Organisers of the Ghana Northern Music Awards have renewed calls for the construction of a modern auditorium in Northern Ghana to support the growth of the creative arts industry and provide a suitable venue for major events across the northern sector.

According to the organisers, the award scheme has come to stay and continues to appreciate, support, and provide the right platform for musicians and creatives to grow and gain recognition both nationally and internationally.

They noted that the absence of a standard event auditorium remains a major challenge affecting the organisation of large scale entertainment, cultural, and educational programmes in Northern Ghana. Despite the abundance of talent in music, dance, fashion, and other creative sectors, the region still lacks a modern facility capable of hosting major national and international events.

Speaking in Bolgatanga during an interview on URA Radio 89.7MHz with Queen Gladys, the Deputy Public Relations Officer of the Ghana Northern Music Awards, Ruhiya Abubakari, stressed the need for urgent investment in infrastructure for the creative industry.

She encouraged the public and stakeholders to embrace the Ghana Northern Music Awards, describing the scheme as credible, transparent, fair, and free from bias, discrimination, or tribalism.

According to her, many event organisers are often compelled to rely on temporary structures or unsuitable venues, a situation she said negatively affects production quality, audience experience, and revenue generation.

The organisers therefore appealed to government, private investors, development partners, and stakeholders within the creative arts sector to support the establishment of a state of the art auditorium to serve Northern Ghana. They also called for increased sponsorship and support for the entertainment industry to help nurture emerging talents and strengthen the sector.

They explained that such a facility would not only promote entertainment and culture but also create employment opportunities for young people, attract tourism, and stimulate economic activities across the region.

Miss Classy further stressed that Northern Ghana has produced many talented musicians and creatives who deserve platforms and infrastructure that match their potential and contributions to national development.

While commending the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts for placing greater focus on the creative sector, she appealed to the sector minister, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, to lobby for increased investment in the industry.

She also expressed concern over the persistent lack of corporate sponsorship and inadequate support for practitioners within the sector, particularly those involved in event organisation. According to her, investment in the creative economy could have significant ripple effects on local economies by creating jobs and empowering the youth.

The renewed call comes amid growing conversations on the importance of investing in Ghana’s creative economy as a strategic tool for youth empowerment, cultural promotion, and regional development.

The Chief Executive Officer of Charger Group of Companies, producers of the popular Happy Man Bitters, Emmanuel Bortey Borketey, has unveiled a major initiative aimed at boosting the growth of the entertainment industry in the Upper East Region.
According to Mr. Borketey, the winner of a top category at the Upper East Music Awards 2025 (UEMA) will receive an all expenses paid trip to Dubai alongside his team. The trip is expected to offer international exposure, networking opportunities, and career development for the selected artist.
The announcement forms part of a broader vision by the Charger Group CEO to invest in and elevate creative talents from the Upper East Region. Speaking on the initiative, Mr. Borketey emphasized that beyond the travel opportunity, the selected winner will benefit from mentorship, industry connections, and increased visibility on the global stage.
“This initiative is not just about travel, it is about opening doors for our artists to connect with international markets, learn, and grow,” he indicated.
Mr. Borketey’s commitment to the region is not new. Over the past eight years, he has consistently supported the development of the Upper East Region, particularly within the entertainment sector. His contributions have included sponsorships, promotional support, and advocacy for local talents.

Industry stakeholders have welcomed the announcement, describing it as a significant step toward positioning the Upper East Region as a vibrant hub for music and creative arts in Ghana.
The Upper East Music Awards has, over the years, served as a platform to recognize and celebrate outstanding musical talents from the region. With this latest initiative, expectations are high that the awards scheme will further inspire young creatives and attract greater attention to the region’s entertainment industry.
Organizers have urged artistes and fans alike to support the scheme and actively participate in activities leading up to the 2025 edition.
As anticipation builds, many believe this international opportunity could mark a turning point for emerging talents in the Upper East Region, paving the way for global recognition and long term industry growth.

The talented singer, whose songs have increasingly gained airplay across Ghana, continues to position herself as one of the most influential voices from the Upper East Region. Her recent award win is seen by many industry watchers as a testament to her hard work, consistency, and unique musical style.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Gladys Apuweni on URA Radio 89.7MHz during the entertainment programme URA Market Place on thursday February 12, 2026, Saint Chicago expressed gratitude to her fans and supporters for their unwavering loyalty throughout her journey.
According to the award winning artiste, music is no longer just a passion but her full time profession. She disclosed that she has taken a bold decision to dedicate all her time, energy, and resources to building her brand and elevating her craft.
“Music is now my full time job. I am fully committed to it, and I am investing everything I have into making sure I deliver the best to my fans,” she stated confidently during the interview.

