Entertainment
Sparrow Studios, OldFilm unveil ‘The 70 Slate’ for Ghana’s 70th Independence anniversary
In a historic move for Ghanaian cinema, premier production houses Sparrow Studios and OldFilm Productions have joined forces to unveil the largest film slate in the country’s history.
Dubbed ‘The 70 Slate’, the groundbreaking initiative by acclaimed filmmakers Shirley Frimpong-Manso and Peter Sedufia is in celebration of Ghana’s 70th Independence Anniversary.
The slate will see the release of three major films celebrating Ghana’s heritage and future through world-class storytelling. They include ‘The Return of Makunse’, slated for release in December, ‘Nkrumah’s Red’, Gold and Green, penciled for July 2027, and ‘I Told You So’, set for December 2027.
This marks the first time two major Ghanaian production houses have collaborated at such a scale a bold statement of unity, creative excellence, and intent to position Ghana as the epicentre of African cinema.
The initiative is being executed in strategic partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, the Diaspora Affairs Office of the President, and the National Film Authority (NFA).
Speaking at a press conference held on Tuesday, September 8, at the Omanye Hall, Labadi Beach Hotel in Accra, Shirley Frimpong-Manso, Director and Producer of Sparrow Studios, said the films will celebrate Ghana’s cultural heritage, examine who we have become as a society, inspire pride, unity and self-reflection, and revive cinema culture across all regions.
She added that the project also seeks to attract diaspora engagement and tourism, position Ghana as a creative leader in Africa’s new cinematic era, and entertain Ghanaians both at home and around the world in commemoration of Ghana’s 70th anniversary.
On his part, Peter Sedufia of OldFilm Productions expressed appreciation to Shirley Frimpong-Manso for accepting his proposal to collaborate on the historic project.
He promised patrons of a quality and timeless production considering the investment and attention to details.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
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Ghanaian singer Jane Awindor popularly known as Efya Nokturnal and Nigerian musician Tomi Thomas have officially tied the knot after celebrating their marriage with a traditional wedding and a white wedding ceremony in Accra over the weekend.
The couple’s traditional marriage ceremony was held on Friday, November 6, attended by family members, close friends and several notable personalities from Ghana’s entertainment industry.
Among those present were Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, actresses Fella Makafui, Kafui Danku, Sister Derby, Hajia4Reall and Efia Odo, among many others.
Efya appeared in an elegant kente outfit while Tomi Thomas wore traditional attire, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the occasion.
The celebrations continued on Saturday, November 7, with a white wedding ceremony at the Underbridge Annex in Accra.
The event attracted a star-studded gathering of personalities from the entertainment and media industries, including Nana Ama McBrown, Bisa Kdei, Gyakie, Sefa, EL, Becca, Adina, D-Black, Kwaw Kese, Bola Ray and Regina Van-Helvert.
Efya made her entrance in a white lace wedding gown featuring a corseted bodice, high neckline and detachable train and was accompanied down the aisle by her parents, including her father, Professor Awindor.
Tomi Thomas complemented his bride with a classic white tuxedo jacket paired with black trousers as the couple exchanged vows and wedding rings before family and friends.
The reception featured elegant floral decorations, a multi-tiered wedding cake and a grand entrance by the newlyweds amid indoor fireworks and applause from guests.
Efya later changed into a second white outfit for the reception, where she joined her husband and guests on the dance floor as celebrations continued late into the evening.
Singer Adina entertained guests with a live performance, adding a musical touch to the festivities.
The two-day celebration marks a significant milestone for Efya, one of Ghana’s most celebrated female singers, and Tomi Thomas, whose cross-border musical influence has made him a notable figure in the African music scene.
The 10th Ghana Beauty Awards, dubbed The Legacy Ball, was held successfully on Friday, November 6, 2026, at the Adesa Pavilion, Labadi Beach Hotel, Accra.
The event, organised by MakeUp Ghana, honoured deserving players in the beauty and wellness industry under the theme “10 Years of Impact: The Legacy Era.”
Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, called for increased investment, skills development and stronger partnerships to unlock the full potential of the sector.
She said the industry can create jobs, empower women and young people, promote local products and strengthen Ghana’s creative economy and tourism appeal.
The founder of the awards, Rebecca Donkor, said the awards have grown beyond recognition to become a catalyst for industry development.
She described the night as a celebration of 10 years of vision, courage, advocacy and transformation of an industry that touches millions of lives globally.
Donkor said the industry needed standards, structure, professional training, certification, business support, investment and a stronger voice, and the awards evolved to meet those needs.
She cited the 2018 standardisation project with the Ghana Standards Authority, the development of a Code of Conduct, and work with the Commission for TVET to introduce the first-ever Makeup Artistry qualifications at Levels 3 and 4, and subsequently the HND.
Other speakers, including Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Shamima Muslim, CTVET Director-General Dr. Zakaria Sulemana, and Prof. Edmond Delle, Sierra Leone’s High Commissioner to Ghana, called for stronger standards, professional training, consumer safety and promotion of Made-in-Ghana beauty products.
The celebration also featured the launch of the inaugural Ghana Beauty and Wellness Report and the commissioning of the Ghana Beauty and Wellness Index in collaboration with the University of Ghana.
On the night, Mrs. Wilhermina Zinentah, CEO and Founder of Feel Natural, received Special Recognition for Hospitality, while Reviv Ghana Limited was recognised for Aesthetics and Wellness.
Honorary Awards went to the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, Hajia Safia Alhassan Andani of Pagsung Cosmetics, Madam Sarah Afia Brago Adomako of S-Nash Beauty Care, Madam Jocelyn Prempeh of Sterling Links Enterprise, Madam Yvonne Mills of J’Nissi Skin Repair & Laser Centre.
Lifetime Achievement Awards were presented to Mrs. Doreen Thomas Manieson, Founder and CEO of X’el School of Cosmetology, and Mrs. Joyce Fahene Acquaye, Founder and CEO of Fasti Body and Hair Care.
Promising Makeup Artist went to Felicia Boadu (Melashades), Promising Nail Technician to Victoria Ocran (Jane’m Salon), Women Economic Empowerment Award to Nguvu Shea Care, Commercial Photographer to Michael Koku Assenyoh (Kokuvi), and People’s Choice to Faruza Yakubu (FYGLAM).
Makeup Artist of the Year was shared by Ida Osei Tutu (Idazzle Beauty) and Chelsea Ogbonna (Chelsea Blaq). Best Celebrity Makeup Artist (Female) went to Elemi Quincy (Quincy Blaq) and Best Celebrity Makeup Artist (Male) to Vinyo Dennis Selassey (Denni Makeover).
Stephanie Kukua Plange (Makeup by Plange) won Best Bridal Makeup Artist (Traditional Wedding), while Vincentia Ocloo (Viola Beauty) won Best Bridal Makeup Artist (White Wedding). Best Editorial Makeup Artist (Female) went to Ekay Gabriel (Ziva by Ekay) and Best Editorial Makeup Artist (Male) to Judah Nhyira Odei (Judahs Makeover). Ralph Quam (Mr Quamz) won Best Special Effects Makeup Artist.
Other distinguished individuals also won awards and other recognitions for their contribution to the beauty industry.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
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