Entertainment
Sunsuma,creatives and businesses to storm launch of Global Goals Arts Festival and Symposium in New Britain, Connecticut
The Sunsuma Pan African Dance Ensemble, along with designated corporate institutions, media houses, and other organisations, will proudly represent Ghana at the grand launching Ceremony and Symposium of the Global Goals Arts Festival.
This landmark event is set to take place at Trinity on Main in New Britain, Connecticut, USA, from September 12 to 14, 2024.
The Sunsuma Pan African Dance Ensemble, a globally acclaimed cultural, arts, and music group led by Nana Kwame Dadzie, who also serves as the President of the Ghana Dance Association, expressed their excitement about the event.
Speaking at the Afrowood Experience event held by BIDEC INC in Accra, Ghana, Dadzie emphasised that their participation is part of a broader initiative to promote Ghana and Africa on the global stage.
He highlighted that the Global Goals Arts Festival offers a unique opportunity for creatives and cultural communities to collaborate with governments and corporations in promoting and implementing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) before 2030.
Nana Kwame Dadzie also mentioned ongoing efforts to partner with BIDEC INC and other cultural groups from the Caribbean, African countries, and American states.
This collaboration aims to create a holistic cultural content that will promote Global Africa during the special launch and event in New Britain, Connecticut.
“This event is crucial for fostering cultural ties, sharing artistic expressions, and covering significant stories that resonate with our audience,” said Dadzie.
The initiative is spearheaded by the City of New Britain, Connecticut, and its leading institutions, including the Greater New Britain Chamber of Commerce, the New Britain Arts Council, Central Connecticut State University, and the District of New Britain.
These entities are working in direct partnership with BIDEC INC, a registered nonprofit based in the USA and Africa, in collaboration with Premium Talent Management Group (PTMG).
The Global Goals Arts Festival aims to celebrate and promote the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals through diverse artistic expressions, fostering a platform for cultural exchange and community engagement.
BIDEC INC.’s proven track record in successfully executing similar events.
Ghanaian musician Ezecheal Kwasi Asimeng Frimpong, popularly known as Ancienth has released a new Palmwine single titled ‘Asukese Abena’.
The song is a celebration of love, culture, and the timeless wisdom embedded in Ghana’s traditional way of life.
According to him, the project is meant to remind people that Palmwine music is not a relic of the past.
“Through this project, I want people to understand that Palmwine music is not a relic of the past, it is a living heritage that still speaks powerfully to the present,” he said.
Ancienth traces his journey in Palmwine music to the pioneering work of Kwame Asare, also known as Jacob Sam, and the Kumasi Trio. He credits them with laying the foundation for one of Ghana’s most important musical traditions, a path that later generations continue to walk.
“I entered this space because I believe every nation must protect its cultural voice,” Ancienth explained, adding that “Palmwine music carries our stories, values, humour, history, and identity. Preserving it is not only a musical responsibility but also a cultural one.”
The musician described the journey as rewarding but challenging, noting that traditional music often receives less attention and investment compared to mainstream genres.
To strengthen the space, he is calling for greater support from the media, cultural institutions, educational bodies, and the public.
“My appeal to Ghanaians is simple, support indigenous music, because when a people lose their cultural sound, they gradually lose part of their identity,” he added.
As a torchbearer of Palmwine Music, Ancienth says his mission is to honour the legacy of the pioneers while introducing Palmwine music to new generations and audiences across the world.
Asukese Abena is now available on all digital platforms, including YouTube
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has expressed profound sorrow over the death of celebrated visual artist and Guinness World Record holder Sharon Dede Padi, popularly known as Padiki.
In a statement signed on behalf of the Chief Executive Officer, Maame Efua Houadjeto, the Authority said Padiki’s passing was a painful loss to Ghana’s tourism and creative sectors, as well as the nation at large.
“Padiki was more than a Guinness World Record holder. She was a beacon of resilience, determination, creativity, and youthful excellence whose remarkable achievement brought pride not only to herself and her family but also to Ghana,” the statement said.
It added that through her determination to dream big and push boundaries, she inspired countless young people to believe that passion, perseverance and hard work could make the impossible possible.
The Authority said Ghana had lost “one of its brightest ambassadors whose story embodied the spirit of innovation, excellence, and the boundless potential of our people”.
Maame Efua Houadjeto, together with the management and staff of the GTA, extended condolences to Padiki’s family, friends and loved ones, as well as all those inspired by her journey.
