Culture

‘Ghanaians have lazy mindset, but blame politicians for their woes’— Shatta Wale

Published

10 months ago

February 19, 2024

Ghanaian dancehall king, Shatta Wale, has told his countrymen to stop blaming the country’s politicians for their woes and rather look within themselves and do away with what he calls a “lazy mindset.”

Shatta Wale said politicians always took the bullet for the suffering of the masses when the youth should equally be blamed for having a lazy mindset and not taking nor exploring opportunities open to them.

In an interview with 3 Music, the singer said there were many opportunities in the country that the youths could easily latch on to and make lots of money but for their lazy mindset.

“Sometimes, when we blame the politicians, I laugh. Politicians are doing everything they can to work as politicians. It’s just that when you’re lazy in your mind and you don’t know how to take advantage of opportunities yourself, you will always be talking about politicians,” the star said.

“Politicians are like cartels with how they run things. It’s not that they’re disrespecting the people; they promise, and you vote for them.

“But when they go to the white man and take money from them, the white man thinks that they will use it to provide jobs for the youth. They don’t know that the politician will take that money and give it to cheap labour, those from the rural areas.

“They know that those who went to tertiary institutions will not apply. Our politicians have realised that the youth want flashy things and to wear suits. They don’t want to go into construction. But there’s a lot of money in construction,” he explained.

Shatta Wale went on to advice the youths to be more proactive and creative and stop waiting for the government to provide solutions to their problems.

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Culture

UNESCO lists Ghana’s Kente cloth as cultural heritage

Published

3 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.