Culture

Restaurant owned by Nigerian named among top 200 in South Africa

Published

2 years ago

December 8, 2022

A restaurant owned by a Nigerian entrepreneur, Ken Ayere, in South Africa, Hombaze African Cuisine, has been named in the top 200 best outlets in the country by the prestigious Restuarants Association of South Africa (RASA)/Rosetta Award committee.

Hombaze African Cuisine which serves African and finger-licking Nigerian meals prepared by Ayere and his wife, was nominated on Thursday from more than 85,000 outlets spread across the former apartheid enclave.

RASA, the organisers of the awards, in a letter of nomination delivered to Ayere, said Hombaze was nominated as a finalist for striving for service excellence and contribution to the uplift of the restaurant industry.

Part of the nomination letter reads:

“It is a recognition of the highest honours for service excellence and overall contribution to the innovation and upliftment of the industry.

“Your participation and involvement in the restaurant industry is valued and we thank you for the contributions you make to ensure its ongoing success,” the letter said.

The association also paid tributes to the management and members of staff of Hombaze for their passion, dedication and hardwork.

“As a token of acknowledgement, we recognise your passion, talents, dedication, commitment and hardwork for food and service of the highest standard.

“RASA is proud to be associated with restaurants of your calibre to be recognised and celebrated,” it said.

Ayere who has been residing in South Africa since 1996, has been described by many patrons of his restaurant as a worthy ambassador for his country who mentors other Nigerians in the country on decent living and entrepreneurship.

Ayere operates three restaurants in South Africa, including the flagship outlet situated in high-brow Sandton mall at the Nelson Mandela Square, and another in Pretoria.

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Culture

UNESCO lists Ghana’s Kente cloth as cultural heritage

Published

14 hours ago

December 18, 2024

Isaac Dachen

The iconic Ghanaian Kente, a piece of clothing, has been recognized as a cultural heritage on UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The global recognition, according to the UN body, is coming under the 2003 Convention for Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage highlights the cultural and historical significance of the vibrant, handwoven textile.

In a citation on its website, UNESCO describes the Kente cloth as “originating from Ghana’s Asante and Ewe communities and renowned worldwide for its bold colors, intricate patterns, and deep symbolic meanings, embodying the creativity and identity of the Ghanaian people.”

Ghana’s Tourism Minister, Andrew Egyapa Mercer, described the recognition as a testament to Ghana’s commitment to preserving its cultural heritage.

“This achievement places Ghana at the forefront of global efforts to safeguard and celebrate cultural traditions,” he noted.

In a statement acknowledging the recognition, Mercer said the “Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MoTAC) expressed gratitude to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, UNESCO, and the artisans, cultural institutions, and traditional authorities who contributed to this milestone.”

“Special acknowledgement is given to the Bonwire and Agotime communities for their enduring role as custodians of the craft.

“As Ghana celebrates this historic moment, MoTAC reaffirms its dedication to promoting and preserving the nation’s rich cultural legacy.”

Culture

Ghanaian singer Afua Asantewaa takes another shot at GWR with sing-a-thon

Published

5 days ago

December 14, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Ghanaian singer, Afua Asantewaa, is set to take another shot at the Guinness World Record (GWR) for the longest singing marathon by an individual.

In December 2023, Asantewaa had embarked on the sing-a-thon aiming to surpass the existing record held by Indian Sunil Waghmare, who sang for an impressive 105 hours from March 3 to March 7, 2012.

But despite her determination, her attempt fell short, resulting in her disqualification by the GWR from claiming the title.

In a statement announcing her second attempt for the sing-a-thon, Asantewaa’s manager, Gladys Osei Owiredu, said the songstress was determined to break the existing record as preparations are in full swing for her to take on the challenge.

According to Owiredu, the sing-a-thon which is scheduled to take place from December 21 to 25 at the Heroes’ Park, Baba Yara Stadium, Kumasi, will once again focus on Ghanaian songs with the aim of promoting local music to a global audience.

“I can confirm that she is ready for the task ahead. It’s been challenging, by way of preparations, but I can say she is ready,” said Owiredu.

“And like the first attempt, we are doing strictly Ghanaian songs. The objective is to promote our songs. We succeeded in doing so during the first attempt in Accra, and we believe it will reach greater heights in the second attempt,” she said.

Owiredu added that Asantewaa’s second attempt aims to exceed her previous achievement and further amplify the cultural significance of Ghanaian music on an international stage.

Asantewaa’s record-breaking endeavour has garnered the backing of several corporate organisations in Ghana including International Maritime Hospital, Ike’s Cafe and Grill, Ghana Gas, Nasco Electronics, Perla Natural Mineral Water, Anointed Electrical Engineering, Zoomlion Ghana Limited, and Angel Group Limited.

“With the unwavering support of these sponsors and the determination of the Singathon team, all eyes will be on Kumasi as Afua Asantewaa takes to the stage for this monumental feat.
Ghana awaits with bated breath as she strives to make history,” Owiredu stated.