All Set for Nigeria Entrepreneurs Awards, 2015

Entrepreneurs are the corner stone of the economic prosperity in developed countries. Nigeria however; is on the verge of an economic revolution. The 2015 Nigeria Entrepreneurs Awards, with the theme; ‘BUILDING A PROSPEROUS ECONOMY; ENTREPRENEURSHIP AS AN ECONOMIC FORCE” recognizes and celebrates the hardwork, innovation and indispensable contributions of entrepreneurs to our nation’s economy.

The Awards will recognize entrepreneurs from multiple industries across the nation comprising Individuals and organizations that have created jobs, empowered the youths, contributed to the National GDP and rendered services towards the growth of the economy in 2015. The Awards is billed to hold in October, 2015 at Sheraton hotel, Abuja.

The “Nigerian Entrepreneur of the Year Awards” is a strategic initiative designed to activate growth and stimulate entrepreneurship in Nigeria. The selection process for honorees will be administered by a panel of Judges comprising eminent persons of proven integrity.

Source: Modern Ghana

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Miss World 2014 adds endemic trees to Seychelles Botanical Gardens

Miss Seychelles…another world 2014 Camila Estico was joined by the three beauty queens from Australia, Tanzania, and the United States of America this weekend to add four endemic plants to the grounds of the Seychelles Botanical Gardens in Victoria.

The tree planting activity was organized by the Seychelles Tourism Board in close collaboration with the National Botanical Gardens Foundation.

Present at the ceremony were the Minister for Tourism and Culture Alain St.Ange, Principal Secretary for Tourism Anne Lafortune and that for Culture Benjamine Rose, the National Botanical Gardens Foundation’s Chief Executive Raymond Brioche, the Chief Executive of the Seychelles Tourism Board Sherin Naiken, and its Deputy Nathalie Didon.

Before planting their Ixora pudica tree, an endemic plant to the Seychelles, Miss Tanzania Happiness Watimanywa, Miss Australia Courtney Thorpe, Miss United States Elizabeth Safrit, and the Seychelles’ beauty queen Camila Estico were given a guided tour of the botanical gardens, seeing the endemic coco de mer and other plants.

They were then each presented with two books - Seychelles Festival of the Sea and Seychelles, and The Coco de Mer, a national treasure.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister St.Ange said it is an honor for Seychelles to have Miss World contestants on its shores.

It is a different approach that we have taken to have “the face” of your countries in Seychelles, instead of just cultural delegations, he added.

“The beauty of Seychelles is part of our culture and our diversity is the strength of our country,” the Seychelles Minister said.

The young ladies have echoed words of thanks to Seychelles for the hospitality they have received and vowed to come back to the islands. They left the gardens with a souvenir plaque which will remind them of the trees planted in Seychelles.

Source: Eturbo News

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Rwanda: BBA Hotshots Jet in for Frankie Joe Concert

Former Big Brother Africa Hot Shots Tayo (Nigeria) and Ellah (Uganda) flew in today afternoon for tomorrow's BBA Housemates Party, organized by Franke Joe Rukundo.

The pair, who were received by Frankie Joe at Kigali International Airport, join fellow ex-housemates Esther (Uganda), Nhlanhla (South Africa) and Permithias (Namibia) for tomorrow's event organized by Franke 'Joe' Rukundo.

Tayo said he was happy to be in the country with Frankie Joe and some Rwandan friends he met in Johannesburg. He added he would be performing his single, 'Caterpillar'. He says that he hopes to record a song with Frankie Joe.

Ellah who was surprised at the calm and relaxed airport that's "nothing like Uganda" promised a surprise.

Source: New Times

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World Travel Awards 2015 could be staged in Seychelles

Graham E Cooke, President of the World Travel Group, the organizers of the World Travel Awards, has confirmed during the ITB Tourism Trade Fair in Berlin that he would be staging the 2015 Awards in the sought-after holiday destination of Seychelles.

Mr. Cooke briefed press and industry players during ITB and also met formally with Minister Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture. and Sherin Naiken, the CEO of the Seychelles Tourism Board. and their team at ITB which included Bernadette Willemin, the Seychelles Tourism Board's Director for Europe, and Andre Ciseau, the CEO of the Seychelles Port Authority.

