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William Lamptey wins Africa Monologue Challenge, puts Ghanaian acting on Pan African stage

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Ghanaian actor William Lamptey, popularly known as Willie Chembez, has emerged winner of Season 3 of the Africa Monologue Challenge, marking a major milestone in his growing acting career and giving Ghana another moment of visibility on the continental creative stage.

William Lamptey finished ahead of actors from across Africa and the diaspora to claim the competition’s $1,000 grand prize. Kenya’s Douglas Mwenda Nyaga finished as first runner up, while Côte d’Ivoire’s Sara Loba placed second runner up. The final brought together 12 actors representing different African countries and the diaspora, with the continental showdown held at Ghana’s National Theatre.

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The achievement is even more significant considering that this year’s competition attracted about 2,000 submissions, from which Lamptey was shortlisted among the final 12 contestants who competed for the ultimate prize.

For Ghana, however, the significance of the victory goes beyond the prize money.

William Lamptey becomes the first Ghanaian to win the Africa Monologue Challenge, and his victory has secured Ghana the hosting rights for the next edition of the competition. That means the country will not only celebrate its champion but will also have another opportunity to bring African actors, filmmakers, storytellers and creative industry stakeholders to Ghana.

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The competition itself was created to bring African storytellers together through acting, cultural exchange and creative expression. It is co founded and organised by MK Casting, led by casting director Mawuko Kuadzi, in partnership with the African Chamber of Content Producers, with support from Ghana’s National Film Authority.

The third edition also placed considerable emphasis on cultural exchange. Participants stayed together as part of a Pan African programme involving performances, cultural activities, masterclasses and conversations around African identity, unity and the future of the continent.

William Lamptey’s victory was also backed by significant public support.

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According to figures provided in connection with the competition, he received 70,825 public votes from Ghanaians and supporters around the world. Reports from the final stage confirm that public voting formed part of the scoring process, highlighting how audiences can now play a direct role in amplifying African creative talent.

His journey therefore became bigger than one actor competing for an individual prize. It became a campaign that drew attention to Ghanaian acting and demonstrated the ability of an individual performer to mobilise an audience around Ghanaian creative talent.

The competition has also created opportunities beyond the title. William Lamptey and the first runner up are expected to attend CANEX WKND 2026 in Lagos, Nigeria, from November 5 to 8. CANEX WKND, organised by Afreximbank, brings together creatives, investors, policymakers and industry leaders across Africa, the Caribbean and the diaspora. Its film programme specifically focuses on connecting filmmakers with financing, distribution, partnerships and international markets.

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For an actor trying to move from recognition to a broader career, that kind of environment can matter as much as a trophy.

William Lamptey is not an overnight discovery.

He has built his reputation across television, film and theatre, with audiences particularly familiar with his portrayal of Flex in the popular Ghanaian youth television series YOLO. He also appeared in DStv’s RSM on Akwaaba Magic, earning recognition connected to a 2023 AMVCA nomination, and has an award winning performance in the short film Gem.

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His film credits also include The Fisherman, a feature film that premiered at the 81st Venice International Film Festival. The film later earned 13 Ghana Movie Awards nominations, with Lamptey receiving a Discovery of the Year nomination for his performance.

His screen work extends to projects such as On February 14 and The Queen of Akra trilogy, while his theatre credits include Accra We Dey, Ghana Must Go, Potholes and Osofo’s Wahala among others.

Theatre has remained particularly important to his development as a performer. He has been a regular on the National Theatre stage and was previously recognised as Best Comedy Theatre Act of the Year at the Ghana Comedy Awards.

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That background makes the Africa Monologue Challenge victory especially significant. Monologue performance requires an actor to hold an audience largely through voice, emotion, characterisation, timing and physical presence. For an actor with roots in theatre and screen performance, the competition provided another platform to demonstrate that range.

Perhaps the biggest question now is what Lamptey does with the attention.

Winning the Africa Monologue Challenge should not be treated as the end of his journey. It is a new platform from which a much bigger career can be built.

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William Lamptey has already shown an interest in expanding beyond acting. During his experience at the Africa International Film Festival, he spoke about the need for greater support, unity and intentionality within Ghana’s creative industry. He has also established a production company and expressed ambitions of growing it into a significant force in African cinema.

