Culture

South African Ampiano star Musa Keys dreams of winning Grammy

Published

1 year ago

December 18, 2023

South African Amapiano star, Musa Appreciate Makamu, popularly known as Musa Keys, says he hopes to pick up a gong at the 66th Grammy Awards which will air on February 4, 2024 at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, USA.

Keys, who spoke with entertainment journalists on Monday shortly after getting the news of his Grammy nomination, says he is confident of taking home an award.

However, he acknowledged that he was up against the best in the newly created Best African Music Performance with the likes of Nigeria’s Asake, Burna Boy, Rema, Davido, Wizkid and fellow South African, Tyla.

He was nominated in the category for Davido’s hit track “Unavailable” which he co-wrote and performed.

“I feel super great, amazing and I can’t wait to bring it back home,” Keys, himself a record producer, said.

The 23-year-old Musa Keys, who is the youngest male African nominee, shot to stardom in 2021 with his hit single, “Vula Mlomo”, which explored the practice of giving a gift to a bride’s father and the themes of love and vulnerability.

The single was certified double platinum by South Africa’s recording industry and since then, he has grown from strength to strength to become one of the best singers to come out of Africa.

On why he chose to do Ampiano-style music, Musa Keys points out that a lot of African artists are “doing this amapiano-infused music and that’s what’s making them really win”.

“Who would have thought that a sound from South Africa could help people outside the country to make it big out there?”, he says.

He went on to predict that “amapiano is going to be as big as afrobeats” and thinks the genre should get its own category at the Grammys.

“That’s something that I am personally fighting for,” he says.

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Culture

UNESCO lists Ghana’s Kente cloth as cultural heritage

Published

14 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

5 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.