Saint Chicago assured her fans to expect more hit songs, electrifying stage performances, and major projects in 2026. She hinted at new releases already in the pipeline and promised to raise the bar even higher this year.
The artiste also announced that her much anticipated annual Banazoe Music Concert will take place in May 2026. The concert, which has gradually become one of the notable entertainment events in the region, is expected to attract music lovers from across the Upper East and beyond.
While celebrating her achievements, Saint Chicago used the opportunity to address critics and negative commentary that often surrounds public figures. She passionately appealed to the good people of the Upper East Region to desist from hate comments, insults, and unnecessary criticism. Instead, she encouraged collective support for local musicians.

She emphasized that unity and encouragement are vital for the growth of the creative arts industry in the region.
“We need to support one another. When we uplift our own, we all grow together,” she urged.
Her call highlights a broader conversation about supporting homegrown talent and creating an enabling environment for artistes to thrive.
With her recent Artiste of the Year win and ambitious plans for the year ahead, Saint Chicago appears poised for even greater success. As anticipation builds for her upcoming releases and the Banazoe Music Concert in May, fans across the region and the nation will certainly be watching closely.
Indeed, for Saint Chicago, 2026 is shaping up to be a defining year in her musical journey.

The 8th edition of the prestigious HMB Miss Upper East pageant came to a grand and colorful climax on Monday, December 30, 2025, at the Bolgatanga GNAT Hall, marking yet another memorable chapter in the celebration of beauty, culture, intelligence, and purpose in the Upper East Region. The grand finale was a night of elegance and glamour, beautifully blended with the rich cultural heritage of the Upper East Region. Patrons were treated to stunning traditional displays, creative cultural performances, and confident stage presentations from contestants who embodied the values and aspirations of their various districts. The atmosphere was electrifying as the finalists took turns to showcase not only their physical beauty but also their intellect, confidence, and commitment to community development.

At the end of the highly competitive contest, Miss Ayietalie from the Builsa District emerged as the overall winner, earning the coveted crown of HMB Miss Upper East 2025. Her outstanding performance, poise, and clear vision for community impact set her apart from the rest. Miss Lamisi from Bawku Central was adjudged the 1st Runner-Up, while Miss Asabila from the Bolga East District secured the position of 2nd Runner-Up, both earning admiration for their exceptional performances and advocacy messages.
Following the successful grand finale, Saturday, January 3, was dedicated to the homecoming ceremonies of the three queens across their respective districts. The celebrations were filled with joy, pride, and cultural display as communities gathered to warmly welcome their daughters home.
In the Builsa District, residents came out in large numbers to receive their beloved queen, Miss Ayietalie, in a colorful and emotional ceremony. Chiefs, queen mothers, opinion leaders, and other distinguished dignitaries graced the occasion, expressing pride in her achievement and pledging their support for her reign. Similar scenes of excitement and celebration were witnessed in Bawku Central and Bolga East, as Miss Lamisi and Miss Asabila were also given heroic receptions by their people.

Over the years, HMB Miss Upper East has proven beyond doubt its credibility as a platform rooted in transformation, transparency, innovation, and development. The pageant has consistently empowered young women, equipping them with confidence, leadership skills, and opportunities to champion meaningful causes within their communities and the region at large.
As the reign of HMB Miss Upper East 2025 begins, expectations are high for impactful projects, strong advocacy, and sustained community engagement. The pageant continues to stand as a beacon of hope and inspiration for young ladies across the Upper East Region, reaffirming that beauty, when combined with purpose, can be a powerful tool for positive change.

Upper East–based musician Lyrical ZK has ignited fresh conversations in Ghana’s entertainment industry especially in the Upper East Region after challenging the long-standing belief that the music business does not pay.
The artiste made these remarks during a mid-morning show, URA Marketplace, on GBC URA Radio, hosted by Hannah Barribilla.
Speaking candidly on the programme, Lyrical ZK insisted that money exists within the music industry, depending on how artistes position and manage themselves.
“Imagine somebody having two houses, three houses, with no rent. It just means something,” he said, suggesting that some players in the industry are quietly benefiting financially.
He questioned the narrative that local artistes earn nothing while those labelled as “international” are also said to be struggling.
“When I’m making money out of the craft, they say you are international and you are not making anything out of the craft. But people are making money. There is money in the industry,” he stressed.
According to the Upper East artiste, financial success in music is not accidental but depends on strategy and understanding the business side of the craft.
“It depends on how you decide to extract your money,” he explained.
Lyrical ZK described his realization as an eye-opener, noting that for years, creatives have been fed the idea that the industry offers no financial reward.
“We’ve always been told that the industry don’t pay, that there is nothing in it. Hearing a positive response for the first time was like, wow—we have to find that money.”
Focused on growing his brand, he revealed that he deliberately took time to study the industry and connect with key stakeholders, a move that reshaped his outlook.
“I decided to study the industry and attach myself to some people. That’s when I realised that the industry is very limited,” he added.
His comments have since sparked conversations among upcoming artistes in the Upper East Region and beyond, with many calling for better education on branding, networking, and sustainable revenue streams in Ghana’s music industry.