That direction could prove important because the modern African actor increasingly has opportunities to operate across several parts of the creative value chain; acting, writing, directing, producing, theatre and content development.

Lamptey has also had opportunities to learn from industry figures. His recent journey has included participation in acting masterclasses and encounters with prominent personalities within the African creative space. He is also expected to meet a wider network of filmmakers and creative industry stakeholders through CANEX WKND.

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Following his AMC victory, William Lamptey has further revealed that he met business executive Dr Ernest Ofori Sarpong and received a congratulatory call from veteran Nigerian actor Desmond Elliott.

He has also disclosed that all AMC participants will be involved in the production of a Pan African film intended to promote Ghana, giving the competition an additional dimension beyond the contest itself.

The Africa Monologue Challenge creates one avenue for that conversation because it connects performers from different African countries and the diaspora while giving them a shared creative platform. The competition’s Pan African structure also allows Ghanaian performers to engage with artists from countries whose film industries have developed different production, distribution and commercial models.

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Awards

Central Music Awards 2026: Full List of Nominees

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October 2, 2026

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Heritage Promotions, organizers of the annual Central Music Awards (CMA), have officially unveiled the nominees for the 15th edition of the awards scheme. Heritage Promotions announced the nominees online on Friday, September 25, 2026, after concluding the nomination and assessment processes for the 2026 edition. According to the CMA Academy Calendar for August 2025 to August 2026, 261 nominees have been shortlisted across 36 award categories from 381 nomination applications received from the 22 districts of the Central Region.

This year’s edition marks the 15th anniversary of the Central Music Awards, which continues to provide a platform for recognizing, celebrating and promoting outstanding musical talent and creative excellence from the Central Region.

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The highly anticipated Artiste of the Year category features Kwesi Taadi, Kojo Vypa, Yhaw Fargo, Skyty Nero, Koffi Tome and Okintoe, who will compete for the coveted award. As part of the 15th anniversary celebrations, the winner of the New Artiste of the Year category will receive a GH¢5,000 cash prize, generously sponsored by Candyman Lucas Mensah, Founder of the Central Music Awards.

The main awards ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, November 28, 2026, at the Centre for National Culture (CNC), Cape Coast, where distinguished musicians, industry stakeholders, creatives, media professionals and music enthusiasts are expected to converge to celebrate the achievements of the region’s music industry.

Ahead of the awards night, the CMA will host a Hip-Hop Cypher featuring nominees in the Rapper of the Year category. The initiative is expected to provide a platform for nominees to showcase their lyrical abilities and creativity.

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The 3rd edition of the CMA Campus Tour will also be held at a selected Senior High School in the Central Region. The initiative is designed to inspire, motivate, and empower young people while providing an avenue to identify and showcase emerging creative talents.

The 15th edition of the Central Music Awards promises to be a significant celebration of the region’s music, creativity, and cultural heritage. Join Heritage Promotions and the Central Music Awards Academy as we celebrate, honour, and recognize outstanding musical talents from across the Central Region. The full list of nominees is as follows:

CENTRAL MUSIC AWARDS 2026: FULL LIST OF NOMINEES

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FEMALE ARTISTE OF THE YEAR

  1. Akasii – Ahomaso
  2. Mena Srekubea – Obeye
  3. Empress Christy – Asesa

CAMPUS ARTISTE OF THE YEAR

  1. Qwophi Celebrity – UEW
  2. 2. ⁠Koby Sam – UCC

EMERGING ARTISTE OF THE YEAR

  1. Kobydebrymo – Daben
  2. Maameyaa Wells – Space
  3. Big Maafo – Forever
  4. Rasfam – Sika Puduo
  5. Wittybwoy45 – Sweetheart
  6. Kwobi Founda – Angel
  7. Ohene JK – Nipa
  8. Kojo Mission – Our Pain
  9. Vhanpee – Scary Journey feat. Semenhyia
  10. RKK – Onipa
  11. Kwame Gee – Loner
  12. Sikasem – Breman
  13. Wasiukyboy – Alhamdullilah

