Entertainment
WIYAALA :The Lioness Who Should Roar at Taste the Culture 2025- Mel Kwesi Davis Writes
Creative industry analyst, Vice President of FOCAP, events designer and management strategist, Kum writer Mel Kwesi Davis has thrown more light on the appropriate artist suitable to lead the vibrant Blackstar Experience concert dubbed “Taste the Culture 2025 on December 26th at the iconic Blackstar’s Square. In a Facebook post sighted by your most reliable creative arts and culture website, KPDONLINE.NET, the experienced creative art advocate focuses on the intersection of music, culture and economic impact across Africa’s creative economy and hence recommends versatile artist Wiyala to be the Ambassador for the event, which aimed to promote Ghana’s rich culture and identity
He writes,
As Ghana gears up for another exciting Detty December, one event stands out for its deep connection to our roots: Taste the Culture. A celebration of music, food, art and African identity, and if there’s any artist who embodies that essence more than anyone else, it’s WIYAALA, the fierce, free-spirited “Lioness of Africa.
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Born Noella Wiyaala Nwadei in the Upper West Region of Ghana, Wiyaala has always been different. Her name, Wiyaala, means “the doer” in Sissala, and true to her name, she has done what many said was impossible: she built a successful, internationally respected career from her hometown, far from the lights of Accra.
Wiyaala’s music is a rich blend of Afro-pop, folk rhythms and traditional Sissala and Waala sounds. She performs in both English and indigenous languages, preserving Ghana’s northern dialects in her art. Her songs, From Africa to Tinambayai and Make Me Dance are not just catchy; they carry messages of empowerment, cultural pride and unity.
Taste the Culture isn’t just another concert; it’s a stage for authenticity. It celebrates Africa’s diversity from food and dance to fashion and rhythm, and that’s where Wiyaala shines brightest. Her performances are not just shows; they are rituals of energy, identity and pride.
From her powerful voice to her warrior-inspired costumes and barefoot dance routines, every Wiyaala performance feels like a journey into Africa’s spiritual heartbeat. She doesn’t imitate Western styles; she redefines what modern African artistry looks like.
Her presence at Taste the Culture would bridge the gap between Ghana’s traditional north and its modern creative scene, giving the festival a truly national and continental feel.
Beyond music, Wiyaala is a symbol of empowerment. She is known for advocating women’s rights. She has built her own creative space, The Lioness Kingdom, in her hometown of Funsi, where she mentors young people and nurtures local talent.
Having her at Taste the Culture means more than entertainment; it means representation of rural Ghana, of women and of artists who stay true to their roots while conquering global stages.
What Wiyaala brings to the Taste the Culture Stage
Cultural Authenticity:
Wiyaala embodies the very theme of “Taste the Culture.” She celebrates Ghanaian heritage with pride and brings traditional elements into modern art.
Performance Energy:
Her live shows are unforgettable. With her commanding voice and stage presence, she has headlined international festivals from WOMAD to Glastonbury, and she can easily transform any Ghanaian stage into a global experience.
International Appeal:
Wiyaala is one of the few Ghanaian artists whose brand transcends borders. Her inclusion adds prestige and diversity to the event lineup.
Representation & Unity:
Featuring Wiyaala connects northern Ghana to the mainstream spotlight, celebrating our national diversity in one shared festival experience.
Message & Meaning:
Her lyrics inspire pride, resilience and love for African values that align perfectly with what Taste the Culture stands for.
Booking Wiyaala would not only elevate the event’s authenticity but also send a strong message that Ghana’s cultural exports go beyond Afrobeats; they include voices that roar from every corner of the nation.
In an industry where trends often overshadow truth, Wiyaala remains a fearless original. She has proven that success doesn’t always come from Accra or abroad; it can come from being grounded in who you are.
This December, as Ghana invites the world to Taste the Culture, there is no better ambassador to tell our story than WIYAALA — the Lioness of Africa.
#TasteTheCulture #africancreatives #focap #dettydecember2025 #theMelDavisReview #BirdsDontFart
Entertainment
‘Please Forgive Me’ – Awal Apologises to Senior Colleagues
Ghanaian rapper Awal has publicly apologised to his senior colleagues, including Fameye, Medikal, and every other creative industry player he may have offended over the years, saying he wants to put past misunderstandings behind him and focus on unity within the Ghanaian music industry.
Speaking during an interview on Okay FM, Awal admitted that some of his relationships with fellow musicians were damaged by misunderstandings and competition. He said he now regrets how some situations unfolded and believes it is time to reconcile for the growth of the industry.
Awal Opens Up About Fallout with Fameye
Awal disclosed that his relationship with Fameye, whom he described as someone he was once close friends with, deteriorated after a business misunderstanding dating back to around 2019.
According to the rapper, the disagreement began after he featured Fameye on his song “Akuapem Ploo.” He explained that he paid the award-winning singer GH¢500 to appear in the music video for the song, but Fameye allegedly failed to show up for the scheduled video shoot.
Although the incident strained their friendship, Awal said he no longer wants to dwell on the past.
“I had issues with Fameye. I don’t even know how it ended, but there was a misunderstanding between us. I don’t know how he felt. Maybe he felt really bad. I would like to tell him that if I’ve stepped on his toes, I’m sorry. We were friends and there was business involved, but sometimes I feel bad that we don’t have that kind of vibe anymore,” Awal said.