Afrobeat sensation Auggy Adingo has opened up about the struggles of being a musician from the Upper East Region, saying the biggest challenge is the lack of support from people within the region. In an interview on Ura Marketplace, a mid-morning show on GBC Ura Radio, the Bongo-based artiste said many talented musicians from the Upper East are being overlooked, despite the growing popularity of Afrobeat music in Ghana. “One of the biggest challenges we face as artistes from the Upper East is the lack of support from our very own people,” Auggy Adingo said.

According to him, artists from other regions often enjoy massive backing from their communities, something he believes is missing in the Upper East music scene. Auggy Adingo noted that the region is full of talent but suffers from poor promotion and limited exposure. “We have the talent and the sound, but without support, it’s hard to grow and reach a bigger audience,” he explained.

The Afrobeat singer used the opportunity to call on fans, media houses, DJs, event organizers, and promoters in the region to intentionally promote local music. Auggy Adingo, who hails from Bongo in the Upper East Region of Ghana, is steadily carving a niche for himself with a sound that blends modern afrobeat with influences from his roots.

The Upper East Region is gearing up for yet another spectacular celebration of culture, beauty, and purpose as the HMB Miss Upper East 2025 pageant officially launches its 8th edition. The prestigious regional event proudly sponsored by Happy Man Bitters has over the years grown into one of Northern Ghana’s most influential platforms for empowering young women and promoting cultural identity.
During an exclusive interview on URA Radio’s Marketplace on 28th November 2025, the Creative Director of the pageant, Mr. Jonas expressed overwhelming enthusiasm about this year’s edition. He revealed that the 2025 pageant promises to be “more exciting, more educational, more empowering, and richer in cultural expression than ever before.”

Mr. Jonas appeared on the program alongside ten (10) stunning, eloquent, and determined young ladies selected from various districts across the region. These finalists represent a diverse blend of traditions, languages, and community backgrounds
each bringing her own unique story, aspirations, and vision for development. The HMB Miss Upper East pageant is more than a beauty contest. It is a leadership and personal development platform that provides young women with the skills, confidence, and exposure needed to champion social change within their communities. Contestants undergo weeks of training, mentorship, grooming, and capacity building sessions designed to prepare them for roles as ambassadors of culture, development, and positive transformation. Through the pageant, these ladies learn to embrace new ideas, sharpen their communication abilities, and cultivate a sense of responsibility toward societal progress.
This year’s contestants have proposed impressive and impact driven community projects, reflecting the depth of passion and purpose behind their participation.

Their initiatives include  Providing vocational and livelihood skills training for young girls Leading campaigns against drug abuse and destructive behavior among the youth Promoting environmental cleanliness and sustainable sanitation practices Supporting education through the distribution of learning materials and advocacy for better school conditions Each project speaks to the real challenges faced by communities across the regionmaking the pageant not just a competition but a movement for change. Organizers have announced that the grand finale of HMB Miss Upper East 2025 will take place on 30th December 2025 at the Bolgatanga GNAT Hall, starting at 8:00 PM. The event is expected to attract traditional leaders, government officials, celebrities, influencers, past queens, and hundreds of culture loving supporters from across the region and beyond. Attendees can look forward to: Creative fashion showcases celebrating northern heritage, Thought provoking speeches and presentations,  High energy choreography and talent displays.

The crowning of a new queen who embodies beauty, intellect, leadership, and vision. The GNAT Hall is anticipated to transform into a vibrant arena filled with color, music, drumming, tradition, storytelling, and heartfelt celebrations of what makes the Upper East unique. Over the years, HMB Miss Upper East has steadily become a cultural export, shining light on the region’s rich customs, attire, dances, history, and creative artistry. The pageant plays a significant role in projecting the identity of the Upper East Region to audiences across Ghana and even internationally. Beyond entertainment, the event continues to raise awareness on social issues, inspire youth involvement, and encourage collaboration toward regional development.

