news and current affairs.
Rocky Dawuni shrugs off critics over Ghana diplomatic passport
Grammy-nominated reggae artist Rocky Dawuni received a diplomatic passport from Ghana's government without requesting the document. The musician told Okay FM that officials granted the passport based on his cultural ambassador work rather than personal lobbying efforts. Dawuni serves as a United Nations ambassador and performs at international festivals worldwide. His advocacy extends to legislative discussions in the U.S. Congress and diplomatic engagements across multiple countries. The artist views the passport as a practical tool that removes travel barriers while advancing Ghana's interests globally. Critics have questioned Dawuni's eligibility for diplomatic status, but he redirects such concerns toward government officials who...
Sarkodie calls out the Ghana government over creative sector neglect
Rapper Sarkodie addressed the Kumasi Rising Dialogue about Ghana's creative sector challenges. The artist emphasized how government officials struggle to support the industry effectively due to knowledge gaps. Many policymakers express willingness to invest substantial resources but lack proper insight into industry operations. This disconnect prevents meaningful policy development and financial backing. The musician advocates for establishing a comprehensive creative framework involving all stakeholders. Such a system would facilitate better communication between artists and government representatives. Investment opportunities would increase significantly through improved collaboration and transparency. Long-term benefits include...
KiDi laments missing out on Daddy Lumba collab in Ghana
Ghanaian artist KiDi expressed disappointment about missing an opportunity to work with Highlife legend Daddy Lumba during a conversation with George Quaye on JoyPrime. The Touch It performer created a track during 2019 with hopes of featuring the veteran musician on the recording. KiDi acknowledged that divine timing guides such partnerships, yet this particular project failed to develop despite his efforts. The collaboration remains his primary professional disappointment as he continues respecting Daddy Lumba's influence on multiple artist generations across Ghana's music landscape.
Tiwa Savage calls out ex over leaked tape betrayal in Nigeria
Nigerian Afrobeats artist Tiwa Savage revealed new details about the intimate video that damaged her reputation in 2021. The performer explained during a recent interview that her former romantic partner deliberately shared the private footage as part of a wager with his friends. She had previously believed the release happened accidentally when he mistakenly uploaded the content to social media. The singer described how this betrayal shattered her trust and created one of the most challenging periods of her life. Savage initially claimed blackmailers obtained the video after someone downloaded it from a brief Snapchat post. The scandal coincided with her father's death during the same year, pushing her emotional state to breaking...
Showboy drags Sarkodie for snubbing him at Kumasi Rapperholic
Ghanaian rapper Showboy, performing under the name Adanko, launched a public attack against fellow artist Sarkodie ahead of the upcoming Rapperholic event. The Saturday concert will take place in Kumasi on September 27, 2025, as part of the Homecoming series. Showboy expressed anger over his exclusion from the performance lineup, declaring that the BET Award winner has permanently damaged their relationship. The disappointed musician emphasized his status as an established artist who refuses to accept disrespectful treatment. He distinguished himself from younger performers who show deference to Sarkodie, asserting his position as an equal rather than a subordinate. Despite his criticism of Sarkodie, Showboy praised Manicombs, the...
Sarkodie claps back at Archipalago over Ashanti claims in Kumasi
Ghanaian rapper Sarkodie rejected accusations from US-based musician Archipalago regarding his ethnic heritage before this year's Rapperholic concert. Archipalago challenged Sarkodie's Ashanti background and claimed the artist uses the region for profit. The controversy emerged after Sarkodie received approval from Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II at Manhyia Palace for his annual performance. Sarkodie confirmed his Ashanti ancestry during a recent Kumasi interview. The traditional ruler directed one of his chiefs to provide Sarkodie with land for residential construction, demonstrating their relationship. Sarkodie emphasized his cultural bonds with Ashanti people through his Twi-language performances, which resonate strongly with...
Maurice Kamto says the Cameroon opposition stays divided
Opposition leader Maurice Kamto announced Friday that anti-government forces cannot form a unified coalition against President Paul Biya before October elections. The constitutional court barred Kamto from participating in the contest despite his second-place finish during 2018 voting. Eleven candidates will challenge the 92-year-old leader when campaigning begins Saturday. Kamto held discussions with seven potential candidates but failed to secure agreements for a single opposition nominee. The political organizer suggested partnerships between former ministers Bello Bouba Maigari and Issa Tchiroma Bakari could strengthen resistance efforts. He warned that internal conflicts among opposition groups reduce chances of defeating the...
Kenya Levi’s factory cuts 1000 as AGOA expires
A Kenyan textile manufacturer plans to terminate employment for 1,000 workers after American trade legislation expires on September 30. United Aryan factory produces denim clothing for major US brands under the African Growth and Opportunity Act. Chief Executive Pankaj Bedi said Trump administration officials promised eventual renewal during recent meetings. Congress failed to extend the 25-year trade agreement before the deadline. The factory exports Wrangler and Levi's jeans through the duty-free program, affecting 10,000 employees. Kenya will face 33 percent import taxes without the agreement, compared to the current 10 percent tariffs. Bedi expects buyers to shift orders to cheaper producers in Bangladesh and Vietnam. Officials...
Madagascar riots torch city as outages kill five
Madagascar security forces killed at least five protesters during Thursday demonstrations against persistent utility failures. Hundreds marched through Antananarivo demanding reliable electricity and water services before clashes erupted with police. Officers deployed tear gas and rubber bullets while demonstrators constructed burning tire barricades and looted businesses. Authorities established overnight curfews from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. across the capital following widespread property destruction. Protesters targeted cable car infrastructure and vandalized homes belonging to government supporters. Schools remained closed Friday as unrest challenged President Andry Rajoelina's administration. Madagascar's 30 million residents face daily...
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