Culture

Morocco rapper, Toto, given eight months suspended jail term for threatening Belgian journalist

Published

1 year ago

January 20, 2023

Controversial Moroccan rapper, ElGrande Toto, has been given an eight months suspended jail term for allegedly insulting and threatening a Belgium-based journalist with “insults, defamation and threats”, his lawyer, Abdelfattah Zahrach, told reporters in Friday.

ElGrande Toto, whose real name is Taha Fahssi, was accused of threatening the journalist in an online row after the star made controversial comments about cannabis last year which got him into trouble.

The Casablanca-born 26-year-old rapper who is unarguably the biggest musician in the North African country, reportedly told the journalist in an Instagram post:

“We’ll meet in Belgium and you won’t know what happened to you.”

The suspended jail term, according to the lawyer, comes with a fine of w50 000 dirhams ($4 900) to be paid in damages, Zahrach said.

Zahrach said that though he was “partly satisfied” by the ruling, he however objected to the requirement to pay compensation.

“Toto has not committed any criminal act against the plaintiff,” the lawyer said, adding that they would discuss whether to appeal.

The hiphop artist had sparked controversy in September when he told reporters after a concert:

“I smoke hash – so what?… It doesn’t mean I set a bad example.”

His remarks had triggered anger in Morocco, a conversative country which has banned the recreational use of the drug despite being its biggest producer.

He was accused of “inciting drug use, defamation”, but he later tendered public apology to people he felt were “offended” by the comments.

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Culture

Egypt unveils stamp to mark 100th anniversary of relationship with Brazil

Published

5 hours ago

May 3, 2024

Akanimoh Etim

The Egyptian Post Board has unveiled a stamp to mark its 100th anniversary of relations with Brazil.

The commemorative stamp which was unveiled on Thursday, is designed with an artistic image that contains some of the famous tourist attractions in both countries.

With a size of 4 cm by 6 cm,
the stamp is insured against counterfeiting, multi-colored, and is value 10 Egyptian pounds.

According to Dr. Sherif Farouk, Chairman of the Egyptian Post Board of Directors, the stamp is equipped with QR Code technology, with the aim of creating a “rich interactive experience for those who possess them, enabling them to acquire the necessary knowledge about this occasion in an innovative and attractive way.”

“Egyptian-Brazilian relations are characterized by mutual trust, and close and constructive cooperative relations,” Dr. Farouk said.

He further explained that during the past years, Egypt and Brazil were able to develop means of cooperation to include many fields, which informed the idea by Egyptian Post to take the initiative of issuing a commemorative postage stamp on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of Egyptian-Brazilian relations

“The anniversary stamp has the aim of strengthening the strong diplomatic relations between the two countries,” he stated.

Dr. Farouk added that commemorative stamp is an important means of cultural communication between different countries of the world, and document the history of nations throughout the ages.

“Therefore, the Egyptian Post is always keen to issue commemorative stamps on important events and occasions to document and commemorate those events,” he noted.

Culture

Ghanaians celebrate return of Asante Gold artefacts looted by British

Published

1 day ago

May 2, 2024

Akanimoh Etim

Ghanaians, especially those from the ancient Asante region, have been in joyous mood as they flocked to the Manhyia Palace Museum in Kumasi, the capital of the region, to welcome the 32 golden artefacts which were returned to the Kingdom in a loan deal by the United Kingdom after they were looted about 150 years ago.

The agreement to loan back the artefacts to their original owners for an initial period of three years was reached between two British museums, the Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A) and British Museum, and the Asante King, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, with a possible of further extending the loan period.

The returned precious items have been on display at palace museum since they were returned and have been a source of joy for the people as they troop in daily to see and have a feel of their ancient history.

The return of the artefacts also coincides with the silver jubilee celebration of the Asantehene.

Some of the items, described by as “Ghana’s crown jewels” were looted during the Anglo-Ashanti wars of the 19th Century, including the famous Sargrenti War of 1874.

Among the returned artefacts are the sword of state, gold peace pipe and gold badges worn by officials charged with cleansing the soul of the king.

Other items like the gold harp (Sankuo) which were given to a British diplomat in 1817.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, who spoke on the significance of the returned items, said the dignity of the Kingdom has been restored.

“This is a day for Asante. A day for the Black African continent. The spirit we share is back.

“We acknowledge the very painful history surrounding the acquisition of these objects.

“These treasures have borne witness to triumph and trials of the great kingdom and their return to Kumasi is testament to the power of cultural exchange and reconciliation,” the King added.