Entertainment
Barcadi Ghana holds first ever Rum Day Contest
Barcadi Ghana recently held the first ever Rum Day Contest at the Lotus Bar, Cantonments with over 70 guests present.
The competition partnered by Marina Distribution Limited, Ghana, brought together Bartenders from across major outlets in the country.
It started with round-robin style, seeing who could shake the fastest and make the best cocktails for a panel of renowned judges consisting Ms. Innocentia Taliwe, Bacardi Marketing Development Manager (West Africa), Mr. Terry Sowah, Bacardi Trade Ambassador (Ghana) Mr Cameron Hawkins, Bacardi Brand Ambassador, Ms Audrey Boistol, Brand Manager of Bacardi, Martini and D’usse (Asia Pacific, Middle East, Africa) and Mr Chris Beany, Academy Chair, 50 Best Bars.
The Bartenders were selected via video presentations of themselves making their favourite Bacardi rum cocktails inspired by a story. There were over 80 entries where 15 were shortlisted for the final competition.
Inspiration of the Cocktails was a factor where participants were to educate consumers on Story, Scene or Incident from where they derived their special curated Cocktails.
The selection was based on Aesthetics of the Bacardi Rum Cocktails, which consisted of choice of Glassware, garnish or accompaniments served with the Cocktail
Each competitor made a round of cocktails selected at random, and culled from specially curated recipes, which where then evaluated based on accuracy, taste and presentation.
The criteria and technique considered were mainly through cocktails preparation, applying appropriate hygiene (COVID-19) protocols as well as necessary bartender etiquette.
Participants included; Edgar Davies: Front/Back, Edward Asare: Lotus Bar, Prince Charles Sarkodie: Base Lounge, Benjamin Amoako: Pomona, Alexander Deladem Afeli :Brasa Restaurant, Isaac : Freelance Bartender, Henry Tawiah: Brasa, Daniel Makunu: Front/Back, Kevin Kpade: Exhale Lounge, Ismalia Issaka: Area Bar, Emmanuel Nortey: Rockefellas Restaurant , David Nyamekye:Front/Back, Osborn:Neem Grill, Kamsy Brown: Kozo Restaurant, George Nortey: No X Restaurant and Lounge.
At the end of the competition, Alexander Afeli of Brasa restaurant was crowned “The King Of Bacardi Rum Coctails and took home the ultimate prize of GH₵6,000.
Kamsy Brown came second winning GH₵4,000 and Kevin Spade also took the third position with a GH₵2,000 cash prize.
Ghanaian musician Sparqlyn is set to release another big hit.
His latest release, ‘Rosina,’ features Germany-based Ghanaian musician, video director, and sound engineer TEENO (known privately as Eric Kwame Tamakloe).
TEENO’s project ‘Signs’ was recently accepted by the Grammys for official consideration in the ‘Album of the Year’ category. Now, ‘Rosina’ is making serious waves across the airwaves.
Coming shortly after the impressive reception to his previous single ‘Fameko,’ ‘Rosina’ is already receiving strong attention from music lovers and radio listeners.
This new song carries an infectious Afrobeats and Hiplife feel while maintaining the romantic direction that characterised ‘Fameko,’ Sparqlyn’s 2026 Highlife collaboration with Ziya.
‘Fameko’ marked an important moment in Sparqlyn’s musical journey, with the love-themed highlife record receiving positive reactions from music lovers and media platforms following its June 2026 release.
The song became one of the highlights of his 2026 output, ranking high on multiple charts.
‘Fameko’ has also bagged Sparqlyn two top nominations: “Highlife Song of the Year” and “Artist of the Year” at the 2026 Stars Awards.
The combination of a romantic storyline, Afrobeats rhythm, and Hiplife influence give the song a sound that fits comfortably into the current Ghanaian music landscape.
The timing of the song’s release could also prove significant for the award-winning artiste. Sparqlyn recently secured two nominations at the 2026 Ghana Youth Empowerment Awards, where he is in contention for Youth Empowerment Advocate of the Year and Outstanding Youth Personality of the Year.
With ‘Fameko’ having established strong momentum earlier in the year and ‘Rosina’ now beginning to enjoy significant airplay, Sparqlyn appears to be ending another eventful chapter of his musical career on a high note.
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Ghanaian highlife and Afrobeats singer Kuami Eugene Marfo known in showbiz circles as Kuami Eugene has urged fellow musicians and entertainers to use their influence on social media and other platforms to champion causes that positively impact society.
The award-winning artiste made the call during a UNICEF Ghana birth registration advocacy campaign in Bepoase in the Ayensuano District of the Eastern Region, where he joined officials from UNICEF Ghana and the Births and Deaths Registry to raise awareness about the importance of registering children at birth.
He explained that artistes wield significant influence and should leverage platforms such as TikTok, Facebook and Instagram to amplify important social initiatives and encourage behavioural change.
The musician, who has partnered UNICEF Ghana on several child-focused campaigns, said he had a special interest in issues affecting children and was committed to supporting efforts that improved their welfare and future opportunities.
He noted that birth registration was critical because it established a child’s legal identity and ensured recognition as a Ghanaian citizen.
The advocacy drive forms part of UNICEF Ghana’s efforts to improve birth registration rates across the country through community engagements, public education and collaboration with traditional authorities.
The musician said he remained focused on creating quality music while continuing to support social causes that contribute to national development, particularly initiatives aimed at improving the lives of children. –GNA
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