Entertainment
Creative arts stakeholders commend government for “Beyond the Return” masterclass
Stakeholders in the creative arts have expressed appreciation to government’s commitment to foster some development collaborations with the diaspora to sharpen the craft of players in the sector.
According to them, last Masterclass dubbed Beyond the Return Conversation aimed at divising mechanisms for Ghanaians and people in the diaspora to tap into each other’s expertise and take advantage of the opportunities available, was a step in the right direction.
The masterclass which was a conversation Beyond the Return, was a platform to network and foster collaboration for development of the sector.
Beyond the Return is a 10-year project which follows the Ghana’s Year of Return initiative last year, which commemorated the 400th Anniversary of the arrival of the first recorded enslaved Africans in Jamestown Virginia in 1619.
The initiative under the theme, “A decade of African Renaissance – 2020-2030” will be built on 7 pillars which will provide a platform for engagements among the people of African descent, wherever they may be living currently.
The Masterclass which was one of many centred around such discussion, was held on Wednesday, September 30 at the Kempinski hotel under the theme, Black Stories Matter; forging collaborations for the development of Ghana’s creative industry.”
This programme was well attended by top-brass of the creative arts industry, in the country, with expert presentation by top-notch creative arts players from the diaspora via social media meeting platform, zoom.
The Masterclass moderated by Professor Eleanor Earl, a film and television producer, an entrepreneur and Director of Film Studies and Hampton University in United States of America, had Hollywood Directors, fashion icons and world celebrated creative arts industry experts told the black stories and how both parties, ie Ghanaian creative arts players and those in the diaspora could collaborate for the good of the industry.
The panel touched on the need to build infrastructure and train people to be able to learn from the mistakes of other countries to properly position the creative arts for the development of the country.
They were of the view that the black race had a lot of amazing stories which could be told to the rest of the world through the creative arts.
The discussion highlighted the need to always look for opportunities to turn them into success stories and the power of collaborations in the arts.
The Deputy Minister of Tourism Arts and Culture, Dr Ziblim Iddi Barri in his address said he was pleased to join the masterclass, which would be pivotal for the “beyond the return” agenda.
He commended the Ghana Tourism Authority, Creative Arts Council, BridgeZone among others for coordinating such an event, adding that the government recognised each and everyone for making this possible.
“From music to fashion, theatre and animation, visual arts and design , Ghana’s creative arts has the potential, and it is for that reason government has paid much attention to it,” he said.
Dr Ziblim said the Beyond the Return was a 10-year programme, and he was optimistic that regardless of the COVID-19, the impact of the programme would be of benefit to the country.
He was certain that considering how the Year of Return sparked a global movement for Ghana and Africa, the new dimension would also improve on the fortunes of the people.
Chief Executive Officer(CEO) of Ghana Tourism Authority, Mr Akwasi Agyemang said, the masterclass served as a platform for network, for which follow-ups would be made.
President of the Creative Arts Council, Mark Okraku Mantey was optimistic that the knowledge and the contact acquired from the programme would be put to good use.
Chief Executive Officer, (CEO) of Ghana UK-Based Achievement Awards (GUBA) and a board member of GTA, Dentaa Amoateng, said they would form smaller groups of people in the Creative Arts to be able to reach out to the people in the diaspora to tap their expertise.
She was impressed about the level of participation of industry players, saying it was the beginning of a successful journey.
Shelby Stone, Lamman Rucker, RJ Bucaria, Chris Roland, Asante Bradford, Philonese West, Baron Davis, and Etu Evans among other stalwarts were amongst the resource people at the masterclass.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Ghanaian musician Sparqlyn is set to release another big hit.
His latest release, ‘Rosina,’ features Germany-based Ghanaian musician, video director, and sound engineer TEENO (known privately as Eric Kwame Tamakloe).
TEENO’s project ‘Signs’ was recently accepted by the Grammys for official consideration in the ‘Album of the Year’ category. Now, ‘Rosina’ is making serious waves across the airwaves.
Coming shortly after the impressive reception to his previous single ‘Fameko,’ ‘Rosina’ is already receiving strong attention from music lovers and radio listeners.
This new song carries an infectious Afrobeats and Hiplife feel while maintaining the romantic direction that characterised ‘Fameko,’ Sparqlyn’s 2026 Highlife collaboration with Ziya.
‘Fameko’ marked an important moment in Sparqlyn’s musical journey, with the love-themed highlife record receiving positive reactions from music lovers and media platforms following its June 2026 release.
The song became one of the highlights of his 2026 output, ranking high on multiple charts.
‘Fameko’ has also bagged Sparqlyn two top nominations: “Highlife Song of the Year” and “Artist of the Year” at the 2026 Stars Awards.
The combination of a romantic storyline, Afrobeats rhythm, and Hiplife influence give the song a sound that fits comfortably into the current Ghanaian music landscape.
The timing of the song’s release could also prove significant for the award-winning artiste. Sparqlyn recently secured two nominations at the 2026 Ghana Youth Empowerment Awards, where he is in contention for Youth Empowerment Advocate of the Year and Outstanding Youth Personality of the Year.
With ‘Fameko’ having established strong momentum earlier in the year and ‘Rosina’ now beginning to enjoy significant airplay, Sparqlyn appears to be ending another eventful chapter of his musical career on a high note.
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Ghanaian highlife and Afrobeats singer Kuami Eugene Marfo known in showbiz circles as Kuami Eugene has urged fellow musicians and entertainers to use their influence on social media and other platforms to champion causes that positively impact society.
The award-winning artiste made the call during a UNICEF Ghana birth registration advocacy campaign in Bepoase in the Ayensuano District of the Eastern Region, where he joined officials from UNICEF Ghana and the Births and Deaths Registry to raise awareness about the importance of registering children at birth.
He explained that artistes wield significant influence and should leverage platforms such as TikTok, Facebook and Instagram to amplify important social initiatives and encourage behavioural change.
The musician, who has partnered UNICEF Ghana on several child-focused campaigns, said he had a special interest in issues affecting children and was committed to supporting efforts that improved their welfare and future opportunities.
He noted that birth registration was critical because it established a child’s legal identity and ensured recognition as a Ghanaian citizen.
The advocacy drive forms part of UNICEF Ghana’s efforts to improve birth registration rates across the country through community engagements, public education and collaboration with traditional authorities.
The musician said he remained focused on creating quality music while continuing to support social causes that contribute to national development, particularly initiatives aimed at improving the lives of children. –GNA
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