Culture

Rema’s Ethiopian Concert cancelled over necklace controversy

Published

8 months ago

September 8, 2023

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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Culture

Egypt unveils stamp to mark 100th anniversary of relationship with Brazil

Published

21 hours ago

May 3, 2024

Akanimoh Etim

The Egyptian Post Board has unveiled a stamp to mark its 100th anniversary of relations with Brazil.

The commemorative stamp which was unveiled on Thursday, is designed with an artistic image that contains some of the famous tourist attractions in both countries.

With a size of 4 cm by 6 cm,
the stamp is insured against counterfeiting, multi-colored, and is value 10 Egyptian pounds.

According to Dr. Sherif Farouk, Chairman of the Egyptian Post Board of Directors, the stamp is equipped with QR Code technology, with the aim of creating a “rich interactive experience for those who possess them, enabling them to acquire the necessary knowledge about this occasion in an innovative and attractive way.”

“Egyptian-Brazilian relations are characterized by mutual trust, and close and constructive cooperative relations,” Dr. Farouk said.

He further explained that during the past years, Egypt and Brazil were able to develop means of cooperation to include many fields, which informed the idea by Egyptian Post to take the initiative of issuing a commemorative postage stamp on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of Egyptian-Brazilian relations

“The anniversary stamp has the aim of strengthening the strong diplomatic relations between the two countries,” he stated.

Dr. Farouk added that commemorative stamp is an important means of cultural communication between different countries of the world, and document the history of nations throughout the ages.

“Therefore, the Egyptian Post is always keen to issue commemorative stamps on important events and occasions to document and commemorate those events,” he noted.

Culture

Ghanaians celebrate return of Asante Gold artefacts looted by British

Published

2 days ago

May 2, 2024

Akanimoh Etim

Ghanaians, especially those from the ancient Asante region, have been in joyous mood as they flocked to the Manhyia Palace Museum in Kumasi, the capital of the region, to welcome the 32 golden artefacts which were returned to the Kingdom in a loan deal by the United Kingdom after they were looted about 150 years ago.

The agreement to loan back the artefacts to their original owners for an initial period of three years was reached between two British museums, the Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A) and British Museum, and the Asante King, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, with a possible of further extending the loan period.

The returned precious items have been on display at palace museum since they were returned and have been a source of joy for the people as they troop in daily to see and have a feel of their ancient history.

The return of the artefacts also coincides with the silver jubilee celebration of the Asantehene.

Some of the items, described by as “Ghana’s crown jewels” were looted during the Anglo-Ashanti wars of the 19th Century, including the famous Sargrenti War of 1874.

Among the returned artefacts are the sword of state, gold peace pipe and gold badges worn by officials charged with cleansing the soul of the king.

Other items like the gold harp (Sankuo) which were given to a British diplomat in 1817.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, who spoke on the significance of the returned items, said the dignity of the Kingdom has been restored.

“This is a day for Asante. A day for the Black African continent. The spirit we share is back.

“We acknowledge the very painful history surrounding the acquisition of these objects.

“These treasures have borne witness to triumph and trials of the great kingdom and their return to Kumasi is testament to the power of cultural exchange and reconciliation,” the King added.