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.

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.

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.

The Early years

Tuba Zaks, born Basit Zakaria, is a Ghanaian musician and painter from the Northern Region of Ghana. Born in the 1980s in Tamale, Tuba Zaks attended elementary and primary school at Bagabaga Primary School in 1989 and junior secondary school at Ridge Junior Secondary School between 1995 and 1998. Upon completion, he pursued Business Accounting at the Northern School of Business(Nobisco) between 1998 and 2002.

Tuba Zaks – the rise to prominence

Tuba Zak released his first debut album “ATEMUDA” featuring Batman, now known as Samini. The album also featured Nana King. However, despite making inroads onto the music scene, he briefly focused on his talent as a painter(Artist) due to a conflict in the Northern Region. These paintings became a source of revenue as he honed his talent amidst the conflict. When the conflict was eventually resolved, Tuba Zaks returned to the music industry with the group Tuba Clan, with three other artists. They released the album “BONDITO”, which connotes “Hard to find money”. Back then, it was easy to track music sales; the album reportedly sold over 25000 copies on Cassette Tapes and CDs.

2005 the same Tuba Clan returned with their second album, “DAKOLI”, meaning ‘Bachelor’, on their record label. This album sold over 20,000 tapes and CDs in Ghana. A year later, in 2006, they released a video CD compilation of both Tuba Zaks and Tuba Clan music. This compilation sold over 35,000 copies across Ghana.

Going Solo

Tuba Zaks decided to go solo after a year and started recording his singles. His first single, “IT SHALL BE WELL,” featured Blakk Rasta and Mugees of R2Bees.

The musician then released another hit single, “DON’T TRUST WOMEN,” featuring Mugees of R2Bees and D-Flexx, which received impressive rotation. He was eventually signed to the Last Two Music Group and set to be unleashed after Ayigbe Edem’s (Edem) “Volta Regime” album. Unfortunately, as of the time of writing this article, very little is known about the aftermath of that signing. In March 2011, Tuba Zaks travelled to London and performed at the 54th Ghana Independence celebrations in the UK, which Akwaaba UK Jam Promotions organised.

A Legend still thriving.

Tuba Zaks has been recognised for his contributions to the music industry, receiving the Artist of the Decade award at the Northern Entertainment Awards.
In 2020, Tuba Zaks released the single “Only You,” featuring Zeal of VVIP and LXG from Sierra Leone. The song received significant attention and was promoted by artists like Maccasio and Fancy Gadam. He also has another collaboration with Zeal titled “Tabaaya”.

Tuba Zak is currently based in the United States of America. He also leads Zola Music & Cultural Group, a collective that promotes Northern Ghanaian culture through music. The group has collaborated with notable artists such as Rocky Dawuni, Sarkodie, and Stonebwoy. In 2023, they launched the Northern Ghana Cultural Festival (NorGhaFest), a world tour using art and entertainment to promote peace and unity.