Minister St.Ange welcomed this news saying that this event would fall in the country’s 2015 National Day Celebrations that falls on June 29. "This is our country's national theme - I Love Seychelles - and welcoming such a prestigious world event during our National Day Celebrations is but a bonus for every Seychellois," the Minister said.

More information will be made available soon on this year's World Travel Awards ceremony that will be held in the Seychelles for the first time.

Source: Eturbo News

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Kigali Fashion Week to feature international models

It’s a busy week for aspiring models and fashionistas, as the fourth edition of Kigali Fashion Week (KFW) kicks off with the second round of auditions at tomorrow.

After the Kigali auditions, the KFW team will head to Rubavu District for another round of auditions.

John Bunyeshuri, the CEO of Kigali Fashion Week, (KFW), said, “This year’s event is going to be bigger and better. We are carrying out auditions early enough to allow the participants to get well prepared. We’re bringing fashion professionals from Belgium to train them with the models for the main show in July.”

Kigali Fashion Week is partnering with Rwanda Cultural Fashion Show (RCFS) to bring together contemporary and cultural designers.

Celestin Ntawirema, the CEO of RCFS, said, “We have new faces and we’re planning to hold a forum for designers so that they bring out the contemporary and cultural taste of fashion.”

He added that experienced fashion designers from Africa and Europe will come to train the local models and fashion designers.

The theme for this year’s edition is “The power of love”. It will include the Fashion Festival, Cocktail Fashion Show and the Kigali Fashion Week come July and the finale will be held at Kigali Serena Hotel in November.

The organisers said that this year’s fashion week will also feature regional and international models.

Source: New Times

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Jumia Wins EMEA Channel Academy 2015 Awards

Jumia Nigeria has bagged Retailer of the Year Award under EMEA Channel Academy Award 2015.

Stuart J. Wilson, research & conference director, DISTREE Events, said in his letter addressed to Jumia Nigeria, “We are pleased to confirm that your company received Retailer of the Year Award at the EMEA Channel Academy: 2015 Awards. The EMEA Channel Academy Award recognises your company for the quality of its operation and its high standing and reputation with vendor executives”.

The EMEA Channel Academy Award is a global event that recognises organizations for their excellence.

Taking place for the seventh year in a row, the 2015 awards event was held at DISTREE EMEA in Monaco with notable representatives from major brands across Europe, Middle East and Africa in attendance.

It was an opportunity for the EMEA channel to recognise excellence in the supply and delivery of technology and CE products to consumers across the region.

The EMEA awards are particularly meaningful for retailers because vendors vote for the winners.

Vendors were instructed to assess retailers on the overall quality of service and their performance during the last 12 months, not just on volumes achieved.

Online voting for these prestigious awards closed on Monday, 23rd of February and the awards event was held on 26th of February, 2015.

Jumia, Nigeria’s number one online shopping mall, emerged as the winner of the biggest award of the event: Retailer of the Year, 2015.

Jonathan Doerr, MD of Marketing, Jumia Nigeria reiterated the quality service Jumia constantly offers the Nigerian shopper by proudly stating that “Jumia will stop at nothing to gain the trust of every shopper by implementing best practice across all channels, and by gaining the loyalty of every vendor and supplier with the highest level of professionalism and strategic partnership agreements. Jumia is well on its way to achieving its vision of becoming the Amazon + Wal-Mart of Africa”.

Jumia, maintains it leading role as online retailer in Nigeria.

The platform was established in May 2012 with the aim and vision to become the one-stop shop for retail in Nigeria with implementation of best practices both online and offline.

Jumia is the largest online retail store in Nigeria with deliveries to all 36 states including FCT.

Initially starting with 3 employees, Jumia presently has a staff strength of 1500 young and entrepreneurial Nigerians including our over 250-man strong customer service team available 7 days a week.

Jumia is a brainchild of the Africa Internet Group (AIG), notable for introducing and accelerating the online shift in Africa, for its people and its culture.

It is committed to running successful and vibrant internet companies which boost the evolution of African online culture. AIG is the parent group of nine successful and fast-growing companies in more than 25 African countries, accounting for over 3000 staff.

