The Ghana UK Based Achievement (GUBA) Awards took place on Sunday 24 October at the Porchester Hall in Bayswater, London, England. This event had been organised by the Nudent Quality Solutions.
This was the first year of the annual awards ceremony. GUBA was formed to acknowledge and celebrate the best of Ghanaian businesses, associations and personalities based in the United Kingdom. Over the years, UK based Ghanaian individuals and businesses have not received as much recognition as they deserve, however GUBA is set to change that.
The visionary of GUBA was Dentaa, one of the most popular TV personalities of OBE TV. Dentaa has over 10 years of experience in the entertainment industry. Recently she hosted one of the most popular Ghanaian talent search show 'Mentor IV'.
Dentaa at GUBA image by fabphotography
The Patron for the GUBA Awards was none other then John Pantsil who plays for Fulham FC and Black Stars. He has recently set up a charity called the Pantsil Peace Kids Project (PPKP) which was also GUBA's nominated charity. The aim of the charity is to help promote peace by developing the physical, mental and social inclusion of children through football. The project focuses on African children between the ages of 8 and 12, who live within high risk conflict zones. John Pantsil noted that footbal was the number one sport in Ghana because 'it is the only game that unites Ghanaians,' adding that most children preferred playing football because it was a fair game.
John Pantsil image by fabphotography
16 individuals and businesses where honored at the ceremony and they sure were proud to be Ghanaians.
The Ghanaian Nurses Association (GNA) were the most enthusiatic group to be nominated. They took away the Best Association Award.
Belinda Owusu was awarded the Rising Star Award and Karen Boadu was recognized as the Best Student Achiever. Lecticia Obeng received the Pioneer Award.
As the only woman nominated in her category, Ama K. Abebese won Best Media Personality based on her signature talk show 'On the Sofa', which was also nominated for Best TV programming. Ama K has recently moved into film and will be starring in her first lead role in 'Sinking Sands', premiering in Accra, Ghana on 13 November at the National Theatre.
Ama K announced as winner image by Peter Hogan
Black stars received the Recognition Award for the part they played in the World Cup. The 2010 FIFA World Cup was held in South Africa. It was the first time it had been played in Africa, and many people were hoping that an African team would progress to the semi-finals. The Black stars became the third African team in history to reach the World Cup quarter-finals. They were greatly welcomed home by thousands of dancing and singing fans on their return back to Ghana after their game. Deputy Sports Minister Nii Nortey Duah told the players, 'You've really held high the flag of Ghana and the entire African continent."
Castro De Destroyer Featuring Baby Jet Asamoah Gyan:
performing African Girls at GUBA
The highlight of the evening
(image by fabphotography)
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to Osibisa. Founded in 1969, Osibisa were one of the first African bands to become widely popular. The legendary band from Ghana made 20 studio albums; merging jazz, funk, fusion, Caribbean, R&B, Latino and African rhythms. The best known albums are: Osibisa (1971), Woyaya (1971), and African Flight (1981). It was a proud moment to see some members of the group on stage to receive the award.
Osibisa image by fabphotography
A massive well done goes to the organisers of this event for having the determination to carry out this version and daring to step out. It goes without say, there is a wealth of talent within the Ghanaian community.
I cant wait to GUBA 2011- BRING IT ON!!
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