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Ghanaian Hip-Hop Takes Center Stage: Dr. Pushkin, Ataman Nikita, Quata Budukusu & CJ Biggerman Thrill at SXSW 2025

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Ghanaian hip-hop luminary Dr. Pushkin, alongside his collaborators Ataman Nikita, Quata Budukusu and CJ Biggerman, delivered an electrifying performance at the South by Southwest (SXSW) Festival in Austin, Texas, on March 12, 2025. Their dynamic showcase not only captivated the audience but also spotlighted Ghana’s rich musical heritage on the global stage.

 

Dr. Pushkin, known offstage as Paul Azunre, has been a transformative figure in Afro Hip-Hop, seamlessly blending traditional Ghanaian sounds with contemporary hip-hop rhythms. His journey to SXSW 2025 was marked by a series of notable achievements, including the release of his debut solo album, Outlandish, in 2023. The album received critical acclaim and was featured in his official SXSW 2023 performance, earning him recognition as one of the “Essential SXSW 2023 Acts” by the Austin Chronicle.

 

The momentum continued into 2024 with high-profile collaborations featuring Lyrical Joe, Ko-Jo Cue, and CJ Biggerman, captivating Ghanaian rap fans and trending widely. Anticipation is now building for his upcoming album duology, No Heroes / No Miracles, which boasts features from top-tier artists like Strongman, Eno Barony, Stevo Atambire, B-Wayne, Obibini, and AlaptaWan and Ataman Nikita.

Dr. Pushkin’s brother and a rising star in his own right, have been making waves with his soulful vocals and innovative fusion of Afro Pop and Kologo music. His debut single, “Enigma,” showcased his versatility and set the stage for further collaborations. Notably, his feature on Dr. Pushkin’s track “No Go Go,” alongside Ko-Jo Cue, was a testament to their synergistic artistry.

 

CJ Biggerman, renowned for his lyrical prowess and dynamic stage presence, has been a significant force in Ghana’s hip-hop scene. His collaboration with Dr. Pushkin on the track “Just Watch,” which also featured Taitan, was a monstrous exhibition of talent that resonated with fans and critics alike.

Their collective performance at SXSW 2025 was a highlight of the festival, showcasing a blend of acoustic and traditional hip-hop vibes that celebrated global diversity while proudly representing Ghana. The setlist featured a mix of their collaborative hits and individual tracks, delivering a rich tapestry of sounds that left an indelible mark on the audience.

 

Also gracing the stage was Quata Budukusu, a pioneering force in Ghanaian rap, recognized for his role in creating the tongue-twisting rap style that Sarkodie later popularized. His performance added a unique flavour to the showcase, highlighting the evolution of rapid-fire lyricism in Ghanaian hip-hop.

Dr. Pushkin’s latest single, “Peace,” released ahead of his SXSW appearance, introduces a fresh sound called Kologo Soul. This track blends the traditional Kologo guitar from Ghana with modern hip-hop and R&B influences. The lyrics delve into the complex and fragile nature of peace, with Ataman Nikita offering hopeful melodies while Dr. Pushkin’s verses confront the harsh realities of achieving it. Amidst global unrest, “Peace” seeks to inspire hope, spark reflection, and ground listeners in the ongoing pursuit of a better future.

Instrumentalist Dr. AZA and DJ Selecta Rah supported the electrifying performance, who infused the set with rich live elements and seamless transitions. Adding an international touch, American rapper Wyldthang also made an appearance, delivering a powerful feature that bridged Ghanaian and U.S. hip-hop influences.

Their participation in SXSW 2025 not only elevated their profiles but also served as a beacon for Ghanaian music on the international stage. By infusing traditional Ghanaian elements with contemporary sounds, Dr. Pushkin, Ataman Nikita, and CJ Biggerman are redefining Afro Hip-Hop and paving the way for future artists from the region to gain global recognition.

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From Lekzy’s “A Fool in April” to Parrot Mouth’s “Laugh it Off”: Albert Bondah’s Rise as a Creative Force in the comedy industry

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In Ghana’s creative arts space, talent alone is not enough. What keeps the industry moving are people who can adapt, solve problems on the spot, and hold a production together when things get uncertain. That is where a true utility player stands out. And in recent times, Albert Bondah has proven exactly why that role matters, especially with his work on “Laugh It Off” by Parrot Mouth.

Fresh off the momentum of successfully steering Lekzy De Comic’s “A Fool in April”, Albert stepped into “Laugh It Off” with both confidence and pressure. The expectations were higher this time. The audience anticipated a seamless experience. The team itself included seasoned practitioners, many with years more experience. It was not just another show. It was a test of leadership, adaptability, and execution under pressure.

And the challenges came early.