AIG cares about entrepreneurship and brings together all the key elements required to build great companies: team, concept, technology and capital. Its network of companies includes JUMIA, Kaymu, Hellofood, Lamudi, Carmudi, Zando, Jovago, Lendico and Easy Taxi.

Source: Nigeria Communications Week

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Christopher to launch Agatima video

R&B singer Christopher Muneza has started shooting the video for the song, Agatima.

The video for the track which is off the singer’s second album is being shot in Kigali and is directed by KINA Music. The project started this week, on Monday, and it is expected to conclude next week.

Agatima is one of the most romantic songs by Christopher. This wonderful single contains soul touching lyrics and music—and it’s definitely the perfect song that you can dedicate to your lover and just feel the romance in the air.

On February 20, the 21-year-old released yet another song titled, Urubavu, which features a combination of romance and music.

“Urubavu has a deep and profound message for married couples, as they make vows never to separate until death,” he says.

Although he didn’t make it among the 25 nominees for this year’s Primus Guma Guma SuperStar singing competition, Christopher never considered it an issue and neither a discouragement.

“When I was entering my music journey, I never aimed at the PGGSS competitions and therefore having been not chosen wasn’t a big issue since I am still celebrating the success of my Valentine concert. So I have no reason to be discouraged,” he adds.

Christopher sings about love and his music helps people to feel the essence of romance. Some of his songs, such as, Iri Joro, Amahitamo, Byanze, Babyumva, among others, are described by fans as engaging and wonderful pieces of music which help them to appreciate love and feel its real meaning.

Source: New Times

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Best in broadcast media to be recognized

Outstanding television and radio presenters will have reason to smile as the countdown to the inaugural Rwanda Broadcasters Excellence Awards (RBEA) gala begins. The Awards will be a celebration of the best in the Electronic media and are being organised by the East African Youth Development Agency (EAYDA).

Emmanuel Mugisha, the Managing Director of EAYDA, told The New Times that the Awards will target those in broadcast who have distinguished themselves as role models, mentors, and propagators of social change.

A total of nineteen categories have been listed for the inaugural ceremony, to be held in May. 

Voting will be only through the SMS platform. The names and codes of candidates will be announced on March 16.

The Awards categories:

Best Sports Radio Station of the Year
Best Sports Radio Programme of the Year
Best Music Radio Station of the Year
Best Entertainment Radio Programme of the Year.
Best Entertainment TV Programme of the Year
Best Sports Website of the Year
Best Entertainment Website of the Year
Best Radio Sports Presenter of the Year
Best Football Commentator/analyst of the Year
Best Female Sports presenter of the Year
Best Sports Reporter of the Year
Best Morning Show Radio presenter of the Year
Best Lunch Hour radio presenter of the Year
Best Evening drive radio presenter of the Year
Best Radio morning show of the Year.
Best Evening drive radio Programme the Year
Best Male TV Presenter of the Year
Best Female Radio presenter of the Year
Radio Presenter of the Year.

Source: New Times

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German film festival kicks off in Kigali

Four days after the Japanese Film festival ended at the Goethe- Institut, Germans have started screening their own at the same venue.

A movie titled, Sound of Heimat (2011) was shown at the Institut’s premises in Kiyovu. The movie centers on musician Hayden Chisholm, a New Zealander, who traverses German to explore the country’s folk music.

In the town of Buchenwald, he meets an elderly man who was in a concentration camp during Nazi Germany. People who attended the movie had mixed reactions. Kaetjas, a Belgian national, said that the movie sent her into soulsearching about her own folk music. “I have to ask my parents and grandparents about Belgian folk songs. Don’t know anything about it myself and this movie has invoked an urge within me to find out,” she said.

Patrick Kiruhura, a filmmaker and director of Roots Foundation, says that the movie didn’t appeal to him because it was too German. “Maybe the people who chose it for viewing have better answers as to why did. 

“It is more about Germans and has nothing to do with me as a black African,” he told The New Times.

The next movie, Full Metal Village, will be screened next Tuesday at the same venue. Entrance is free.

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Radio Personalities Yaw and Lolo 1 to Host Pearl Look 2015

Show Scheduled To Hold April 4th, 2015 at Oriental Hotel with six-month salary and a modeling contract with Ice Model Management in South Africa at Stake.

