Entertainment
Black Star Experience secretariat signs agreement with National Arts Council of South Africa
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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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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
The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has expressed profound sorrow over the death of celebrated visual artist and Guinness World Record holder Sharon Dede Padi, popularly known as Padiki.
In a statement signed on behalf of the Chief Executive Officer, Maame Efua Houadjeto, the Authority said Padiki’s passing was a painful loss to Ghana’s tourism and creative sectors, as well as the nation at large.
“Padiki was more than a Guinness World Record holder. She was a beacon of resilience, determination, creativity, and youthful excellence whose remarkable achievement brought pride not only to herself and her family but also to Ghana,” the statement said.
It added that through her determination to dream big and push boundaries, she inspired countless young people to believe that passion, perseverance and hard work could make the impossible possible.
The Authority said Ghana had lost “one of its brightest ambassadors whose story embodied the spirit of innovation, excellence, and the boundless potential of our people”.
Maame Efua Houadjeto, together with the management and staff of the GTA, extended condolences to Padiki’s family, friends and loved ones, as well as all those inspired by her journey.
