 2007, Greene gained wide acclaim, topping the Billboard gospel chart with 2015’s The Hill. The album spawned several Grammy-nominated hits, including “Intentional” and “Made a Way,” the latter of which stayed at number one on the Hot Gospel Songs chart for 13 weeks.
With seven Stellar Gospel Awards to his name, Greene’s impact on the gospel music scene remains undeniable, earning him a fifth Grammy nomination for “Won’t Let Go” from 2019’s “Broken Record” and returning in 2021 with “Oil + Water.
Flood victims of Mepe receive relief items from Gospel Singer Joe Mettle
Rising Ghanaian artiste Cee Levelz releases new single “Confused”
Gov’t to restrict importation of rice, ‘yemuadie’ and other products
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