Entertainment
‘Black Panther 2’ first trailer unveils Marvel’s emotional return to Wakanda
Marvel is bringing fans back to Wakanda in the first trailer for “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.”‘
The trailer is strung together with a lyrical motif of “We gonna be alright” from Kendrick Lamar’s “Alright,” moving between images of Wakanda’s aquatic environments, futuristic technology and what appears to be a funeral with crowds of Wakandans dressed in white.
“I am Queen of the most powerful nation in the world, and my entire family is gone,” Angela Bassett’s Ramonda declares.
A question lingers over the trailer: who will take on the mantle of the Black Panther? A figure is seen in the hero’s suit at the end of the trailer, though it isn’t clarified who is in the costume.
The footage debuted at the conclusion of Marvel Studios’ massive panel at San Diego Comic-Con Saturday evening, introduced by a group of traditional African singers performing a fanfare for the follow-up’s panel.
Writer-director Ryan Coogler, who helmed the first “Black Panther,” then took the stage to discuss the sequel, reflecting on the death of the series’ former star, Chadwick Boseman. Boseman, who played lead T’Challa, died in August 2020 after a private, four-year battle with colon cancer.
“It’s going to be hard to follow that up, but we’ll try,” Coogler said. “It’s been five years since I was here. I sat about there and we premiered the first footage from ‘Black Panther 1,’ and sitting next to me was our T’Challa, the late great Chadwick Boseman.”
Coogler shared that Boseman was squeezing the director’s shoulder while watching the first footage. “I promise you, I can feel his hand on me right now.”
Coogler also offered some information on the sequel, saying “it goes to new places in Wakanda that we haven’t seen before and it goes to new places in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.”
“Black Panther” stars Lupita Nyong’o, Letitia Wright, Danai Gurira, Florence Kasumba and Winston Duke were then introduced by Coogler on the Comic-Con stage.
“It’s a labor of love, and I have so much gratitude to be a part of it and be able to share it with you,” Duke said of the sequel.
“It’s a blessing. We’ve all grown so much as a family, and it feels great to see you guys and honor big bro at the same time,” Wright said.
Series newcomers such as Michaela Coel, Dominique Thorne, Alex Nivilani, Mabel Cadena and Tenoch Huerta, also joined the panel. Huerta will portray Marvel Comics favorite Namor, the Submariner in the film.
“I’m excited and I’m so happy to be here,” Huerta said. “I want to say something really fast about inclusion. I come from the hood and, thanks to inclusion, I’m here. I wouldn’t be here without inclusion. A lot of kids in the hood are here looking at us dreaming to be here. And they’re going to make it! They’re going to make it!”
Coel commended the musical performance that opened the panel, stating that “It feels really special seeing the drummers and dancers. It reminded me what an honor it was to support this cast.”
Wright spoke to Variety in May about the significant impact Boseman’s passing had on the cast, stating that the new film is “an incredible honor” to the late actor.
“We honored him by committing ourselves to the story that he started, the legacy that he started with this franchise,” Wright told Variety. “And we just committed every day to working hard, no matter what circumstances we faced — and we faced a lot of circumstances, a lot of difficult situations — but we came together as a team, and we poured everything into this movie, so I’m excited for you to see it.”
“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” will be released in U.S. theaters on Nov. 11.
Source: Variety.com
Entertainment
Nana Jesse releases prayer song from Upper Room Experience concert
Kumasi-based gospel singer Nana Jesse, known in showbiz circles as Sylvester Gyasi, has released a prayer song from the Upper Room Experience Concert.
The song, titled ‘let your will be my will’, reflects Nana Jesse’s heartfelt surrender to God, expressing his dependency on divine guidance.
Through soul-stirring lyrics and a harmonious chorus, he and his accompanying musicians declared their submission to God’s will, reaffirming their trust in His direction.
Released on Friday, May 30, the song is already resonating with listeners, gaining more views on YouTube within days of its debut.
Fans have praised its uplifting message and the rich blend of voices that bring the prayer to life.
‘Let your will be my will’ was carefully arranged by Nana Jesse, Nana Kofi Junior, and Moses Boadu, ensuring a powerful and spiritually enriching experience for all.
With its heartfelt lyrics and inspiring melodies, it is set to bless many across different walks of life, offering a reminder of faith, surrender, and divine purpose.
The official song is available now on YouTube.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
Entertainment
Miss Tourism Ghana 2024 thrills the world at Miss Orient Tourism Global
2024 Miss Tourism Ghana, Lawrencia Ama Yeboah, thrilled the world with breathtaking performances at the recently concluded Miss Orient Tourism Global pageant in Malaysia.
Her mind-blowing performance earned her the 2nd runner-up slot and other accolades at Miss Orient Tourism.
Miss Orient Tourism Global is a beauty pageant focused on promoting tourism and celebrating global unity and cultural diversity.
Speaking to The Spectator after the event, Miss Tourism 2024, Lawrencia Ama Yeboah said, it is a dream come true and honour to represent her beloved Ghana on a global stage.
She said, from “May 18 to 24, I immersed myself in the vibrant culture of Malaysia for the Miss Orient Tourism Global pageant, and I’m thrilled to share that I’ve returned home as the Second Runner-Up. It was an absolute dream come true, and I couldn’t be prouder of what we, as Ghana, achieved.
According to her, the week was a whirlwind of unforgettable moments,adding that they kicked things off with glamorous evening gown and swimwear photoshoots, which were her first real taste of the international spotlight.
“However,it was during the National Costume competition that my heart truly swelled with pride. I poured my soul into showcasing Ghana’s rich heritage, and standing there in our beautiful traditional attire, I was absolutely ecstatic to be named the First Runner-Up for Best National Costume.It felt like a win for every Ghanaian, a testament to our incredible artistry,” she revealed.
Recounting how her experience commenced, she told the paper “Our journey took us from the historical charm of Melaka to the bustling energy of Kuala Lumpur, where we settled into the luxurious Royal Chulan Damansara. The excitement continued at the KL Gateway Mall, where subsidiary awards were presented. I was genuinely humbled and delighted to be awarded Miss Crowning Glory.”
The grand finale on May 23,2025 was electrifying considering the fierce competition, however, Miss Tourism Ghana became overjoyed to win another sash as the Second Runner-Up Miss Photogenic, proving that Ghana’s beauty truly shines.
Excitement reached its crescendo when she was called again as the overall Second Runner-Up of Miss Orient Tourism Global.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Miss Tourism Ghana Organisation, Mrs. Delphine Brew-Hammond, expressed appreciation to GTP, Tang Palace Hotel, NASCO, Kaya Tours, Lush Hair, and Max Beauty, among others, for helping project Ghana’s cultural heritage on the international stage.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
