GLOBAL CONNECTIONS

Ghana: The World Can’t Seem To Get Enough of the Black Star Shine-Fashion, Film, Sports & Ghanaian People

From fashion to sports, to film, to the people of Ghana , it seems the world just can’t get enough of the Black Star Shine. Ghana keeps it hot as the fire burns within the hearts, smiles & ambitions of its people, affectionately known as Black Queens & Black Stars. Every time an entrepreneur or  an every day tourist goes to Ghana these days, they come back with a collaborative business involving the tremendous talents of Ghanaian people. From Sports, to fashion, to film, to hospitality & the heart of the people, as Charlie Sheen says …WINNING!!!.

“In the future as the world of Africa & the West mate more & more into the totality of world culture, the creative strength of the African personality, which is evident in tribal sculpture, will contribute far more profoundly to human fulfillment than can yet be imagined” Dr. Kwame Nkrumah- 1966

Ghana is on a winning streak in the eyes of the world with a tremendous amount of untapped resources in the talents of her people. In one week I came up on articles about an award winning documentary based on Ghana’s globally recognized stellar football talents, an LA based fashion designer who sparked up a business venture with Ghana’s diamonds in the ruff fashion magicians who are on every corner & roundabout waiting to get their talents noticed, new press demand for an inspirational female Ghanaian filmmaker who is getting ready to set the world on fire as she shines the spotlight on her nation’s treasures, & Forbes ranking Ghana as the 11th most friendly nation in the world.  I mean what more can I say- I am proud to be a Black Star everyday all day & am delighted that the rest of the world is getting to know the greatness that I have always known & carried with me in my travels throughout the world for decades. Ask anyone who knows a Ghanaian & they will tell you how much they love us-LOL- Come on am I lying?

As we celebrate the accolades that are being bestowed upon us, we must make sure that this winning streak is reflected in the opportunities created for everyday Ghanaians at home  because without her people Ghana is nothing. There has been much debate & even presidential platforms that have been based on reviving the arts & culture of Ghana into a viable economically fruitful business by & for the people, yet as the private sector continues to grow, invest & export  Ghanaian talents in arts & culture in Ghana & throughout the world , there has been very little to no investment by the government to see just how profitable it can be with the right structure, infrastructure, leadership & investment. Legends like Geydu Blay Ambolley & the late great Mac Tontoh of Osibisa, who brought Ghana’s musical talent global recognition & accolades have been at the forefront to convince government to look beyond oil, diamonds etc. & to invest in the talents of its people. Ghana’s government must  invest in the Arts & Travel & Tourism sector by putting Ghanaians to work in the much needed infrastructural improvements that will build up Ghana to its full Black Star Shinning & Rising Greatness!

In their Summer 2011 collection, Los Angeles-based handbag and accessory line Della is releasing a series of clutches in limited-edition fabrics that serve a two-fold purpose: amping your summer wardrobe and creating economic opportunity for those in need. On a temporary visit to Ghana, designer Tina Tangalakis formed an unexpected bond with local seamstress Beatrice Agabe to create Della, a line of vegan bags that not only support the Ghanian economy but also offer education and jobs for local women….READ MORE

If good enough, how do young Africans come to the attention of Real Madrid or Manchester United? “Football Fables”, winner of Golden Knight Awards for best feature screenplay and best foreign feature, lifts the lid on the inner workings of Ghanaian football migration. The documentary unfolds through the eyes of Francis, a talented teenager on the brink of a dream transfer. His talent is undoubted, his desire immeasurable, but will that be enough to secure his future? Francis’ journey sheds light on the middle men who earn a living making sure their cream rises to the top. A system which (although far from perfect and in spite of itself) produces some of the best players in the world. From 28 March 2011 the “Football Fables” DVD is exclusively available from www.footballfables.co.uk. To coincide with the release, on Sunday 27 March a screening of the film will be held at Brixton’s Ritzy cinema in South London followed by a Q&A session with director Baff Akoto hosted by Little White Lies…READ MORE

Azumah Nelson put African boxing on the map KO after KO & became an international superstar with an entire continent behind him, as he became the only African to be inducted into the World Boxing Hall of Fame. In yet another black star move to be the first in setting their own standards & paving their own path Sam Kessie has been chosen to be part of National Geographic’s “2011 Women Hold Up The Sky Series” featuring films by trailblazing female filmmakers, making her the first Ghanaian filmmaker along with the first sports film to be featured at National Geographic. Zum Zum: The Career of Azumah Nelson, the educational title to the documentary will be screened on April 2, 2011 at the National Geographic Headquarters in Washington, DC, to educate the world about the life of Azumah Nelson beyond boxingREAD MORE

Ghana has been adjudged the eleventh friendliest country in the world, making it one of the most preferred tourism destinations around the globe. Ghana was the only African country that was ranked high in a survey undertaken by Forbes, a reputable international magazine. The survey which was done in consultation with a cross-section of world travelers in 2010, found that Ghana is one of the “most welcome nations.” READ  MORE

No One knows when the hour of Africa’s redemption cometh. It is in the wind, it is coming. One day a storm will be here. When that day comes, all Africa will stand together.” Marcus Garvey

Cheers to the Black Star Nation for keeping the fire burning worldwide as the originators of true Black Star Power! We call her an African Women because she gave birth to so much greatness…Akwaaba 2 all native sons & daughters…Chale Mek U No Try…..

User Comments

  1. Clare Adams says:

    You guys forgot about Ghana global soul siren Rhian Benson who had great success stateside. She’s back with her 2nd album ‘Hands Clean’ after a 8 yr hiatus from her 1st album dedicated to GH, ‘Gold Coast in 2003. Check out for news and updates: http://www.rhianbenson.com

  2. Brian Sumarado says:

    OMG rhian benson. where has she been??… please point me over to her! She has a new album??

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