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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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The vibrant city of Bolgatanga in the Upper East Region of Ghana is set to come alive once again with the annual Asaa Festival and Music Concert, spearheaded by Ghanaian American musician Samuel Asaa, popularly known as SamAiam. The festival, a celebration of music, community, and philanthropy, is scheduled to take place throughout the first week of March 2025.

SamAiam, a California based artist with roots in Ghana, has been dedicated to giving back to society through the Asaa Festival, which features a range of community driven initiatives aimed at improving the lives of the people of Bolgatanga. The highly anticipated event will commence on March 1, 2025, with the Mega Walk with SamAiam, a health walk designed to promote physical fitness and wellness among residents.

As part of the festival’s commitment to community welfare, there will be free health screenings and free health insurance registration and renewal services available to attendees. These initiatives aim to ensure that the people of Bolgatanga have access to essential healthcare services and information.

The festival will also foster unity and healthy competition through inter-community soccer matches, scheduled for March 7, 2025. These matches will bring together teams from different communities in a display of sportsmanship and teamwork, further strengthening the bonds among local residents.

The festivities will culminate on March 8, 2025, with a grand music concert featuring SamAiam and a lineup of other talented artists. The concert promises to be a night of electrifying performances, celebrating the rich culture and musical heritage of Ghana.

Speaking about the festival, SamAiam expressed his excitement and gratitude for the continued support from the community. “The Asaa Festival is a way for me to give back to the place that shaped me. It’s about bringing people together, promoting health and wellness, and celebrating the power of music,” he said.

The Asaa Festival and Music Concert has grown to become one of the most anticipated events in the Upper East Region, drawing participants and spectators from across Ghana and beyond. With its unique blend of music, sports, and social impact, the festival continues to uplift and inspire the Bolgatanga community year after year.

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Ahead of Ghana’s 2024 December  Elections, a peace concert was held at GNAT Hall in Bolgatanga organized by the Navrongo-Bolgatanga Diocesan Choirs Association (NABODICA) in partnership with the Upper East Regional Peace Council. The concert, themed “Strengthening Ghana’s Democracy: A Collaborative Effort for a Peaceful Election 2024 and Beyond” brought together some stake holders such as  the Electoral Commission, NCCE, Traditional leaders and some key personalities.

In his welcome address, the NABODICA chairman Mr. James Saaka thanked all of the dignitaries and choirs for attending and helping to make the event a success. “Every vote is a voice, and every voice deserves respect,” he said, urging Ghanaians to choose communication over conflict. Violence and intimidation have no place in our electoral processes, even though dissent is normal in democracies.

The event featured speeches emphasizing peace, tolerance, and national unity as essential for a fair and violence-free elections. The event was chaired by  Alhaji  Sumaila Issaka, the chairman for the Upper East Regional Peace Council. In his opening remark, he urged that by using dialogue peace will always prevail and that every voice must be respected. He added that disagreement is a natural part of our democracy and that violence and intimidation has no place in our electoral process or in any democratic dispensation.

Mr. James Abdulai, the NCCE’s regional director, stated that as the 2024 general election draws near, we should be reminded that, although it is a constitutional obligation, it is crucial to behave ourselves responsibly during the election season and to encourage everyone to choose unity over conflict. As we journey on  to the polls, he emphasizes once more the value of peaceful participation and respect for democratic processes, calling on everyone to uphold the unity that unites us all.

The Regional Director of the Electoral Commission was represented by Mr. Adeenze Agaabil Henry, the Bongo District Electoral Officer. He said in his message that the official organization in Ghana in charge of holding all public elections is the Electoral Commission of Ghana (EC). According to Article 46 of the 1992 constitution, “the Electoral Commission shall not be subject to the control or direction of any authority in the performance of its functions,” unless specifically authorized by the constitution or by any other law that is not in conflict with it. He went on to say that maintaining peace is essential for our nation and that the commission will do its best to ensure a free, fair, and violence-free election. He once more calls on all stakeholders involved, including political parties, to support the commission in upholding and advancing peace while they fulfill their duties.

One of the invited guests was Professor David Millar. He urges Ghanaians to act as statesmen rather than politicians in his message.  According to him, a statesman ought to be wise, just, and moral. In addition, he must be dignified, temperate, generous, and magnanimous. A statesman will not compromise their essential ideas in order to further their political career. He went on to say that as Catholics, we must act like Christians by bearing our varied crosses since Christ established a good model for us to follow in order to advance and spread peace as we approach the December elections.

Mr. Samuel Agyegelone, the vice chairman of the Navrongo Bolgatanga Diocesan Laity Council, also praised NABODICA’s leadership for planning the peace concert. He emphasized that the media is a vital component of democracy and that without it, a democratic election cannot take place. In order for voters to make informed decisions, a free and fair election requires not only the ability to vote and the understanding of how to do so, but also a participatory process in which they participate in public discourse and possess sufficient knowledge about candidates, parties, policies, and the election process itself.  He added that the media protects the process’s transparency by serving as an essential watchdog over democratic elections. In fact, it would be contradictory to have a democratic election with either no media freedom or restricted media freedom. The media must continue to cover stories with a high degree of objectivity, accuracy, and professionalism in order to carry out their duties. “We Ghanaians should also allow the laws and the rules governing the elections to work,” he continued, adding that regulatory frameworks can help assure good standards.

