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International Junkanoo Festival of Tourism and Culture comes off in Toronto, Canada

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The International Junkanoo Festival of Tourism and Culture is set to take place in Toronto, Canada from October 24 to 29, 2023.

This grand celebration promises to showcase the rich heritage, colorful traditions, and vibrant spirit of the Carebians, as well as an array of international cultural influences.

Junkanoo, an exhilarating Carebian festival, is deeply rooted in African cultural traditions and has become an integral part of the country’s cultural fabric.

The festival is known for its lively parades featuring elaborate costumes, rhythmic music, and pulsating dance routines.

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This year, the spirit of Junkanoo will transcend geographical boundaries, captivating audiences in the heart of Toronto.

The International Junkanoo Festival of Tourism and Culture will bring together local and international artists, performers, and cultural enthusiasts, fostering a vibrant atmosphere of cross-cultural exchange.

Participants from all corners of the globe will converge in Toronto, where they will share their unique artistic expressions, traditional music, dance forms, and customs.

This five-day extravaganza will feature a variety of events and activities that will cater to people of all ages and backgrounds.

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Visitors can expect to witness awe-inspiring parades with magnificent floats and enchanting costumes, accompanied by pulsating rhythms that will set the streets of Toronto ablaze with energy and excitement.

In addition, there will be live music performances, art exhibitions, culinary delights, workshops, and interactive sessions where attendees can learn about the cultural heritage of different nations.

The International Junkanoo Festival of Tourism and Culture will not only provide a platform for cultural exchange but also serve as a testament to the power of unity, diversity, peace and security. It will be an opportunity for Canadians and international visitors to come together, celebrate cultural similarities, and appreciate the beauty of our differences.

“The International Junkanoo Festival of Tourism and Culture represents the fusion of cultures, bridging gaps, and promoting mutual understanding,” said Dr. Nathaniel Wilson of Africa Youth Forum International, the festival’s organizing committee member in Ghana.

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He further said, Africa Youth Forum International is honored to participate in the upcoming event and the Managers of the Festival are excited to welcome participants from around the world and offer them a unique experience that will leave lasting memories.

According to him, “Toronto is the perfect city to host this event, known for its multiculturalism and vibrant arts scene.”

The festival is expected to draw thousands of attendees, including tourists, cultural enthusiasts, and families looking for a memorable experience. It is an event that cannot be missed, promising to be a feast for the senses and an unforgettable celebration of culture, art, and heritage.

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Rhythms On Da Runway goes ‘Unbound’ on November 28 at Palms Convention Centre 

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Organisers of Rhythms On Da Runway have announced November 28, 2026 as the date for the 16th edition of the event, to be held at the Palms Convention Centre.

This year’s edition, themed: ‘UNBOUND: Because You’ve Got Style’, is focused on breaking barriers in fashion and creating space for all.

According to the Chief Executive Officer of Nineteen57 Events, Shirley Emma Tibilla, affectionately called Cookie Tee, the focus of this edition is to give everyone an opportunity to express themselves without barriers.

She told The Spectator that as a leading fashion brand in the country and beyond, they want to open doors for people regardless of their colour, size and abilities among others.

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Described by the BBC as “the biggest cultural exposé in Africa,” Rhythms On Da Runway returns this year as a celebration of fashion, music and individual expression without limits.

Organisers say for years fashion has been shaped by narrow ideas of who belongs on the runway, with certain body types, ages and abilities placed at the centre while many others are left out. UNBOUND seeks to open that picture.

This year’s runway will welcome people with different abilities, backgrounds, body types and personal stories. The theme will influence model casting, the collections, the stories told through the clothes and the way guests experience the event.

Beyond the runway, ‘Unbound’ will create room for young people to learn from established designers, gain practical experience and explore careers within fashion and the wider creative industry.

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 It will also open conversations around adaptive fashion, accessible event design, talent discovery, mentorship and employment.

The 2026 edition will bring together fashion designers and music stars from Ghana and across the African diaspora, with strong collections, live performances and an all-star cast of celebrity models.

The event will also feature the Black Star Awards, which will honour public figures shaping Africa’s future through leadership and contributions to the continent’s Orange Economy.

Organisers say the list of participating designers, performing artists, award recipients and other event details will be announced in the coming weeks.

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By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme 

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Bernice Offei dies at age 63

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The late Bernice Offei

Veteran Ghanaian gospel musician Bernice Offei has passed on Saturday August 12, 2026.

She was 63.

The news of her demise flashed through social media on Saturday, prompting an outpouring of grief from musicians, fans and members of the Christian community, who have since paid tribute to her distinguished career. 

She gained strong reputation as a singer, songwriter and minister whose music transcended generations.  

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Some of her popular songs include ‘Kaa She Gbeyei,’ ‘It’s By Grace,’ ‘Nyame Kokroko’ and ‘N’adom Ara Kwa.’ 

Her contribution to the growth of gospel music in Ghana was recognised in 2009 when she won the Best Female Vocal Performance and Songwriter of the Year awards at the Ghana Music Awards, now known as the Telecel Ghana Music Awards.

Beyond music, Mrs Offei distinguished herself in academia and professional life. She attended Achimota School before earning an MPhil in Crop Science from the University of Ghana and a Master’s Degree in Information Technology from University College London in the United Kingdom. 

Mrs Offei was married to Prof. Samuel Kwame Offei, a former Pro-Vice Chancellor of the University of Ghana, and the couple had two children.

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Her death comes days after she was reported missing but was later found safe. 

Mrs Offei leaves behind a rich music legacy that continues to inspire faith, hope and resilience among generations of listeners. -GNA

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