President Muhammadu Buhari will on Tuesday commission the 13 kilometres first phase of the Lagos Blue Rail Line.
The Blue Line is expected to be 27 km long, connecting Okokomaiko to Marina.
The event will take place at the Marina Train Station, Outer Marina area of the state, a letter of invitation sent to PREMIUM TIMES on Wednesday said.
“This special event is proposed to invite President Muhammad Buhari GCFR, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, The Minister of Transportation Mu’azu Sambo and The Chinese ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Cui Jianchun,” the letter reads.
“We believe that your presence will give us more encouragement and enthusiasm to complete this event successfully.”
The elevated train network will transit between Marina and Mile-2 axis of the state as part of measures to ease road congestion.
The state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said “the rail project would move no less than 250,000 passengers daily, while the entire line when completed would move more than 500,000 passengers.”
The rail has five stations at Mile 2, Suru-Alaba, Orile Iganmu, National Theatre and Marina. The project is being handled by the state’s Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA)
LAMATA initially planned to establish a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, to run from Mile 12 to Lagos Island. However, in 2008, the agency chose to focus on a seven-line network codenamed Red, Blue, Green, Yellow, Purple, Brown and Orange lines.
The project was flagged off in 1999 during the administration of the then governor, Bola Tinubu.
The Cedi halted its recent sharp slide against the dollar, trading at 12.01 from 12.28 at last week’s close – still significantly weaker than its year-end level of 8.35 following Ghana’s debt default in December.
The government is hoping its barter trade of gold for oil will ease FX demand by allowing Ghana to use gold to buy oil products instead of its dollar reserves, which in turn should support the Cedi over the medium term. The Cedi remains under sustained pressure given flight from Ghana’s bond market as the country seeks to restructure its debt as part of an IMF emergency loan programme.
Yellen tour to substantiate Biden’s ‘all in’ on Africa
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen begins her tour of Senegal, Zambia and South Africa this week, with hopes high on the continent of adding substance to President Joe Biden’s comments last month that the US is “all in on Africa’s future.” Yellen follows Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang’s tour this month taking in Ethiopia, Gabon, Angola, Benin and Egypt. China-Africa bilateral trade at $254bn for 2021 is four times higher than US-Africa trade.
Chinese foreign direct investment in Africa rose to $43bn in 2020. During his visit, Qin faced criticism for opaque terms and onerous collateral demands on Chinese loans, exposing countries to potential ‘debt traps.’ Qin countered that Chinese money has helped improve the lives of African people and called for international cooperation rather than competition.
Yellen is expected to discuss infrastructure investment, debt, and energy and food security, expanding on Biden’s pledge of more than $15 billion in trade and investment deals, and his proposal to include the African Union in the G20 group of major economies.
Biden is scheduled to travel to Africa later this year, along with Vice President Kamala Harris. The visits could mark 2023 as the year US engagement in Africa moves beyond assistance to a more equal partnership for trade and investment.
Stabilised Naira trending lower ahead of election
Naira
The Naira held relatively stable against the dollar, trading at 751 from 749 at last week’s close. Nigeria regained its position as Africa’s top oil producer after pumping just over 1.2 million barrels per day in December. The increase in production follows efforts by Nigeria to beef up security surveillance for its oil infrastructure to reduce theft.
Following the introduction of new Naira notes last year, the volume of currency in circulation fell to NGN3.16tr in November from NGN3.29tr in October. That is limiting the amount of cash available for potential vote buying as February’s presidential election approaches. As demand continues to build going into the year, we expect further but gradual depreciation of the naira.
Energy crisis piles pressure on Rand
Rand
The Rand weakened against the dollar, trading at 17.11 from 16.81 at last week’s close as South Africa’s energy crisis deepens. President Cyril Ramaphosa cancelled a scheduled trip to the World Economic Forum in Davos as rolling blackouts worsen and state utility company Eskom—responsible for 90% of South Africa’s power—struggles to find a solution. The government this week said it is planning a new law to accelerate the development of private power plants to increase generating capacity.
The country has suffered blackouts every day this year after a record 205 days of load shedding in 2022. South Africans have been without power for up to 12 hours a day over the past week as Eskom scrambles to save the country’s electricity grid from collapse. Against this backdrop, we expect the Rand to continue weakening over the near term.
Devalued Egypt Pound finds 30 level ground amid FX inflows
Egypt
The Pound weakened against the dollar, trading at 29.69 from 28.56 at last week’s close –though the currency has shown signs of stabilising at the current level, which is above the record low of 31.40.
Egypt’s central bank said that allowing the Pound to float more freely combined with its latest devaluation has supported greater FX inflows, which have totalled more than $925m since last week. Daily FX trading activity has surged to more than 20 times the daily average seen in recent weeks.
Fitch Ratings said Egyptian banks’ capital ratios can withstand further depreciation of the Pound, with private sector banks better positioned than their state-owned counterparts due to their greater capital generating capabilities. In the absence of further macro shocks, we expect the Pound to continue trading around the 30 level in the short term.
