Entertainment
‘Gayina’s Pound of Flesh’ thrills audiences
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Drama, comedy, laughter and the richness of Ghanaian culture took centre stage over the weekend as Playwright and Director, George Quaye, premiered his latest theatrical production, “Gayina’s Pound of Flesh” at the National Theatre in Accra.
Set in present-day Kumasi, the play tells the story of Efo Gayina, a traditional moneylender whose adherence to indigenous religion makes him the target of years of ridicule and discrimination.
The production opens with a bustling market scene, capturing the vibrancy of everyday life in Kumasi and introducing the characters whose lives become intertwined.
Among them is Oppong Kyekyeku, a respected and successful businessman who openly mocks Gayina for his faith, beliefs and lifestyle.
The story takes a dramatic turn when Oppong agrees to stand surety for his close friend, Afrifa, who approaches Gayina for financial assistance.
Gayina agrees to grant the loan on one condition: should Afrifa fail to repay it on time, he would claim a pound of flesh from Oppong.
However, misfortune befalls Oppong as his businesses begin to decline at the time the loan becomes due, while his friend Afrifa is away on a trip.
Determined to enforce the agreement, Gayina heads to court to claim what he believes is rightfully his under the terms of the bond — a pound of flesh from Oppong’s body.
Despite repeated appeals from members of the community to temper justice with mercy, Gayina, driven by years of humiliation and resentment from the ridicule he had endured, remained resolute in claiming his pound of flesh.
Blending comedy, suspense and courtroom drama, the production explores themes of religious intolerance, revenge, justice and forgiveness through a contemporary Ghanaian lens.
It also reflects everyday realities in which people are judged and marginalised because of their beliefs, ethnic backgrounds or social identities.
Written and directed by George Quaye, the play is an original African adaptation of William Shakespeare’s “The Merchant of Venice.”
It challenges audiences to reflect on the prejudices and contradictions that shape human relationships and the consequences of discrimination.
Produced by Image Bureau in collaboration with April Communications, “Gayina’s Pound of Flesh” will return to the National Theatre on August 8 and 9, with performances scheduled for 4p.m. and 8p.m. Tickets are selling at GH¢200.
Dancehall artiste Stonebwoy has responded to Sarkodie after the rapper’s recent tweet about principles in the music industry.
In a lengthy post on X (formerly Twitter), Stonebwoy recounted how he called Sarkodie the day after his Rapperholic show in the UK to congratulate him, adding that their conversation lasted over 10 minutes.
He noted that after his (Stonebwoy) own show at the OVO Arena, Sarkodie posted a video on social media.
“Whatever message you meant to send across, only you can explain,” Stonebwoy wrote.
According to him, after he made what he described as a factual tweet about the industry, he still reached out to Sarkodie privately because of some cryptic posts the rapper had been making.
“You called back immediately. I missed it, but I called you back after, and we spoke for more than an hour on industry, behaviors, and perspectives,” he disclosed.
Stonebwoy revealed that during their hour-long chat, Sarkodie made it clear that no artiste could be forced to uphold any principle, stressing that in the Ghanaian music industry artistes must play along as long as it benefits them.
“You were very clear about how no artiste could be ‘forced’ to uphold any form of principle. That, literally, in our industry, artistes must play along so far as it benefits them, and it cannot matter how, because we all care about different things. Which is evident in Video 1,” he stated.
Referencing two videos he shared, Stonebwoy concluded that Sarkodie’s recent tweet was equally been considered, insisting that without principle, advice is merely an opinion.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Ghanaian rapper Sarkodie has sent a heartfelt message to his fanbase, SarkNation, urging them to move away from toxic fan culture and return to what made the group special.
In a long statement shared on social media, the rapper acknowledged SarkNation for birthing many of the fanbase trends in Ghana today, saying he doesn’t take that for granted.
He praised the “day ones”, the first wave of SarkNation, for positioning his brand with commitment and loyalty, without toxic energy.
According to him, a true SarkNation member should not be consumed by what another brand is doing.
“A true SarkNation member shouldn’t be consumed by what another brand is doing. Focus on the brand you love. No hate. No bitterness. No unnecessary competition. You don’t have to tear someone else down to prove your loyalty to Sarkodie,” he cautioned.
Sarkodie noted that as fanbases grow, dilution is inevitable, but the current trend of fanbases tearing each other down does not help the industry or the artists they claim to support.
He advised his fans not to fall for bait and online triggers, and cautioned artists against entertaining fans who insult other brands just to elevate them.
According to him, “Just because a fan sh**s on another brand to elevate you doesn’t mean they love you more… They may look like they’re fighting for you, but they genuinely don’t give AF about you.”
The rapper called on the new crop of SarkNation to learn from the old crop, whose focus was always the music, the movement and the brand.
“I know I’m still here because of God, SarkNation and hard work, so I never joke with you guys. I appreciate y’all more than you know,” he added.
