Joy FM Showbiz A-Z Secures Top Honor: Best Radio Entertainment Programme at 29th GJA Awards

In the vibrant world of Ghanaian media, the 29th GJA Awards spotlighted excellence in journalism and broadcasting. Joy FM’s iconic Showbiz A-Z emerged victorious, claiming the prestigious Best Radio Entertainment Programme title. This win highlights the program’s enduring influence on discussions around arts, culture, tourism, and Ghana’s creative economy.

Introduction

The 29th Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Awards celebrated outstanding media contributions on November 8, 2025, at the historic Manhyia Palace in Kumasi. For the first time, the event moved outside Accra, held under the patronage of His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene. This shift underscored the awards’ national scope and commitment to regional inclusivity.

Joy FM’s Showbiz A-Z, a Saturday staple from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM on Joy 99.7 FM, dominated the radio entertainment category. Hosted by veteran journalist Kwame Dadzie and produced by Philip Nai, the show delivers in-depth analysis on Ghana’s entertainment landscape, making it a must-listen for industry enthusiasts.

Analysis

Program’s Core Focus and Impact

Showbiz A-Z on Joy FM stands as Ghana’s premier radio platform for entertainment discourse. It delves into tourism, arts, culture, and the creative economy—a sector vital to Ghana’s GDP, generating employment and revenue through music, film, crafts, and events. The program’s analytical approach educates listeners on policy needs like intellectual property rights, infrastructure development, venture capital, and talent investment.

Under Kwame Dadzie’s 16-year expertise, episodes feature probing interviews, panel discussions, and humor-infused storytelling. Dadzie’s background in creative industries ensures credible, insightful content that bridges experts and audiences.

Production Excellence

Philip Nai, with nearly 17 years in media, leads production alongside Anita Teye, Oliver Fangnon, and DJ Wobeti. Nai’s track record includes flagship Joy Entertainment shows, ensuring high production standards. Topics covered range from creative health and wellness, substance abuse prevention, taxation policies, to event safety—addressing real challenges in Ghana’s entertainment sector.

Innovative Segments Driving Engagement

The show’s quarterly Showbiz Roundtable convenes stakeholders for policy dialogues. In 2024, special editions analyzed manifestos from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and National Democratic Congress (NDC) on creative economy strategies. On-location broadcasts from sites like Afadja Mountain in the Volta Region and Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park spotlighted local tourism gems.

A 2025 addition, the monthly Music Lab segment, applies professional critiques to tracks like Black Sherif’s “Sacrifice,” Shatta Wale’s “Street Crown,” and Gyakie’s “Sankofa.” This feature has earned acclaim for its technical depth, fostering music industry growth.

Summary

The 29th GJA Awards victory for Joy FM’s Showbiz A-Z as Best Radio Entertainment Programme affirms its role as a thought leader. Airing weekly on Joy 99.7 FM, the show combines entertainment with advocacy, influencing Ghana’s creative policies and public awareness. Held in Kumasi’s Manhyia Palace, the ceremony marked a historic milestone, reinforcing media’s power in a competitive landscape.

Key Points

Practical Advice

For Aspiring Radio Hosts and Producers

To emulate Showbiz A-Z‘s success, build deep subject knowledge—like Dadzie’s 16-year immersion in Ghana’s creative industries. Focus on balanced hosting: blend analysis, humor, and accessibility to engage diverse audiences.

Producers should prioritize research-driven content. Nai’s team tackles timely issues (e.g., taxation, safety) by collaborating with experts. Introduce segments like Music Lab for niche appeal, reviewing hits with metrics on production, lyrics, and market fit.

For Listeners and Industry Professionals

Tune in Saturdays on Joy 99.7 FM to stay informed on creative economy trends. Professionals can pitch ideas for Roundtables, leveraging the platform for policy advocacy. Explore visited sites like Afadja Mountain to support tourism.

Building a Similar Program

Start with a clear niche: Ghana’s arts and tourism. Secure experienced talent, schedule prime slots, and track listener feedback. Use social media for extensions, as Joy FM does, to amplify reach.

Points of Caution

While celebrating wins like Showbiz A-Z at 29th GJA Awards, media practitioners must verify facts rigorously—GJA standards demand accuracy to maintain credibility. Avoid sensationalism; the show’s probing style succeeds through evidence-based discussions.

Stakeholders in creative sectors should note policy gaps highlighted (e.g., IP enforcement), but act cautiously without legal advice. Listeners: cross-reference show insights with official sources for informed decisions.

Broadcasters: In competitive radio entertainment, over-reliance on trends risks depth—balance with evergreen topics like talent investment.

Comparison

Versus Other GJA Award Winners

In past GJA Awards, radio categories often favored news-heavy shows. Showbiz A-Z‘s 2025 win differentiates it by merging entertainment with policy analysis, unlike purely music-focused rivals.

With Leading Ghana Radio Entertainment Shows

Compared to urban music countdowns, Joy FM Showbiz A-Z excels in depth, covering creative economy contributions (estimated 4-5% of Ghana’s GDP per UNESCO data). Segments like Music Lab offer critiques absent in chart-based programs, positioning it as educational over commercial.

National vs. Regional Impact

On-location episodes (e.g., Volta Region) broaden appeal beyond Accra-centric shows, mirroring the 29th GJA’s Kumasi hosting for nationwide relevance.

Legal Implications

No direct legal issues arise from the award or program content, as Showbiz A-Z adheres to journalistic ethics upheld by GJA. Discussions on intellectual property rights educate on Ghana’s Copyright Act, 2005 (Act 690), promoting compliance without endorsing violations.

Political manifesto analyses (NPP/NDC) remain neutral, aligning with media freedom under Ghana’s 1992 Constitution Article 162. Producers must ensure balanced coverage to avoid defamation risks, a standard Joy FM follows.

Conclusion

The triumph of Joy FM’s Showbiz A-Z at the 29th GJA Awards as Best Radio Entertainment Programme cements its legacy in Ghanaian media. By championing the creative economy, arts, tourism, and culture, it not only entertains but educates and influences policy. As radio evolves, such programs exemplify quality content’s power. Tune in weekly on Joy 99.7 FM to witness its impact firsthand—this win signals more milestones ahead.

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