Entertainment
Okbell Majdoub – transforming local jute bags into fashionable products
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Has someone ever considered wearing an outfit and accessories made from recycled jute sacks? Well, that is what Madam Okbell Majdoub and her company, J’Karta, stand for.
She and her production team had spent the last one-and-half-years collecting jute sacks and transforming them into fashionable products such as bags, shoes, purses, slippers and shirts for men and women.
Madam Majdoub, interacting with The Spectator recently, said there had been positive response to the products in Ghana and other African and European countries.
She said that the company had so far left its footprints in Ivory Coast, Liberia, the United Kingdom, as efforts were being made to gain more local and international recognition through their quality products.
She indicated that, her outfit had embraced the concept of “sustainable fashion” where clothing was designed and manufactured in an environmentally friendly manner.
Madam Majdoub noted that J’Karta, in 2021 and beyond, was focusing on new and “functional designs” to meet the growing demand of clients.
“We are not just producing because we have to use recycled products. We are ensuring that standards are met to make the consumers feel comfortable while wearing our finished product.”
She admitted that procuring the jute sacks was quite tedious but it could be made easier when more private entities ventured into the manufacturing of such sucks.
Touching on the production processes, the Chief Executive Officer explained that the team relied on quality jute sacks and did adequate sorting to determine the type of product that would be ideal for use.
“The process may be challenging but our prices are not determined by what we do. Our products are affordable and we are looking forward to producing the best and help promote Made-in-Ghana products,” she added.
Madam Majdoub said that she was opened to collaboration from government and non-governmental agencies, to help create employment and develop the skills of local artisans to meet international standards.
By Ernest Nutsugah
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.