From coordinating a diverse team to managing creative differences, Laugh It Off demanded more than technical know-how. There were moments when plans had to change on short notice. Timing had to be adjusted. Resources had to be stretched. At certain points, the weight of leading experienced hands could have easily unsettled the process. But this is where Albert’s strength as a utility player became clear.

Instead of resisting the pressure, he leaned into it. Drawing from his journey across theatre, comedy, and production, Albert approached each challenge with a calm, solution-driven mindset. His experience from past productions, especially handling unpredictable situations like adverse weather in earlier shows, helped him stay grounded.

On Laugh It Off, he knew when to step in, when to delegate, and when to simply let creativity flow. More importantly, he listened. Working with experienced professionals taught him the value of collaboration at a deeper level. He understood that leadership in creative spaces is not about control, but about direction.

By blending his own ideas with the input of others, he created an environment where everyone could contribute effectively. The result was a show that felt cohesive, engaging, and well-executed.

There were lessons too. Laugh It Off reinforced the importance of preparation, but also the need to stay flexible. It highlighted the value of clear communication within a team. And above all, it showed that experience is not just about how long you have worked, but how well you can apply what you know in real time. Albert brought all of that to bear.

From his early days as a student producer at Cape FM to working across major productions in Ghana’s creative arts industry, he has built a reputation for reliability and versatility. But with Laugh It Off, he did more than just contribute; he led, adapted, and delivered under pressure.

Albert Bondah- Comedy Promoter

This is what makes him a creative utility player. He is not confined to one role. He understands the full scope of production. He can move between responsibilities without losing focus on the bigger picture. And when it matters most, he shows up with solutions, not excuses.

As the curtains closed on “Laugh It Off”, one thing became clear: the success of the show was not accidental. It was the result of experience, meeting preparation, and preparation meeting preparation.

For brands, producers, and creatives looking to execute high-quality productions, Albert Bondah represents something valuable: a dependable force behind the scenes who ensures that ideas do not just stay ideas but come to life, even in the face of challenges. In an industry that thrives on unpredictability, that kind of consistency is rare. And it is exactly why Albert continues to stand out.

 

Written by: Lord Kofi Amoabeng [Creative Writer & Digital Media Marketer]

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Haruna Rashid Yussif vrs Africa University of Communication and Business; SRC Presidential Aspirant Challenges Election Outcome

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Tension is rising within the Africa University of Communication and Business (AUCB) following a dispute involving SRC presidential aspirant Haruna Rashid Yussif, who has raised concerns over the conduct and outcome of the recent Student Representative Council (SRC) elections.

Haruna Rasfid Yussif, a prominent contender in the race, is reportedly contesting aspects of the electoral process, questioning both transparency and fairness. His grievances are believed to stem from irregularities observed before and during the voting process, which he argues may have influenced the final results.

According to emerging reports, sections of his campaign team have also expressed dissatisfaction, calling for a thorough review of the election procedures. While full official details remain limited, discussions circulating within student circles suggest that the matter could escalate if not addressed by university authorities.

The SRC election, a key democratic exercise within the institution, is expected to reflect the voice and choice of the student body. However, controversies such as this risk undermining confidence in the process, particularly among candidates and their supporters.

Observers note that disputes of this nature are not uncommon in student politics, but the response from university management will be critical in determining how the situation unfolds. Calls for dialogue, transparency, and possible redress mechanisms are already gaining traction.

As of now, the leadership of the Africa University of Communication and Business has yet to issue a comprehensive public statement addressing the concerns raised by Haruna Rashid Yussif.

The coming days are expected to be decisive as stakeholders await clarity, accountability, and a resolution that preserves the integrity of student governance on campus.

The silence from authorities at the Africa University of Communication and Business is only adding to the pressure. Students across campus are beginning to ask tough questions about accountability, fairness, and whether the SRC election truly reflected the will of the people.

Student politics may often mirror national dynamics, but this situation is fast escalating beyond routine disagreement. If not addressed swiftly, it risks eroding trust in the very system meant to represent student voices.

For now, all eyes are on the university’s leadership. Will they step in to investigate and restore confidence, or allow the controversy to deepen?

One thing is clear: this isn’t just about an election anymore. It’s about credibility.

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Nigeria mourns the death of Nollywood actor Solomon Akiyesi

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Nigeria is mourns the death of Nollywood actor Solomon Akiyesi, whose passing was confirmed on Monday.

The President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Abubakar Yakubu, disclosed that the actor died in his sleep on Sunday in Abuja.

According to Yakubu, Akiyesi “slept and did not wake up.” He added that the late actor’s body has been placed in a morgue in the capital as the guild awaits further information from his family. The exact cause of death has not yet been made public.

Akiyesi, who began acting in the late 1990s, appeared in more than 100 movies and became known for roles in Marry Who You Love, Deadly Affair, and Desperate Ladies. Tributes have continued to pour in on social media, with colleagues and fans celebrating his impact on Nigeria’s film industry.

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