Culture

Sudanese pioneer actress, Asia Abdelmajid killed in Khartoum cross-fire

Published

1 year ago

May 4, 2023

Sudan’s first professional actress, Asia Abdelmajid has been killed in a crossfire in the north of the capital, Khartoum as the war between the country’s military loyal to Army Chief, Gen. Abdel-Fattah al-Burhan and the Rapid Support Force (RSF) paramilitary forces led by Gen. Ahmed Dangalo, continues to rage despite several ceasefire deals.

Though the circumstances surrounding the 80-year-old actress’s death has not been revealed, her family, in a statement on Wednesday, said she was killed in her home during clashes in the suburb of Bahri.

According to a family statement, Abdelmajid was buried shortly after her demise in the grounds of a kindergarten where she was working, because it was too dangerous to take her to a cemetery.

Asia Abdelmajid was considered a pioneer of the Sudanese stage and was known for her theatre performances which saw her steady rise to fame with the 1965 production of the play “Pamseeka.”

She was to retire from the theater to become a teacher after the death of her husband, Mohamed Moftah Al Faitory, who himself was one of Sudan’s foremost poets.

Her death makes her one of the hundreds of civilians who have been killed since the outbreak of clashes between the warring factions over two weeks ago.

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Culture

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

Published

19 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

2 days 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.