The MTN Ghana Music Awards Festival began Wednesday April 23, 2008 at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel in Accra.

As part of the festival the first day was dedicated as Industry Awards and Gala Night at which stakeholders and the players in the music industry were acknowledged and rewarded.

In a brief address, the Marketing Manager of MTN, Mr. George Andah, touched on the need to celebrate and honor Ghanaian musicians for their effort, and it is in the pursuance of this objective that MTN part of this year’s awards.

Awards recipients for the night include Mr. Yamoah, of Serwah Akoto fame, who was awarded for Music Merit. The Traditional Artiste of the Year Award went to Akliboni from the Eastern region.

The Instrumentalist of the Year Award went to Mr. Osei Tutu and Madtime Entertainment ws awarded the Record Label of the Year Award.

Chemphe’s song, “Why you dey treat am bad?” took the Best Lyricist of the Year Award, and the Best Music Video Director of the Year Award went to Solid Production for Kwaw Kesse’s song “Wule emaa pe wu.”

The night was stirred by Adame Best, who was at his best with a spectacular performance at the start of the show. He played some tracks from both his old and new albums.

No Tribe put the crowd in a joyous mood with songs of praise and Michael Dwamena thrilled guests with his latest song ‘Ngozi’.

The Sappers band was on hand to treat the audience to evergreen Hi-life tunes.