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
Redeemed Baptist Church congratulates trio
Three members of the Redeemed Baptist Church in Ogbojo – Emerita Professor Elizabeth Ardayfio-Schandorf, Mrs Florence Mangwe Hutchful and Mrs Comfort Owusu, were among 22 award recipients for their exceptional contribution to national development at the 10th Ghana Women of Excellence Awards ceremony held in Accra.
The trio were recognised for their exceptional performances in their respective field of endeavours.
Emerita Ardayfio-Schandorf is a seasoned geographer and Chairperson of the Public Interest and Accountability Committee (PIAC), Mrs Hutchful comes in as the first President of the Chartered Institute of Human Resource Management, Ghana and Mrs Owusu as the Executive Director of the Association of Rural Banks (ARB) Ghana.
The awards, held on the eve of the International Women’s Day, is a component of Ghana’s observation of the Day which was under the theme ‘Empowering the Ghanaian woman for National Development.”
The clergy and congregation of the Redeemed Baptist Church says Ayekoo to the award winners.
Entertainment
TGMA unveils nominees for 26th edition
Organisers of the Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA) have unveiled nominations for the 26th edition of the awards.
A ceremony to unveil the awards held last Saturday at the Grand Arena was filled with shocks, surprises, and excitement.
The ultimate category, Artiste of the Year will see, Kweku Smoke, Joe Mettle, Team Eternity, King Promise, Black Sherif, King Paluta and reigning champion, Stonebwoy.
King Paluta, King Promise and Stonebwoy
Best New Artiste of the Year, a key category for the emerging talents to make a mark will feature Lali X Lola, Arathejay, Rap Fada, Beeztrap KOTM, and Kwesi Amewugah.
Lovers of gospel music will have a tough time choosing Empress Gifty, Joe Mettle, Team Eternity, Piesie Esther, Diana Hamilton or MOG Music as the Gospel Artiste of the Year.
Medikal, Sarkodie, King Paluta, Black Sherif, Kweku Smoke, Beeztrap and Amerado will battle it out for the Best Hiplife/Hip Hop Artiste of the Year crown.
A category which would generate controversy is the Best Rap Performance with a fierce contest between Sarkodie, Okyeame Kwame, Eno Barony, Lyrical Joe, Flowking Stone and Kweku Smoke.
There are other interesting categories like Highlife Song of the Year, Telecel Most Popular Song, Male and Female Vocalists of the Year among others up for grabs for the 26th edition of the Telecel Ghana Music Awards.
The reigning Artiste of the Year, Stonebwoy was nominated in the same category again in addition to Album/EP of the Year – “Up and Running”, Best Reggae/Dancehall Song – “Psalm 23”, Best Music Video – “Jejereje”, Best Reggae Dancehall Artiste, International Collaboration of the Year – “Ekelebe” featuring OdumoduBlvck, “Jiggle And Whine” featuring Spice, and Most Popular Song – “Jejereje”.
This year’s edition of Ghana’s biggest music night comes off on May 3, 2025, at the Accra International
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