GOSPEL SONG OF THE YEAR

  1. Empress Christy – Asesa
  2. Brother Ishmael – Nyame Beye
  3. Mena Srekubea – Obeye
  4. DSI Philip Arthur – Ogufuo Bi
  5. Healer – Amba Mu
  6. Rev Sarah Bordoh – Yesu beyi wo
  7. Edward Saah – Eye Adom (It’s by Grace)
  8. KDF – Mmere papa

GOSPEL ARTISTE OF THE YEAR

  1. Empress Christy – Asesa
  2. Brother Ishmael – Nyame Beye
  3. Mena Srekubea – W’ay3 Bi Da
  4. Healer – Amba Mu
  5. Rev Sarah Bordoh – Yesu beyi wo
  6. Edward Saah – Eye Adom (It’s by Grace)

BEST RAPPER OF THE YEAR

  1. Amankrado GH – Assin Anthem
  2. Kojo Vypa – Pray for Me
  3. Idi Kawawa – Original
  4. Kwaku Tugabwoy – Tiktok
  5. Don Proph – Most High feat. Lil Kaline
  6. Joe Mayar – The Strong Survive
  7. Skyty Nero – Free Me
  8. Koffii Tome – Ebefa
  9. Kofi Weather – I Don’t Care

BEST COLLABORATION OF THE YEAR

  1. Kweku Gentle – Blow feat. Sobolo Geng
  2. Kwesi Taadi – Migraines feat. Kelvyn Boy
  3. No Nation Gang – Never Fail feat. Kwesi Taadi
  4. Amuzu – Sika feat. Yaw Darling
  5. Don Proph – Most High feat. Lil Kaline
  6. Pope Sly – Lalalalala feat. Kofi Sika, Kwaku Tugabwoy, Hardboyy
  7. Kwaku Tugabwoy – Yenko Bi Feat. J Song, Pope Sly, Hardboyy
  8. Swagerbwoy – Mr Badman Feat. Nawala3hua
  9. Marahny – Dead or Alive feat. Kwesi Taadi
  10. Yaw40fyd – Daakye feat. EII Fokus & SS Flaco
  11. Kojo Vypa – Imposter Remix feat. Shaker
  12. Kwame Gee feat. Kofi Weather – Loner
  13. Lil Sherif – Soloku feat. Orkortor Perry
  14. Khofy Guyson – Silence feat. Orkortor Perry

DANCEHALL SONG OF THE YEAR

  1. Ato Zigaro – Messenger of Nature
  2. AK Bwoy – Rise

REGGAE SONG OF THE YEAR

  1. Bobfii Gyanta – Guidance
  2. Ato Zigaro – You Alone
  3. Adomba Effah – Deeiinn
  4. Calvin Incline – Trend Setter

MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR

  1. Qweku Skonzy – Slow Down
  2. Brother Ishmael – Nyame Beye
  3. Idi Kawawa – Woagyido
  4. Mr B Fly – Shame
  5. Kwobi Founda – Angel
  6. Kwesi Blak – My Lover
  7. Kwaku Cenima – Adwenfi
  8. Khofy Guyson – Silence
  9. Kwame Emma – Adom bi
  10. KDF – Mmere papa

FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR

  1. Akasii – Ahomaso
  2. Mena Srekubea – Obeye
  3. Rev Sarah Bordoh – Yesu beyi wo
  4. Empress Christy – Asesa

SOUND ENGINEER OF THE YEAR

  1. King Odyssey
  2. Master Jedi Jammah
  3. Mista Morgan Beatz
  4. Docta Flow

BEST PRODUCER OF THE YEAR

  1. Rabbis Beatz
  2. DJ Ghanapiano
  3. King Odyssey
  4. Master Jedi Jammah
  5. Baron Beatz
  6. HitBeat
  7. Docta Flow

SONG OF THE YEAR

  1. Okintoe – Abaa Abaa
  2. Amankrado GH – EX
  3. Brother Ishmael – Nyame Beye
  4. Zipbwoy – Mama Africa
  5. Skyty Nero – Free Me
  6. Orkortor Perry – Fetu Afahy3
  7. Kwesi Taadi – Joy is here feat. Quamina MP
  8. Kojo Vypa – Stay with me
  9. Lil Sherif feat. Okintoe – FanFooler

MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR

  1. BadOne Sticky – My Cry
  2. Okintoe – Alphabetical Order
  3. Yhaw Fargo – Free The Youth
  4. Akasii – Ahomaso
  5. Joe Mayar – The Strong Survive
  6. Skyty Nero – Chairman 101
  7. Focus CID – No Sleep
  8. Ogatoo – Voice of the land
  9. Kojo Vypa – Stay with me
  10. Kwaku Cenima – Adwenfi
  11. YB Vybez – kae Me
  12. Calvin Incline – Trend Setter

GHANA POPULAR SONG OF THE YEAR

  1. Okintoe – Abaa Abaa
  2. Kofi Kinaata – Black Stars
  3. KiDi feat. Lasmid – Signature
  4. Okese 1 feat. Darkovibes x Sista Afia x Joey B – Don’t Come Too Close II

BEST PROMOTER – PRESENTER

  1. DJ Mozey – Golden Star 89.3mhz
  2. Mr Ikon – Mfantseman FM
  3. DJ Taifa – Coastal FM
  4. Mista Chanti – Obaatanpa Radio
  5. Audacious MzBrown – TW Radio

BEST PROMOTER – DJ

  1. DJ Joemens
  2. DJ Ayesem
  3. DJ Kobby – Hope FM
  4. DJ Abiola – Obaatanpa Radio
  5. DJ Lomo – Pink FM
  6. DJ Plaxtyk – TW Radio
  7. DJ Omar – TW Radio
  8. Selekta Lonzy – Golden Star FM 89.3 MHz

BEST PROMOTER – ONLINE

  1. XO – Khalid
  2. City Vibes TV
  3. Batanyaaman TV
  4. Assin Talks
  5. Agonaman TV
  6. Nana-Antobam Junior
  7. Believe Promotion
  8. Jeddie Hyper
  9. Araba Finest

HIPLIFE SONG OF THE YEAR

  1. Yaw Abedu – Akokudro
  2. Okintoe – Steeze
  3. Kofi Spooky – Don’t Judge Me
  4. Orkortor Perry – Fetu Afahy3
  5. X_KoBaD – Confirm
  6. Stiwizzy – Bless Me
  7. Stargod – Osagyefo
  8. Kubi Brown – Stand Firm
  9. Fr3me Kwame – On Me
  10. Don Qwez – We Go Die
  11. YB Vybez – Kae Me
  12. RKK feat. Laizy Daisy – Onipa
  13. Kwesi Blak – My Lover
  14. Kwame Emma – Adom bi

HIGHLIFE SONG OF THE YEAR

  1. Yaw Abedu – Best in Me
  2. Qweku Skonzy – Slow Down feat. Rexin
  3. Mr B Fly – Shame
  4. Kwaku Tugabwoy – Yenko Bi
  5. Orkortor Perry – No Problem
  6. Omirikisi – Kwansima feat. Kaklus
  7. Kwabena Flipz – Heaven Kor Nsem Pii
  8. Mysterious Bowtie – Yati
  9. Andy Prophett – Deaf and Dumb
  10. Yaw40fyd – Daakye feat. EII Fokus & SS Flaco

HIP POP SONG OF THE YEAR

  1. Ace Yoga – Life Shid
  2. Kojo Vypa – Stay with me
  3. Okintoe – Alphabetical Order
  4. Amankrado GH – Assin Anthem
  5. Yhaw Fargo – Believer
  6. Pope Sly – Lalalalala
  7. Kwaku Tugabwoy – Tiktok
  8. FBA Music – Enter
  9. Joe Mayar – The Strong Survive
  10. Skyty Nero – Free Me
  11. Focus CID – No Sleep
  12. Koffii Tome – Ebefa
  13. Kofi Weather – I Don’t Care
  14. Maameyaa Wells – Space

AFRO POP SONG OF THE YEAR

  1. Kweku Gentle – Blow feat. Sobolo Geng
  2. Kofi Spooky – Temper
  3. Amankrado GH – EX
  4. Yhaw Fargo – Aktive
  5. Idi Kawawa – Woagyido
  6. Swagerbwoy – Mr Badman – Afro Pop song of the year
  7. Wittybwoy45 – Sweetheart
  8. Nk Wonda – Obra
  9. Kwaku Cenima – Emotional Scene
  10. Kwaku Cenima – Adwenfi
  11. B Boi Strenja – Body

