A feat worth celebrating

In a groundbreaking achievement for Northern Ghanaian music, the music video for “Empty Grave” by Dr. Pushkin and B-Wayne has officially become the most-streamed music video from Northern Ghana on YouTube, currently nearing 1.6 million views in just seven months.

Shot at the iconic Red Clay Studio in Tamale by visionary director Junaid Timtooni Yakubu and his talented team, the video has now surpassed the legendary “Total Cheat” by Fancy Gadam and Sarkodie. This track held its dominance for eight years.

What makes this milestone even more extraordinary is that “Empty Grave” reached this height without the usual advantages:

• No big-name Southern Ghanaian feature
• No mainstream media coverage
• No industry gatekeeper support or co-sign

Instead, its rise has been powered by its raw authenticity, cinematic brilliance, and a deeply resonant social message—proof that true artistry can thrive on merit and purpose alone.

The track, written by Paul Azunre and Bismark Sombilla and produced by Paul Azunre, Dreamlife & Memory, and Peewezel, stands as a compelling piece of conscious music that refuses to compromise. Its artistic excellence has also been recognised on the international stage, with multiple awards already won and more nominations on the horizon.

Meet the Creative Powerhouse Behind Empty Grave

• Directed & Edited by: @timjooni
• Director of Photography: @nimbang__
• Production Design: @aa_fatawu
• Key Grip: @big_nabs
• Stylist: Rabiatu Abdul-Aziz
• Makeup: @kutidazzles_beauty_parlour
• Production Assistant: @salim_marlian
• BTS Coverage: @wun.yiko
• Title Card Design: @i.mreed

This success is not just a win for the team behind “Empty Grave”, but also for Northern Ghana, for independent artists, and for conscious creatives who dare to tell real stories through their art.

To every supporter who streamed, shared, and believed in this movement—thank you. You’ve helped write a new chapter in Ghanaian music history.

Congratulations to Isolirium Entertainment and the entire “Empty Grave” team! The world is watching—closely.

Tas Tas is a statement

Tas Tas is pure musical genius. Presented by the musical collective Savannah Sonics, the recruited musician for this particular song exudes a “show-off”. Each with an enviable stature as a creative, Gingsen, Wiz Child, and Ntelabi prove why they stand out amongst their peers. With an impeccable production quality, Tas Tas is a reminder of the musical prowess that abounds in northern Ghana.

Tas Tas comes on the heels of Northug’s assertion of neglect by mainstream Ghanaian media. However, productions like this further advance the discourse of looking beyond Accra for talented musicians. Music is one of the few elements of life that holds everyone spellbound. Thus, there’s a need to deliberately find more music outlets to quench the respective musical thirsts of all.

Enjoy Tas Tas, a baller’s ultimate anthem.

Other lasting musical impressions you would love

In an effort to continue the agenda of ensuring we amplify Northern Ghana through thesavannonline and its affiliates; we have curated playlists to make your search for good music from the North of Ghana easy on Audiomack, Spotify, and Boomplay for now. We will periodically update the list to ensure you get the best from all the regions. You can search Smock Rhythms for our carefully put together playlists.

Below is one of our playlists labeled Smock Smooth Vibez. It is a collection of soulful rhythms and mellow grooves that soothe the soul. Smooth Vibes brings you the best of Afro-soul, neo-soul, and chill melodies from Northern Ghana. Powered by thesavannaonline.com

Alaptawan has earned a reputation as the only female Dancehall artiste to stay grinding from the entire savanna of Ghana. With a steady climb, she’s endeared herself into the hearts of many music lovers and the music industry as a whole. The fierce goddess seems to never wanna rest. After releasing Big God a few months ago, one of Ghana’s finest reggae/dancehall vocalist Ras Kuuku has jumped on a remix. This further validates her stature as a major force waiting explode and dominate the dancehall scene.

Checkout Big God by Alaptawan Ft Ras Kuuku on all streaming platforms including Youtube.

Alima By Marcel is another beautiful tune from the Upper West Region. Produced by Alienbeatz who is same as Marcel, Alima is another impressive addition to his enviable repertoire.

Checkout out curated playlist featuring the latest songs from the north of Ghana.

I Do by Nazz Official ft Lazzy Bwoy is another beautiful wedding sog from the sultry singer Nazz Official. This time around, it’s an unreleased collaboration between the late Lazzy Bwoy known for his angelic voice. Suffice to say we have two humid voices on a wedding song. That is definitely serenading. Looks like we have another wedding banger from Nazz Official.

While at it, we continue to ask for a good rest for Lazzy Bwoy.

Checkout out curated playlist featuring the latest songs from the north of Ghana.

Nabilaa is Shatta Pique’s latest. Featuring one the finest rappers from the Navrongo area, the song is an interesting fusion of contemporary and indigenous musical instruments. Carlblingx who is featured on the song brings in that smooth but witty flow he’s renowned for.

Checkout out curated playlist featuring the latest songs from the north of Ghana.

Info Radio 91.1 FM, a commercial radio station based in Wa, has launched an ambitious new music reality show titled “The Next Upper West Music Star.” Premiering on Friday, June 5, 2025, during a live radio broadcast, the show is designed to uncover, nurture, and promote musical talent from the Upper West Region on both national and international platforms.

The show’s launch, led by the station’s Events Committee, revealed a prize package valued at GHC25,000—offering not just cash but also a recording deal, promotional opportunities, and structured mentorship. The organizers view the initiative as a full-scale investment in artistic development.

For Osuman Kaapore Tahiru, News Editor at Info Radio and a member of the organizing team, the project stands as more than a standard music competition. It represents a concrete effort to build pathways for raw talent backed by tangible resources and structured mentorship. In his view, the competition offers a professional springboard for emerging artists to break into the mainstream music industry.

Auditions will begin in July at the Info Radio studios, with registration open to anyone aged 12 and above. Entry forms are available for GHC100.00 via the station’s website, its front desk, and through partnering radio stations across the Upper West Region.

According to Marcelinus Seiworb, the show’s Event Lead and Info Radio’s in-house Music Studio Producer, a panel of respected music professionals will serve as both judges and mentors throughout the four-month contest. Weekly episodes will air on Info Radio and its digital channels, and audience voting will be instrumental in deciding who advances and ultimately wins.

The unveiling event drew attendees from industry stakeholders, including representatives from the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) and celebrated local performers such as Prince Karim, Samson B, and Sypha. Their enthusiastic endorsement underscored the importance of platforms like this in supporting a region rich in musical talent but often lacking in industry infrastructure.

Details regarding audition schedules, the judging lineup, and the official premiere date of the competition will be shared in the coming weeks. Interested artists and fans are encouraged to follow updates on Info Radio 91.1 FM and through the station’s website at www.inforadio.online.

With its mix of mentorship, exposure, and significant rewards, “Next Upper West Music Star” could prove a game-changer for local musicians aiming to take their craft to the next level.

More Entertainment News from the savanna here.

Regarded as a pioneer in the contemporary music scene of the Northern Region of Ghana, Tuba Zaks has teamed up with Maccasio to electrify the feet of fans. On a song titled “Di’Gbaama”, the singer partnered with his Zola mate Maccasio to prove he still has it.