Afro-Soul songstress Zahara, from South Africa, has arrived in Accra for the 7th EMY Awards slated for Saturday, October 1, at the Grand Arena, Accra international conference centre, Accra.
Zahara, whose music has been classified loosely as ‘Afro-soul’, will thrill participants at the awards with her captivating songs in her native Xhosa language and in English. Her music has been described as a mixture of styles popularised by Tracy Chapman and India Arie.
Zahara’s debut album – Loliwe (2011) – went double platinum, her second album – Phendula (2013) – produced three chart-topping singles ‘Phendula’, ‘Impilo’, and ‘Stay’.
The songstress’ third album, Country Girl (2015), was certified triple platinum while her fourth album, Mgodi (2017), was her best-selling album and was certified platinum. Her fifth album, Nqaba Yam (2021), peaked at number 1 on iTunes.
With 17 South African Music Awards accolades, the singer is also a recipient of three Metro FM Awards, and one Nigeria Entertainment Awards. Zahara was on the 2020 list of the BBC’s 100 Women.
Commenting on her arrival and participation in the awards, EMY Africa CEO, Kojo Soboh, said: “Clearly, she’s a class act, and this is a musician who gels with EMY’s niche audience and the atmosphere we want to create at the final ceremony. Her musical enthusiasm, drive and versatility fit into the need of our guests”. She will be sharing the stage with some of Ghana’s celebrated crooners – Kwabena Kwabena and Akwaboah, as well as charismatic gospel singer – Efe Grace. It promises to be a beautiful event.
As one of West Africa’s biggest award events, the EMY Africa Awards have honoured many great personalities. Some of the previous winners include John Agyekum Kufuor, former President of Ghana; Tony Elumelo, Founder & CEO, United Bank of Africa; Togbe Afede XIV, President, African World Airlines; His Eminence Sheikh Dr. Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu, Chief Iman of Ghana; Sir Sam Jonah, CEO, Jonah Capital; Abedi Pele, Ghanaian football legend; Azumah Nelson, boxing legend; and Freddy Meiwey, Ivorian music legend.
Others include Marufatu Abiola Bawuah, Regional CEO for UBA, West Africa; Patricia Obo-Nai, Vodafone Ghana CEO; Dr. Daniel McKorley, McDan Shipping CEO, to name a few.
The 7th edition span categories such as Man of the Year, Magnate Award, Humanitarian Award, Young Achiever Award, Lifetime Achievement Award, Diasporan Award, Continental Icon Awards, The Technology Award, Woman of the Year, The Guardian Award, Health Award, and the Agriculture Award. Other competitive categories include Man of the Year Music, Discovery of the Year, Actor of the Year, and Designer of the Year.
The ceremony is in partnership with the Diaspora Affairs’ Office of the President of Ghana, Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), Joy Entertainment, Labadi Beach Hotel, Rhythms Africa, and DSTV-Akwaaba Magic.
Sponsors and supporters include GOIL, NLA, Strategic Security Systems, Lucozade, Prudential Life Insurance, A Rocha Ghana, Special Ice, KGL Foundation, EY Ghana, Scent of Africa, Mpedigree and Ambiance by Talata, Asuavo Security, Graphic Showbiz, and Homeda Kente.
