Entertainment
Kanye West stirs controversy in ‘White Lives Matter’ T-shirt at Paris fashion week
NEW YORK, NY – FEBRUARY 11: Kanye West attends Kanye West Yeezy Season 3 at Madison Square Garden on February 11, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Yeezy Season 3)
It was billed as a surprise fashion show but landed as a bigger surprise than expected. A “secret” catwalk event by Kanye West at Paris fashion week included a T-shirt with the slogan “White Lives Matter”.
The shirt, which featured a photo of Pope John Paul II on the front, was worn by models on the catwalk and by Ye, as West prefers to be known, along with the rightwing commentator Candace Owens, a guest at the show.
Before the Yeezy Season 9 show began, Ye told the audience: “Everyone here knows that I am the leader … you can’t manage me. This is an unmanageable situation.”
He went on to reference his ex-wife Kim Kardashian’s robbery in Paris in 2016, his former manager Scooter Braun, and his recent falling out with Gap. Naomi Campbell modelled in the show but she did not wear the controversial T-shirt. The rapper’s daughter North West led a children’s choir who performed at the event.
The Anti-Defamation League categorises the phrase White Lives Matter, which reframes the Black Lives Matter phrase used to protest against brutality, as a hate statement.
Ye has previously made problematic statements about race. In 2018, he said 400 years of slavery in the US “sounds like a choice”, although he later attempted to row back from the comment.
The show marked Ye’s return to high fashion after collaborations with Gap and Adidas recently came to an abrupt end. In September, Ye severed a two-year partnership with Gap, claiming the store failed to meet the terms of the contract.
He has since criticised the $200 price tags Gap put on the T-shirts. In the same month, Ye announced his intention to break with Adidas, saying “it’s time for me to go it alone”.
In 2016, a previous Yeezy show in New York was criticised after models were required to stand for long periods with no shade or water. The show, held in the grounds of Roosevelt Island, was two hours late and one model fainted before it was over.
This was the fourth fashion show Ye has held in Paris, where he made his debut as a fashion designer in 2011. His fashion career began in 2008, when he took an internship at Fendi; the following year, he attended Paris fashion week for the first time.
Ye told Vogue Business: “Paris is the high cathedral of fashion. If I’m doing music, rap music, I’m going to put my hoodie on and get an Uber and go over to Future’s house. Day after day. And if we’re working on clothes? Paris.”
Source: starrfm.com.gh
Entertainment
Oncemore Six to headline Symphonic Gospel Meets Orchestra 2024
Symphonic Music Ghana is set for the 4th edition of the Symphonic Gospel Meets Orchestra concert, scheduled for December 22 at The Palms Convention Centre in Accra.
This year’s event will feature renowned South African gospel artiste Oncemore Six as the main performer.
The singer is known for his powerful worship songs like “Here on our knees” and “Ohlonishwayo”.
‘Oncemore Six’ has inspired audiences across Africa with his heartfelt music.
Joining him on stage will be a lineup of talented gospel musicians, including Grace Charles, Shadrach Kwesi Mensah, Efe Grace, Charnté Eseyin, Lordina The Soprano, Kofi Owusu Peprah, Luigi Maclean, Enuonyam, and more. This diverse group of artistes promises to deliver a memorable evening of worship and praise.
The concert aims to blend contemporary gospel music with classical orchestral elements, creating a unique and uplifting experience for all attendees. As a live recording event, it offers the audience an opportunity to be part of a significant moment in Ghana’s gospel music scene.
The tickets are still available for purchase.
You can’t miss this opportunity to experience a night of powerful worship and musical excellence. Mark your calendars for tomorrow and join at The Palms Convention Center for an unforgettable evening.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
Entertainment
2024 Eastern Music Awards: Daasebreba Kwame crowned Artiste of the Year
Rising music sensation Daasebreba Kwame has been crowned Artiste of the Year at the 2024 Eastern Music Awards held at the Koforidua Cultural Centre.
The Eastern Music Awards, currently in its fifth year, promotes and recognises remarkable artistes thriving in the region and throughout Ghana in a variety of categories.
The night featured thrilling performances by nominees and past winners, highlighting the Eastern Region’s rich musical tradition.
Daasebreba Kwame, who is signed to the Yaco International record label, has had a successful year, winning the prestigious Artiste of the Year award, as well as Highlife Song of the Year at this year’s Eastern Music Awards.
Daasebreba Kwame’s Artiste of the Year prize package included a performance at the 2025 African Music Week in Canada.
In his acceptance speech, Daasebreba Kwame expressed gratitude to his fans for their unwavering support and dedicated this award to all aspiring musicians in Ghana.
He emphasised the importance of staying true to one’s musical roots while embracing innovation in music, and this was received by massive applause from attendees at the auditorium.
This accolade is a significant milestone in the career of Daasebreba Kwame, who is known for his unique blend of traditional Ghanaian sounds with contemporary music styles, which has captivated audiences both locally and internationally.
Winning this award not only highlights Daasebreba Kwame’s individual talent but also underscores the growing recognition of Eastern Region artistes within Ghana’s broader music industry.
Daasebreba Kwame’s victory at the Eastern Music Awards marks a significant achievement not just for him but for all artistes striving for excellence in their craft.
As he continues to inspire others through his music and dedication to cultural heritage, it is clear that he will remain a prominent figure in Ghana’s evolving music landscape.
This year’s event saw an increase in nominations across various genres, reflecting a diverse range of musical expressions emerging from the region.
