Culture

Ghanaian dancers Afronita, Abigail reach Britain’s Got Talent finale

Published

7 months ago

May 31, 2024

Ghanaian dancing duo of Afronita and Abigail who are competing in the 2024 edition of the prestigious British Got Talent show danced their way into the grand finale of the competition, further showcasing the vibrant culture of the West African country to a global audience with their mesmerizing performance.

According to reports posted on the website of the BGT, the “dynamic duo known for their exceptional talent and passion for dance, so captivated both the judges and the audience with their energetic and captivating routine.

“Their performance was a fusion of traditional Ghanaian dance moves with contemporary choreography, creating a unique and unforgettable experience for all who witnessed it.

“As they danced across the stage with grace and precision, Afronita and Abigail brought a piece of Ghana to the hearts of everyone watching. The duo’s performance was a celebration of diversity, unity, and the universal language of dance, transcending boundaries and connecting people from different backgrounds and cultures

“Afronita, 20 and the reality star of the moment, Abigail aged only 7, performed a medley of popular hits including Fuse ODG’s “Azonto,” Beyoncé’s “Run The World,” and Toofan’s “Gweta” among others.

“Their performance earned them a standing ovation, leaving the crowd excitedly showering them with praise even during the judges’ evaluation statements.

“Looking at you makes me happy, you really are a tonic for the spirit. Your individual style of dancing is so unique and beautiful, your musicality is out of this world and your personality really shines through. Love you, love you,” Britain’s Got Talent judge Bruno Tonioli told the African dancers after their semi-final performance.”

To the surprise of many, the most tough judge Simon Cowell praised the duo Afronita and Abigail, stating:

“When you’ve got it, you’ve got it. I think what is happening behind me is more important than what I say,” Cowell said.

Afronita and Abigail will hope to repeat their electrifying performance with the hope of clinching top spot in the final on Sunday.

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Culture

Moroccan doctors stage nationwide protest in ‘Week of Anger’

Published

8 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Moroccan doctors across the country on Tuesday staged a nationwide protests in what is known as “Week of Anger,” accusing the government of ignoring their calls for reform in public healthcare.

In a public announcement on Monday, the Independent Union of Public Sector Doctors (SIMSP) said the strike action would include more walkouts from December 30 to January 5.

The SIMSP said the nationwide strike would affect all public health facilities except emergency and intensive care units to ensure that some level of care remained available.

“During this time, doctors will not be at diagnostic centres and they will also boycott administrative tasks and refuse to issue medical certificates,” the SIMSP said.

The union added that a large march is planned for December 29 in Rabat, aimed at opposing laws on strikes and pensions.

The doctors’ union noted that their demands have been ignored by the Ministry of Health.

The union stated that their requests to government has remained unanswered. It also criticized a new framework for doctors, calling it scandalous as it threatens job security and opens the door to unfair dismissals.

The doctors’ demands include extra grades for doctors beyond the current scale, higher salaries, and an end to limits on promotions.

The union also wants the government to honour agreements made in 2011, 2023, and 2024.

According to the union, the doctors are also upset with the 2025 budget plan, which they say fails to address the health sector’s funding issues, expressing concerned about plans to shift salaries from central budgets to local health groups and warning that this could lead to instability.

The union added that doctors will continue to boycott school health programmes and what they call “improvised” surgical campaigns. They insist on maintaining high medical standards while pushing for change.

Culture

Ghana’s Afua Asantewaa begins second GWR sing-a-thon attempt

Published

3 days ago

December 22, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Ghanaian singer, Afua Asantewaa, on Saturday, began her second attempt at breaking the Guinness World Record (GWR) for the longest singing marathon by an individual.

The sing-a-thon which began in the early hours of Saturday, December 21, at Heroes’ Park, Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi, will run until December 25, and will see the determined songstress perform non-stop, focusing exclusively on Ghanaian songs.

According to Asantewaa’s manager, Madam Gladys Osei Owiredu, the audacious initiative is aimed at showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Ghanaian music to a global audience.

Owiredu confirmed that preparations for the event had been extensive but expressed confidence in Asantewaa’s readiness to finally break the record.

“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,” Owiredu said.

Asantewaa’s second attempt follows her first effort in December 2023, which fell short of surpassing the current record of 105 hours held by India’s Sunil Waghmare.

But despite the setback, her team remains optimistic about breaking the record this time with corporate sponsors including International Maritime Hospital, Ghana Gas, Nasco Electronics, and Zoomlion Ghana Limited rallying behind her, underscoring the importance of the attempt in amplifying the global significance of Ghanaian music.