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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![Dr. Clement Abas Apaak [left] presenting the Overall best student award to master Dzade Kingsley.Photo Okai Elizabeth.](https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Dr.-Clement-Abas-Apaak-left-presenting-the-Overall-best-student-award-to-master-Dzade-Kingsley.Photo-Okai-Elizabeth-400x240.jpg)
![Dr. Clement Abas Apaak [left] presenting the Overall best student award to master Dzade Kingsley.Photo Okai Elizabeth.](https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Dr.-Clement-Abas-Apaak-left-presenting-the-Overall-best-student-award-to-master-Dzade-Kingsley.Photo-Okai-Elizabeth-80x80.jpg)
In a landmark move to bridge the creative economies of Francophone and Anglophone Africa, the Republic of Congo has initiated a creative collaboration with Ghana.
The partnership was aimed at promoting Pan-African integration through film, culture, and shared storytelling.
Madam Claudia Yoka, a renowned filmmaker and Presidential Technical Advisor from the Republic of Congo led a delegation that included Ms. Monie Lek, a Congolese actress and Mr. Dymo Sow, a Francophone filmmaker for the event. 
The visit was facilitated and supported by the African Chamber of Content Producers (ACCP), which has been at the forefront of continental creative integration through initiatives such as the Africa Monologue Challenge and the Africa Image Ambassador Programme.
During her stay, Madam Yoka held high-level meetings with the Chief Executive Officer of the National Film Authority of Ghana, Madam Kafui Danku, as well as other key creative industry stakeholders, including veteran filmmaker Mr. Roger Quartey and award-winning filmmaker Madam Juliet Asante.
Madam Claudia Yoka revealed why the Republic of Congo turned its attention to Ghana, citing Ghana’s historic role in the development of Nigeria’s film industry as a key factor.
Ghanaian creatives, technicians, and institutions were instrumental in the early growth of Nollywood, and Congo now seeks to replicate that transformative impact.
“Ghana has proven that it knows how to build film industries. We have seen what Ghana did with Nigeria. Now we want Ghana to do the same with the Republic of Congo,” Madam Yoka said.
Madam Kafui Danku, CEO of the National Film Authority, expressed the readiness of the NFA and the Government of Ghana to facilitate any policy framework needed to ensure the success of the collaboration.
She noted that Ghana was committed to becoming a hub for continental creative partnerships and that the government would remove bureaucratic hurdles to enable seamless co-productions between Ghana and the Republic of Congo. -GNA
Ghanaian singer Enam showcases her command of traditional music and spiritual storytelling in ‘Modzi’, the latest visual installment from her ‘Afro Spiritual’ catalogue.
Before the official music video was released, Enam issued a short film that portrays her unwavering devotion to her sanctified faith, even as dark forces attempt to derail her destiny.
Shot by Marine World Studios and directed by Nani Sage, the film serves as a visual and sonic meditation on purpose, protection and spiritual alignment.
Rooted in African ancestral traditions, it captures a moment of transition, where preparation ends and calling begins.
It tells a story of walking a path believed to have been written long before.
The rising artiste draws heavily from the Yeweh shrine traditions of the Volta Region, a heritage that forms the backbone of her self-defined genre, ‘Afro Spiritual’.
The new ‘Modzi’ project, African sounds and dance‑ready rhythms, since its debut has been praised as one of the most thoughtfully curated releases in the country’s contemporary music landscape.
In the newly released Modzi video, Enam is seen riding a canoe along the river while participating in symbolic traditional rites in the forest.
The music video highlights striking images of Anloga culture, heritage monuments and communal rituals, positioning it as a potential contender for video of the year.
The new single is available on major digital music platforms, and the video is available on YouTube.
