Culture

South Africa mourns late literary icon James Matthews

Published

3 months ago

September 12, 2024

South Africa and indeed the whole of Africa is mourning the passing of iconic writer, poet and publisher, James Matthews, who died in his sleep at his Cape Town home at the age of 95.

The renowned ‘Struggle” poet whose poetry was banned by the apartheid government leading to frequent harassment, police detention, and the censorship of his work, was famous for writing about the struggles, challenges, and experiences of Cape Town’s working-class communities and townships, and through his poetry, he became a prominent voice for the black consciousness movement.

In 1972, he founded South Africa’s first black-owned art gallery, Gallery Afrique and, in 1974, he launched BLAC (Black Literature Arts and Culture), the country’s first black-owned publishing house, which was forced to close in 1991 due to persistent government harassment before setting up another publishing house, Realities, in 2000.

The South African Parliament has also paid tributes to Mathews as the Presiding Officers including the Speaker of the National Assembly, Ms. Thoko Didiza, and the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Ms. Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, have expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the renowned writer.

While speaking on the floor of the House, Didiza said:

“Mr. Matthews was a powerful voice in the fight against apartheid who wielding his pen, challenged the oppressive regime. He gave a voice to the voiceless and stood resolute for truth and justice during one of the darkest chapters in our country’s history.

“In recognition of his unwavering commitment to a non-racial South Africa and his significant contributions to literature and journalism, he was awarded the Order of Ikhamanga in 2004.

“Mr. Matthews’ dedication to the struggle for freedom cannot be overstated. South Africa owes him a profound debt of gratitude for his role in liberating our people through his art and activism. He belonged to a generation that selflessly dedicated their lives to the emancipation of the oppressed, expecting no reward.

“Mr. Matthews’ passing leaves an immense void not only in the arts community but also in the broader struggle for justice and equality. We extend our deepest condolences to the Matthews family, friends, comrades, and the people of South Africa. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”

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Culture

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

Published

1 hour 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.

Culture

Ghana’s Supreme Court dismisses suit challenging anti-LGBT bill

Published

3 days ago

December 19, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Ghana’s Supreme Court has dismissed two separate suits challenging the legality of one of the proposed anti-LGBT legislations awaiting assent into law by the president.

The separate suits were filed by two legal practitioners, Amanda Odoi and Richard Sky, challenging the bill, seeking to declare it illegal and prevent the president from signing it.

The two cases had challenged the constitutionality of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill.

But in a ruling on Wednesday, the Supreme Court unanimously decided to dismiss the legal challenges to the new anti-LGBT legislation that has been criticised by rights groups.

The controversial bill was passed earlier this year by Ghanaian lawmakers with three years imprisonment for people identifying as LGBT and five years for forming or funding LGBT groups.

While dismissing the cases, presiding judge, Justice Avril Lovelace-Johnson, who delivered the ruling on behalf of the seven-member panel, said the cases were premature.

“Until there’s presidential assent, there is no act, the two cases were “unanimously dismissed,” she said.

The ruling is the latest blow to the LGBTQ community in Ghana and paves the way for the president to sign into law what many say is one of Africa’s most restrictive piece of anti-LGBTQ legislation.

President Nana Akufo-Addo, whose term in office ends on 7 January, had delayed signing it pending the outcome of the Supreme Court challenge but the judges said the case could not be reviewed until it had been signed it into law.

It expected that incoming president, John Mahama, will sign the bill into law as he had always expressed his support for the bill during his electioneering campaigns.