Musicians make list of 50 most influential Ghanaians

The list, which also features Medikal, Stonebwoy and Sista Afia, was published this week by rating and public relations agency Avance Media and Africa Youth Awards. It follows the company’s January announcement of Kuami Eugene as the 2020 Africa Youth Awards’ entertainer of the year. 

Launched in 2016, the 50 Most Influential Young Ghanaians list forms part of the company’s annual efforts to celebrate the country’s most hardworking young people.

The 2020 list encompasses a number of sectors including entertainment, lifestyle, science and technology, business, social enterprise, philanthropy, leadership, civil society, sports, and media.

According to Avance Media, the list focuses on personalities who remained consistent with their brands and careers despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

Avance Media and Africa Youth Awards founder and managing director Prince Akpah told Music In Africa that due to the global health crisis, this year’s list was compiled without public voting as is traditionally done.

“We decided to do that to celebrate everyone equally,” he said. ”The selection was made from across various sectors and focused on young people who lead various initiatives that have impacted Ghanaians. We would like the list to inspire young Ghanaians who can look at their peers on this list, which is a reflection of the results earned from hard work.” 

In previous years, the likes of Sarkodie, Becca, Kofi Kinaata, Shatta Wale, Kwesi Arthur and Joe Mettle all made it to the top-50 list. 

Meanwhile, Avance Media recently published a list of top 100 African musicians for 2021, which was compiled in partnership with pan-African entertainment channel WatsUp TV. The list features notable musicians from 26 African countries, including Angélique Kidjo, Burna Boy, Davido, Wizkid, Cassper Nyovest, Khaligraph Jones and Sarkodie, among others.