Entertainment

The Chalewote Arts Festival 2024 Experience

Published

1 year ago

August 30, 2024

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The Chale Wote Street Art Festival also known as Chale Wote, is an annual street festival in Accra, Ghana. The festival targets exchanges between scores of local and international artists and patrons. “Wote” in the Ga language means “let’s go”. Since 2011, CHALE WOTE has included street painting, graffiti murals, photography, theater shows, spoken word, interactive art installations, live performances, sports, film shows, and other activities. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chale_Wote_Street_Art_Festival)

The Chalewote Arts Festival for 2024 took place from August 19 to August 25 in Accra, Ghana, marking its 14th edition. This year’s festival was themed “And Now An End To The Empire Of Horrors,” drawing inspiration from the deep history of Africa, particularly focusing on the Gulf of Guinea’s tales of gods, both fantastic and mortal, which serve as allegories for the social conditions under colonialism. Here’s a rundown of what happened during the festival:

The festival commenced with a ‘Day of ReMembering’ procession on August 19 through the Osu township, highlighting a solemn start to the event. This procession was not just a parade but a significant cultural and artistic statement, engaging with the community’s history and current social fabric. The ‘Day of ReMembering’ procession is an intergenerational activity that brings together the young and old in a collective act of honouring and remembering.

For children, it offers a chance to learn silent history due to hegemonic dominance, while for older generations, it serves as a time to reflect on revered memories. This procession fosters a sense of continuity and shared heritage. It provides for mobile storytelling and knowledge-making from one generation to the next.

IN PICS: THE ”Day of ReMembering’ procession

Artistic Displays and Events: Throughout the festival, various activities were held, including the opening of the Shika Shika Art Fair, performances by local and international artists, film screenings, and discussions. The festival emphasized art education, with workshops and knowledge-sharing labs aimed at children and youth, promoting a deeper understanding of art and culture.

Location: The event took place in Osu, which has become the new venue for Chalewote, moving from its previous location in Jamestown. This shift to Osu, one of Accra’s oldest neighborhoods, added a new layer of historical and cultural context to the festival’s activities.

Media Coverage and Public Engagement: The festival received extensive media coverage, with The Multimedia Group serving as the official media partner. This partnership ensured comprehensive coverage, bringing the festival’s vibrancy to a broader audience. Public engagement was high, with thousands attending, indicating the festival’s growing popularity and significance.

Cultural Significance: Chalewote 2024 not only celebrated art but also served as a platform for cultural dialogue, exploring themes of rebirth, resistance, and the reclaiming of cultural narratives. The festival’s activities, from street art to performances, were designed to engage the community and visitors in a conversation about history, identity, and future aspirations.

Artistic Freedom and Expression: Artists were given the freedom to express themes related to the festival’s overarching narrative, leading to a rich tapestry of visual and performing arts that challenged and entertained in equal measure.

This year’s Chale Wote Street Art Festival continued its tradition of transforming public spaces into vibrant canvases of cultural expression, drawing thousands of participants and spectators, both local and international, to celebrate and engage with Ghanaian and African art and culture

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Entertainment

Rema and Don Jazzy Flaunt Luxury and Legacy in Afrobeats Triumph

Published

2 months ago

September 13, 2025

KSmylesGH

REMA

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The Afrobeats scene witnessed a moment of pure swagger and significance as Rema, the genre’s global poster child, and Don Jazzy, the legendary producer and Mavin Records founder, posed together in Lagos beside their jaw-dropping luxury vehicles.

Don Jazzy’s sleek Rolls-Royce Cullinan, valued at over ₦1 billion ($600,000), gleamed next to Rema’s custom Bentley Bentayga EWB SUV, a ₦700 million ($420,000) masterpiece. The viral photo, shared across social media and amplified on X, wasn’t just a flex of wealth—it was a powerful symbol of Afrobeats’ global rise and the mentor-protégé bond that has fueled its dominance.

Fans on X erupted, with posts calling it “a legacy moment” and “proof Afrobeats is winning big.”

The Luxury Flex: Symbols of Success The Rolls-Royce Cullinan, Don Jazzy’s latest addition to his enviable car collection, is a testament to his decades-long reign as a music mogul. Purchased in early 2025, the ultra-luxury SUV boasts a 6.75-liter V12 engine and bespoke interiors, embodying the pinnacle of automotive craftsmanship. Rema, ever the trendsetter, countered with his Bentley Bentayga EWB, acquired shortly after his own Rolls-Royce purchase earlier in the year.

