Entertainment
REFFA AWARDS 2025; A night of glitz, glamour and a celebration of African stories
The powerful and vibrant landscape of African filmmaking received a regal celebration on Saturday, December 13, 2025, as the maiden edition of Regal Film Festival and Awards (REFFA) held its grand awards night gala at the magnificent Palms Convention Centre, located within the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel.
The event, which was preceded by a four-day festival of film screenings, masterclasses, and networking, lived up to its promise as a major pan-African platform, drawing a massive turnout of incredible filmmakers, actors, industry professionals and stakeholders from across African countries and the diaspora.
The red carpet was a dazzling display of African fashion and glamour, setting the stage for an evening dedicated to honouring cinematic excellence.
Attendees hailed from key film hubs like Nigeria, Mauritius, Ghana, Uganda, South Africa, Kenya, Morroco and beyond, underscoring REFFA’s commitment to continental unity and collaboration in the arts.
The Executive Director, Selassie Ibrahim and the REFFA team were praised for successfully launching a platform that not only recognizes outstanding talent but also provides vital opportunities for creative exchange and industry growth.
The overwhelming presence of both established and emerging talents highlighted the festival’s immediate impact in bridging the gap between creativity, technology, and financing in Africa’s film ecosystem.
The awards ceremony recognized achievements across numerous categories, celebrating the diversity and quality of films submitted from over 21 countries.
The movie ‘3 Cold Dishes’ directed by Oluseyi Asurf Amuwa and produced by Grammy award-wining artiste, Burna Boy won big on the night including Best Actress, Most Promising actor, Achievement in Production Design, Achievement in Sound, Best Cinematography.
They also walked away with a brand new car for winning the Best Picture award.
The event was attended by high-profile dignitaries which included the Second Lady of the Republic of Ghana, H.E Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, the Chief of Staff of the Republic of Ghana, Hon. Julius Debrah, the archbishop Nicholas Duncan Williams, Deputy Chief of Staff, Nana Oye Bampoe Addo, the minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, Mr Ibrahim Mahama and a host of others including a representation from the Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II and His Royal Majesty Otumfour Osei Tutu II.
There were performances from Sonnie Badu, Diana Hamilton, King Promise, Kizz Daniel, Empress Gifty, Nene Narh, Parrot Mouth, Kwan Pa Band and Patchbay Band.
The maiden REFFA Awards concluded with a strong message: African cinema is a rapidly thriving industry with stories that resonate globally. The success of the festival in Accra signals a powerful new chapter for regional collaboration and international recognition of African film.
Some of the winners were
Best Film – RISE (Zimbabwe)
Best Documentary – Beyond Olympic Glory (Nigeria)
Best Animation – The Guardians —The Chosen Ones (Ghana)
Best Student Film – Ebu (Ghana)
Best Actor (Male) – Ricky Adelayitar – The Fisherman (Ghana)
Best Actor (Female) – Fat Toure / Osas Ighodaro / Maud Guerard – 3 Cold Dishes, Asurf Oluseyi – 3 Cold Dishes
Best Pictures – 3 Cold Dishes (Nigeria)
Best Ghanaian Film – The Fisherman (Ghana) Best African Language Film — Karamoja (Uganda), Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Male) – Clemento Suarez (Ghana).
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.
