Culture

Diamond Platnumz stuns fans by preaching with Bible during show

Published

9 months ago

April 5, 2024

Tanzania’s “Bongo Flavour” creator, Diamond Platnumz, stunned his fans during a recent concert when he gave an unexpected sermon quoting the Bible copiously despite being a staunch Muslim.

According to local media in the East African country, the “Shu” crooner became the main attraction during the show occurring within the Easter season festivities when he turned an emergency preacher of the Christian gospel.

“The event, hosted by Tanzanian gospel singer Christina Shusho, saw Platinumz sharing insights from the Bible much to the surprise of many present,” an online platform wrote.

“Among the audience was the Prime Minister of Tanzania, Kassim Majaliwa, who commended Diamond for his unique approach to spreading positivity and unity through religious teachings.

“Despite fasting for the holy month of Ramadhan in adherence to his Islamic faith, the ‘Shu’ singer took the stage to deliver a powerful message inspired by Christian scriptures.

“While many might have expected Diamond to solely entertain with his musical talents, he went beyond expectations by embracing the opportunity to share spiritual verses and deliver what had come for.

“Part of Diamond’s sermon was the passage from the Gospel of John, chapter 13, verses 34-35, where Jesus commands to love one another as a mark of discipleship.

“The “Zuwena” singer went on to read another scripture from the book of Matthew 22 : 39, which says: “And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.

“The “WCB” star concluded with another scripture from the book of 1 John 4: 11-12 which says “Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.”

“By sharing this message of love and unity across religious boundaries, Diamond showed the universal values that transcend differences in faith, as he believes it is the good approach to spread positivity and unity through religious teachings,” the platform concluded.

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Culture

UNESCO lists Ghana’s Kente cloth as cultural heritage

Published

5 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.