Entertainment
International AmoFest organisers promise 3-in-1 experience for patrons
Patrons will have a wonderful experience at this year’s International AmoFest, slated for today at the Alliance Française in Accra.
This edition will see the brain behind the event, Berima Amo, teaming up with Pedro Kastelijns, Martha Apini, Rudy Ray, and Lamisi.
Revellers will also enjoy a performance from Uncle Ebo Whyte’s Roverman Production.
Speaking at the launch of the event, which took place at Yota Building on Tuesday, in Accra, Berima Amo said this edition would be a three-in-one experience for patrons.
“They will enjoy performances from the musicians, a play from Uncle Ebo Whyte and an after-party which will make their night memorable,” he revealed.
He said, global music will be celebrated because there would be a blend with Ghana’s highlife, adding that the event was to ensure Ghana’s original sound was not lost in the midst of other sounds.
Berima Amo calls for some intentionality in protecting and promoting Ghana’s Highlife rhythms to the rest of the world.
According to him, in achieving this, every Ghanaian must play a crucial role in making this dream a reality.
He called on government and state institutions to create the enabling environment for Highlife to thrive.
This year’s event happens to be the fourth edition since the inception of International AmoFest.
This year’s event was preceded by a workshop for over 250 High School students on April 24 at the Centre for National Culture, Arts Centre.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
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.
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.
“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
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.
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.
