Entertainment
Congo seeks Ghana expertise to transform film industry
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 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