Kenyans hoard dollars as Shilling hits new low
Kenya
The Shilling hit a fresh record low against the dollar, sliding to 124.00/124.20 from 123.75/123.95 at last week’s close. The weakening trend, which is making Kenya’s external debt payments more expensive, continues amid rising import costs. Wealthy Kenyans have been buying dollars as a hedge against the depreciating Shilling and are now sitting on a record KES922bn-worth, putting further pressure on the local currency.
The country’s FX reserves remain adequate at $7.4bn, enough for 4.15 months of import cover. We expect the Shilling to continue depreciating as rising inflation pushes up the cost of living in a country that is dependent on imports, including fuel, machinery, medicine, food and clothing.
Lower tourism prospects weigh on Ugandan Shilling
Uganda
The Shilling weakened marginally against the dollar, trading at 3670 from 3662 at last week’s close. The IMF this week said its executive board has approved the release of about $240m in funding for Uganda as part of its 36-month extended credit facility that has been in place since June 2021.
The country’s finance ministry is projecting growth of 6% in the 2023/24 financial year, supported by increased oil sector activity, regional trade growth and a rebound in agricultural output. The government said it expects to borrow around $2.6bn for the coming fiscal year. Uganda cancelled a $2.3bn railway project with a Chinese contractor after failing to attract Chinese funding.
It is now seeking investment from Turkey for the project, Bloomberg reported. We expect the Shilling to depreciate over the long term after the government slashed the country’s tourism budget, potentially reducing the amount of FX coming into the country.
Tanzanian Shilling weakens to near four-year dollar low
Tanza
The Shilling slipped to its weakest level against the dollar in almost four years, trading at 2338 from 2336 at last week’s close.
While the decline is marginal, the currency is starting to form a slight weakening trend against the greenback. Tanzania’s central bank sold off a total of $124m from its FX reserves during the first half of the financial year in a bid to cushion the economy against inflation and other costs related to goods imports.
In total, FX reserves had fallen to $4.5bn in November compared to $6.6bn a year earlier. Reserves were supported by Tanzania increasing coal exports to almost $142m from $13m over the same period as Europe sought alternative energy sources amid Russia’s war in Ukraine.
While that boost is likely to be short-lived, the country is seeking to attract further investment and trade with the European Union in the year ahead. With that in mind, we expect the Shilling to withstand any significant losses against the dollar in the near term.
At the Serekunda Market, in the Gambia, I noticed this particular fish that had been smoked. I was told it is catfish. I also found that there are several species of catfish harvested from the Gambian waters. Castro et al.(2013)indicate that up to 8 species are found in saltwater while 6 are identified in estuary/freshwater environments. Investigation at beach landing sites positively identified three species: Arius heudelot (Ngunja or smooth head sea catfish), Arius latiscutatus (black kong or rough head sea catfish), and Arius parkii (white kong) (Gabis et al., 2012).
Though I found catfish prevalent, I hardly see them in Ghana and on our menus. How healthy are they? I examine catfish in this recent article.
Nutrition facts
I found that catfish have an enormous nutritional profile. For instance, the US Department of Agriculture explained that a 3.5-ounce (100-gram) serving of fresh catfish provides:
Calories: 105
Fat: 2.9 grams
Protein: 18 grams
Sodium: 50 mg
Vitamin B12: 121% of the Daily Value (DV)
Selenium: 26% of the DV
Phosphorus: 24% of the DV
Thiamine: 15% of the DV
Potassium: 19% of the DV
Cholesterol: 24% of the DV
Omega-3 fatty acids: 237 mg
Omega-6 fatty acids: 337 mg
In addition to being low in calories and sodium, catfish is packed with protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. From the nutritional profile, you will notice that catfish is loaded with omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. This tends to benefit the heart. It is loaded with vitamin B12, which is essential for pregnant women and many others.
Omega-3 fatty acids Loaded
Catfish are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids. On the other hand, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends eating up to 8 ounces of fish or other seafood each week. This was recommended by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S(2015-2020) because catfish and other seafood can give more omega-3 fatty acids than other foods. Besides, Omega-3 fatty acids are known for supporting brain health.
Two studies (National Institute of Health, 2022; Wysoczański et al. 2016) held the view that omega-3 fatty acids could treat neurological and mental conditions, such as memory loss, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and depression.
More studies (Costantini et al. 2017; Jain et al. 2015; Mori, T, 2017; Jeromson et al. 2015) also found that omega-3s support skeletal muscle strength, heart health, and even the gut microbiome — the collection of healthy bacteria in your gut.
Wan et al. (2017) review of 23 studies in more than 1 million people linked fish consumption with a reduced death risk— and a 7% decrease in death rate for every 200 mg of omega-3s consumed daily. This is so interesting!
Additionally, the body does not make omega-3s on its own, there is the need to obtain them from the diet. The National Institutes of Health found that one 3.5-ounce (100-gram) catfish gives 237 mg or 15–20% of the Adequate Intake (AI) for adults.