As the guest speaker, the Bishop was represented by Rev. Fr. Lawerence Azure, Vicar General. He emphasized how important it is for voters, political figures, and the media to keep the peace and unity throughout the election season.  He also talked on the importance of using social media responsibly, warning against violent and misleading content. “Misinformation has the power to destabilize communities and the country as a whole during elections. We should love our nation and ourselves more than we love our political parties. “True victory is about maintaining peace so that the country can prosper, not about winning at all costs,” he said. He urged all eligible voters to peacefully use their right to vote, imploring the people of Bawku to once more “silence the violence” and stressing the importance of peace and tolerance for the advancement of the country.

Participating choirs moved the audience with patriotic tunes of harmony and peace written by songwriters both inside and outside the diocese, including Bernard Kwabena Boadi and Mr. Samson Adombire.  Among the choirs are the Folks and Classical Bolgatanga Deanery Choir, the Classical Bawku Deanery Choir, and the Wiaga Classical  and Folks Deanery Choir.

Supported by media partner GBC URA Radio 89.7 MHz, the Peace Concert concluded with a plea for all Ghanaians to prioritize peace over political rivalry, reminding the populace that without a foundation of peace, sustainable progress is impossible.

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The Upper East Regional Tourism Authority has organized it’s 2024 awards night with the theme ‘Celebrating Innovation and Recognizing Excellence in Ghana Tourism Sector ‘ in Bolgatanga and the Regional Director of Ghana Tourism Authority Mr. Wisdom Ahadzi who welcomed all the stakeholders, noted that the night was to acknowledge the remarkable contribution of individuals, Organizations, Companies and stakeholders that have demonstrated unparalleled commitment to the growth and development of tourism in the region ,as the sector being not just a sector of economy but also a tapestry wovering with our rich culture, history and warmth of our people. As we are navigating to a rapidly changing world,he said it’s essential that, the embrace new ideas, adopt modern technologies to foster sustainable practices, as this and innovation are powerful tools to elevate the tourism offerings by providing unique experiences and captivating the hearts and minds of travellers. Mr Wisdom Ahadzi called the awardees to continue to strive for excellence, wishing them good luck in the upcoming  2024 September 25 national tourism awards day in Accra

The president of the Upper East Regional House of Chief, Pe Thomas Ditungidini Adiali Ayagitam III, remarked, that the tourism sector contributed significantly to the economic development of the region and urged the Authority to work to upgrade the structures of the various sites to make them user-friendly and accommodating, to encourage many tourists into the region and also open it to the outside world. He reminds the Upper East Regional Minister of their called for the construction of an airport in the region, that he is convinced that it will not ease just the travelling difficulties of people but would significantly promote the tourism potentials of the region and create economic opportunities to the youth and promised their unflinching support towards the promotion of tourism potentials in the region.

Mr. Kenneth Adu-Boahen who represents the Chief Executive of Ghana Tourism Authority,  said the awards reminds us to know that, tourism is a multi stakeholder enterprise requiring the full commitment of all stakeholders to ensure vibrant tourism destination and the month of September is dedicated tourism month, therefore encourage all to patronize our local tourism attractions, support the local businesses, experiences and rich cultural heritage and natural beauty that Ghana has to offer. He urged all of them to work together to promote tourism development and create opportunities for economic growth and Job creation.

Ghana Ambassador to Burkina Faso, His Excellency Boniface Gambilla, lauded the competition amongst the industry players, adding that the winning is just a second leg of it and suggested to the Authority to to extend it beyond the borders of Ghana . He said as Ghana’s representative in Burkina Faso, he will champion for that collaboration, including more sister City’s relations to foster unity and economic benefits because even though there are challenges in that country, it is not all the areas and the  holds Ghana in high esteem especially when it comes to Education and took the opportunity to also cautioned the industry players to be mindful of their prices to attract customers. In all about 22 individuals and institutions were awarded in four (4 ) categories . The awardees were grateful to GTA and promised to do more.

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In her first tweet since the incident, she said she was saved by grace and the well-wishes by some industry players played a major role in her recovery.

According to her, she had recorded a song titled ‘Who are your friends’ on September 7, 2023, just days before the accident occurred on September 10, 2023.

The singer found deeper meaning in the lyrics of her song, noting that some people will only show love and support when a person is in a dire situation.

“Some people will only love you when you are dead,” she wrote.

Wendy Shay thank God for life acknowledging the support and prayers from her family, team, and fans.

She also expressed her gratitude to Ghanaians and celebrities who showed her love and support during this challenging time.

Source : adomonline

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