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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Ghanaian gospel dynamo, Piesie Esther, has expressed her readiness to take home the Gospel Artiste of the Year, Telecel Most Popular Song of the Year and Traditional Gospel Song of the Year awards at this year’s Telecel Ghana Music Awards.
The musician with many years of success under her belt in the gospel music industry has been nominated for three categories at this year’s Telecel Ghana Music Awards.
Piesie Esther was nominated for Gospel Artiste of the Year, Traditional Gospel Song of the Year, and Most Popular Song of the Year with her smash hit, Nyame Ye.
The award-winning musician believes that she had a wonderful year in 2025, which deserves recognition.
According to her, with over 36 shows, millions of streams enjoyed by her Nyame Ye song, coupled with numerous brand engagements, she was in a pole position to outwit other competitors.
“Family, I need your love and support now more than ever! I’ve been nominated at the Telecel Ghana Music Awards and we’re going all out for the win! ,” she noted.
She called on all and sundry that “Every single vote counts, and I truly appreciate your continuous support. Let’s do this together.”
This year’s Telecel Ghana Music Awards is slated for May 9, 2026 at the Palms Convention Centre in Accra.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Patrons at +233 Bar and Lounge had an unforgettable experience at the OK@50 All White Birthday Party last Saturday, April 18.
The Ghanaian music icon, Okyeame Kwame, turned 50 years last Friday, April 17, 2026.
Against this backdrop, the ‘Rap Dacta’ organised an All-White Party on Saturday to mark his 50th birthday to raise funds for the construction of a Paediatric Emergency Ward at the Manhyia Hospital.
This is a legacy project the musician is embarking on to mark his 50th birthday.
As part of the concert, patrons were treated to scintillating live performances by Afriyie Wutah, Akwaboah, Sista Afia, Kuami Eugene, KiDi, Kwabena Kwabena, Ras Kuuku, Abiana, Adina, Abochi, Kweku Darlington, and Kunta Kinte of Bradez fame.
One of the country’s finest DJs, Andy Dosty, also had his turn to mesmerise the patrons with hits from the past to present, a moment which saw many patrons on their feet for most of the time.
Okyeame Kwame rocked the gathering with numerous hits from his repertoire, including his new song dubbed ‘Clap.’
He also expressed appreciation to those who has genuinely supported his career to impact the lives of others.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