Organizers of freshly model competition has announced two indigenous radio personalities Yaw and Lolo as hosts for its 3rd edition tagged “Pearl Look 2015”

The show which saw thousands of hopeful auditions in 5 cities in Nigeria, for a chance to be the next model and the best run way model is now ready for its 3rd edition with all 15 contestants going to South Africa on tour.

The show which saw thousands of hopeful auditions in 5 cities in Nigeria, for a chance to be the next model and the best run way model is now ready for its 3rd edition with all 15 contestants going to South Africa on tour. Management in South Africa.

Yaw is a versatile, seasoned host and we are thrilled to be working with him," said Doyin Haastrup Olatokunbo, Producer, Pearl Look Nigeria. "With Lolo also as a co-host introducing surprising and competitive twists, guests are sure to be immersed and entertained’’. Adds Doyin Haastrup. “The past ones have been amazing, this year promises to be more electrifying! Guests are assured to have a pleasant evening.” Says Yaw.

“I look forward to excite the guests” enthused Lolo 1. The much anticipated modeling competition, which made its debut in 2013, has produced winners, which include Julia Otobo & Bukola Anthony.

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Rwandan movie to premier at Egyptian film festival

Local filmmakers are eager for the world to watch their movie, Dark Days. The movie that was shot in late January and edited by Samples Studios, last month, is set to premier at the Luxor Africa Film Festival (LAFF) in Egypt from March 16-25.

Synopsis

Dark Days is a 25-minute film by Musafiri Kayambi. It tells the story of Gilbert, (Innocent Munyaneza), a young man with the dream of being a journalist. He tries to film the struggles of his fellow students as they are wildly evicted from a country called Tumbami.

Richard Mugwaneza, the founder of Samples Studio and the editor of the movie, says, “It is basically a movie about the struggles of a film maker but, it also tells the story of Rwandans who have been chased from numerous countries around the world. We hope people who have been in a similar situation can connect with the movie, it is short but it has a universal message and a good picture and sound.”

The project was funded by the Etisal Fund, which supports upcoming film producers.

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Miss Rwanda 2015 sets bar high as Kundwa is crowned

Perhaps this is the year that Miss Rwanda search got the whole country talking. The public picked a lot of interest never seen in the history of Miss Rwanda. Indeed, it was not surprising that Kigali Serena Hotel was packed to the brim during the grand finale. The show that started at 6:30pm, ended with the crowning of 19-year-old Doriane Kundwa as Miss Rwanda 2015. Out of the 15 finalists, Kundwa was also the public’s favourite from the beginning. She walked away with a brand new Suzuki SX4 courtesy of Cogebanque and will get a monthly stipend of $1000 (Rwf 700,000) among other prizes. At 7pm, the judges including musician Intore Massamba, Kigali fashion Week founder John Bunyeshuli, fashion critic Blanche Majoro and former Miss East Africa, Cynthia Akazuba set the ball rolling.

In the first session, the contestants were tested on their knowledge of culture. They came on stage each carrying an item related to culture. Each contestant described the item they were carrying and what it’s used for.

The second session was question time as contestants answered questions ranging from development, education, current affairs and politics. After the question and answer session, the girls changed into casual wear and did catwalk. After the three sessions which were spiced up by interludes of music, it was time for the Judges to reveal the winners.

And it was Doriane Kundwa, Fiona Ntaringwa, Balbine Mutoni, Vanessa Raissa Uwase and Lynca Akacu who had made it into the top five. However, to get Miss Rwanda, the girls had to answer more questions from the judges relating to what they want to accomplish if crowned Miss Rwanda.

Akacu said that if crowned she would provide a safe environment for orphans. Kundwa said she would promote talent development among the youth. She emphasised it by saying that Rwanda is a land-locked country that is not rich in minerals; the only way to develop the country is by building a knowledge based economy which promotes talent.

Ntaringwa said she would focus on promoting ICT among the youth since it provides various avenues for employment.

Uwase talked about rehabilitating sex workers and raising awareness about the dangers of prostitution. Mutoni said she would work hard to promote the Rwandan culture among the youth.

After listening to the five girls, the judges deliberated and at 11:55pm, Doriane Kundwa was announced as the winner.

