Entertainment
Creative arts stakeholders commend government for “Beyond the Return” masterclass
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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 rapper Medikal has advised musicians to focus on building financial security rather than relying mainly on awards, shows and public recognition.
According to him, the difficult situations some senior musicians face after years in the industry should serve as a lesson to younger artistes.
Medikal made the comments on TikTok while sharing his thoughts on an interview involving veteran Ghanaian musician DJ Barosky, whom he claimed is currently homeless in the United Kingdom.
He expressed surprise at the situation, noting that he grew up listening to and admiring some of the senior musicians who influenced his generation.
“Bro, right now, social media, I know if you tell which one be real or what be fake,” Medikal stated, questioning the reality of what people see online.
He argued that musicians should make money and put proper financial plans in place while they are active in the industry.
“If you be artist for this country, you for make money, collect money, put certain things in place,” he said.
Medikal stressed that awards and performances were important but should not replace financial planning.
He encouraged artistes to be careful with their relationships and to understand that the entertainment industry is largely driven by money.
According to him, even friendships can change when a person’s financial circumstances change.
He therefore urged musicians not to become discouraged by financial losses but to remain focused on creating wealth.
“Make money. If you lose money, still collect money,” he advised.
Medikal said the experiences of older artistes should encourage current musicians to take their finances seriously and prepare for life beyond their peak years in the entertainment industry.
By: Jacob Aggrey
It was a night of colour, culture and creativity as Miss Tourism Ghana successfully held its Regional Costume & Talent Night in Accra.
The event drew fashion lovers, culture enthusiasts, and proud supporters who came out to witness Ghana’s beauty queens represent their regions on one grand stage.
From the moment guests stepped in, the atmosphere was electric, ushering,
Okra, Zabe, Gina, Akpe, Sela, Afia,Asher and Ajua into the auditorium to mesmerize patrons.
The blistering night, commenced with a breathtaking regional costumes rocked by contestants that told stories of Ghana’s traditions from, african print, kente, smock, batakari, beads and other indigenous fabrics.
Each outfit with beautiful local accessories to match was paired with confidence, poise, and pride.
The night then shifted gears into the talent segment. The audience was treated to powerful performances traditional dance, spoken word, fashion, singing, and drama all centered on promoting Ghana’s tourism and heritage.
The judges were stunned with the various displays and passed favorable commentaries encouraging the contestants to keep giving their all.
Patrons left with unforgettable moments, and the contestants delivered to their expectations.
Organisers of Miss Tourism Ghana congratulated all the amazing participants who took part and urged them to forged ahead strongly before the grand final.
They also, encouraged families and friends to keep their favourite in the competition through their campaigns and votes.
The search for Ghana’s next tourism ambassador is officially on, and the competition is getting tighter with each stage.
Beyond the glamour, Miss Tourism Ghana continues to use the platform to market Ghana’s tourist sites, culture and hospitality to the world.
The Regional Costume & Talent Night served as both entertainment and education, reminding Ghanaians of the beauty in our diversity.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
