Ghana’s music ecosystem is on the brink of an exciting transformation as AFRO CONNECT officially unveils its long-awaited music project, UP AND GRINDING, a seven-track EP designed to spotlight, nurture, and professionalise emerging talent across the country and the African continent.

At a time when conversations around sustainability, talent development, and creative infrastructure dominate Africa’s music discourse, UP AND GRINDING arrives not merely as a musical release but as a purposeful intervention. The project represents AFRO CONNECT’s strategic commitment to strengthening the foundation of Ghana’s music industry by identifying untapped artistes and guiding them through a structured creative and professional development process.

Unlike conventional compilation projects, UP AND GRINDING is rooted in mentorship, collaboration, and long-term vision. Each track reflects the raw ambition, resilience, and lived realities of upcoming artistes who are navigating the demanding journey from obscurity to recognition. The EP captures the spirit of the “grind”  the relentless pursuit of excellence against limited resources, exposure gaps, and structural challenges that many emerging African musicians face.

AFRO CONNECT’s approach goes beyond studio sessions and releases. The project is anchored on artist grooming, music business education, and industry readiness. From songwriting and vocal development to branding, performance discipline, and audience engagement, participating artistes are equipped with the tools necessary to transition from passion-driven creativity into sustainable music careers. This holistic model positions UP AND GRINDING as both a creative product and a developmental platform.

Musically, the EP draws from a rich blend of Afrobeat, Afropop, hip-hop, highlife influences, and contemporary African sounds, reflecting the diversity and evolving identity of Ghana’s new-age music culture. Each track offers a distinct sonic experience while maintaining a unifying narrative of ambition, growth, and self-belief. The production quality underscores AFRO CONNECT’s emphasis on professionalism, ensuring that emerging talents are presented at industry-competitive standards.

SOSO, Project Manager

Beyond entertainment, UP AND GRINDING speaks to a broader cultural and economic agenda. Ghana’s creative industry continues to expand its global footprint, yet many young artists struggle to access platforms that can amplify their voices. AFRO CONNECT positions itself as a bridge between raw talent and opportunity, fostering inclusivity and creating access points within an industry often defined by gatekeeping.

The project also aligns with Africa’s growing creative economy narrative, where music is increasingly recognised as a viable contributor to employment, cultural diplomacy, and national branding. By investing in emerging artists at the grassroots level, AFRO CONNECT contributes to the long-term sustainability of the music value chain from creators and producers to marketers, event organisers, and digital distributors.

UP AND GRINDING further reinforces the idea that success in the music industry is not instantaneous but built through consistency, discipline, and collaboration. The title itself reflects a mindset shared by many young Africans, a determination to rise, despite systemic limitations, through hard work and strategic support.

As the EP rolls out across digital streaming platforms and promotional circuits, AFRO CONNECT envisions UP AND GRINDING as the first of many initiatives aimed at reshaping how emerging talents are discovered, developed, and deployed within the industry. The project sets a precedent for private-sector-led creative development, demonstrating that intentional investment in talent can yield both artistic excellence and economic value.

In an era where African music continues to command global attention, UP AND GRINDING stands as a timely reminder that the future of the industry lies in nurturing the next generation. Through this project, AFRO CONNECT is not only releasing music but building careers, strengthening culture, and contributing meaningfully to Ghana’s creative future.

UP AND GRINDING is more than an EP; it is a movement, a mindset, and a statement that Ghana’s next wave of music stars is already on the rise.

Renowned American gospel singer, worship leader, and pastor Ron Kenoly has passed away at the age of 81. The sad news was first announced by his longtime music director on social media, sparking an outpouring of tributes from fans and gospel ministers worldwide.

Renowned American evangelist, Bishop Francis Wale Oke, also confirmed the news in a heartfelt post on Facebook.

 

“Farewell to a true worshipper, Ron Kenoly,” he wrote. “A man of humility, a vessel of grace, and a devoted servant who dedicated his life to the glory of God.”

 

Clergyman, Prophet Kumchacha, has slammed his colleague, Prophet Kofi Oduro, describing him as a hypocrite for defending Prophet Bernard El Bernard following his failed prophecy.

According to Prophet Kumchacha, Prophet Kofi Oduro has no moral right to mount such a defence, arguing that he has, in the past, harshly criticised other ministers who found themselves in similar situations.

Speaking on Okay 101.7 FM’s Best Entertainment show, Prophet Kumchacha described his colleague’s actions as sheer hypocrisy.

“I believe Prophet El Bernard is a true man of God. But if it were not El Bernard and instead other pastors like Opambour Ebenezer Adarkwah Yiadom, Obinim, Obofuor, Pastor Uche, Bishop Salifu, or others whose prophecy had failed, hell would have broken loose. The kind of English vocabulary Papa Kofi Oduro would have released would not have been easy. We should not do the work of God with hypocrisy,” he said.

Earlier, the outspoken cleric explained why he believes Prophet Kofi Oduro’s actions amount to hypocrisy.

“So why is Prophet Kofi Oduro now defending Prophet El Bernard? The reason is simple: that is where his tithes come from. Prophet El Bernard has taken Prophet Kofi Oduro as his spiritual father; he pays tithes and presents huge envelopes. Because of this, even if he kills, he has not killed; when he sleeps, he is not asleep,” he alleged.

According to Prophet Kumchacha, many men of God have already received their “share of the cake,” yet Prophet Kofi Oduro chose to hypocritically defend his spiritual son.

He further noted that while Prophet Kofi Oduro recently stood in his church to defend Prophet Bernard El Bernard, he was not in a position to do so.

“Let me establish that I have no problem with Prophet Kofi Oduro. Whenever he sees me, he shows me respect, and I also reciprocate. But whenever a prophecy fails, the very person who is quick to condemn the prophet involved is Prophet Kofi Oduro,” he said.

Prophet Kumchacha cited instances where Prophet Kofi Oduro criticized Prophet Kusi Boateng, Archbishop-Elect Elisha Salifu Amankwah, and Senior Pastor Owusu Bempah over failed prophecies, claiming in some cases that God did not speak to them and that their prophecies came from their own minds.

Reiterating his position, Prophet Kumchacha concluded:

“I believe Prophet El Bernard is a true man of God. But if it were another pastor whose prophecy had failed, the reaction would have been different. We should not do the work of God with hypocrisy,” he told Halifax Ansah Addo.