Entertainment
COVID-19 restrictions:Will the entertainment industry bounce back?
The continuing COVID-19 crisis is undoubtedly creating enormous uncertainty and change in the running of affairs in the entertainment industry across the world.
For this reason, one of the questions with no clear-cut answer on the minds of stakeholders is, when will the industry return to normal considering the devastating effect of the pandemic?
Some players in the entertainment industry had made significant job cuts and business changes to survive the initial disruption in the COVID-19 crisis, but with the continuing restrictions, recovery will be ‘a hard nut’ to crack.
Following the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions in Ghana somewhere last year after the Ghana Health Service told a good news of drastic reduction in number of people infected it was all Joy for the entertainment industry.
All those in the value chain, ie, musicians, actors, comedians and comediennes, event organisers,movie producers, equipment suppliers, among others were confident that some of the loses made in the past, would be recouped.
As a result, they started mapping up strategies to comeback from a tough time, even though business was not as usual.
This brought some smiles to many stakeholders who were gradually getting onto the right path to take off.
Unfortunately, all of these hopes where dashed last Sunday, January 31,2021, when President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo during his 23rd COVID-19 update announced a ban on some entertainment events.
“So, fellow Ghanaians, until further notice, funerals, weddings, concerts, theatrical performances, and parties are banned,” he said.
The President further added that beaches, night clubs, and pubs continued to remain shut.
This had once again caused players in the industry to bite their fingers, as artistes, events organisers, event venue owners, and some traders in the sector would not be able to recoup revenue lost.
Though some stakeholders in the value chain have resorted to new avenues in the digital space, the revenue generation is not quite satisfactory comparable to what they used to rake.
This notwithstanding, it is becoming obvious that for companies and players in the entertainment industry to survive, there is the need to break old models and build new ones that would ensure a return to growth.
It would mean that these players need to research into the changing needs of patrons in this COVID-19 era and satisfy them, but how sustainable it would be, is another question begging for answers.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Entertainment
The DebbyQueen Talk Show returns with Powerful New Seasons from today
The highly anticipated DebbyQueen Talkshow is set to premiere Season 5 this month on Lifestyle TV, promising viewers an even deeper dive into the inspiring, emotional, and transformative stories that have made the show a must-watch across Africa.
For global viewers, episodes will be available on the DebbyQueen TV YouTube Premium, Instagram, and Facebook, featuring exclusive behind-the-scenes content.
Hosted by the charismatic and insightful Mrs. Deborah Borketey-Tackie (DebbyQueen), the talkshow has built a reputation for its raw, unfiltered conversations with some of Africa’s most influential personalities. From entrepreneurs and activists to artists and change-makers, each episode delivers powerful life lessons, vulnerability, and motivation.
This season’s release marks a bold step forward for the show, featuring enhanced storytelling, new segments, and even more gripping interviews. Mrs. Borketey-Tackie has curated a lineup of guests whose journeys, filled with struggle, resilience, and triumph, will leave audiences inspired and empowered.
From Pascal Amanfo (award-winning film director) to Whitney Boakey-Mensah (women’s health advocate), Mrs. Mary Amoah (an autistic mother’s journey), Atinganma Talata (an Endometriosis survivor), each guest will share untold stories of setbacks and comebacks.
Focus on Youth & Entrepreneurship, with Africa’s next generation in mind, the show will feature young innovators, startup founders, and thought leaders sharing practical advice on business, leadership, and overcoming adversity.
This season’s production is proudly supported by an impressive roster of leading brands, reflecting the show’s growing influence and commercial appeal.
La-Palm Royal Beach Hotel, the venue sponsor, takes center stage as the headline sponsor.
Other major sponsors include HM Life Mixture reinforcing its commitment to health and wellness, Wilmar Africa producers of Frytol cooking oil, JAMAA Detergent, and Fortune Spread showing support towards entrepreneurship and youth empowerment.
Bel-Aqua Mineral Water and Bel Beverages serve as the official hydration partners, ensuring premium refreshments for guests and crew. Ghandour Cosmetics enhances the glamour with professional beauty services.
Additional supporting partners include our fabric sponsors: Mabelina Fabrics, Trinity Kente, Lana Fabrics, Fabric Lot Gh. Ahlai Maadai Enterprise and Hair sponsors: Hair Logistics Gh, Look Afriq, and Hairytales.
The culinary experience is elevated by EzyGrab Gh. and Randa Cakes & More as the official food sponsors for the crew and guests.
Additional support comes from Soul Impact Family Production, the lighting and stage partner, Akenteng Furniture, providing sofas for the set, and Sweet Aroma Print, in charge of all branding and print materials.
Thanks to the backing of these premium sponsors, the show has undergone significant upgrades in production.
The set design at La Palm Royal Beach Hotel exudes sophistication, featuring multi-camera cinematic techniques that rival international talkshows. The inclusion of professional makeup stations by Vendajules Slay World, Glorigels World, KL Makeover and Amy’s Ethicon ensures host and guests look their best.
The DebbyQueen Talkshow has become more than just a TV program, it’s a cultural movement. By blending authentic African storytelling with universal themes of resilience, the show has captured audiences beyond Ghana, including viewers in Sierra Leone, Liberia, South Africa, Canada, and the diaspora.
Media analysts praise its unique approach where vulnerability meets empowerment and its ability to spark meaningful conversations about success, mental health, and personal growth.
“This season is about truth, transformation, and triumph,” says Mrs. Deborah Borketey-Tackie.
“We are not just sharing stories, we are changing mindsets. Whether you are an entrepreneur, a dreamer, or someone looking for hope, these episodes will speak to you,” she concluded
Entertainment
Nana Jesse releases prayer song from Upper Room Experience concert
Kumasi-based gospel singer Nana Jesse, known in showbiz circles as Sylvester Gyasi, has released a prayer song from the Upper Room Experience Concert.
The song, titled ‘let your will be my will’, reflects Nana Jesse’s heartfelt surrender to God, expressing his dependency on divine guidance.
Through soul-stirring lyrics and a harmonious chorus, he and his accompanying musicians declared their submission to God’s will, reaffirming their trust in His direction.
Released on Friday, May 30, the song is already resonating with listeners, gaining more views on YouTube within days of its debut.
Fans have praised its uplifting message and the rich blend of voices that bring the prayer to life.
‘Let your will be my will’ was carefully arranged by Nana Jesse, Nana Kofi Junior, and Moses Boadu, ensuring a powerful and spiritually enriching experience for all.
With its heartfelt lyrics and inspiring melodies, it is set to bless many across different walks of life, offering a reminder of faith, surrender, and divine purpose.
The official song is available now on YouTube.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
