Category: Arts & Culture

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Africa’s diverse culture to be celebrated through Music at Afrochella Festival

Accra, Dec. 28, GNA – Africa’s diverse and Ghana’s unique culture will be celebrated through music at the 2022 Afrochella festival from December 28 to 29, 2022 at the El-Wak Sports Stadium in Accra.

The two-day festival also celebrates the vibrant work of African creatives and entrepreneurs.

The festival is designed to elevate and highlight the thrilling and thriving millennial talent in Africa by introducing an interactive event that teaches, explains, and explores various cultures through a pioneering approach.

Patrons will experience art and creative activations from the continent, celebrate African music, and taste premium and cultured cuisine.

The star-studded event, an annual festival, among others, highlights, and exports Africa’s diverse and Ghanaian culture to the world.

This year’s festival is on the theme: “Afrofuturism” and seeks to explore the developing intersection of cultural aesthetic, philosophy of science, and philosophy of history as it relates to the African Diaspora

Already, the event ground, El-Wak Sports Stadium in Accra, Ghana, has been fitted out to host different artists from across Africa on one stage.

Accra will come alive as the experiential concert comes to life within hours with reverberating music, rhythmic dances, taste of African food, among others.

It envisages to express, profoundly, Africa’s rich diversity through music, fashion, cuisine, and artistic expression on which the continent’s identities are built.

Co-founder and CEO of Afrochella, Abdul Karim Abdullah, in a media interview, says music, arts, fashion and cuisine, are simple connectors that many Africans greatly care about.

Officially, the festival started with the Afrochella Expo and Music Museum, which had a series of panel discussions with focus on the future of African Music and its emerging markets among other topical issues on culture.

The two-day concert will have big music names like Nigeria’s international star, Burna Boy and Ghanaian reggae and dancehall great, Stonebwoy, as headliners.

Fireboy DML, AyraStarr, King Promise, Medikal, Kofi Kinaata, Kwesi Arthur, Kwami Eugene, Gyakie and Elaine Tobi are expected to also perform on the first day of the concert.

The second day will have; Fally Ipupa, Asake, dancehall showstopper Shatta Wale, Pheelz, Kidi, Albi-X, Young Stunna and Daliwonga, performing.

Some other Ghanaian artists, including Mzbell, Kwakese, Praye, Tinny, Tic Tac, will take patrons back into time with throwback hiplife records.

Meanwhile, Culture Management Group, the parent company of Afrochella has announced its ground-breaking partnership with Ronor Motors, a Ghanaian owned automobile company.

Through the partnership, Ronor Motors will provide a dedicated fleet of luxury cars for the Afrochella Festival.

Source: Ghana News Agency

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Western Regional Minister Thrills Audience with Anchors Dance

Takoradi (W/R), Dec 28, GNA – More than 30 masquerade clubs in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis came out to heighten the Christmas mood with a street carnival amidst brass band music, singing, dancing and gymnastics.

The street connecting Market Circle and the Takoradi Harbour was blocked as the various masquerade clubs converged to perform and display their gymnastic skills.

The event which was well patronised had in attendance the Western Regional Minister, Mr Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, Western Regional Member of the Council of State, Madam Eunice Buah, CEO of SKYY Power Media, and former DCE of Wassa-East, Mr. Wilson Arthur and other dignitaries .

Speaking to journalists, the Western Regional Minister Mr Darko-Mensah, who had electrified the spectators with skillful display of anchors dance, reiterated that the Western Regional Coordinating Council would lend the desired support to the masquerading clubs to gain international recognition and attract potential tourists to the Western Region.

He appealed to the clubs to exhibit their innate dancing skills to tell the rest of the country that the best was from the West.

Mr Fiffii Buckman, Executive Secretary of 38-year-old Sanato Club club with 850 membership, told Ghana News Agency that the club was poised to put up a splendid performance in a dance and gymnastics competition popularly called “Anchors”, also dubbed, “Takoradi Bronya”.

President of the Classic Ladies Club, Madam Elizabeth Boateng said the Club was five years old and would continue to care for the needy, poor and less-privileged in the society.

Mr. Wilson Arthur told GNA that organisers would continue to ensure that the street carnival remained attractive and appealing to all.

