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 Ghanaian screen­writer Gamel Apa­layine selected for AuthenticA Series Lab

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• Gamel

 Ghanaian filmmaker and screenwriter, Gamel Apa­layine has been selected as one of four African writers for the fourth edition of the AuthenticA Series Lab.

The AuthenticA Series Lab is a highly regarded programme dedi­cated to shaping the next wave of African screenwriting talent run by Realness Institute in partner­ship with The StoryBoard Collec­tive and the Canada Media Fund.

Gamel joins a distinguished co­hort of storytellers from Nigeria, Kenya, and Egypt who will take part in the six-month long lab designed to elevate African voices on to the global stage.

• Gamel
• Gamel

The AuthenticA programme begins with a residency in the Western Cape, South Africa in September, followed by online sessions until mid-December.

A second residency takes place in Geneva, Switzerland from January – March 2026, with a final residency in Lille in March where the participants will pitch their projects as part of the African Series Pitch at Series Mania Forum to international in­dustry players.

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Gamel is no stranger to shaping some of Africa’s most compelling screen moments. He served as Head Writer on Ak­waaba Magic’s hit TV drama DEDE (span­ning two seasons and 560 episodes) and was a principal writer on Ghana’s first Show­max Orig­inal Series ENO, pro­duced by Sparrow Studios.

Beyond televi­sion, he recently co-adapt­ed Afri­ca Arts Networks Production of HONEYMOON HOTEL staged at the National Theatre of Ghana, and through his creative company Whistling Rocks, is developing a bold slate of projects across film, television, theatre, and music.

Looking ahead, Gamel will take his creative mission even further when he begins an MFA in Film at the esteemed Columbia Universi­ty’s School of the Arts in New York City in 2026, a move that places him squarely at the intersection of African storytelling and global cinema.

The AuthenticA Series Lab pro­vides participants with the tools to bring their stories to life at an international standard, produc­ing a pitch deck, pilot scripts, and series bibles that can attract funding and production support worldwide.

The lab will be led by Meh­ret Mandefro, interim Managing Director of the Realness Institute, with Director of Writing Pro­grammes, Selina Ukwuoma.

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For Gamel, the opportunity represents a chance to carry Ghanaian and African narratives to global audiences. His track record of storytelling posi­tions him as a vital voice in the future of African film and television.

 By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu  


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Entertainment

Ancienth releases ‘Asukese Abena’ to keep Ghana’s Palmwine music heritage alive

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Ancienth

Ghanaian musician Ezecheal Kwasi Asimeng Frimpong, popularly known as Ancienth has released a new Palmwine single titled ‘Asukese Abena’.

The song is a celebration of love, culture, and the timeless wisdom embedded in Ghana’s traditional way of life. 

According to him, the project is meant to remind people that Palmwine music is not a relic of the past. 

“Through this project, I want people to understand that Palmwine music is not a relic of the past, it is a living heritage that still speaks powerfully to the present,” he said.

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Ancienth traces his journey in Palmwine music to the pioneering work of Kwame Asare, also known as Jacob Sam, and the Kumasi Trio. He credits them with laying the foundation for one of Ghana’s most important musical traditions, a path that later generations continue to walk.

“I entered this space because I believe every nation must protect its cultural voice,” Ancienth explained, adding that “Palmwine music carries our stories, values, humour, history, and identity. Preserving it is not only a musical responsibility but also a cultural one.”

The musician described the journey as rewarding but challenging, noting that traditional music often receives less attention and investment compared to mainstream genres. 

To strengthen the space, he is calling for greater support from the media, cultural institutions, educational bodies, and the public.

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“My appeal to Ghanaians is simple, support indigenous music, because when a people lose their cultural sound, they gradually lose part of their identity,” he added.

As a torchbearer of Palmwine Music, Ancienth says his mission is to honour the legacy of the pioneers while introducing Palmwine music to new generations and audiences across the world.

Asukese Abena is now available on all digital platforms, including YouTube

By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme 

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Ghana Tourism Authority mourns Guinness World Record holder Padiki

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Ms Padi

The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has expressed profound sorrow over the death of celebrated visual artist and Guinness World Record holder Sharon Dede Padi, popularly known as Padiki.

In a statement signed on behalf of the Chief Executive Officer, Maame Efua Houadjeto, the Authority said Padiki’s passing was a painful loss to Ghana’s tourism and creative sectors, as well as the nation at large.

“Padiki was more than a Guinness World Record holder. She was a beacon of resilience, determination, creativity, and youthful excellence whose remarkable achievement brought pride not only to herself and her family but also to Ghana,” the statement said.

It added that through her determination to dream big and push boundaries, she inspired countless young people to believe that passion, perseverance and hard work could make the impossible possible.

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The Authority said Ghana had lost “one of its brightest ambassadors whose story embodied the spirit of innovation, excellence, and the boundless potential of our people”.

Maame Efua Houadjeto, together with the management and staff of the GTA, extended condolences to Padiki’s family, friends and loved ones, as well as all those inspired by her journey.

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