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
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