Akacu was second runner up while Uwase was first runner up. However before that, Sabrina Kalisi Ihozo was crowned Miss Photogenic, Doriane Kundwa (Miss Popularity), Joannah Keza Bagwire (Miss Congeniality) while Darlene Gasana was crowned Miss Heritage.

Musical performances were done by former Tusker Project Fame winner Hope, Jules Sentore, Marie Yohana, Tonzi, Ciney and Nigerian duo Additiction.

The search for Miss Rwanda 2015 started in January with auditions in all provinces including Kigali city. 120 girls registered for the competition which would eventually produce the fourth Miss Rwanda.

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Joyce Blessing Wins Award

Joyce Blessing has won the DJ Song of the Year Award at the third edition of the Ghana DJ Awards held on February 21 at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC) in Accra.

The Ghana DJ Awards, which is one of the biggest events in the entertainment calendar in Ghana, was organised by Mercury Republic Events to reward hardworking radio and mobile DJs who have contributed immensely to the growth of the entertainment industry in Ghana.

The celebrated gospel music icon, who took home the award, beat icons such as Stonebwoy, Sarkodie, Daddy Lumba, D Black and Yaa Pono to grab the award.

In 2013, the award-winning gospel musician grabbed five awards including the Gospel Artiste of the Year Award at the Ghana Gospel Industry Awards (GGIA).

Joyce Blessing disclosed that after her seven weeks performance tour in the UK, 'I have been receiving constant calls from my fans and music lovers to remix my award-winning hit song, 'Monko Mo Akyi .'

'I thank God for how far He has brought me, my management, Media Excel Productions, and all DJs who played my songs making it win this category. I thank my fans, everybody and management team for encouraging, and supporting me from the beginning to date,' she said.

In a chat, her producer and manager, Ernest Ennin, told BEATWAVES that Joyce truly deserves the award because she has played a very important role in the development and promotion of Ghanaian gospel music.

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Minister Ike announces 2nd album titled "Onyame Gya"

There is definitely some power in God’s fire and multiple awards winner Minister Ike is back again to demonstrate it with his new album titled “Onyame Gya”. Minister Ike latest's release is distributed by Shepherd music production.

His first single from the album, "Onyame Gya,"is currently playing and ruling the online sector, radio and TV will follow up intensively soon. With the “Onyame Gya” album, Minister Ike has created something to God's glory and bless people. Minister Ike further goes on to say that "Every song has a story and came from a place of abiding in Him, a place of loving the Lord and worshiping Him."

The 12-track CD is executively produced by Minister Ike featuring Anointed Queens singers. The album leads with 'Onyame Gya', an inspirational track with a message of fire of God to attack our enemies in both spiritual and physical.

The George Forest produced ‘Onyame Gya’ track arrived just in time for the hardships people are facing in Ghana and the world. “Onyame Gya” means the Fire Of God, the fire of God to burn enemies who are fighting against our progress, work, family, family, finances and marriage issues”, he said.

This album also promotes an intimate time with God. The first released song from the album; This album is for real people who are going through real stuff he encourages people to buy and listen to “Onyame Gya (God’s Fire)” because it will encourage them to pray because this song is a prayerful which will bring break through.

Minister Ike has won twelve awards with his first album titled “Me Nyame A Ne Wo”. He is also a regular contributor gospel music in Ghana, Europe, Canada and USA. Minister Ike has travelled around the world for singing in churches and doing big shows to spread the testimony of how Jesus Christ has saved his life.

He has performed with renowned gospel musicians such as Kwaku Gyasi, Christiana Love, Esther Amoako, Diana Asamoah, OJ and many more.

Minister Ike will embark on a tour alongside some top gospel musicians soon to promote the album.

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Teta returns with a new hit

Even if you’ve never been a fan of Diana Teta’s music, her latest hit will pull your heart strings. The Gakondo group member, who was recently in Sweden, has returned with a club banger titled, Tanga agatego. The song was recorded in Sweden by producer Ben Joe.

“The song has a great message dedicated to music fans. The song is based on social issues - money and jobless men,” she said.

Teta said the video will be shot in Rwanda to give it an African context. During her trip to Europe, the singer held a concert in Belgium that featured several Rwandan musicians living in Europe.

