‘Ebony was a national asset’ - Minister

Dancehall artiste Ebony Reigns was a national asset, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Dr Ziblim Barri Iddi has said.

The entertainer died in a car crash on Friday, 9 February 2018.

In a message of condolence to the family on the Executive Breakfast Show (EBS) on Class91.3FM, Dr Ziblim described her death as “shocking.”

He told show host Moro Awudu that: “It is sad, she was our biggest rising star in the industry and for me she actually exceeded her own expectations because she just came into the industry and took over and took charge, winning awards here and there and actually releasing fantastic music. So it’s a big blow to the industry. I think she was a national asset especially for us in the industry. We needed people like her to continue to keep the flame of Ghana music going.”

He extended his condolences to the family of the artiste and the families of a soldier and a lady who died with her in the crash.

Ebony known in private life as Priscilla Opoku-Kwarteng was discovered by renowned musician Bullet of Ruff n Smooth fame when she sent a recording of her voice and was signed to his Rufftown record label just a day after listening to the recording.

Ebony came out with her first single, "Dancefloor", in December 2015. The song became a hit on radio landing her nomination for the unsung category at the 2016 Ghana Music Awards. In March 2016, Ebony released her major hit single "Kupe".

Her latest song “Maame Hwe” is enjoying massive airplay across the country.