BEST MUSIC GROUP OF THE YEAR

  1. No Nation Gang
  2. Wan Heart
  3. Sobolo Geng

BEST MANAGEMENT OF THE YEAR

  1. Atrame Music Group
  2. Mena Srekubea Ministry
  3. Checkzone Family
  4. Ebefa Entertainment
  5. Caliscom Entertainment

BEST PUB/NIGHT CLUB OF THE YEAR

  1. O plus Lounge – Kasoa
  2. Dineout Pub Foods Ltd. – Swedru
  3. 2nd Kastle – Mankessim
  4. Citysip Pub and Restaurant – Cape Coast
  5. Diamond Pub – Cape Coast

BEST MASQUERADE GROUP OF THE YEAR

  1. Ohyewakomem
  2. USA
  3. Road Masters

LIVE BAND OF THE YEAR

  1. Kunamas Jama Band
  2. 2nd Kastle Band
  3. Oguaaman Band
  4. Emintsimadze Band

BEST FAN BASE OF THE YEAR

  1. Okintoe – BMC
  2. Friends of Kunamas
  3. Waguan Movement
  4. Baalokachi
  5. Guysonity Soldiers

BEST DANCE GROUP OF THE YEAR

  1. Elmina Dance Academy
  2. Monster Dance Academy
  3. A.C.H.F

BEST EVENT OF THE YEAR

  1. Yhaw Fargo – Street Made Me
  2. Kojo Vypa – MOE Concert’26
  3. Idi Kawawa – Melo Fest
  4. Koffii Tome – Ayemuye Concert
  5. Marigold Films Production Ghana – Abeadze Ahobaakese Street Carnival
  6. Kwesi Taadi – Chinese Ne Ba Concert
  7. Mista Chanti- Yellow on Black Rave Volume 3
  8. Enfrans Foundation – My Giving My Worship Season 3

INTERNATIONAL ACT OF THE YEAR

  1. Brother Ishmael – Nyame Beye (USA)
  2. Mistress Dorcas – Obra (UK)
  3. Calvin Incline – Trend Setter (Jamaica)

SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR

  1. Yhaw Fargo – Pain Changed Me
  2. Akasii – Ahomaso
  3. Brother Ishmael – Nyame Beye
  4. Idi Kawawa – Kofi Shaibu
  5. Mena Srekubea – W’ay3 Bi Da
  6. Swagerbwoy – Mr. Badman
  7. Joe Mayar – The Survivor of the Winners
  8. Skyty Nero – Free Me
  9. Orkortor Perry – No Problem
  10. Wan Heart – Bless Me
  11. YB Vybez – Kae Me
  12. Kwasi Taadi – Hear My Cry
  13. Khofy Guyson – Silence
  14. Kwame Emma – Adom bi

EP/ALBUM OF THE YEAR

  1. Yhaw Fargo – Champion Sound
  2. Joe Mayar –The Strong Survive Ep
  3. Koffii Tome – Ayemuye
  4. Kwesi Taadi – Chinese Ne Ba
  5. Kojo Vypa – 3am Thoughts
  6. Pawez RTB – Big Steppa

NEW ARTISTE OF THE YEAR

  1. Ace Yoga – Life Shid
  2. Qweku Skonzy – Slow Down
  3. Kwesi Blak – My Lover
  4. Kofi Spooky – Temper
  5. Pope Sly – Believes
  6. FBA Music – Enter
  7. Bonuz – Holding On
  8. Kenwils – Yaya Nation
  9. Ronnie – Pressures of Life
  10. A-Town YD – Different hustles
  11. Rev Sarah Bordoh – Yesu beyi wo
  12. Don Qwez – We Go Die
  13. B Boi Strenja – Lighter

ARTISTE OF THE YEAR

  1. Kwesi Taadi
  2. Okintoe
  3. Kojo Vypa
  4. Yhaw Fargo
  5. Skyty Nero
  6. Koffii Tome

 

Source: Heritage Promotions

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