Entertainment
Sim Majorley: Korean Embassy and Globe Productions launch cross-cultural theatre festival
The Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Ghana has officially launched the 2025 edition of the Korean Cultural Festival, with a groundbreaking theatrical production, Sim Majorley, headlining the celebration of deepening Ghana-Korea relations.
Speaking at the launch event in Accra, Korean Ambassador to Ghana, Park Kyongsig, said the festival, scheduled for August 2 in Tema and August 9 at the Accra International Conference Centre, is designed to promote cultural exchange and bring Korea closer to Ghanaian audiences.
“The highlight of this year’s festival is a theatrical performance based on the famous Korean classical novel Simcheongjeon, or The Story of Sim Cheong, reinterpreted through a Ghanaian lens and performed by Ghanaian actors,” the Ambassador announced.
Describing the production as a “meaningful cultural collaboration,” Ambassador Kyongsig said it embodies Korea’s growing commitment to strengthening ties with Ghana through the arts. “Writing a new chapter in Ghana-Korea cultural diplomacy, we are proudly working with Globe Productions, one of Ghana’s most respected theatre companies,” he noted.
The theatre adaptation, titled Sim Majorley, is directed by celebrated Ghanaian playwright and CEO of Globe Productions, Latif Abubakar. It tells the story of a devoted daughter who sacrifices herself to the sea gods to restore her blind father’s sight—a tale rooted in the Korean original but infused with Ga traditions and Ghanaian cultural symbolism.
“By placing this story within the cultural rhythms, language, and symbolism of the Ga people, we have not only preserved the essence of the Korean original but also created a platform for cross-cultural understanding, creative fusion, and mutual appreciation,” Mr Abubakar stated.
He revealed that there will be two showings of Sim Majorley on August 9 at the Accra International Conference Centre; at 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.; and called on Ghanaians to come and witness “a fusion of heritage, heart, and hope.”
Aside from the theatrical performance, the festival will feature K-pop dance showcases by Ghanaian youth and Korean culture booths where patrons can experience Korean food, innovations, and traditions. The organisers say the decision to host part of the festival in Tema is aimed at making Korean culture more accessible to Ghanaians outside Accra.
Ambassador Kyongsig added that the festival symbolises more than entertainment—it is a cultural bridge. “It is our sincere wish that this event will help deepen mutual understanding and further strengthen the cultural ties between our two countries.”
The Korean Cultural Festival is part of the broader outreach under the Korean Embassy’s ongoing scholarship programme, which also supports cultural education and people-to-people exchange between the two nations.
“Together, let us continue to tell stories that move us, and move the world,” Mr Abubakar concluded.
Tickets for Sim Majorley are expected to go on sale later this month, with heavy anticipation from both theatre lovers and cultural enthusiasts. Source; Dailygraphic
Entertainment
Shatta Wale pulls out of Afro+ Fest 2025

The management of Shatta Wale has announced that the artiste will not be able to perform at Afro+ Fest 2025 in Washington, D.C.
In a statement, Media and Public Relations Manager for the Shatta Movement team, Samuel Atuobi Baah, popularly known as Sammy Flex, said the cancellation was due to “unforeseen logistical constraints and tight timelines” which were outside the control of both Shatta Wale and the festival organizers.
According to the statement, Shatta Wale and his team had worked tirelessly over the past weeks to make the performance possible, and the artiste was fully prepared to join his fans in Washington, D.C.
It added that Shatta Wale was “truly disappointed” to miss the moment.
It stressed that the decision was not because of any lack of effort or willingness from Shatta Wale or Afro Plus, but rather a result of challenges many artistes face when traveling internationally under evolving regulations and time-sensitive requirements.
It further assured fans that Afro+ Fest 2025 “will still deliver an incredible experience” and noted that plans were already underway to set a future date for Shatta Wale to connect with his fans in person.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Entertainment
Empress Gifty wins Artiste of the Year at the 6th Ghana Music Awards USA

Renowned Ghanaian gospel musician, Empress Gifty Adorye, has been crowned Artiste of the Year at the 6th edition of the Ghana Music Awards USA held on August 16, 2025, at ACX1 Studios in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
The gospel star, who attended the event with her husband, Mr. Hopeson Adorye, also won the Gospel Song of the Year, making it a double victory on the night.
For the ultimate award, she beat stiff competition from King Promise, Stonebwoy, Shatta Wale, Diana Hamilton, Joe Mettle, Fameye, KiDi, King Paluta, and Team Eternity.
The ceremony, which celebrates Ghanaian music talents in both Ghana and the diaspora, saw US-based Ghanaian artistes such as Jay Hover, C-Ben and Kay Rockz receive honors.
Special tributes were paid to late Highlife icons Dada KD and Daddy Lumba, while Gyedu-Blay Ambolley was recognized with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
The night featured thrilling performances from Empress Gifty, Gyedu-Blay Ambolley, Kofi Kinaata, and comedian OB Amponsah.
In her acceptance speech, Empress Gifty thanked God, her fans, her manager, and the Ghana Music Awards USA organizers for the recognition.
She expressed her gratitude to radio stations, DJs, and all supporters who have stood by her throughout her career, saying: “I have a grateful heart. Thank you to everyone who voted for me and continues to support my journey. God bless you all.”
By: Jacob Aggrey