<<Print>>

Fifteen-year-old Sophia Kwartemaa was the proud winner of this year�s edition of the Gospel New Star reality show organized by Unity Group of Companies on January 1. The event was the second edition and was held amidst a lot of exciting performances at the Sports Hotel recreational centre in Kumasi. It brought Kumasi to a standstill as a large number of showbiz enthusiasts thronged the venue. Sophia impressed judges Kwesi Aboagye of Peace Fm, Nana Kweku Osei aka Nacy of Nacy Recordz, Carlos Sakyi of COSGA, Victoria Sarfo and Rev. Mensah Bonsu, to emerge winner of the evening. Her price package included a two-bedroom self contain apartment in a three storey building located at Afrancho, and other attractive packages. Contestants Caleb Awuah and Stephen Sarkodie emerged first and second runners-up respectively. Caleb went home with a flat screen television for coming second in the competition. The event was funded by Dr Kwame Kyei, CEO of Unity Group of Companies, the owners of Unity oil, Sports Hotel and Light Fm 94.9. The Gospel New Star reality show saw about 300 people from all walks of life registering to partake in the competition which is very popular in the Ashanti region. Only 16 however made it to the grand finale. The evening was colourful, with well known gospel artistes like Brother Samuel, Lady Prempeh among others passing through to grace the occasion. Contestants performed songs by Moses O.J, Bernice Offei, Gifty Osei, Daughters of Glorious Jesus and more. The 16 finalists went through three stages in all to vie for the ultimate trophy. The judges had a tough time reducing the number to 12 and then to the final six. Sophia performed Bernice Offei`s �Hold On Fast� to win the hearts of the judges and the audience. She was greeted on the stage by a chief from Manhyia palace who represented Otumfuo Osei Tutu. The judges were left with no choice than to give her the nod because of her good talent.