The 21-year-old started recording music in 2009 after emerging among the top three in a local singing competition that was organised by a German group. She was thereafter given a recording opportunity and recorded two songs. The Call Me singer also auditioned for the Tusker Project Fame in 2012 but she was eliminated in the first round, which inspired her to join the music industry.

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Miss Earth Rwanda 2015 auditions start next month

The Miss Rwanda 2015 edition may have concluded, but the world of beauty pageants still has more to offer. The first edition for the Miss Earth Rwanda 2015, (MER), search will take place early next month. Saida Bahati, the Managing Director of Chichi Media group, one of the organisers of the pageant, said contestants will be selected through an audition process that will be carried out in 30 districts of the country. The pageant will feature contestants, aged between 18 and 25 years. They must be 55kgs, high school graduates, not pregnant and never given birth before.

After the auditions, only 30 girls will be selected to go to the boot camp for eight weeks, where they will be trained on cultural values, public speaking and the environment. There will be weekly eliminations where the public will vote by SMS and online, which will leave 15 girls to compete at the finale in July.

The pageant is a franchise of the World Miss Earth and its aim is to raise awareness on the issues of environmental degradation, global warming as well as climate change.

“We are looking for a girl to be an ambassador for the nature and culture of Rwanda. This is a good platform for the girls to get exposure and experience,” said Bahati.

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The contestants will compete in the categories of, Miss Earth, Miss Fire, Miss Water and Miss Air. The winner will receive a brand new car, cash prizes of $US1000 and will participate in all Miss Earth activities. She will also represent Rwanda at the Miss Earth 2015 in Philippines, in November.

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Africa Fashion Week Nigeria ready to roll in May

Organizers of Africa Fashion Week Nigeria are working round the clock to ensure a classy and sassy fashion show on May 23rd and May 24th at Eko Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos. This year, AFW is also introducing education segment at the Fashion Week. Speaking at a press conference in Lagos, Ms Ronke Ademiluyi, founder Africa Fashion Week London and Africa Fashion Week Nigeria said, they intend to delve into education this year. “Most young designers don’t realize that there are so many different aspects to the fashion industry aside from the runway, red carpet or who wore the best. The educa tion in fashion seminar will be delivered by a Brand Management/ Retail Management outfit with over 20 years’ experience working in Europe and the USA.”

AFWL/AFWN is produced by Sola Oyebade of Mahogany Productions. Among the names of some designers for the 2015 fashion week are:

Adebayo Jones:The Londonbased designer, is celebrated for creating his own fabrics and presenting the most lavish and luxurious collection of gowns.

King Hakbal:King Hakbal as a brand was put together to cater to every king at heart who is simple, stylish and most importantly classy.

Marco Martinez:Marco Martinez, an urban life style brand was created in 2002 by creative designer, Paul Ade- Martins.

Souza Fashion:Souza is a budding Nigerian women’s wear brand established in 2010 by Accounting graduate Francisca Da- Souza. The designer creates designs to cater to try different styles for different women providing both ready to wear and haute couture pieces.

J Reason:Jreason is a brand that caters for both sexes, founded 3yrs ago by Jide Adedeji. The brand’s resolve is to design looks for the young and daring teenager with an appeal for trends, style and class.

À s à k é o g é:The couture collection usually features exotic African animals and scenery hand painted with jewel embellishments.

Anuba couture:Anuba Couture is a high profile fashion brand, which started 8years ago, with an aim to reinvent style as a whole.

Lines by Chaab:The Lines by Chaab label is known for sexy, classy and timeless pieces. LBC is dedicated to creating fashion trends. Its style ranges from youthful and free-spirited to mature and sophisticated.

Ovems fashion:Ovems fashion originated from Vovwe Omoko’s passion to make clothes that interpret aesthetics and speak class.

Omaemihe:OmaEmihe is the growing clothing line label of DAC signature brands. Their clothing appeals to the sophisticated and classy, the dramatic and edgy, the simple, the peppy, etc.

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Kwadwo Nkansah Lilwin joins top stars for Freedom Concert on March 6

Already described by many as the biggest musical concert to look out for in the first quarter of 2015, popular award winning Ghanaian comedian, actor and musician, Kwadwo Nkansah Lilwin is the new addition to the already packed line up of musicians to rock patrons of the Freedom Concert 15 scheduled for the 6th of March 2015 at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi.

