Entertainment
Black Star Experience secretariat signs agreement with National Arts Council of South Africa
BLACK Star Experience Secretariat (BSE), Ghana at the Office of the President, has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Arts Council of South Africa (NACSA).
This partnership reaffirms the BSE Secretariat’s mandate to position Ghana as a premier hub for cultural exchange and creative collaboration.
This partnership represents a significant step in building cross-continental platforms that celebrate Africa’s rich heritage, strengthen people-to-people ties, and expand opportunities for African creatives to thrive globally.
The MoU was signed at a ceremony hosted at the National Arts Council headquarters in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Representing Ghana was Mr Rex Owusu Marfo, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Black Star Experience Secretariat, while NACSA was represented by its Acting CEO, Ms Julie Diphofa.
This historic agreement underscores the shared commitment of President John Dramani Mahama and President Cyril Ramaphosa to cultural diplomacy as a vehicle for African unity, economic growth, and global influence.
The collaboration will focus on key areas such as, cultural and creative exchange programmes, Heritage preservation, Arts education partnerships and residencies, institutional exchanges, internships, and training opportunities, as well as joint research and development initiatives.
As part of the agreement, South African creatives will gain access to Ghana’s vibrant cultural platforms including Creatives Connect Afrika, Afro Future, Tidal Rave Ghana, Beyond The Return and the Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA) among a tall list of events.
These events are celebrated across West Africa and the diaspora, providing a gateway to a combined market of over 460 million people.
Speaking at the ceremony, Presidential Staffer and BSE Coordinator, Mr Rex Owusu Marfo, highlighted the significance of the partnership: “This is more than an agreement, it is a bridge between Ghana and South Africa, and by extension, between West and Southern Africa. Our nations share deep historical bonds
According to him, Ghana, as the first sub-Saharan African country to gain independence, and South Africa, whose liberation struggle inspired the world, have always stood as beacons of resilience, creativity, and leadership on the continent.
He added that, “Through this partnership, the BSE aims to: Promote cultural and creative exchanges that allow our artists to learn from one another, showcase their work across borders, and inspire future generations.”
Mr Marfo of BSE was accompanied by a high-level Ghanaian delegation including, Mrs Charlotte Djan – Ghana High Commission, South Africa, Mr Kofi Okyere Darko – Director, Office of the President, Diaspora Affairs, Mr Gilbert Abeiku Aggrey – Deputy CEO, Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), Ms Annabelle McKenzie – Director, Beyond the Return Secretariat, Mr William Ahadzi – Regional Director (Upper East), GTA and Mr Matthew Mensah – Chief Liaison Officer, BES.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
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Entertainment
Franky 5 is new host of Max Morning Live
Celebrated radio and television personality Frank Kwabena Owusu affectionately called Franky 5 has officially joined the iMAX Media Group.
The renowned presenter is set to light up the screens of Max TV as host of the station’s flagship morning show, Max Morning Live, starting Monday, September 8, 2020, from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m.
Franky 5 brings with him many years of rich experience in media, combining exceptional television and radio presentation skills with a proven track record in event organisation and creative production. His addition promises to deliver an exciting, refreshing experience to viewers of Max TV.
Over the years, Franky 5 has carved a unique niche in the Ghanaian media and showbiz industry with his dynamic and versatile style of presentation. Whether formal or informal, his delivery blends professionalism with an engaging flair that resonates with diverse audiences.
Beyond his on-screen duties, Franky 5 will also serve as Head of Entertainment and Events at iMAX Media Group, where he will play a key role in shaping the station’s entertainment content and driving innovative initiatives.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Entertainment
Osanju is dead
Popular Ghanaian content creator, Elvis Frimpong, known in showbiz circles as Osanju has been reported dead.
According to sources, he was said to have died in the early hours on Monday, September 1, 2025 after a long battle with blood cancer (Leukemia)
His death has been a shock in the Ghanaian community especially coming shortly after his last post.
His demise comes five months after he had laid his mother, Amounu, also a tiktoker, to rest, having lost her in January.
Hours before his passing, he had posted a video on Sunday with friends watching the Barcelona vs. Rayo Vallecano match, prompting many fans to initially dismiss the reports as a hoax.
Osanju’s death has been described as a huge loss by followers who admired his openness, resilience and positive outlook in the face of ill health.
However, Osanju had previously shared his battle with leukemia, a cancer of the blood, on his TikTok account, even eerily predicting his own demise on a couple of occasions.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
