Praise Achievement Awards 23, 2nd Edition: A Global Statement For Ghana Gospel Music

Praise Achievement Awards 23 unfolded in grandeur on the 17th of December 2023 at the prestigious Oil Dome of the Royal House Chapel. The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation as patrons took their seats, ready for an evening that would celebrate excellence in the gospel music realm. And CBCInc Hypes was there to capture it all.

The event commenced with a soul-stirring opening prayer led by Ps Timothy Bentum, setting the tone for an unforgettable night. The stage was graced by the dynamic MCs Nana Kwesi, Fifi Folson, Bernice Abu-Baidoo, Kwabby, and Jeremie Van-Gashong, promising an evening filled with excitement, worship & praise, dance, laughter and joy.

The musical journey began with captivating song ministrations by talented artists, including LilZig, Queendarlyn, Harmonious Chorale, Lordina The Soprano, and Pastor Kofy. The audience was treated to a rib-cracking comedy session by Parrot Mouth, followed by sensational performances by Nana Yaw Ofori Attah (Oneman1000), Keepers Music, and Rocky M Solomon.

As the night unfolded, the spotlight shifted to the heart of the event—the awards. Each accolade represented a recognition of outstanding contributions to the gospel music industry. Let’s break down the night of triumph:

The list for Winners for the various categories are as follows.

1. Best Christian Blogger: Gospel2me (Zhikay Ike Jr) (Presented by Harmony Deh)
2. Best Gospel DJ: DJ Paloma (Presented by Reps from Western Gospel Music Awards)
3. Instrumentalist Of The Year: David Taggoe Jloopz (Presented by Pastor Patrick Amoako)
4. Discovery Of The Year: Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta (Oneman1000) (Presented by Kwesi Kumi Koomson)
5. Rap, Hip Hop, Urban Gospel Song: “Best Side” by Scott Evans (Presented by Parrot Mouth)
6. Urban Gospel Artiste Of The Year: Scott Evans
7. New Artiste Of The Year: Keepers Music (Presented by Rev Mouha)
8. Most Engaged Song on Social Media (Fans’ & Bloggers’ Choice): “Final Say” by Celestine Donkor
9. Christian Radio programme: “This is Gospel” (Franky 5) (Presented by Rev PJ Maquaye)
10. Christian TV programme: “Christian Entertainment Review” (ATV)
11. Christian Radio presenter: Jennifer Jessica Danquah JJD (Inspirational Morning Drive Sunny Fm) (Presented by Mrs Gloria Lamptey)
12. Christian TV presenter: Madonna (Footprint TV) (Presented by J Banner)
13. Best Christian Radio Station: Sweet Melodies FM (Presented by Mr Samuel Darko)
14. Best Christian TV Station: Dominion TV (Presented by Lordina The Soprano)
15. Music Event Of The Year: “Women In Worship” by Genet Services (Presented by Hannah Armah)
16. Sound Engineer Of The Year: Johnson Asare (Presented by Queendarlyn)
17. Producer Of The Year: Nacee (Presented by Mona)

The awards ceremony showcased the depth and diversity of talent within the gospel music fraternity, applauding those who have contributed significantly to the industry’s growth.

Following a musical interlude by Nana Adwoa, Scott Evans, Tagoe Sisters, and others, the awards presentation resumed.

18. Best Chorale Group – Ghana: Heavenly Jewels (Presented by Dr Emelia Asiamah)
19. Group Of The Year: Joyful Way Incorporated (Presented by Mrs Grace Araba)
20. Best Traditional Song: “Hewale Lala” by Perez Musik (Presented by Prophet Joseph Atarah)
21. Praise Artiste Of The Year: SK Frimpong (Presented by Luigi Maclean)
22. Worship Artiste Of The Year: Ohemaa Mercy (Presented by Mrs Maefia Bentum)
23. Worship Song Of The Year: “My Meditations” by Diana Hamilton (Presented by Mr Kweku Sampson)
24. Song Writer Of The Year: “Way3 me yie” by Piesie Esther (Presented by Rev Thomas Yawson)
25. Best Collaboration Of The Year: Bethel Revival Choir ft Ps Edwin Dadson (Presented by Philipa Baafi)
26. Best Gospel video Of The Year: “Eye Woa” by Empress Gifty (Presented by Mr Osei Owusu)
27. Female Vocalist Of The Year : Ceccy Twum presented by Jeffery Nortey
28. Male Vocalist Of The Year : Luigi Maclean presented by David Darkwa Mensah
29. Female artiste Of The Year : Piesie Esther presented by Henry Datsomor and David Boahene from BRC
30. Male artiste Of The Year : Joe Mettle presented by Apostle Solomon Oduro
31. Song Of The Year : Kadosh presented by Apostle Joel & Prophetess Shaletha Sanders
32. Album Of the year : Koinonia Phase 1 (MOG) presented by Empress Gifty

The next special segment dedicated to the diaspora recognized outstanding artists:

33. Female Vocalist Of The Year : Diaspora: Estelle Sarfoa (Australia) (Presented by Dr Aba Rita Nhyira)
34. Male Vocalist Of The Year : Diaspora: Rocky M Solomon (USA) (Presented by Stacy Amoateng)
35. Female Artiste Of The Year : Diaspora: Nana Adwoa (USA) (Presented by Rev Eric Boakye Dankwah)
36. Male Artiste Of The Year : Diaspora: Samuel Sey (UK) (Presented by Ps Solomon Akwaka)
37. Best African Artiste Of The Year : Diaspora: Stacious Rose (USA Liberia) (Presented by Ps Solomon Akwaka)
38. Best Ghana Gospel Artiste Of The Year : Diaspora: Samuel Sey (UK) (Presented by Ps Solomon Akwaka)

Celebrating excellence across the African continent, the Africa Awards recognized remarkable achievements:

39. African Group Of The Year: Abathandwa (Presented by Nana Adwoa)
40. Song Of The Year – Africa: “Eze Ebube” by Neon Adejo (Presented by Andy Favoured)
41. Artiste Of The Year – Africa: Ntokozo Mbambo (Presented by Ps Joe)

The final series of musical interludes featuring performances by Perez Musik, Bethel Revival Choir with Ps Helen Yawson, and Piesie Esther.

Special honors were accorded by the executive members of Praise Achievement Awards to Western Gospel Awards for their contribution to gospel music in Takoradi and to Halal Afrika for uniting Africa in worship.

The Global honorary award for praise and worship was a crowning moment, presented to the illustrious Ntokozo Mbambo.

42. Artiste of The Year

In a resounding crescendo, the coveted “Artiste of the Year” award was claimed by the exceptional Joe Mettle, a fitting climax to a night of celebration and musical splendor. The CEO of Praise TV, Mr Dennis Anderson, presented the coveted plaque and sword, marking the pinnacle of gospel achievement.

Praise Achievement Awards 23 was more than an event; it was a testament to the resilience, talent, and collective spirit within the gospel music industry in Ghana, Africa and the world at large. As the night came to a close, it left an indelible mark in the minds of gospel music patrons and a statement to the world that Ghana is the heart beat of Gospel music.

Indeed, it was a great night—one that will echo in the hearts of all those who shared in the magic of Praise Achievement Awards 23.

Written and published by: Clement Afreh CBCInc Hypes @clementafreh