Culture

Algerian Muslims, Christians unite in prayer for peace in Middle East

Published

9 months ago

December 3, 2023

In what has been described as a powerful and outstanding display of interfaith solidarity, hundreds of Algerian Muslims joined their Christian counterparts Saturday at the Basilica of Our Lady of Africa in Algiers to pray for peace in the Middle East, with special focus on the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip.

Led by Archbishop Jean-Paul Vesco of Algiers, over 200 people, including foreign diplomats and representatives of various associations, had responded to the call by the Catholic Church in Algeria to come together and pray for peace in Gaza.

Among those who attended the religious gathering were the French Ambassador to Algeria, Stephane Romatet, Palestinian Ambassador, Fayez Mohamed Mahoum Abu Aita, Archbishop Jean-Paul Vesco, and the president of the Algerian association, “Passerelles de la paix,” Youcef Mecheria.

While addressing the worshippers, Archbishop Vesco said the call became necessary as an expression of collective unity. He said the intention behind the gathering was to pray for peace in a land “where residents are enduring what the an insupportable tributary to conflict.”

“Today, we wanted to organize a day of fasting and prayer for peace and for an end to the fighting, but with justice in Gaza. It’s a day of prayer in solidarity with all the people of Gaza,” Vesco said.

Also speaking, Ambassador Romatet said the significance of the diverse community present, encompassing Muslims and Christians, particularly in a time when global peace was under threat, especially in the Middle East, showed the importance of peace in the world.

“We responded to this call to pray for the end of the conflict in the Middle East, in Palestine, and in Gaza,” he added.

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Culture

Algeria to host Afreximbank’s CANEX 2024

Published

12 hours ago

September 7, 2024

Isaac Dachen

The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has announced that the 2024 edition of its Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX 2024) will hold in Algiers, the capital of Algeria, with the theme, “One People, United in Culture.”

According to a statement from the bank, the CANEX 2024, which is a premier event that showcases Africa’s vibrant creative and cultural industries, will be the major focus of the four-day event taking place from October 16-19.

“CANEX 2024 offers a unique platform for creatives from across the continent and beyond, to showcase their work, network with industry leaders, and explore business opportunities, including exhibitions, roundtable discussions, masterclasses, live performances, gastronomy showcases, music, dance, poetry, and other artistic expressions,” the statement said.

“Since the event was launched in 2020, it had committed a $1bn facility for Africa’s creative and cultural industries, and has deployed specialised products for financing some CCI sectors, including the Film Financing Development Facility and the Music Development facility.

“The bank has also identified key gaps in creative production value chains, and created interventions to bridge those gaps, with a focus on access to markets.

“The event will be a gathering of creatives, investors, and industry professionals from across the continent and the world over.

“CANEX WKND 2024 will feature an exhibition and market, roundtable discussions, masterclasses, live performances, and networking opportunities. The event is open to industry professionals, individuals, corporate investors, and governance bodies. It provides a unique platform for creatives to showcase their work, connect with industry leaders, and explore business and investment opportunities,” the statement added.

Culture

SA rapper Khuli Chana to pay special tribute to AKA at the DSTV Delicious Festival

Published

1 day ago

September 6, 2024

Isaac Dachen

South African rapper, Khuli Chana, has revealed that he will pay tribute to his friend and mentor, the late Kiernan Forbes, also known as AKA, who was shot dead outside a restaurant in Kwazulu-Natal on February 10, 2023.

The ‘Motswako” hit maker disclosed that he plans to pay tribute to AKA at the upcoming DSTV Delicious International Food & Music Festival which will take place on September 21.

Chana said he will honour the life and legacy of AKA who was known for hits like “Fela in Versace” and “All Eyes on Me”, and was recognised worldwide for his impact on hip-hop in Africa.

Chana who shared the news on his Instagram page wrote:

“It is an honour to rock the @dstvdeliciousfestival stage in celebration of the life SUPA Mega @akaworldwide on 21st of September. It is gonna be EPIC!”

He accompanied the post with a video in which he said:

“I’ll be running, Jozi. I have been so patient. I am trying to keep my composure. I’ll be going on the super mega level.”

He also shared his excitement about the festival asking people to be at their best. “Bring that best energy, best behaviour, great company.”

Chana and AKA shared a long history of collaboration and had worked together on several singles before their 2015 hit ‘Baddest’, which also featured Yanga and Nigerian Afrobeat sensation, Burna Boy. They had also collaborated for ‘Prada’ which was release in 2023.

According to the organizers, this year DStv Delicious Festival will be celebrating 30 years of Creative Freedom in South Africa and will unite people of all cultures and backgrounds through the enjoyment of music, art, fashion, and great food.