Anchors, which is an annual dance festival by the people of Takoradi, is a special dance with gymnastic displays in which dancers thrill the spectators.

Source: Ghana News Agency

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Afrobeat sensation Larry Prince to release new single on January 16

Accra, Dec. 28, GNA – Ghanaian Afrobeat sensation, Larry Prince is set to release a new single dubbed “Saachikin Ram” on January 16, 2022.

The new song produced by “Horrofix Umagar” is a well-curated masterpiece expected to make waves in the music circles.

Ahead of the release, Larry Prince, in an interview, was optimistic about the upcoming song becoming a household hit as he yearns to give fans back-to-back hits.

“I am very delighted about my next projects and some fans have expressed joy about it and I hope it makes waves,” he said.

Larry Prince has released several songs including “Koomigb3” “Body Pump,” “You Fine,” Digital Hustle,” and ”Rukia” which became groundbreaking hits in the music industry.

The music prodigy has been tipped to make greater exploits in the music considering his unique singing prowess.

Source: Ghana News Agency

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Supreme Dynamic Talent Academy Awards to confer on Fred Amugi Lifetime Achievement Award

Accra, Dec. 21, GNA – Supreme Dynamic Talent Academy Awards has unveiled the Veteran Actor; Fred Nii Amugi, as the 2022 Recipient of the Prestigious “SUPREME LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD IN FILM.” on Thursday.

ABOUT SUPREME DYNAMIC TALENT ACADEMY AWARDS (SDTA AWARDS)

The Supreme Dynamic Talent Academy Awards ®? (SDTA AWARDS, Pronounced as STAR AWARDS for the initials ) is the first Prestigious and Global Awards Organization from Africa to celebrate and honour the supremacy and dynamism of both African and international creatives & talents in the creative or entertainment Industry, whose works have projected the Arts and Entertainment sector exceptionally.

SDTA AWARDS also has a SPECIAL RECOGNITION Category which spotlights on all aspects of life to celebrate and honour personalities from around the globe with long standing service to the development of their respective fields and also to Humanity, for creative and innovative contributions.

SDTA AWARDS is presented in an Annual Awards show, hosted by Supreme Dynamic Talent Academy. SDTA Awards (Gala) provides a comprehensive, red carpet Awards experience within a

high-value networking and opportunity environment for industry professionals & Rookies.

ABOUT FRED NII AMUGI

Fred Nii Amugi was born at Teshie, Accra, Ghana on 5 November 1948.

He attended Broaks basic and Junior high School.

He then attended Takoradi Senior High School and Nungua Senior High school.

He joined the civil service for thirty-three years, rising to Acting Director of Supply in Ghana’s Ministry of Finance.

Amugi began his acting career in 1970 in Drama and Documentaries until 1985 when he starred in his first movie “Opinto”.

The television series brought him into the

limelight.

Amugi has appeared in numerous movie roles, including local Ghanaian movies, Shoe Shine Boy (2013), Nyame Bekyere 1&2 (2015), Menua Paa Nie (2016), Housekeepers (2016) among others.

His first international role came in 2005 when he played the character Kwame Attakora, in the BBC drama Holby City.

He later starred in Netflix 2015 movie, Beasts of No Nation as “Pastor”.

Amugi played the character Pastor Uchebo in the 2015 British award-winning movie “The Cursed”.

The Global prestigious Awards Gala and the Supreme Dynamic Talent Academy, Graduation will be held at the Prestigious, Ghana’s luxurious premier hotel ; La Palm Royal Beach Hotel in Accra, Ghana.

Speaking on why the Veteran Actor was chosen by the Awards Academy Board, to be the Recipient of the SUPREME LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD IN FILM RECIPIENT at the 2022 SDTA Awards.

The Awards C.E.O, Miss Zino, said, “ Sir Fred Amugi has paid his dues to the industry, in full and he very well deserves to smell his flowers, whiles he is still here, he has shown Supremacy with his work, craft, talent and consistent effort to put the Ghanaian film industry on the map.

I believe we have all seen him consistently put out all stops when it comes to his work & quite frankly, he is best deserving of this honor this year, for his sustained commitment to SUPREMACY and GROWTH of his career Over the decades, we are very proud of him. “

On Fred Amugi’s reaction about the honour; the elated Veteran Film Star, said he was very honoured and humbled by the Award and would give a full speech at the Awards Gala slated for Thursday.