As excitement builds toward the finale, the people of Upper East eagerly anticipate a night where beauty meets purpose, where culture meets creativity, and where young women stand boldly to champion causes that will transform generations.
The 2025 edition of HMB Miss Upper East promises not just a competition but an unforgettable experience, a celebration of womanhood, and a renewed commitment to building stronger communities through the power of empowered young women.

In the Upper East Region, musician, entrepreneur, and philanthropist Samuel Asaa, popularly known as SamAiam, has begun a major Senior High School tour aimed at tackling rising cases of drug abuse and indiscipline among students. The outreach, which kicked off on Monday, November 17, started at Zamse Senior High Technical School, where hundreds of students received guidance on the dangers of drug misuse, excessive alcohol intake, and negative peer pressure.

The campaign continued today, Wednesday, November 19, at Bolgatanga Senior High School, also known as Big BOSS. SamAiam says the initiative was prompted by worrying behaviors he observed among young people during his visit to Ghana earlier this year for his annual Asaa Festival and Music Concert. He noted that increasing cases of substance abuse among the youth demanded urgent intervention. The sessions focus on discipline, academic commitment, and the long-term consequences of choices made during adolescence. Students are encouraged to take responsibility for their future and avoid harmful substances.

The team plans to visit most, if not all, Senior High Schools in the region over the coming weeks, ensuring that thousands of students receive accurate information and motivation to resist negative influences. School authorities have praised the initiative as timely and impactful, especially in the face of growing concerns over youth indiscipline and drug abuse. SamAiam hopes that through continuous education and mentorship, young people will be empowered to make healthier choices that secure a brighter future for themselves and the region.

Renowned Ghanaian musician Michael Adangba has urged emerging artistes in the Upper East Region to proudly project their cultural identity
rather than imitate foreign cultures in their music. According to him, the region’s rich traditions, rhythms and languages offer a unique
creative advantage that young musicians must harness if they hope to stand out in the competitive music industry. The musician’s call comes
at a time when conversations about cultural preservation and local content promotion are gaining momentum in northern Ghana’s creative
scene. His message reinforces the push for artistes to take pride in their heritage while building careers that are both authentic and
globally competitive. Speaking on URA Market Place on GBC URA Radio in Bolgatanga, with upcoming performers, Adangba encouraged them to remain humble and modest as they build their careers. The musician’s call comes at a time when conversations about cultural preservation
and local content promotion are gaining momentum in northern Ghana’s creative scene. His message reinforces the push for artistes to take
pride in their heritage while building careers that are both authentic and globally competitive. He emphasised that respect for the elderly,
discipline and commitment to their craft remain essential attributes for any musician seeking longevity and relevance. He noted that many
young artistes are increasingly drifting toward foreign music styles at the expense of their own cultural expressions — a trend he believes
weakens the region’s creative identity. Reflecting on his own musical journey, the celebrated artiste revealed that his career began in the
Assemblies of God Church, where he nurtured his passion for music through gospel performance.

He described his rise in the industry as one marked by self-sacrifice and perseverance, often choosing dedication to his calling over personal comfort. Adangba, who has built a reputation for blending traditional rhythms with contemporary sounds, urged young artistes to remain focused, seek mentorship, and use their music to positively influence society.

In every generation, there emerges a voice that does more than entertain—it uplifts, educates,inspires  and unites. Today, we shine the spotlight on one such musical gem whose artistry transcends melody and rhythm to touch the soul of a people.

From humble beginnings in Kpando in the Volta Region, Jubey I.K. originally known as Dzubey Isaac Kwame is a Ghanaian UK-based contemporary gospel artiste and a nurse by profession.

Jubey I.K discovered his passion for music at an early age. Whether through the echoe of traditional drums, the harmony of gospel choirs, or the pulse of Afrobeat, his sounds carries the heartbeat of a community and the spirit of resilience.

He is from Kpando in the Volta Region of Ghana and was born to musically inclined parents. He grew up listening to music, singing at church, and selling music cassettes around the age of 13.

With his music career , Jubey I.K  is becoming a household name, known for  gospel hits tracks like  Peace for Ghana, Dabb for Jesus, My Body, No Pilolo, Nobody dey,  Good God and More Than Enough.

His mission for music is to use his gift and talent to preach the gospel, thus using his abilities to the glory of God. With the help of God and great support from his family, friends, producers like Itx Ynkx as well as the Media, his music career is on a good trajectory.

His  lyrics speak of love, justice, hope, and the everyday struggles of ordinary people—making him not just a performer, but a storyteller and advocate. He believes the Lord will continue to use his voice to bless this generation.

Artist To be Managed By THE BIG HEADED PAA ONE Under Real Entertainment Classic Media Networks.