Showbiz
Black Star Festival launched; first edition scheduled for September in Washington DC
Black Star Festival, a celebration of Ghana’s vibrant cultural legacy and its deepening connection to the African diaspora, has been launched in Accra.
The initiative, aimed at expanding and deepening the exploration of Ghana’s culture, is being organised in partnership with the National Commission on Culture (NCC).
It is spearheaded by GD Visionary Group Ltd, which is committed to creating an annual platform to strengthen ties across continents, ensuring that cultural celebration, business opportunities, and youth engagement remain central to the continent’s growth.
Speaking at the launch held on 17 June 2025 at the Accra Tourist Information Centre, the Head of Marketing and Public Relations for the event, Cyril-Alex Kudzo Gockel, highlighted how landmark initiatives like The Year of Return and Beyond the Return have reignited global engagement, fostering strong cultural and economic bonds between Ghana and the wider African community.
“These efforts laid the foundation for what we are building today, a future where connection goes beyond a moment in time and transforms into a lasting movement,” he said.
He announced that the maiden events are scheduled for September 2025 in the United States and October 2025 in Ghana.
The Black Star Festival is expected to bring Ghana to the world and the world to Ghana, engaging academics, university students, entrepreneurs, businesses, and creatives from across the diaspora.
According to Cyril, Nigeria is also a collaborating partner, helping to amplify the message that Africa’s future shines brightest when we stand together, embracing shared identity and opportunity.
“Expect culturally relevant and dynamic music, fashion, visual art, theatre, and business activations that not only celebrate Ghana’s heritage but also position our nation as a global leader in cultural innovation and investment,” he said.
The Executive Director of the National Commission on Culture (NCC), Wakefield Ackuoku, noted that the Black Star Festival aligns with the goals of the government’s Blackstar Experience initiative.
“The Black Star Experience didn’t come from a vacuum. It is building on what has already been started, since government is a continuum. You know of the Year of Return, Beyond the Return, and now we are building the Blackstar Experience into the future,” he stated.
He also mentioned how important the concept of the event is to the National Commission on Culture.
“When GD Vision approached the National Commission on Culture for us to do such a programme, we could only agree that this is a laudable one.
Now, what is happening is, we have sold Ghana in various forms, but this particular event is unique because it offers an opportunity called a touch of gold,” he noted.
The Washington edition, slated for 26 to 30 September 2025, will feature creative artists such as Serge Attukwei Clottey, Samuel Lovi, Betty Acquah, Kwame Akoto Bamfo and Ibrahim Mahama.
myjoyonline.com
Music
DopeNation’s ‘Kakalika’ Earns Spot On Spotify’s Global Songs Of Summer List
Ghanaian music duo DopeNation has secured a spot on Spotify’s highly anticipated 2026 Songs of Summer Predictions list with their hit single, ‘Kakalika.’
Spotify’s global editorial team selected the track as one of 30 songs expected to define the summer season across the Northern Hemisphere.
This placed the Ghanaian duo alongside international stars including Tems, Drake, Ariana Grande and Zara Larsson.
According to Spotify, this year’s selections reflect emerging musical trends and movements shaping global listening habits, including nostalgic club anthems, “sadboy” pop, country music and global dance records.
The streaming platform specifically highlighted “Kakalika” as part of the growing wave of sun-soaked global dance hits, pointing to its blend of Azonto and Amapiano influences that has resonated with listeners.
Spotify has also introduced a new interactive feature this year, allowing users to vote within the Songs of Summer playlist for the track they believe will become the season’s defining anthem.
Listeners can cast their votes directly through the playlist and share their selections across social media platforms.

The inclusion of “Kakalika” on the prestigious list marks another international recognition for DopeNation and underscores the growing influence of Ghanaian music on the global stage.

Source: Joy Entertainment
Music
Black Sherif – Swagga | MP3 Download
Ghanaian hip-hop/hip-life rapper and current TGMA Artiste of the Year, Black Sherif, is out with a new track titled “Swagga“, a free MP3 download for the fans and music lovers.
Black Sherif exudes self-belief, ambition, and confidence in “Swagga”. The song highlights resiliency and the will to overcome obstacles, reflecting his journey from modest beginnings to triumph.
He encourages listeners to stay focused on their objectives while celebrating personal growth with upbeat speech and engaging rhythms.
The concept of genuineness is also explored in the song. Black Sherif emphasizes the value of remaining loyal to oneself in the face of fame, pressure, or criticism rather than looking to others for approval.
The song is a celebration of accomplishment and a reminder that hard effort, perseverance, and self-confidence are the keys to success because of its positive tone and inspirational content.
Enjoy Swagga by Black Sherif, and kindly share this with friends.
Listen to this free and amazing track, download it below, and add it to your tracklist.
Showbiz
Ghanaian Actress Beverly Afaglo Confirmed Dead
Information reaching us at AladdynKingMedia.com indicates that Ghanaian actress and television presenter Beverly Afaglo has been confirmed dead.
Her husband, Choirmaster (a former Praye member), announced the death in a social media post that has left fans and colleagues in shock.
In the early hours of Sunday, May 24, 2026, the musician posted the devastating news on his verified Instagram profile. He expressed his profound sadness at the actress’s passing, describing her as his source of joy and strength.
Since then, fans, actresses, and musicians have paid tribute to the actress on social media, causing an outpouring of grief.
More to follow…
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