Obaapa Christy
Gospel artiste Obaapa Christy has won the gospel artiste of the year at the maiden edition of the first National Gospel Music Awards held in Kumasi last Sunday.
She beat competition from artistes such as OJ, Joe Mettle, Akesse Brimpong, Gifty Osei, Diana Antwi Hamilton and Brother Sammy to claim the award on the night.
Obaaba Christy also won female vocalist of the year and her popular song titled ‘Hyebre Sesafo’ also won her best gospel song of the year.
The National Gospel Music Awards, which is aimed at celebrating and awarding excellence in the gospel music industry in Ghana, seeks to celebrate the works of the gospel music industry and showcase the talent, innovation and success of the nation’s gospel artistes.
Another popular song, ‘Onwanwani’, by Vodafone Ghana Music Award (VGMA) artiste of the year, Joe mettle, was adjudged the best male worship song of the year.
UK-based Ghanaian gospel artiste Sonny Badu also took home the best African gospel with ‘Wonder God’.
Jack Alolome grabbed two awards, best contemporary gospel album and best collaboration with Princess Ifeoma.
Veteran Ghanaian gospel artiste, Professor Kofi Abraham, was honoured with the lifetime achievement award.
Other gospel artistes who were honoured at the event include Patience Nyarko, who took home new artiste of the year award. Joyce Blessing was also honoured with best praise of the year, whilst Mary Agyemang received best traditional song of the year.
Upcoming artiste Mabel Okyere grabbed discovery of the year award and Brother Sammy was also honoured with best worship video award.
Sammy Baah and Alabaster Box were rewarded with best worship song and best acapella respectively. Willie & Mike also took home the best gospel group award.
The awards ceremony was organised by Royal Akofena Entertainment, in collaboration with The Multimedia Group Limited.