Category: Culture

The Africa Prime Initiative (API), a philanthropic arm of US-based video streaming platform Africa Prime, has joined forces with Gallery Soview to launch new grants for emerging Ghanaian artistes. In 2022, the API launched a grant initiative for African artistes to provide them with a platform to showcase their art.in partnership with local African galleries. Through this initiative, five Namibian artistes received US$2,000 each to fund new works that were showcased at the 'Rising Voices' exhibition held at the Franco Namibian Cultural Centre (FNCC) in Windhoek in August 2023. This year, five Ghanaian artistes will be awarded up to US$2,000 each to pursue similar projects across the spectrum of visual arts and help artistes develop their skills and create new works of art. Yaya Moussa, founder of Africa Prime and the Africa Prime Initiative, said: 'Our mission is to give emerging African talent global visibility and ensure authentic African voices are well represented on the world stage. 'We want to help break down financial barriers that prevent African artists from realising their creative visions and show the world the significant contribution African art can make.' Gallery Soview, an independent gallery in Accra, would gather submissions, support API, assess the merits of each application, and disburse the awarded funds. Barbara Kokpavo Janvier, the gallery's Founder and Director said, 'Our mission goes beyond exhibiting artworks. We provide strategic support to artists: we guide, advise, and connect them with galleries, collectors, and influencers around the world. 'Our ultimate goal is to enable our artists to make a sustainable living from their artistic work and contribute to the art ecosystem in and out of Africa. It is therefore with great enthusiasm that we are delighted to be partnering with API for this edition, which takes place in Ghana'. The grants in Ghana will be the first disbursed by API, with projects in multiple other African countries to be announced in due course. To find out more about the grants and the application process, visit @gallerysoview on Instagram and Facebook, or email [email protected]. Source: Ghana News Agency

The 25th edition of the Ghana Music Awards (GMA) anniversary launch and unveiling of nominees will take place on Thursday, March 28, 2024, at the Grand Arena at the Accra International Conference Centre. The road to the biggest music awards night in Ghana this year began on January 29, 2024, when a call was made to the industry and its stakeholders to submit their works from January 1 to December 31, 2023. The response was overwhelming, with thousands of entries pouring in by the closing date of February 29, 2024. On Thursday, the launch of the 25th anniversary of the awards will take centre stage, reminiscing about the vital role the awards scheme has played since 2000. The objective of the awards scheme has been to identify, recognise, and reward outstanding achievements in the music industry. The scheme is made up of an academy, which is made up of DJs, presenters, producers, and the like; a board, made up of industry experts; and the general public. Also on the anniversary launch is the eagerly anti cipated nominee unveiling by music enthusiasts and industry insiders. Since the submission deadline, the board, research team, and the GMA secretariat have been diligently reviewing the works from 2023. This process involves meticulous listening, reviews, and extensive analysis of data, lyrics, and production quality. The nominees represent the best of the best in the various music categories in the industry, and unlike in past years, where it was done hour by hour, this year's nominees will be unveiled at the event. The night would be climaxed by the unveiling of the sponsors of the awards following the recent announcement of the name change from Vodafone to Telecel. Source: Ghana News Agency

Tunis: The Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) and the Anna Lindh Foundation launched a call for applications for the "Mediterranean Capital of Culture and Dialogue 2026" title with the deadline set for July 7. The Mediterranean Capitals of Culture and Dialogue (MCCD) initiative was launched in 2023 and is now in its second edition. The initiative consists of two cities, one from the North and one from the South of the Mediterranean, designated by the 43 Member States of the Union for the Mediterranean, including Tunisia, for one calendar year. The two cities will implement cultural, socio- economic, and sporting programmes to highlight their heritage and cultural policies, respective Mediterranean identities, and shared EuroMediterranean vision. The two cities will be invited to collaborate in the manner and level of interaction they deem appropriate. The initiative is expected to develop regional ties and dialogue through culture, encourage deeper mutual understanding and stronger solidarity within the Eur o-Mediterranean region and strengthen the ability to promote the region's diverse cultures. The designation will also represent an opportunity for socio-economic development for local and regional territories by promoting cultural and creative sectors and, indirectly, tourism. Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse

Tunis: The Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) and the Anna Lindh Foundation launched a call for applications for the "Mediterranean Capital of Culture and Dialogue 2026" title with the deadline set for July 7. The Mediterranean Capitals of Culture and Dialogue (MCCD) initiative was launched in 2023 and is now in its second edition. The initiative consists of two cities, one from the North and one from the South of the Mediterranean, designated by the 43 Member States of the Union for the Mediterranean, including Tunisia, for one calendar year. The two cities will implement cultural, socio- economic, and sporting programmes to highlight their heritage and cultural policies, respective Mediterranean identities, and shared EuroMediterranean vision. The two cities will be invited to collaborate in the manner and level of interaction they deem appropriate. The initiative is expected to develop regional ties and dialogue through culture, encourage deeper mutual understanding and stronger solidarity within the Eur o-Mediterranean region and strengthen the ability to promote the region's diverse cultures. The designation will also represent an opportunity for socio-economic development for local and regional territories by promoting cultural and creative sectors and, indirectly, tourism. Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse

Tunis: The Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) and the Anna Lindh Foundation launched a call for applications for the "Mediterranean Capital of Culture and Dialogue 2026" title with the deadline set for July 7. The Mediterranean Capitals of Culture and Dialogue (MCCD) initiative was launched in 2023 and is now in its second edition. The initiative consists of two cities, one from the North and one from the South of the Mediterranean, designated by the 43 Member States of the Union for the Mediterranean, including Tunisia, for one calendar year. The two cities will implement cultural, socio- economic, and sporting programmes to highlight their heritage and cultural policies, respective Mediterranean identities, and shared EuroMediterranean vision. The two cities will be invited to collaborate in the manner and level of interaction they deem appropriate. The initiative is expected to develop regional ties and dialogue through culture, encourage deeper mutual understanding and stronger solidarity within the Eur o-Mediterranean region and strengthen the ability to promote the region's diverse cultures. The designation will also represent an opportunity for socio-economic development for local and regional territories by promoting cultural and creative sectors and, indirectly, tourism. Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse Multiple award-winning singer Article Wan has dropped his highly anticipated 'Judge Me' as he shares lessons learned in the music industry. The new single, which is deeply personal, sees Article Wan unfolding some turn of events in his life with people being judgmental about his actions.  The lyrics of the song thus provide some form of respite to people going through the same situation, showcasing the power of music to heal and unite people.  'Nobody superb, nobody perfect, nobody be saint, nobody 100% and nobody is too clean. Na who tell you say make you judge me, na you just dey vex me. My brother, don't be quick to judge me…,' excerpts of the lyrics say as Article Wan expresses his emotion.    The music sensation on the new masterpiece goes on to express gratitude for a long and stellar life in an interesting storyline.    Article Wan's latest single celebrates life, blessings, and acknowledges the challenges that have led to the beautiful moments of stardom.     The new single is currently availa ble across various streaming platforms, with the video set to be released in the coming weeks.   Source: Ghana News Agency