Culture

South African talk show host, Trevor Noah, to anchor Grammys for third-straight year

Published

1 year ago

February 1, 2023

South African talk show host, Trevor Noah, has been selected as host of the 2023 Grammy Awards, for a third-straight year, but the former “The Daily Show” host says he still has some nervousness about leading the ceremony with big-time acts like Beyoncé, Adele and Harry Styles, in attendance.

“The nerves come in because you’re standing in front of not just some of the best, but some of the biggest performers in the world,” the multiple award winner said on Wednesday while looking forward to the event coming up on Sunday.

But Noah says he expects his diligent preparation to get him through show.

“Nerves are part of what I do,” the comedian said as he returns for his third hosting stint at the Grammys which is returning to the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles after relocating to Las Vegas for the first-time ever because of rising COVID-19 cases in 2020.

Noah said each year of hosting the Grammys has offered him a different experience because of the logistical challenges stemmed from the pandemic.

“Every year, I notice that I develop a different rapport with the people in the room.

“That opens you up to a few more jokes and a few more conversations in a way where people understand the context of who you are in relation to them.

“It means you get to have a little bit of fun without anybody feeling like you’re dunking on them,” Noah said in an interview ahead of the Grammy Awards.

Noah said he is looking forward to checking out the popular performers who will hit the stage including Bad Bunny, Mary J. Blige, Sam Smith, Lizzo, Steve Lacy and Brandi Carlile.

Beyoncé is leading the nominations with nine, including record and song of the year for her song “Break My Soul,” while Kendrick Lamar has the second-most nominations with eight, with Adele and Carlile entering the show with seven nominations.

Styles, Mary J. Blige, Future, DJ Khaled, The-Dream and mastering engineer Randy Merrill each received six nominations.

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Culture

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

Published

11 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.