Entertainment
North Legon Little Campus Welcomes Schelle Purcell of Tyler Perry’s Straw fame
The iconic movie writer, director, and actress Schelle Purcell, who played the landlady role in Tyler Perry’s Netflix blockbuster, Straw, was given a warm welcome by authorities and students of the North Legon Little Campus on Tuesday September 23, 2025.
With her friends Dr. Muriam Cinevert, bestselling author of Girl Just Show Up, and Dr. Shaneque Metellus, an autism advocate, the three for the first time visited Ghana to participate in the International Ladies High Tea & Awards hosted by RAIN Foundations.
Actress Schelle Purcell encouraged the students of North Legon Little Campus to believe in themselves, focus on learning to become their best, and determine to make their families, nation, and the world proud.
Answering questions from the students, she shared with them why she believed Tyler Perry’s Straw was one of his best movies yet. She explained that all over the world, many could identify with the struggles of Taraji in the movie. “Many have cried after watching Straw,” she said.
Dr. Cinevert, the women empowerment and self-esteem coach encouraged the children to be confident. She urged them not to let anybody make them feel less of themselves.
Dr. Metellus took her turn in encouraging the children to work on their mental health. She advised them to always talk to somebody in times of mental or emotional struggles.
The Director of the school, Mr. Douglas Djabeng Esq. thanked the founding president of RAIN Foundations, Author Ralph Antwi, for leading the team to visit the school. He admonished the children to continue to excel in both academics and sports as has been the hallmark of the school.
North Legon Little Campus (NLLC) is a fully-accredited British curriculum school that admits students from 1 to 19 years old. It is one of the model schools in Ghana that runs the Cambridge Primary and IGCSE programmes.
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.
