Reggae legend Buju Banton has made a revelation about his ancestral roots, tracing his heritage back to the Igbo tribe of Nigeria.
In a recent interview on Drink Champs podcast, hosted by N.O.R.E and DJ EFN, Banton proudly shared his discovery that his Maroon tribe has its origins in the Igbo people, highlighting a fascinating connection between Jamaican and Nigerian cultures.
Buju Banton similarly sounded the alarm on a pressing issue in Jamaica, where he alleges that the ancestral lands of the Indigenous Maroon people are facing imminent threat.
The reggae icon lamented that the Jamaican government is permitting Chinese and other foreign interests to encroach upon their sacred territory, resulting in the forced displacement of the Maroon community and erasure of their cultural heritage.
Buju Banton said, “Our Indigenous way of life and our land are being threatened by the current government of Jamaica which seeks to bring Chinese and other nationalities into the Cockpit region which is an Indigenous sacred region to usurp us the Maroons as the warriors.
“Maroons are some of the Indigenous warriors on my Island. We fought the British relentlessly. We are called Blackmaroons. My generation originated from Nigeria. I am an Igbo man according to my bloodline.”
Minister MBA has released a new single titled “W’aseda” (My Thanks), a powerful song of gratitude to God for His miraculous healing. After being diagnosed with a life-threatening liver disease and seeking medical help at various hospitals, it was God’s intervention that brought complete healing to the gospel artist.
This personal experience inspired “W’aseda,” encouraging listeners to trust in God’s greatness and remain prayerful in difficult times.
The single comes in two versions—”W’aseda High Life” and “W’aseda Worship”—catering to different musical tastes but sharing the same message of thankfulness.
In addition to “W’aseda,” MBA’s seven-track EP includes “AYEYI NDWOM” featuring Harry Fiscian and “OHENE BEN” featuring Oheneba Clement, among others, all of which celebrate God’s providence and might.
Aside from his music, Minister MBA is also dedicated to his “Giving Back – Health Awareness and Advocacy” project, where he partners with health specialists to raise awareness about liver disease.
This initiative, influenced by his own healing, aims to reach people through outreach programmes in churches, fitness clubs, and marketplaces.
Additionally, MBA is preparing to launch the “Christ is for Peace” campaign to promote peace during Ghana’s upcoming elections, encouraging harmony before, during, and after the polls.
Minister Bernard Appiah is driven by a fervent passion to share the transformative message of Christ with others. Beyond his music ministry, he has embarked on a noble mission to reach the marginalized communities in the ghettos. With compassion and dedication, he seeks to:
– Rescue individuals trapped in drug addiction
– Guide them towards a path of redemption and restoration
– Introduce them to the liberating power of Jesus Christ
– And Empower them to embrace a new life of purpose and hope
Minister Bernard Appiah, known by his stage name MBA, is a Ghanaian gospel musician born in Cape Coast on April 9, 1995.
He developed a love for music from a young age, performing at family gatherings and church events.
Despite studying aviation at the Global School of Aviation, he followed his passion for music, becoming a worship leader.
His mentors include Elder Mireku, Uncle Ato, and Pastor Joe Beechem, whose ministries greatly influenced him.
This year (2024), MBA released his debut album, “M’aseda,” featuring collaborations with talented artists like Harry Fiscian and Oheneba Clement.
Alongside his music, he leads a group of believers focused on reaching busy professionals with the gospel through music and discipleship, and runs The MBA Rescue Foundation, which supports orphans, prisoners, and needy children with scholarships and hospital bill payments.
Renowned Ghanaian screenwriter and entertainment journalist, Osarfo Anthony, has been appointed as a judge for the 2024 US Presidential Service Center (USPSC) Film Festival.
Osarfo expressed his excitement at the appointment, emphasizing the rigorous process he went through to secure the position.
He stated that he applied a year ago. “I underwent a thorough background check, which included a review of my criminal records and an assessment of my professional image on social media, interactions, and my writings on art, media, and filmmaking. They monitored me for almost a year before giving me this appointment.”
Osarfo will be working alongside other judges from around the world, all of whom have extensive experience in screenwriting, filmmaking, and diverse cultures. Their responsibility is to assess and select the winners, finalists, and runners-up for the film festival, which will take place in the United States (Glover, North Carolina).
The USPSC International Film Festival is an all-inclusive festival that celebrates films and series about the first families and White House stories, with a focus on supporting aspiring filmmakers in securing funding and production opportunities.
In addition to his judging role, Osarfo’s recent supernatural horror screenplay has garnered recognition, including selection for the prestigious Nostos Screenwriters Retreats hosted in Italy (Arezzo, Tuscany). He was among 8 screenwriters selected across the globe for a two-week intensive training in an environment structured to foster collaboration and high-quality script development.
He has also achieved success in various genre-friendly competitions, placing and winning awards for:
WINNER, Best Original Screenplay – Hollywood Blood Horror Festival.
WINNER – Best Supernatural Horror Script – Hollywood Horrorfest.
WINNER – Best Horror Screenplay – Hollywood Just4shorts Film and Screenplay Contest.
FINALIST (twice) – 13Horror.com Film & Screenplay Contest.
FINALIST Horror/Thriller category – Creative World Awards (CWA).
SEMI-FINALIST – Los Angeles Crime and Horror Film Festival.
A heated debate erupted among contestants vying for the 2024 Miss Tourism Ghana crown as they discussed the pressing issue of climate change.
The contestants, participating in a series of activities to exhibit their knowledge and skills, were asked to share their views on whether climate change should be incorporated into the country’s school curriculum.
The debate, which took place as part of the competition’s judging process, featured a panel of experts including Kofi Atta Kakra Kusi, Deputy Director of Domestic Marketing at the Ghana Tourism Authority, Afua Pokua Afrifa, a retired business administrator, and Juliana Bempah, Principal Programme Officer at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The debate session of the competition was held at the Accra City Hotel. Miss Tourism Ghana Pageant is focused on promoting the majestic tourism paradise Ghana have.
The grand finale of this year’s competition is scheduled for September 20 at the National Theatre.
The contestants are Agbolosu Mawuse Abla, Emmanuella Owusuaa Wiredu,Adizah Alhassan, Lawrencia Ama Yeboah,Deborah Dzifa Amezah,Akoto Erica, Gloria Kwarteng, Eleanor Ama Seimaa Nima, Portia Mensah and Stephanie Owiredua Kissi. -citinewsroom.com