Entertainment
Barcadi Ghana holds first ever Rum Day Contest

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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.
Entertainment
Ghanaian singer X Lor releases debut EP
Ghanaian singer and songwriter X Lor has released his debut extended play (EP), Tornado, a seven-track project that he says reflects years of artistic development and introduces his self-created music genre, ABL (Angels Beyond Limitations).
The EP, available on major streaming platforms from Friday, explores themes including love, loyalty, forgiveness, second chances and healing through a collection of emotionally driven songs.
“Tornado is a deeply personal body of work that showcases years of musical experimentation and growth, helping shape my own sound and genre, ABL,” X Lor said in a statement.
The project opens with “I Gotchu,” a song centred on trust and reassurance, while the title track, “Tornado,” celebrates romance and admiration. Other tracks include “By 7,” which reflects longing and the desire to sustain meaningful relationships, and “They Nuh Fi Know,” which explores intimacy and privacy.
“On My Mind” focuses on loyalty and companionship, “Go Away” examines the choice of self-preservation over a relationship, and the closing track, “Till the End,” expresses enduring commitment and love.
X Lor described the EP as more than a collection of songs, saying it captures different emotions, experiences and perspectives on love.
“Tornado is a collection of emotions, experiences and perspectives on love in its many forms—its beauty, its challenges, its sacrifices and its lasting impact,” he said.
He also credited his team, particularly executive manager Richard Boahene, for helping bring the project to life.
The release serves as the most comprehensive introduction yet to ABL, a genre X Lor created to define his artistic vision. According to the artist, ABL blends Afrobeats, Highlife, R&B, Soul, Gospel and contemporary African music while emphasising spirituality, authenticity and emotional expression.
Since launching his music career in 2018, X Lor has built a following as an independent artist. His single “By 7” has surpassed 100,000 streams across digital platforms, while his songwriting credits include collaborations with artists such as Mya Sima, Naja and Whitnee Dee.
He has also contributed songwriting, vocal arrangements and vocal production assistance to Ghanaian musicians Guru and Akan, and has performed alongside artists including KiDi, Mr Drew and Coco Vanilla.
Tornado was produced by Beat Vampire (Craze), Master Maison, Bamba Beats, Madtunes, Jaemally and Trevor Beats, with mixing and mastering handled by Gigz Beat and PSM Beats.
Entertainment
Ancienth releases ‘Asukese Abena’ to keep Ghana’s Palmwine music heritage alive

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




