Culture

South African Black Panther actress Connie Chiume passes on at 72

Published

4 months ago

August 7, 2024

South African film legend, Connie Chiume, who featured in Marvel film, “Black Panther, has died at the age of 72, her family has announced.

The iconic film star who graced South African TV for decades, reportedly died at a Johannesburg hospital, according to a statement published on social media by her family.

The announcement posted on Instagram on Tuesday reads:

“The Chiume family regrets to inform you of the passing of the International Acclaimed award winning actress Connie Chiume.

“Connie Chiume 72, passed on at Garden City Hospital today on the 6th August 2024. The family asks for privacy during this difficult period. The family will communicate further details.”

Chiume, who played tribal the role of a leader Zawavari in both “Black Panther” and its 2022 sequel, “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” was a household name in her native South Africa.

She was a multi-award-winning actress who also starred in several South African TV shows including “Rhythm City”, “Zone 14” and most recently, popular TV series, “Gomora”.

Chiume was born in 1952 to a Malawian father and a South African Zulu mother, according to her profile on the website of her agency, MLA.

“Before embarking on a career in showbiz that spanned more than 45 years, she trained as a nurse and later worked as a teacher.

“Her first foray into the world of entertainment came in 1977 when she joined a musical show called “Sola Sola,” which toured Israel and Greece and went on to rack up a host of credits on both stage and screen.

“She rose to prominence as an actress in 1989 when she appeared in the popular South African television series “Inkom’ Edla Yodwa”.

“In the 2018 “Black Panther” film, Chiume starred as Zawavari – a member of the Wakandan Tribal Council. In the 2022 sequel “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” she replaced Zuri (Forest Whitaker) as Wakanda’s Elder Statesman.

“She was also highly celebrated for her appearances in Beyoncé’s Disney musical film based on “The Lion King”, in which she played Simba’s mother, Sarabi.

“Her most recent role was in “Heart of the Hunter”, released earlier this year, and she also appeared in TV series “Soon Comes Night” in February.

Chiume was given several awards, including an NTVA Avanti Award for Best Actress in a Drama Series for her role in Soul City in 2000.

Later in 2009, she received a South African Film and Television Award (SAFTA) for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama for her role as Stella Moloi in the family drama Zone 14.

Paying tribute to her on X, the South African government posted:

“Our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of multi-award winning and legendary actress Connie Chiume. Her outstanding work will always be remembered. #RIPConnieChiume.”

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Culture

UNESCO lists Ghana’s Kente cloth as cultural heritage

Published

9 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.