Entertainment
Cuba Embassy screens ‘Inocencia’ to UG students
The Cuba Embassy in Ghana last Friday, screened a movie titled ‘Inocencia’ (Innocence) for students and lecturers from the University of Ghana, Legon.
The event was part of activities to mark the Cuba Culture Day celebrations which was attended by students and lecturers from the Spanish, French and Legon Centre for International Affairs and Diplomacy.
Other activities scheduled for the celebrations include a gathering of Cubans living in Ghana, premiering of movies on Pan African TV among others.
Mrs Anette Chao Garcia, the Cuban Ambassador to Ghana, said the movie was based on a true-life story about eight students of medicine assassinated based on disinformation about them in Havana, Cuba in 1871.
The Ambassador said among other things, that the movie was to teach the students about honesty and truthfulness, no matter the circumstances.
Ms Benedicta Lomotey, the Director, Centre for Latin American Studies, UG, said the school had collaborated with the embassy on several programmess and therefore deemed it important to participate in such a historic event.
Ms Lomotey said Ghana and Cuba had similar historical cultural antecedents especially in slave trade and that motivated them to participate in the programme to learn more.
“This goes a long way to strengthen the cordial cooperation and diplomacy between the two countries. It also stands to strengthen the diplomacy between Ghana and Cuba.”
Yaa Kume Kyereme, a student and Nana Serwah Bediako, a National Service Person, shared their experiences with The Spectator after the event.
“We must speak out because social justice is a must for all in any given society,” they stressed.
The embassy conducted a quiz to test the knowledge of students in music, sports, politics, painting, history, geography, among others with prizes given to winners.
By Victor A. Buxton
Entertainment
Siisi Baidoo adjudged Best Male Vocalist at 2024 Praise Achievement Awards
Siisi Baidoo, one of Ghana’s most talented gospel artists, has been honoured with the Male Vocalist of the Year award at the just-ended prestigious Praise Achievement Awards 2024.
Over the years, Siisi Baidoo has distinguished himself with his rich music content and unrivalled vocal dexterity.
Other artistes in that category were Joe Mettle, Luigi Maclean, Kofi Owusu Peprah, Perez Musik, Kwaku Teye and others.
He has to his credit, songs such as ‘Otim Ho Daa’, ‘Fire’, ‘Jesus in My Boat’, ‘Mede W’ayeyi’, ‘Hymns of God’, among other great songs that have touched many lives with his latest being Do it Again featuring Joe Mettle.
The Praise Achievement Awards does not only celebrate established artists like Siisi Baidoo but also provides a platform to acknowledge the diverse talents contributing to the growth and vibrancy of gospel music in Ghana, from musicians and singers to producers, songwriters, and technical crew.
This year’s ceremony saw a host of other talented individuals recognised for their contributions. Nacee, Joe Mettle, Piesie Esther and other celebrated gospel artistes also received awards on the evening.
Siisi Baidoo has just released his highly anticipated new album ‘Writings on the Wall’ on Thursday, November 28, and hopes it will be a great blessing to all.
Entertainment
Israel Ofori thrills fans at Rhythms of Africa
One of Ghana’s budding gospel musicians, Israel Ofori, was among artistes that thrilled fans at the Rhythms of Africa event held at the Independence Square in Accra last Friday.
Themed ‘The peace edition,’ the free event aimed at promoting peace, unity and harmony ahead of the general elections today.
Minister Israel treated the audience to two of his songs, ‘Ene Wo’ and ‘Aseda’ to which the audience sang along and danced to.
Speaking to The Spectator after the event, Minister Israel said the opportunity offered him by the organisers was a great one, and was pleased to join Ghanaians and other gospel artistes to “lift the name of Jesus Christ at the Independence Square.”
“Ghana will remain peaceful before, during and after the elections because the praises and worship of Ghanaians have gone up so the glory of God will come down,” he added.
The night featured powerful performances from other gospel artistes such as Sonnie Badu, the brainchild of the event, Empress Gifty, Ceccy Twum, ACP Kofi Sarpong, Broda Sammy and other artists.
By Jemima Esinam Kuatsinu