Entertainment
Sparqlyn reminisces as he congratulates Shatta Wale for winning two awards at 43rd IRAWMA
Ghanaian musician and former member of musicial gorup, Dunsin, Ahmmed Kanneh Larweh, popularly known as Sparqlyn, has congratulated Ghanaian music heavyweight, Shatta Wale following his impressive double victory at the International Reggae and World Music Awards.
Shatta Wale recently made headlines after winning two major awards at the prestigious event held in Florida, USA, securing Best African Dancehall Entertainer and Concert of the Year for ShattaFest.
Reacting to the achievement, Sparqlyn could not hide his excitement after sighting news of the awards on Monday, May 18, 2025.
According to him, the one thing that caught his attention was the plaque presented to Shatta Wale. He noted that the design looked strikingly similar to the one Dunsin received when they won at the MUSA Awards over a decade ago.
The resemblance, especially the upper part of the plaque, instantly brought back memories of his former group’s historic moment on the African stage 13 years ago when the group represented Ghana proudly in South Africa.
It will be recalled that back in 2013, Dunsin achieved international recognition after winning Most Exciting Group in Africa and Most African Video at the MUSA Awards held in Pretoria, South Africa. The awards came on the back of their global hit project “Ɔyɛadeɛyie,” a song that helped elevate the group’s profile beyond Ghana.
At the time, Sparqlyn, then known by many as Kele within the group, was the one who represented Dunsin at the event to pick up the award.
Fashion enthusiasts, shoppers, and industry stakeholders gathered at the A&C Mall at East Legon on Saturday as Ghanaian fashion brand, Neesa Atelier officially opened its newest retail outlet to unveil an exclusive capsule collection inspired by West Africa’s rich cultural heritage.
The launch, held as an intimate ‘Sip & Shop’ experience, marked a significant milestone for the growing fashion brand as it expanded its physical presence while showcasing its latest collection, Dust & Raffia.
The collection offers a creative exploration of the cultural links between Ghana and Mali, blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary fashion design. Guests at the event were given a first look at the limited-edition pieces, which featured a hand-spun cord, raffia, jute, and Bogolan (mudcloth) elements.
According to the Creative Director of Neesa Atelier, Pamela Sarkodee, the collection celebrates the enduring connections among African communities and highlights the beauty of indigenous craftsmanship.
“This collection celebrates the stories that connect us across borders. By bringing together Bogolan, raffia, jute, and cordwork, we wanted to create pieces that honour heritage while presenting a contemporary vision of African luxury,” she said.
Throughout the event, guests toured the new retail space, interacted with the collection, and enjoyed an exclusive shopping experience that included special in-store offers. The occasion also provided an opportunity for fashion lovers to engage with the brand’s vision of blending culture, creativity, and community.
The Dust & Raffia collection draws inspiration from the textures, symbols, and traditions that have connected Ghanaian and Malian communities over generations. Through the use of natural materials and handcrafted techniques, the collection seeks to preserve cultural narratives while presenting them through modern fashion.
The new A&C Mall outlet has been designed to provide customers with an immersive shopping experience, giving them access to Neesa Atelier’s signature collections as well as future releases within one of Accra’s leading retail and lifestyle destinations.
Industry observers say the expansion reinforces Neesa Atelier’s growing reputation within Ghana’s fashion industry as a contemporary African brand committed to celebrating identity, heritage, and craftsmanship through innovative design.
The Dust & Raffia capsule collection is currently available for pre-order, with a wider public release expected in the coming weeks.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
The search for Ghana’s next beauty and purpose-driven ambassador kicks off Saturday, June 27, 2026, as auditions open for the historic 69th edition of Miss Ghana.
Aspiring contestants will converge at Oak Plaza Hotel, East Airport, Spintex Road, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The event will bring together young women from across the country ready to represent their regions and compete for the ultimate crown.
Organized by Exclusive Events Ghana, the pageant continues its mission to identify women who embody beauty, intelligence, leadership, discipline, and passion for community service.
The eventual winner will represent Ghana at the Miss World pageant and lead charitable projects through the Miss Ghana Foundation.
This year’s edition carries the theme “Empowering Women, Enduring Legacy”, celebrating 69 years of promoting purpose-driven leadership, cultural pride, and female empowerment.
Speaking ahead of the auditions, Inna Patty, CEO of Exclusive Events Ghana, said “For nearly seven decades, Miss Ghana has empowered young women to inspire change, celebrate culture, and represent the pride of Ghana to the world. Now, a new chapter begins. The countdown to Miss Ghana @69 is on.”
To qualify, applicants must be between 18 and 26 years old, be confident, morally upright, community-minded, and able to serve as a Ghana ambassador locally and internationally
The judges will also consider the communication skills, confidence, creativity, and personality of applicants.
Aspiring queens will have the opportunity to showcase unique talents like singing, dancing, spoken word, rap, or other creative expressions while engaging judges on national development issues.
Prospective queens are to download application forms and view full entry requirements on the Miss Ghana website.
Miss Ghana 2026 is powered by Exclusive Events Ghana.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