Apology to Medikal
Awal also extended an apology to rapper Medikal, explaining that their misunderstanding stemmed from the competitive culture of hip-hop, where rappers often exchange lyrical attacks through their songs.
He revealed that he recorded a diss track titled “Take It or Leave It,” adding that although Medikal had supported and admired him in the past, the nature of rap music may have caused him to offend the award-winning rapper.
“As for Medikal, I recorded a song, ‘Take It or Leave It.’ In the hip-hop fraternity, it’s part of the culture to take shots at someone. Medikal also used to like me and support me, but through rap culture, one way or the other, I stepped on his toes,” he explained.
Appeals to All Senior Colleagues
Beyond Fameye and Medikal, Awal extended his apology to every senior colleague in Ghana’s creative arts industry whom he may have offended over the years.
He urged musicians and other industry players to forgive one another, put personal differences aside, and work together to elevate Ghanaian music on the international stage.
“To all my colleagues in the industry, if I’ve stepped on your toes in one way or another, I want to say please find a place in your heart to forgive me. Let’s do this together because we are doing this for the culture. Let’s put Ghana on the map,” he appealed.
Entertainment
Ghanaians Question Akwaboah’s Advice to Save GH¢8,000 Monthly Before Marriage
Highlife musician Akwaboah has sparked intense conversations on social media after advising Ghanaians to save GH¢8,000 every month before getting married, with many describing the suggestion as unrealistic considering the country’s current economic conditions.
In a post shared on X on July 15, 2026, the singer wrote:
“Learn to save 8,000 cedis from your salary every month. Save before you marry. I go come explain soon.”
The post quickly gained traction, attracting hundreds of reactions from users who questioned how many Ghanaians earn enough to set aside such an amount each month.
Many social media users argued that while financial preparedness before marriage is important, the suggested savings target does not reflect the financial realities of the average worker.
One user responded, “How much is the salary itself? And now you’re talking about saving GH¢8,000 from it? You really have to explain this.”
Another commenter also questioned the practicality of the advice, writing, “Did you really mean the three zeros after the 8? How much does President Mahama even save at the end of the month? Please come again.”
Beyond the financial debate, some users suggested Akwaboah has increasingly positioned himself as a relationship adviser since getting married.
One reaction read, “Ever since you got married, you’ve been giving plenty of advice. You should focus on making music instead.”
Another user remarked that the singer appeared to be speaking from personal experience, noting that many people who have been married for decades rarely offer such public advice, despite having far more experience.
Despite the criticism, some users supported Akwaboah’s message, saying couples should prioritise saving before marriage. However, they maintained that the amount should depend on an individual’s income and financial capacity rather than a fixed figure.
The singer has indicated that he will soon explain the reasoning behind his recommendation, leaving many followers waiting for further clarification.
Entertainment
Stonebwoy Mourns Reggae Icon Fantan Mojah, Says His Voice Will Live Forever
Afro-dancehall star Stonebwoy has paid a heartfelt tribute to legendary Jamaican reggae artist Fantan Mojah following the news of his passing. In an emotional message shared on X (formerly Twitter), Stonebwoy described the late musician as a cultural icon whose music inspired generations and whose legacy would continue to influence people worldwide.
Reflecting on Fantan Mojah’s visit to Ghana during the 2025 Bhim Festival, Stonebwoy said it had been a privilege to host the reggae veteran in the Motherland. He noted that the festival provided an opportunity to celebrate the artist’s immense contributions to reggae music, culture, and conscious storytelling.
Referencing Fantan Mojah’s iconic song “Macka Tree,” Stonebwoy praised the singer as a symbol of truth, resilience, and authentic cultural expression. He emphasized that although the reggae legend had passed away, his voice and message would continue to live on through his timeless music.
Stonebwoy wrote:
“It was an honour to welcome you to the Motherland and to celebrate your legacy at @BHIMFESTIVAL 25. You stood tall like the Macka Tree—rooted in culture, unshaken in truth, and sheltering generations with your sound. Rest well, Jah Warrior.”
He continued with another emotional tribute:
“Though you’ve returned to the ancestors, your voice still echoes in every chant, every prayer, every revolution your music sparked. Your songs were more than music—they were medicine, they were fire, they were faith. You uplifted my spirit, and you continue to uplift millions worldwide. FANTAN MOJAH Forever in our hearts.”
Fantan Mojah, born Owen Moncrieffe, died at the age of 49, only weeks before his 50th birthday. According to reports, he passed away on July 14, 2026, at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston, Jamaica, after suffering heart-related complications.
The celebrated reggae artist was widely respected for his spiritually conscious lyrics, Rastafarian beliefs, and commitment to using music as a vehicle for truth, hope, and social awareness. His death marks a significant loss to the global reggae community, with tributes continuing to pour in from fellow musicians and fans around the world.
Stonebwoy’s tribute also reflects the deep cultural ties between Ghana and Jamaica, as artists from both countries continue to celebrate and embrace each other’s musical heritage. His message highlighted Fantan Mojah’s influence beyond entertainment, pointing to the reggae icon’s commitment to spreading messages of unity, faith, and cultural identity through his music.
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