Entertainment
Play lovers thrilled at ‘Ghana Must Go’ apremiere
It was a moment of joy and excitement as individuals filled the auditorium to watch the premiering of the “Ghana Must Go”, at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC) in Accra on Saturday.
The play kept the audience glued to their seats as the cast deliver some spectacular performances to communicate and present the rich Ghanaian cultural values and identity.
“Ghana Must Go”, a stage play meant to promote the Ghanaian culture through storytelling featured captivating performances and musical interludes.
Written by Latif Abubakar, a renowned playwright, the play, is expected to be showcased globally. It served as a powerful expression of the Ghanaian identity and a catalyst for the economic through the arts.
It also highlighted the power of theatre as a tool for cultural expression and national development.
Speaking to the media after the premiering, Mr Abubakar said he was not surprised by the massive attendance recorded at the premiere.
This, he said, was because those who had bought tickets to watch the premiering were assured of consistency, a good storyline, and entertainment.
Mr Abubakar said that although he was excited about the growth of the theatre industry, there was a lot more that could be done to improve the industry.
“We need to be able to tell our stories. We need to find a creative way of attracting tourists and investors into our country, and I feel theatre will do the magic,” he added.
For his part, Mr Adjetey Annan, one of the cast in the play, emphasised the need for collaboration between players in the creative arts industry in promoting the cultural values and identity of Ghanaians through storytelling.
By Eugene Ampiaw
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.
