Entertainment of Wednesday, 5 June 2024

Source: www.ghanaweb.com

Until Ghana pays attention to its creative economy, we will continue to lag behind - Rex Omar

Veteran Highlife musician, Rex Omar Veteran Highlife musician, Rex Omar

Veteran Ghanaian Highlife artist Rex Omar has made a passionate appeal for Ghana to strategically invest in its cultural and creative industries.

In a post on his Facebook page, Omar suggested that Ghana could benefit from a platform similar to Britain's Got Talent to showcase its own creative talents.

He highlighted the immense potential of the nation's young talents, such as Afronitaaa and Abigail, emphasizing the need for intentional support to harness the potential they offer.

"These and many more young talented individuals are the reasons why Ghana must be INTENTIONAL about investing in our cultural/creative industries. It's one of our low-hanging fruits," he stated.

Rex Omar further explained why the duo did not secure the top spot in the 17th edition of Britain's Got Talent.

He noted that the show is designed to showcase and promote local British talent globally, and as such, foreign acts are not given as much prominence as British acts.

He stressed that until Ghana prioritizes its creative economy—which includes sectors such as music, fashion, film, design, and performing arts—the country will continue to lag behind in what he describes as "cultural warfare."

"Please understand that the show is called 'BRITAIN'S GOT TALENT!' The platform was created to unearth and promote BRITISH talents to the globe, not Ghanaian talents!

"Until Ghana wakes up and pays attention to its CREATIVE ECONOMY, which encompasses music, fashion, film, design, publishing, architecture, crafts, visual arts, TV and radio, advertising, literature, computer games, and the performing arts, we'll continue to lag behind. It is called cultural warfare; I rest my case," he concluded.

Afronitaaa, whose real name is Danita Yeboah, and her protégé, seven-year-old Abigail Adjiri, successfully represented Ghana in the 17th season of the ITV competition, clinching 3rd place and making the country proud.

Although they didn't win the top prize, their performances throughout the competition impressed the judges and earned Ghana global recognition.

They were celebrated on the Britain's Got Talent Instagram account, and their success has brought international attention to Ghanaian dance and culture.

Abigail, a seven-year-old deaf dancer, had previously won Talented Kidz Season 14.

Social media has been abuzz with congratulatory messages for their significant accomplishments.

Notable personalities, including those from Wesley Girls' Senior High School, the University of Ghana, and former President John Dramani Mahama, have sent congratulatory messages to the duo.

Read the full post below



ID/GA