Africa is bursting with rhythms, cultures, and creativity. From Lagos to Nairobi, Accra to Johannesburg, music has always been the heartbeat of the continent—telling stories, expressing emotions, and connecting Africa with the world. Yet, for many musicians, access to professional tools and global opportunities has long been limited by distance, cost, and resources.

HL Music Studio has officially launched as the first-ever African online music studio, designed by African innovators for African creators, but built with the entire world in mind. More than just an app, HL Music Studio is a revolutionary platform where artists, producers, and music lovers can create, collaborate, and share without limits.

With HL Music Studio, users can:

• Record, mix, and master tracks anytime, anywhere.

• Collaborate seamlessly with musicians and producers across the globe.

• Upload songs and creative content directly to the platform.

• Producers can sell beats and sounds to a worldwide audience.

• Share music with listeners, track audience engagement, and build careers directly from a mobile phone.

According to the C.E.O., HL Music Studio isn’t just an app; it’s a platform made by African innovators for African creators, but with the whole world in mind. It’s got everything artists, producers, and music lovers need to create, collaborate, and share music without any limits. With HL Music Studio, you can: – Record, mix, and master your tracks wherever, whenever. – Work with other musicians and producers from all over the place. – Artists & Content Creators can upload their songs and content – Producers can sell their beats and sound – Share your music with the world, see how many people are listening, and build your career right from your phone.

The launch of HL Music Studio comes at a time when Africa’s creative economy is rapidly expanding, with African music shaping global soundscapes like never before. By breaking down barriers of access and providing an all-in-one digital solution, HL Music Studio aims to amplify African voices, empower creators, and redefine how the world experiences music.

As the platform opens its doors, HL Music Studio is inviting artists, producers, labels, and fans worldwide to join the movement. “The future of music is here. The future of music is African. The future of music is HL Music Studio,” the team declared.

The Obaapa Development Foundation, founded by Nana Adwoa Awindor of Greetings from Abroad fame, proudly marked the successful celebration of Queen Mother’s Day 2025 during the prestigious Oguaa Fetu Afahye festival in Cape Coast.

The special occasion highlighted the invaluable contributions of queen mothers to national development, cultural preservation, and women’s empowerment. This year’s celebration paid tribute to the Ghana National Union of Queen Mothers (Gh-UNIQ), recognising their enduring leadership, cultural stewardship, and advocacy in shaping society.

Delta Paper Ltd.’s contribution of over 500 different items – featuring Flora Tissues, Facial and Packet products as well as baby diapers – brought dignity, comfort and visibility to the maternal and child wellness agenda. “Their support aligned seamlessly with Obaapa Development Foundation’s mission to elevate traditional leadership, promote community health and empower women and children.”

“Delta Paper Ltd. did not just sponsor an event; they affirmed the value of every Queen mother and mother present,” said NanaHemaa Awindor, Founder and Executive Director of Obaapa Development Foundation. “Their partnership reflects a shared commitment to cultural heritage, maternal dignity and sustainable development.”

The Queen Mother’s Day program featured a vibrant cultural performance, an exceptionally well-organised cooking competition set up by the Onga Team, with Advocacy sessions by Ghana Health Services, the World Child Cancer (Ghana Program Office Team) and their affiliate Foundations. The Youth Mentorship Dialogue by Nana Hemaa Awindor on behalf of ODF touched on The Role of Traditional Leaders in advocating for and addressing critical issues, such as Teenage pregnancy, Child Marriage, and Menstrual hygiene.

The event, hosted by the Paramount Queen mother of Oguaa Traditional Area, Nana Ekua Abookyi VI, drew participation of traditional leaders from various regions in Ghana, development and media partners (especially Oyerepa TV from Kumasi and some supportive local Networks).

Onga and Delta Paper Ltd.’s branding was prominently featured throughout the event, reinforcing their role as a socially responsible organisation committed to community upliftment.

Obaapa Development Foundation extends heartfelt appreciation to Delta Paper Ltd. and invites continued collaboration in future initiatives, including the upcoming Women & Children’s Day and regional wellness campaigns in the Volta region (Asogli TeZa).

Contact: Obaapa Development Foundation Phone: +233 (0) 244 37 25 38 Email: obaapadevelopmentf@gmail.com Website: www.obaapadevelopmentfoundation.org

The Foundation of Concerned Arts Professionals (FOCAP), Ghana’s most vybrant creative advocacy group committed to the growth, protection, and sustainability of Ghana’s creative sector, extends warm congratulations to the Government of Ghana and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture for the bold steps taken to give structure, leadership, and renewed energy to the nation’s creative industry.

The recent inauguration of boards under the various creative domains, alongside the appointment of executive secretaries to lead them, represents a much-needed turning point for Ghana’s creative economy. For years, industry stakeholders have called for proper governance structures, consistent policy direction, and accountable leadership. These appointments, therefore, mark not just symbolic progress but also a practical step towards building an ecosystem where creativity is nurtured, regulated, and projected on both local and international fronts.

Equally commendable is the launch of the Black Star Experience initiative and secretariat. This initiative carries enormous potential to redefine how Ghana is positioned as a cultural hub, both within Africa and globally. By celebrating Ghana’s rich history, diverse traditions, and growing creative expressions, the Black Star Experience can serve as a unifying platform for tourism, arts, heritage, and innovation. It is an invitation to the world to engage with Ghana not only as the “Gateway to Africa” but as a dynamic centre for cultural excellence.

However, while these milestones are worth celebrating, they also demand serious reflection and responsibility. FOCAP wishes to remind all stakeholders that setting up boards and initiatives is only the beginning; the true measure of progress will lie in their functionality, accountability, and impact.

For Ghana’s creative economy to thrive, several critical areas must be prioritised:

1. Sustainable Funding Models – The creative industry cannot flourish without consistent investment. Government and private sector collaboration is essential to provide grants, tax incentives, and innovative financing opportunities for practitioners.
2. Capacity Building & Skills Development – Training programs, workshops, and mentorship initiatives must be scaled up to empower artists, producers, and cultural entrepreneurs to meet global standards.
3. Intellectual Property Protection – Laws around copyright and royalties need to be strengthened and enforced to ensure that creative professionals reap the full benefits of their work.
4. Promotion of Local Content – Ghana must consciously elevate its music, films, crafts, and other creative outputs both domestically and abroad. This not only protects cultural identity but also boosts economic potential.
5. Partnerships & Collaboration – Effective collaboration between policymakers, industry leaders, international partners, and grassroots practitioners will be crucial to building a robust creative ecosystem.

FOCAP is committed to working hand in hand with the Ministry, the new boards, and all industry stakeholders to ensure that this momentum is not lost. The success of these initiatives depends on transparency, visionary leadership, and the willingness of all players to put the nation’s creative growth above individual interest.

As we congratulate the government on these strides, we equally issue a call to action: let us build an industry that does not merely entertain but educates, empowers, and drives economic transformation. Ghana’s creative economy has the potential to be one of the nation’s biggest assets if we nurture it with consistency, innovation, and collective responsibility.

FOCAP believes the time is now. The structures have been laid; the vision has been set. What remains is for all hands to be on deck. Together, we can secure a thriving future for Ghana’s creative industry, one that inspires generations and commands global respect.

Signed,

Kojo Preko Dankwa

President FOCAP

0550077040

Mel Kwesi Davis

Vice President FOCAP

0246550298

Enoch Agyepong

Vice President,  Research.

0244712136.