Culture

South African talk show host, Trevor Noah, to anchor Grammys for third-straight year

Published

2 years ago

February 1, 2023

South African talk show host, Trevor Noah, has been selected as host of the 2023 Grammy Awards, for a third-straight year, but the former “The Daily Show” host says he still has some nervousness about leading the ceremony with big-time acts like Beyoncé, Adele and Harry Styles, in attendance.

“The nerves come in because you’re standing in front of not just some of the best, but some of the biggest performers in the world,” the multiple award winner said on Wednesday while looking forward to the event coming up on Sunday.

But Noah says he expects his diligent preparation to get him through show.

“Nerves are part of what I do,” the comedian said as he returns for his third hosting stint at the Grammys which is returning to the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles after relocating to Las Vegas for the first-time ever because of rising COVID-19 cases in 2020.

Noah said each year of hosting the Grammys has offered him a different experience because of the logistical challenges stemmed from the pandemic.

“Every year, I notice that I develop a different rapport with the people in the room.

“That opens you up to a few more jokes and a few more conversations in a way where people understand the context of who you are in relation to them.

“It means you get to have a little bit of fun without anybody feeling like you’re dunking on them,” Noah said in an interview ahead of the Grammy Awards.

Noah said he is looking forward to checking out the popular performers who will hit the stage including Bad Bunny, Mary J. Blige, Sam Smith, Lizzo, Steve Lacy and Brandi Carlile.

Beyoncé is leading the nominations with nine, including record and song of the year for her song “Break My Soul,” while Kendrick Lamar has the second-most nominations with eight, with Adele and Carlile entering the show with seven nominations.

Styles, Mary J. Blige, Future, DJ Khaled, The-Dream and mastering engineer Randy Merrill each received six nominations.

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Culture

UNESCO lists Ghana’s Kente cloth as cultural heritage

Published

17 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.