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South African amputee dancer, Musa Motha dazzles at ‘Britain’s Got Talent’

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South African amputee dancer, Musa Motha has entered the history books at the “Britain’s Got Talent” reality show after leaving the judges and audience in emotional tangles with his highly emotional contemporary dance piece.

The 27-year-old Motha, who had his left leg amputated as a young boy after he suffered from cancer, danced his way into the hearts of the judges and audience.

It was goosebumps and tears as the South African amputee made his way into the semi-finals at the “Britain’s Got Talent” auditions
show after the audience demanded he got a Golden Buzzer.

The electrifying dancer performed a four-minute piece to “Runnin’ (Lose It All)”, featuring Beyoncé and Arrow Benjamin and it was enough for the judges and audience.

Motha m, who moved to London from his native Sebokeng in South Africa few years ago, was highly praised by judges, Bruno Tonioli, Alesha Dixon, Amanda Holden, and Simon Cowell, who had glowing words for him after making the semi-finals.

The judges’ attempts to comment on his performance were inaudible as the crowd continued to cheer and demand a Golden Buzzer.

At that juncture, all four judges pushed the buzzer together, showering an emotional Motha with golden confetti before they went to the stage to congratulate him.

While congratulating Motha, Cowell said:

“That was one of the most amazing things I’ve ever seen in all the years I’ve done this show.”

Speaking after the rapturous applause, Motha said that he used to play soccer before he was diagnosed with cancer and subsequently lost his leg.

He then fell in love with music and his friends taught him how to dance, using his crutch in the place of his amputated leg.

“I asked my friends to teach me to dance. I use my crutches as my left leg in dance,” he said.

“I was diagnosed with cancer when I was young, which led to my leg getting amputated. This is a perfect time for me to reach out and inspire more people.

“I’m a true believer and example of breaking the word ‘impossible’ into to ‘I am possible’. I thank you so much.”

Watch the video here:

Culture

Ghana’s Afua Asantewaa begins second GWR sing-a-thon attempt

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Ghanaian singer, Afua Asantewaa, on Saturday, began her second attempt at breaking the Guinness World Record (GWR) for the longest singing marathon by an individual.

The sing-a-thon which began in the early hours of Saturday, December 21, at Heroes’ Park, Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi, will run until December 25, and will see the determined songstress perform non-stop, focusing exclusively on Ghanaian songs.

According to Asantewaa’s manager, Madam Gladys Osei Owiredu, the audacious initiative is aimed at showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Ghanaian music to a global audience.

Owiredu confirmed that preparations for the event had been extensive but expressed confidence in Asantewaa’s readiness to finally break the record.

“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,” Owiredu said.

Asantewaa’s second attempt follows her first effort in December 2023, which fell short of surpassing the current record of 105 hours held by India’s Sunil Waghmare.

But despite the setback, her team remains optimistic about breaking the record this time with corporate sponsors including International Maritime Hospital, Ghana Gas, Nasco Electronics, and Zoomlion Ghana Limited rallying behind her, underscoring the importance of the attempt in amplifying the global significance of Ghanaian music.

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Ghana’s Supreme Court dismisses suit challenging anti-LGBT bill

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Ghana’s Supreme Court has dismissed two separate suits challenging the legality of one of the proposed anti-LGBT legislations awaiting assent into law by the president.

The separate suits were filed by two legal practitioners, Amanda Odoi and Richard Sky, challenging the bill, seeking to declare it illegal and prevent the president from signing it.

The two cases had challenged the constitutionality of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill.

But in a ruling on Wednesday, the Supreme Court unanimously decided to dismiss the legal challenges to the new anti-LGBT legislation that has been criticised by rights groups.

The controversial bill was passed earlier this year by Ghanaian lawmakers with three years imprisonment for people identifying as LGBT and five years for forming or funding LGBT groups.

While dismissing the cases, presiding judge, Justice Avril Lovelace-Johnson, who delivered the ruling on behalf of the seven-member panel, said the cases were premature.

“Until there’s presidential assent, there is no act, the two cases were “unanimously dismissed,” she said.

The ruling is the latest blow to the LGBTQ community in Ghana and paves the way for the president to sign into law what many say is one of Africa’s most restrictive piece of anti-LGBTQ legislation.

President Nana Akufo-Addo, whose term in office ends on 7 January, had delayed signing it pending the outcome of the Supreme Court challenge but the judges said the case could not be reviewed until it had been signed it into law.

It expected that incoming president, John Mahama, will sign the bill into law as he had always expressed his support for the bill during his electioneering campaigns.

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