Culture

Congolese singer Gaz Mawete takes the shine at La Cigale concert in Paris

Published

3 months ago

October 2, 2024

Congolese music star, Gaz Mawete, was the star of the moment when he gave an electrifying performance at the La Cigale concert in Paris before a sold-out crowd which has further solidified his place as one of Africa’s most dynamic musical talents.

The concert which held on Sunday in the French capital afforded Mawete another opportunity to showcase his immense talent to the world as well as portray African music to the French audience.

The concert was part of Mawete’s ongoing efforts to expand his presence in European and African markets and according to the artiste, he plans to continue performing across Europe while preparing for major African shows.

“Known for his unique fusion of rumba, R&B, and soul, Mawete delivered a night to remember, with fans showing up in large numbers to support the artist,” a French entertainment tabloid wrote after the performance.

Speaking on the event, Mawete said:

“The concert featured several special guests, much to the delight of the audience, and highlighted the deep sense of community within the Congolese music scene. The public came out in full force, and the support from my guest artists was incredibly touching. It was a special night for me.”

One of the night’s highlights was the appearance of fellow Congolese superstar Fally Ipupa, whose presence on stage was a moment of pride for Mawete.

“Fally coming to my concert was an honor. It shows that he appreciates and respects what I do. He’s someone I look up to, like a big brother, and seeing him there filled me with gratitude,” said Mawete.

Mawete also hinted at an upcoming performance at the legendary Martyrs Stadium, one of the most prestigious venues for Congolese artists.

“Performing at the Martyrs Stadium is a dream for any Congolese artist. If the audience shows up, it will prove that all the hard work has been worth it,” Mawete, who recently released a self-titled EP, said.

“I’m so grateful to my fans who have been with me every step of the way. You are my fuel, and without you, I am nothing,” he added.

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Culture

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

Published

2 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.

Culture

UNESCO lists Ghana’s Kente cloth as cultural heritage

Published

3 days 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.”