Source: Ghana News Agency

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Ayigbe Edem lights up maiden Eve festival; rallies for women’s empowerment

Accra, Dec. 19, GNA – Ghanaian musician Ayigbe Edem has stressed the need to empower and involve women in various endeavours to enable them contribute their quota to national development.

The four-day maiden Eve Festival held at the El-Wak Sports Stadium in Accra witnessed a celebration of Ghanaian arts and culture as women across the country met to physically interact, highlight business opportunities, and learn new things.

Ayigbe Edem, who was one of the headline acts for the festival, thrilled audiences with some nostalgic hits and encouraged the women gathered to continue with their good works for the country.

Speaking at the end of his performance on the third day of the festival, the award-winning rapper highlighted the crucial roles played by women in areas of health, politics, the arts, and culture, among others.

He rallied for more opportunities to be given to women, as they represent the heartbeat of the nation’s progress.

The maiden Eve Festival organised by Eve International under the auspices of its Life Patron, Her Royal Highness Lady Julia Osei Tutu, gave talented designers a platform to showcase their designs on the runway as well as a forum organised to discuss pertinent issues affecting women. 

The Eve festival was climaxed by a music concert that saw musicians including Mawuli, Loli and Lola, Saint Berel, and a wonderful live band performance from the Live Bay Band.

Source: Ghana News Agency

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C/R Minister shows dancing prowess, unknowingly offering herself for marriage

Cape Coast, Dec 19, GNA – With her majestic dancing steps, calculated body moves and captivating smiles before a chief, Mrs Justina Marigold Assan, the Central Regional Minister, had no idea she was offering herself for marriage.

“I was later prompted by a linguist that a lady dancing before chiefs is a sign of availability to attract their proposal. So, I stopped immediately and now I have vowed not to dance in front of a chief again,” she said amidst laughter and cheers from the audience.

The Minister was sharing her experience and lessons learnt from the customs, traditions and culture at the National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFAC) in Cape Coast.

To her amazement, she revealed that she received a phone call immediately after the dance from a chief, whose name she did not mention, proposing to her, adding; “ignorance in our customs and traditions cannot be taken for granted. It’s no joke.”

“I nearly committed a blunder ooo,” she said as the audience screamed in excitement over the incident.

Mrs Assan observed that the event was not only entertaining but also very educative with many lessons to take home, commending the organisers and participants for its success.

She, therefore, called for the incorporation of the teaching and learning of Ghanaian traditions in the education system to improve the quality of life of the people.

The NAFAC, she noted, should be a platform to enlighten the people more on the cultural practices and traditions, their unique identity.

The Central Region put up a splendid show when it enacted the installation of the Safohen (Chief Warrior) to the admiration of the audience.

NAFAC is celebrated every two years on rotational basis to provide a platform to showcase the diversity and richness in Ghana’s ethnic and regional cultures to stimulate peace and unity.

The last time the Central Region hosted the event was in 1996, some 26 years ago.

This year’s celebration marks the 60th Anniversary of NAFAC, on the theme: “Reviving Patriotism, Peace and Unity through Cultural Diversity for Sustainable Development.”.

Subsequent celebrations are expected to be held in the newly created regions, starting with the Bono East Region in 2024.

Osabarimba Kwesi Atta, the Paramount Chief of the Oguaa Traditional Area, suggested that the festival should be made an annual event considering its enormous benefits to the country.

Source: Ghana News Agency

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Kpone-Katamanso fashion designers ready for Xmas??

Contemporary or moderate ladies seeking either something elegant or normal for Christmas fashion wear for religious service, parties and social gatherings, the Kpone-Katamanso fashion designers are set to meet the needs of all. 

A Ghana News Agency Tema Regional Office Pre-Christmas market monitoring at the Kpone-Katamsno Municipality focusing on the fashion and dressmaking industry unveiled that all the Christmas yuletide cannot be complete without the garment industry. 

GNA observed that the dressmakers have fashionable all traditional women’s wear for all occasions, which are very affordable for the best outfit to step out with during the Xmas season which includes: Kaba and Slit, Straight dresses, Petite, Plus Size, and Curves Style. 

