Culture

Ghana’s Afua Asantewaa sets world record for longest singing marathon

Published

12 months ago

December 29, 2023

Ghana’s Afua Asantewaa Aduonum, on December 29, successfully ended her attempt at setting a new Guinness World Record for the longest singing marathon by an individual, after she exceeded the previous record set by India’s Sunil Waghmare.

The unheralded singer, who began her musical marathon dubbed, “afuaasantewaasingathon” on December 24, successfully sang for five days, incorporating various positions such as standing, lying down, sitting, and squatting into her act, accumulating a total of 126 hours of continuous singing.

Afua’s achievement thus eclipses the official record of 105 hours held by Waghmare, a renowned Indian singer.

While awaiting a confirmation of her record-breaking feat by GWR, Afua unofficially sang for 126 hours and 52 minutes, surpassing Waghmare’s mark by an additional 21 hours.

While Waghmare, who achieved fame in 2012 as the GWR holder for the longest singing marathon, started his musical journey at 14 and is a professional musician, Afua has always claimed that she is not a professional singer but only has a passion for music.

In the five days she was in the Akwaaba Village trying to set the record, thousands of her countrymen turned out to cheer her and rally support for her, including Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, A-list celebrities and top politicians.

After paying her a solidarity visit, Bawumia wrote in a social media post:

“Wishing Afua Asantewaa Aduonum all the best as she takes on the challenge of breaking the singathon record set by Indian singer Sunil Waghmare.

“Your passion and talent shine brightly, and I am confident you’ll definitely make history. Keep shining your heart out. We are with you.”

Ghanaian celebrities, who visited Afua include Nana Ama McBrown, Sista Afia, Cina Soul, Clemento Suarez, Lawyer Nti, and OB Amponsah, who all stormed the Akwaaba village to offer her their support.

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Culture

UNESCO lists Ghana’s Kente cloth as cultural heritage

Published

8 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

4 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.