When it comes to entertainment broadcasters or journalists who have made an everlasting impression in the creative arts industry, Mr. Gilbert Abeiku Aggrey, well known as Abeiku Santana, cannot be overlooked.
For over two decades, the astute broadcaster has made significant contributions to Ghanaian arts and culture, including discovering talented musicians, promoting tourist sites and attractions, among others.
Touted as the ‘King of Radio,’ Abeiku Santana’s journey on the airwaves is certainly unprecedented, having had groundbreaking interviews with almost every creative arts personality, especially some of the country’s finest musicians.
Abeiku Santana’s sense of humour has brought joy to the faces of many Ghanaians, making him a household name both on the radio and on the screens.
From his humble beginnings with Radio Z in Koforidua in 1997, the multiple award-winning media personality now hosts Okay FM’s most popular drive-time show.
But it is his exploits on UTV’s Atuu Entertainment programme that has made him a screen favourite in Ghana, given the exposure and education he provides through his interviews.
His extensive research always results in something unique and revealing in his interviews with major personalities, which reach millions of viewers not only in Ghana but all around the world.
Despite grilling numerous celebrities on his radio and television shows, his empathic attitude has helped to uncover the predicament of many musicians, with constructive steps made as a result, indicating his influence on changing fortunes.
His positive strides in the arts sector earned him a tourism ambassadorial role, and since 2016, when he assumed this role, his efforts to push the arts to the next level is evident.
When it comes to awards, Abeiku Santana, who is the CEO of Kaya Tours, has received countless, emphasising his enormous contribution to the creative arts sector.
Some of the awards he has won include RTP TV Male Entertainment Show of the Year (2018-2019, 2016), Ghana Internet Awards USA Best TV Male Personality (2019), Young Entrepreneur Award for Male Celebrity Entrepreneur of the Year, and Event Male MC of the Year (Ghana Event Awards 2019).
Others include the Mfantseman Heroes Award (2015), M.I.C.E Africa 2018 Company of the Year (Kaya Tours), and EMY Africa Special Recognition Award for Tourism Promotion and Marketing (2020, Kaya Tours).
In conclusion, Abeiku Santana’s sacrifice and dedication to the creative arts industry cannot be underestimated, as he deserves all the commendation and is certainly a trailblazer in the field of entertainment journalism.
