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
‘Crossing Paths’premieres tomorrow
Reverend Charlene Quaye, Executive Producer for Diamond Pillar Production, is set to premiere a must watch Christian romantic drama titled ‘Crossing Paths’ today at the Silverbird Cinemas at Accra Mall and West Hills Mall.
The film promises to captivate audiences with its moving portrayal of love found in unexpected places, brought to life by some of Ghana’s most celebrated actors.
Rev. Quaye told The Spectator that the film’s central message was beautifully summed up in the timeless biblical verse: “In His time, He makes all things beautiful.”
According to her, through laughter, tears, and transformation, ‘Crossing Paths’ reminds viewers that love often arrives when least expected and that with patience, support, and open hearts, even the most unlikely relationships can blossom.
Directed by renowned filmmaker Pascal Amanfo, the cast includes Joyce Ama Maanu, Edwin Agbeli Jnr, Bella Agyemang, Omari Dwamena, Don K. Kingsley Yamoah, and Charlene Quaye.
Other veteran actress Irene Opare and the ever-versatile Roselyn Ngissah, alongside Jessica Williams and Peter Ritchie, also features in ‘Crossing Paths’ which explores the emotional journeys of three couples who discover love through chance encounters, faith, and personal growth.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
Entertainment
Barima Amo set to thrillpatrons at International AmoFest 2025
All is set for an awe-inspiring experience at this year’s International AmoFest, slated for Saturday, July 5, 2025 at the Alliance Française.
According to the organisers, this edition would be bigger than ever.
As part of the festival, the day ahead of the event has been earmarked for an exclusive workshop with the guest artistes from the Netherlands.
Patrons of the workshop will discuss topics like; ‘the Ghanaian musicians as part of the global creative community’ and other issues like ‘financial literacy in the arts’.
The session would be addressed by bankers, the tourism sector players, government stakeholders and representatives from SSNIT.
“I’m taking it back to the beginning with unforgettable songs from my very first CD release,” Amo revealed.
According to him, “I want to hear from you, let me know which songs you want to hear me perform, share your favourite throwbacks, and let’s create a set list together.”
Patrons will enjoy performances from soulful Ebony Winters and the genre-blending Kotokid, both from the Netherlands.
Revellers would have an unforgettable experience with the incredible
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
