Entertainment
Build national dance studio …Traditional dancer urges government
Bukom Mama on stage
Samuel Mama Marquaye, a traditional dancer known by his stage name Bukom Mama, has called on the government and industry stakeholders to build a national dance studio to help local dancers develop their talents.
He said cultural dance would generate more revenue for the country if the necessary investment was made in the sector.
Speaking in an interview with The Spectator in Accra, Mr Marquaye said that the governments of Senegal and Guinea had invested in Performing Arts and were reaping the benefits.
He said, “Dancing projects the aesthetic culture of the country and it could be used to preserve our heritage when the needed attention is given to it.”
“We can’t go away from our tradition and our heritage, therefore, we need sponsorship and promotion to help increase youth involvement in this rich cultural heritage,” he said.
The performer with two decades of experience in the industry, observed that cultural dancers had not received the necessary recognition over the years and that it was time to change the narrative.
According to him, Western influence on Ghanaian music and dance was killing indigenous cultural heritage. For this reason, he said the government and stakeholders should “invest in the industry so that the values of traditional dancing and drumming can be exposed and enhanced.”
He further called for equal opportunities for traditional drummers and dancers so they could drive good financial returns from their craft.
By Joyceline Natally Cudjoe
Kwame Nsiah Apau, widely known as Okyeame Kwame, and the Rap Dacta, celebrated his 50th birthday with the release of a rhythmic reggae tune titled “Clap.”
The song shines a spotlight on applauding those making remarkable contributions to society and encourages people to celebrate the successes of their friends and family.
Just a week after its release, “Clap” has garnered widespread positive reactions from influencers across Ghana, Jamaica, America, South Africa, and other parts of the world.
In one of the reaction videos shared by Okyeame Kwame, renowned entrepreneur and philanthropist Richard Nii Armah Quaye, aka RNAQ, expressed his admiration, saying, “Love this song and the lyrics. I want to support its promotion with GHC 100,000. Well done.”
Okyeame Kwame, who had previously promised to build a Paediatric Emergency Ward at Manhyia Hospital in Kumasi before his birthday, would certainly benefit from this generous support for such a meaningful project.
His 50th birthday celebration was a successful all-white event held at +233 Pub and Grill, featuring amazing performances that added to the memorable occasion.
Watch Okyeame Kwame clap visualiser here:
https://youtu.be/qMO-Ufr6Vwc?is=ByivCkKtmUVcHxV_
Organisers of the Telecel Ghana Music Awards 27 have announced “A Touch of Glitter as the official red carpet theme for this year’s ceremony.’’
In a statement issued on Thursday, April 16, Charterhouse indicated that the theme is designed to promote elegance and creativity while maintaining a refined fashion standard.
According to the organisers, the red carpet remains one of the most anticipated moments of the awards, offering artistes, celebrities, and guests the opportunity to express themselves through fashion while celebrating Ghanaian identity.
They explained that for this year’s edition, attendees are encouraged to include subtle elements of shimmer in their outfits.
This, they noted, can be done through fabric choices, embellishments, or accessories, with the focus on elegance rather than excess.
The statement added that the red carpet event will take place on May 9, 2026, at 7:06 pm, ahead of the main awards ceremony.
Head of Public Events and Communications at Charterhouse, Robert Klah, noted that the theme invites guests to explore creativity with sophistication while maintaining a polished appearance.
The organisers further assured that the event will continue to deliver a blend of music, fashion, and culture, making it a key highlight on Ghana’s entertainment calendar.
By Jacob Aggrey
