Entertainment
National Theatre presents Efu Pɔnkɔ on August 25-26
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Some characters in the drama
The National Theatre through its resident groups, the National Dance Company, National Symphony Orchestra, and the National Drama Company in collaboration with Ghana Concert Party present Efu Pɔnkɔ (Camel), a Theatre Production.
The programme which is also under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture is scheduled for August 25 to 26 at the National Theatre of Ghana
Efu Pɔnkɔ is a unique folk story based on the music composed by the late Bob Cole titled, “Ɛdwen ɖɛɛ ɛre yɛ me.”
The tale talks about a community where a certain animal called “Efu Pɔnkɔ” lives. After eating and getting satisfied, Efu Pɔnkɔ goes about doing foolish things in the community. Again, Efu Pɔnkɔ refuses to listen to the wisdom and advice from its friend, the “Cat” to stop the foolishness and rather calls him a thief.
One day, through his foolishness, he kicked his master’s son which necessitated the rushing of the boy to a hospital. The medical doctor tried hard to save the boy’s life, but to no avail. The master’s son died.
The death of Camel’s master’s son landed all the other animals like Horse, Goat, Sheep, Cow and Fowl in trouble.
The horse got hurt while running to call the doctor to save the boy’s life. Towards the funeral, all the other animals were taken to the slaughter house for the preparation of sumptuous meals for sympathisers, family members and friends, who will come to mourn.
This story relates to so many occurrences in real social life situation facing Ghana today. They can easily be identified nationwide in illegal mining, poor sanitation, ethnic conflicts, teenage pregnancy and school drop-outs
It also focuses on highlighting and addressing other issues like rural and urban migration, stowaway through cargo ships bound to other countries, coupled with other problems will be sequentially choreographed artistically in the performance.
As the drama unfolds with Efu Pɔnkɔ and the Cat as the lead characters, all the regions in Ghana segmented into zones for the purposes of this production.
The production will be presented through artistic movements, with a blend of percussive dance styles, dramatic sketches with narration incorporated with aesthetically pleasing melodies.
The production comes with revelation of events and circumstances, some negative, others positive, in a total theatre flair for an educational and transformational cultural experience.
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.