Joining music heavyweights like Sarkodie, Samini, Stonebuoy, Kwabena Kwabena, Guru, Kaakie and Kofi Kinaata, Lilwin who has for the past few years remains the toast of many people promises an extraordinary show and a competition for the already established artists.

Freedom Concert 2015 is put together by Reflects Ghana Limited, a debt recovery company and it’s aimed at bringing back the euphoria surrounding Ghana’s Independence Day celebration as witnessed on March 6, 1957.

The event would see the reenactment of the independence speech delivered by Ghana’s first president, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, and many other interesting activities. Tickets are fast selling at GHC20, GHC40 and GHC60 for Regular, VIP and VVIP respectively.

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Blaze of African music delights locals and tourists

The 12th edition of what has become Africa’s foremost festival of performing arts, Sauti Za Busara, kicked off the evening of 12th Feb with the venue, the Old Fort in the Stone Town, filled to capacity.

Artists from across Africa are once again performing and thrilling the crowds with the variety of their tunes. The opening night this year will see such accomplished artists like Bonaya Doti (Kenya), Culture Musical Club (Zanzibar), Tcheka (Cape Verde), Erik Aliana (Cameroun), Msafiri Zawose (Tz), Isabel Novella (Mozambique), Alikiba #popitin (Tz) and others, perform, all live of course, as “canned music” has little place here.

Other activities which await this year is the book signing by Haji Gora on February 14, titled “Twelve Poems by Haji Gora” at the Hurumzi Hotel at 1100 hours and the “Songs for Peace Awards” on closing night, February 15 at 2000 hours which is a cooperation of more than a dozen Tanzanian musicians to use music for the promotion of peace.

On Zanzibar at least, Sauti Za Busara will outrank the hype over Valentine’s Day as all eyes, and ears of course, will be trained on the stages where performances are given to the audiences at various venues during the day and at night.

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Dawn in the Creeks Enters Second Season

Dawn in the Creeks (DITC), the Jeta Amata-led initiative aimed at promoting peace in the country’s Niger Delta region has kicked off its second season in Lagos, Nigeria.

At the official launch attended by Friends and Partners of DITC as well as members of the Press, Board member, Dawn in the Creeks, Andre Blaze Henshaw said the second season would leverage on the awareness and excitement generated by its debut season and highlight the gains made so far and the challenges facing the project.

“In our first season, we mobilized the youth of the area to become change agents in a Niger Delta that was, for too long, perceived as a cauldron of degradation, restiveness and mayhem”, Henshaw reminded.

And while these issues have not been totally eradicated, we can literally see a dawn of peace and hope on the horizon”.

Season two follows the 21 young men and women who had enrolled in the Nollywood Academy as they juggle their studies with their roles as peace ambassadors to their communities as well as leaders among their peers.

“Now things really get interesting because our fledgling film makers are starting to realize that the path of peace comes with its own peculiar issues”, -Henshaw explained.

“The crusade for a more peaceful and prosperous Niger Delta will not be embraced immediately by all but they would have to keep at the vision that only is it possible but has become necessary for their communities to be freed from a past riddled with poverty and despair”.

Among the friends and partners present at the launch was, the US Consular General in Nigeria, Ambassador Jerry Hawkins, who was full of praise for the Initiative and pledged the continued support of the American Government. “The U.S. Mission partnered with a distinguished group of Nigerian leaders to give the people of the Niger Delta platforms like the Dawn in the Creeks reality TV show and weekly radio programs, to share non-violent solutions to problems with their fellow Nigerians as well as with local, state, and national authorities”, he said.

Jerry hinted that “Improving the relationship and accountability between the government and its citizens will go a long way to ensuring the future remains promising for the region. Today, Dawn in the Creeks is a social enterprise run by a competent board of advisors from the world of business, civil society and entertainment. We are looking for corporate partners who share our vision of a better future for our youth.”

As in its maiden season, DITC2 will feature notable figures from the Nigerian entertainment seasons serving as mentors and facilitators for the Change Agents and is scheduled to air on select TV stations across the country.

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