Entertainment
Black History Festival 2024 to Unite Global African Diaspora in Columbus, Ohio
A festival aimed at celebrating and honoring the rich African heritage while also promoting economic empowerment within the African community is scheduled at Columbus Marriot Airport Hotel on February 22 to 24th 2024.
Dubbed:’ The Black History Festival”, it will feature a wide range of artistic expressions, including live music performances from African musicians, traditional dance performances, exhibitions of visual arts showcasing African talent, and literary events featuring African authors and poets.
Attendees will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the vibrant and diverse cultures of Africa through these various artistic mediums.
It would be held under the theme “Rebuilding the trans-atlantic trade ties for the socio-economic and cultural advancement of the peoples of Africa.”
In an interview with Mr Stephen Selasie Asuo, the Executive Coordinator for the Festival noted that the festive would reinforce historic connections, promote trade and development, and celebrate cultural heritage.
By facilitating collaboration and dialogue, he said the festival seeks to set the stage for future partnerships in policy reforms, trade treaties, professional exchanges, tourism, and more adding that some of the invited special guests for the event include Diplomatic Corps, Business Executives, the Academia, other key personalities, the media and the general public.
“We are thrilled to host the Black History Festival 2024 in Columbus, Ohio, and look forward to welcoming participants from around the world,”he added.
According to him, “Together, we will celebrate our shared heritage, explore opportunities for collaboration, and chart a path toward a brighter future for the African Diaspora.”
He said this year’s festival is open to participants from all six regions of Africa, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity and diversity. With an expected turnout of over 1,000 attendees, the event will feature speakers, panelists, and delegates from Africa, the Americas, and the African Diaspora worldwide.
The festival is an initiative powered by BIDEC (Bureau for International Development, Exchanges and Commerce), supported by the One Voice Consortium, KGL Group, M&C Group Global, Office of the President of Ghana (Diaspora Affairs Directorate), under the auspices of the African Union Mission to the USA and the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).
A diverse array of activities and events await attendees, including the Black History Walk (21st), Innovation and Technology Day (22nd), Black History Lecture (23rd), Global Africa Marketplace (22nd to 24th), the Africa-Americas Trade and Development Forum (24th morning session), and the prestigious Black History Makers Awards (24th evening). Entertainment activities and a tour will round off the festival, promising an enriching experience for all.
Entertainment
Prophet Atarah opens new studio, launches Atarah Praise 2025
Prophet Joseph Atarah has launched his annual event aimed at bringing believers together in an atmosphere of worship and praise.
The theme for this edition is ‘Restoration’ with the belief that patrons would be restored in the face of their challenges.
The programme will be in two parts, with the first scheduled to take place in the United Kingdom at 5pm on May 11, at Pleasant Place Church.
The Ghana edition will take place at the forecourt of Believer’s Grace Crown Ministry International, Bond Square, Adenta Barrier, at 4pm on May 25.
Prophet Atarah has paraded Piesie Esther, Kofi Owusu Peprah, Nana Yaw Asare and Mavis Asante among others for the Ghana edition.
For the UK edition, patrons will enjoy performances from Kofi Owusu Peprah, Kobby Mantey, Emmanuel Smith, and Ern Ruthy.
Speaking at the launch, Prophet Atarah said, God has been good throughout last year, and 2025 has started on a positive note.
Against this backdrop, he wants to bring believers together and, in unity, to praise God.
He said, like what happened last year, a lot of miracles will take place.
In a related development, Prophet Atarah also commissioned a new studio for rehearsals and live recordings.
This, he said, was not limited to him, but open to every musician across all genres.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Entertainment
Empress Gifty to thrill patrons at MTN Stands In Worship on Easter Sunday
Ghanaian gospel heavyweight, Empress Gifty is set to thrill thousands at this year’s MTN Stands In Worship event.
The programme brings believers together annually to celebrate the death and resurrection of Christ.
This year’s edition, slated for the Grand Arena on Sunday, April 20, will feature Empress Gifty.
Against this backdrop, the anointed gospel musician has urged all patrons to come with a heart of worship and praise.
She is optimistic that a lot of miracles will happen through the ministration.
“Through our ministrations instant miracles will happen and you are going to have an encounter with God,” she told The Spectator.
Empress Gifty again appealed to patrons not to come alone, but with their families and friends to receive blessings.
Empress Gifty, who had a big song dubbed Watch Me, has been nominated in the Best Traditional Gospel Song of the Year and Gospel Artiste of the Year categories at this year’s 26th Telecel Ghana Music Awards.