The Bentley, customized to reflect his bold persona, complements his growing empire, with reports pegging his net worth at $170 million, while Don Jazzy’s sits at an impressive $295 million. Their casual meet-up, captured in a video where Rema playfully admired Don Jazzy’s Cullinan, showcased not just their wealth but their camaraderie—a rare glimpse into the personal bond behind their professional success.

A Legacy Forged in Afrobeats Don Jazzy, often dubbed the “godfather of Afrobeats,” has been a cornerstone of Nigerian music since founding Mo’ Hits Records in 2004 and later Mavin Records in 2012. His knack for spotting and nurturing talent has birthed stars like D’banj, Wande Coal, Tiwa Savage, and, of course, Rema. The 25-year-old “Calm Down” hitmaker, signed to Mavin at 17, represents the new guard, blending Afrobeats with trap, pop, and global influences to conquer charts worldwide.

His 2023 single “Calm Down” (with Selena Gomez) became the first African song to hit one billion Spotify streams, while his sophomore album *HEIS* (2024) solidified his status as a global icon, peaking at No. 2 on the Billboard World Albums chart. Their joint appearance underscores a passing of the torch: Don Jazzy’s production genius and industry savvy laid the foundation for Rema’s meteoric rise. Together, they’ve helped Afrobeats transcend borders, with Nigerian artists now headlining global festivals and collaborating with stars like Beyoncé and Drake.

The photo op, dripping with style and significance, encapsulates their shared journey—from Lagos studios to global stages. As one X user put it, “This is Afrobeats royalty. Don Jazzy and Rema are proof Nigeria runs the sound of the world.” In a single frame, they’ve shown that Afrobeats isn’t just music—it’s a movement, a legacy, and a luxurious triumph. Here’s to more milestones from the Mavin dynasty.

Entertainment

Funke Akindele Unveils Raw Film on 48th Birthday

Published

2 months ago

August 25, 2025

KSmylesGH

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Funke Akindele’s new film, Behind The Scenes, was announced on her 48th birthday and is set to premiere in December. The movie, described as a blockbuster, Akindele has called it “intriguing, captivating, and powerful,” noting that the project is deeply personal to her.

The film is produced under her Funke Akindele Network (FAAN), which has a track record of successful films like A Tribe Called Judah, Battle on Buka Street, and Omo Ghetto: The Saga. While specific plot details and the full cast list remain undisclosed, a post on X highlighted the inclusion of Wanni and Handi, suggesting they may be part of the ensemble.

Akindele’s announcement emphasized her gratitude for the opportunity to tell impactful stories, and the film is expected to continue her signature blend of comedy, drama, and cultural storytelling. Fans are highly anticipating the release, given her history of breaking box office records, with Everybody Loves Jenifa (2024) becoming West Africa’s highest-grossing film at ₦1.6 billion. No specific behind-the-scenes production details, such as filming locations or crew, have been shared yet.

Entertainment

Ghana Fashion Night Dubai Set to Shine with DJ Pages Headlining the Event

Published

3 months ago

July 28, 2025

KSmylesGH

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Dubai’s vibrant nightlife is gearing up for a cultural explosion with “Ghana Fashion Night Dubai,” scheduled for Saturday, August 9, 2025, from 7 PM to 3 AM at Blue Beat Dubai.

The event which is being organized by Sleeky Promotions in collaboration with Black to the World Entertainment promises a fusion of Ghanaian fashion, music, and entertainment.

Headlined by DJ Pages, the night will feature a stellar lineup of special appearances and performances. Jonathan Sowah, Last Hero, Shatta Bundle, Keche, Kwasi Eclpiz, Kwame Starz, Kojo Dubai, Bra Nemeki, Black Stone Vyperp, Street Wise, and Fayaman GH will take the stage, delivering high-energy acts. DJs DJ Comenda and MCs Justina, Sariki, and Don’t Fool in Dubai will keep the crowd pulsating, ensuring an unforgettable experience.

The event highlights Ghana’s rich fashion heritage, blending traditional designs with modern flair. With a ticket rate of 100 AED, attendees can expect an evening of glamour, live music, and dance.

Set against Dubai’s iconic skyline, the event coincides with the city’s growing reputation as a global entertainment hub.

Whether you’re a fashion enthusiast or a music lover, Ghana Fashion Night Dubai is poised to be a standout event, bridging cultures and celebrating creativity.