Culture

US museum returns royal artefacts looted from Ghana 150 years ago

Published

7 months ago

February 9, 2024

A museum in California, United States, has returned seven royal artefacts looted 150 years ago from Ghana’s traditional Ashanti King to commemorate his silver jubilee anniversary on Thursday.

The return of the artefacts was the first phase of planned handovers of Ashanti treasures looted during colonial times.

The handover of the artefacts follows pressure being put on European and US museums and institutions to repatriate African artefacts stolen during the rule of former colonial powers, Britain, France, Germany and Belgium.

The royal Ashanti artefacts were held at the Fowler Museum of the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) and were returned to the King at his Manhyia Palace in Kumasi.

According to media report on the return, the king of Ghana’s traditional Asante kingdom, the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, “received the seven royal artefacts that were looted from the kingdom nearly 150 years ago.”

“They include a gold necklace, an ornamental chair, two gold stool ornaments and two bracelets.

“Also in the list are An elephant tail whisk, which is a ceremonial piece that is held by someone of incredibly high status.

“The items have been hosted at Fowler Museum since 1965, but were looted by British forces from the Asantehene’s Manhyia Palace in the city of Kumasi, southern Ghana, in 1874.

“The return of the items comes less than two weeks after the UK’s British Museum and Victoria and Albert Museum loaned back 32 items that had been looted from the kingdom, mostly in the 19th Century”, it added.

Related Topics:Asante Kingdom Featured Ghana Royal Artefacts

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Culture

Algeria to host Afreximbank’s CANEX 2024

Published

11 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.