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Spotify names Egyptian singer, Carmen Soliman as the Equal Arabia Ambassador for May

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Global music streaming platform, Spotify has named Egyptian singer, Carmen Soliman, as its EQUAL Arabia Ambassador for the month of May as part of the “Women in Music” programme.

The programme which was launched in the MENA region on March 2022, was meant to showcase and support the incredible work of female Arab artists by providing continuous on and off-platform support, amplifying their voices, and sharing their music with audiences worldwide.

Soliman who is regarded as one of Egypt’s brightest female artists, rose to prominence as the first Arab Idol winner in 2012 and has since gone on a remarkable journey of success, according to Egypt Today.

“In line with Spotify’s commitment to nurturing women talent in the region through the EQUAL Arabia program, Soliman takes centre stage on the cover of the EQUAL Arabia playlist throughout May.”

“Her debut single, “Kalam Kalam,” released in 2013, swiftly gained popularity in Egypt and over the years, Soliman has delighted fans with numerous hit singles, including “Leena Ra2sa” and “Hobak Enta,” her most streamed songs on Spotify, boasting more than 4 million and 3 million streams, respectively,” the platform wrote.

“Carmen has received multiple accolades throughout her illustrious career for her extraordinary talent.

“At 16, she was honoured with the Egyptian Supreme Council of Culture award for “Best Voice”, while esteemed veteran Egyptian singer and composer, Hani Shaker, recognized her exceptional vocal prowess by introducing her at his concert at the Opera House in Egypt, expressing his profound admiration for her unmatched voice quality.

“Moreover, her latest release, “Ya Gamalak”, has been included in both EQUAL Arabia and EQUAL Global playlists, showcasing her artistry to a broader audience.

“As a testament to her remarkable contributions to the Egyptian music industry, Spotify has spotlighted Carmen by featuring her on a billboard in the iconic Times Square, New York City”, it stated.

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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