 Speaking to GNA, Ms. Hannah Aseidu, a seamstress at Bediako near Kpone said that despite the popular economic challenges, customers were patronizing the services of dressmakers “as you cannot celebrate Christmas without a dress”. 

“Our clients are pouring in for different styles of garments to welcome the 2022 Christmas picking fabrics and designs of their choice,” Ms. Aseidu stated. 

She said ladies’ clothing is in high demand as compared to men, while Kaba and Slit are on top of demand, “due to this I close late or sometimes I work in the late hours of the night together with my apprentices”. 

Ms. Aseidu said, “business so far so good, the market is going on well for me, and also this is our season therefore I am looking forward to more orders from my clients”. 

Ms. Grace Wordey of ‘By His Grace Fashion Home’ told the GNA that demand for more kids’ outfits keeps coming than adults, explaining that most parents hold the view that the kids matter most in the Christmas yuletide and must be satisfied.  

“Buyers are actively diversifying their supply chains for Christmas apparel and seeking more competitive price points,” she said. 

Ms. Rose Donkor another fashion designer explained that the fashion business was high because clients are purchasing more for events and also for Christmas celebration. 

Ms. Forgive Adjorlolo of Abaah Fashion and Designing Center also in Kpone said business is ongoing but at a slow pace such that clients are not patronizing kids’ wear which has been sewn but rather going in for already made clothes. 

“But for the adults, they bring in their orders. Last year I made a lot of clothes as compared to this year. To crown it all dressmaking this year is increasing gradually for me, and I am hoping in receiving more orders, Ms. Adjorlolo stated. 

Ms. Angelina Teye of Purple Peplum Creations told the GNA that her center was busy with orders, but most of them are for brides and for other events.  

“I expect more Christmas orders from clients even though the pricing of items has increased but this year’s Xmas celebration would be a memorable one,” Ms. Teye stated. 

Source: Ghana News Agency

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Two-day training online trading for SME’s fixed for December 17

Accra, Dec. 16, GNA – Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs), will under-go a two-day training in online marketing and branding at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel.

The two-day training dubbed Kejefair 2022, would commence on Saturday, December 18, and end on Sunday, December 18, 2022.

Kejefair, is a trade show that leverages on social media to spur brand enhancement through the participation of online businesses, consumers, investors, brand ambassadors, social media influencers, and other stakeholders.

It would afford participants the opportunity to display, sell, and learn innovative marketing strategies and branding skills at the two-sure edition of the Kejefair 2022.

It would also allow entrepreneurs who trade online to have a one-on-one buying and selling experience with customers to ensure trust and good customer service relationship.

Entrepreneurs would be thought on how to market products online to target audience and develop a branding skill which would be appealing to customers.

Speaking to GNA Entertainment, Mr. Bernard Fiifi Yankey, Chief Executive officer of Kejefair said that most vendors defraud customers due to one or two reasons when buying online, so he thought it wise to bring all vendors together to enable vendor-customer relation to avoid purchase-fraud and inculcate good selling manners to vendors.

He said Kejefair seeks to expand customer base for vendors as customers would be able to purchase products at affordable prices.

The fair seeks to discount products upon purchase for customers.

“Looking at the economic situation currently, buying products at affordable prices would help in economic growth,” he added.

He said the fair seeks to help SMEs to acquire good marketing strategy and skills as the fair holds a seminar for business owners teaching them how to communicate and relate with clients.

“We educate vendors on how to brand, how to sell and lecture them on public relation issues.”

The fair would exhibit local foods, dance, and culture to portray the Ghanian arts and culture to people in Ghana and the diaspora, he said.

He said the fair would gradually be moved to other regions for other vendors outside Accra to partake in the fair.

He advised entrepreneurs to keep pushing and aim at achieving their determined goal.

However, Ms. Evelyn Sam, a vendor for Lyen Beauty and Hair Products in an interview with GNA Entertainment said, the fair was a good opportunity for vendors like Lyen beauty which is a new business to publicize its products for customers, build relationship and create brand exposure.

She said their products would be discounted to enable everyone to purchase.

“Quality hair and products are quite expensive but at kejefair it will be affordable for everyone,” she added.

Source: Ghana News Agency