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Rema’s Ethiopian Concert cancelled over necklace controversy

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A much-anticipated concert to mark the Ethiopian New Year’s Eve, which was to feature Nigeria’s Afrobeats star boy, Divine Ikubor, popularly known as Rema, has been cancelled following what organizers described as “religious sentiment and suggestive imagery” in reference to the artiste’s necklace.

The multiple award-winning singer was to perform at the concert scheduled for the Sheraton Hotel in Addis Ababa on Saturday, September 9, but the organisers had to call off the event following public outrage over the artwork on his customised necklace which they say is associated with “worshipping the devil”, a statement claimed on Friday.

The management of Sheraton Hotel, which also released a statement announcing the cancellation of the concert, said the “decision came as a result of the artwork used for the concert, where Mr. Ikubor wore a customised necklace that has a burning church and inverted crosses.”

Local media reports that the imagery on the necklace had sparked significant public outcry and condemnation, and was viewed as disrespectful and offensive by many Ethiopians.

“The symbols used by the Nigerian singer, Rema, particularly a burning church featured on his necklace and used as a backdrop for his performances, were viewed as disrespectful and offensive by many Ethiopians,” an online platform wrote.

“The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, with its deep cultural heritage and strong religious convictions, had also condemned the symbols, emphasising that the imagery is against Ethiopian culture, history, and religious values,” it added.

An Ethiopian entertainment enthusiast, who was interviewed by a Nigerian media personality, Daddy Freeze, also confirmed her countrymen’s concerns over the controversial necklace.

In the interview, she explained that “Ikubor’s necklace led to accusations of him worshipping the devil, which ultimately resulted in the cancellation of his show by the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.”

“They made a statement, like a press release in Ethiopia about Rema. Yes, you can imagine, it’s a very big deal. They’re basically saying he is worshipping the devil because of what he has on his neck. And to be honest, I never thought of it myself. And there’s more to it; to be honest,” she opined.

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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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