Though catfish gives omega-3s, it is a leaner fish that provides fewer fatty acids than fatty fish like salmon. For instance, The National Institutes of Health further explained that a 3-ounce serving of fatty fish like salmon can produce 1,800 mg of omega-3s compared with a 3-ounce serving of catfish which contains only 200 mg of omega-3s.
Catfish, vitamin B12
The US Department of Agriculture reports that one 3.5-ounce (100-gram) serving of catfish contains 121% of the Daily Value for vitamin B12, which many people are deficient in. Other fish are high in this vitamin, however, catfish supersedes them.
Also, (Langan and Goodbred, 2017; Chan et al. 2016; Moore et al. 2012; Stabler SP, 2013; Markišić et al. 2017; Mao et al. 2016; Pawlak R, 2015) found that the more vitamin B12 intake, the more the health benefits, such assupport mental health, heart disease, and prevention and treatment of anemia.
Catfish, lean protein
The Institute of Medicine (US) Committee to Review Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin D and Calcium et al.(2011) found that one 3.5-ounce (100-gram) serving of catfish provides 32–39% of the daily protein needs in only 105 calories.
Juxtapose this with the same amount of serving of salmon, which also provides around half of the daily protein needs but over 230 calories. Catfish is also good for weight loss programs.
Catfish, warnings
The nutrient content in catfish varies depending on the source. Two studies (Oliva-Teles A, 2012; Santerre et al. 2015) found that farm-raised catfish are often fed a high-protein diet that includes grains like soy, corn, and wheat. Vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fatty acids, and even probiotics are regularly added to their feed
As compared to catfish raised in the wild that eats foods like algae, aquatic plants, fish eggs, and sometimes other fish. These tend to affect their vitamin and mineral composition.
When you examine the content of catfish from the African perspective, it has been found(Ibhadon et al. 2015) that mature farm-raised fish had the highest levels of amino acids, and fatty acid levels varied. For example, the wild catfish contained more linoleic acid but less eicosanoic acid than the farm-raised fish.
Another second Nigerian scholar, Ukagwu et al.(2017) found a similar breed of African catfish from the wild packed with more protein, fat, fiber, and overall calories than farm-raised catfish.
Finally, in India, Pal et al.(2017) found Indian butter catfish to have higher fat content than farm-raised fish, wild fish contains more contents of abundance minerals apart from iron, which was more farm-raised fish
Another health concern is the content of toxins in fish from the water bodies. Also heavy metal such as mercury is a major concern.
Some studies (Kimáková et al. 2018; Andreoli and Sprovieri, 2017; Kern et al. 2016; Bjørklund et al. 2019) found that heavy metal contents such as mercury affect neurological conditions, especially in children. These include autism and Alzheimer’s disease.
The US FDA(1990-2012) reports found that fish that are larger and live longer than catfish could have the highest levels of mercury. On average, swordfish may harbor as much as 40 times more mercury than catfish. The interesting thing is that catfish have the lowest mercury content compared to other fishes(FDA, 2022).
NB:
Prof. Nyarkotey has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations to justify his write-ups. My articles are for educational purposes and do not serve as Medical advice for Treatment. I aim to educate the public about evidence-based scientific Naturopathic Therapies.
The writer is a Professor of Naturopathic Healthcare, a Medical Journalist,and a science writer. Currently BL Candidate at the Gambia Law School, Banjul, Gambia. E. mail: professor40naturopathy@gmail.com
When I arrived in the Gambia, I was thinking that I had to concentrate on the reason that brought me.
What was the reason that sent me to Gambia? I am in the Gambia to pursue the Barrister at Law course at the Gambia Law School.
I have decided to mind my business and pursue my legal education. But, as a science writer, it appears my pen wouldn’t allow me.
I notice one interesting thing walking through the principal streets and ghettos of Gambia. I notice that there is this particular tea that is a ritual they drink. I asked a frequent consumer and he told me that it is called Attaya. Attaya is more than just tea, it’s a way of life in the Gambia. Attaya is associated with a Muslim boy’s name meaning ‘Gifts, Presents.’
I asked what attaya contains, and he said green tea. I was a little bit surprised because I feel the way attaya is consumed, the ingredient should be locally produced but that is not the case. Green tea is sourced from China.
In my curiosity as a medical writer, I asked where I could get one to buy. He directed me and I went to buy one. Indeed, the product I got was Black Star which contains Chinese green tea. When I got to my apartment, I quickly took my laptop and started my literature searches. So in this article, I present to you the most sought-after and highly consumed Attaya, known as African green tea in the Gambia.
Attaya: the Motivation
Attaya is a ritual in the ghettos in the Gambia
I asked one man the motivation behind attaya consumption in the Gambia. He said it relieves stress. Another man said it improves their sex drives. This assertion support one report by Ben Turay(2009-2010) that the youths drink attaya to improve sexual desire; to some people, cures Malaria and energizes people, particularly students for burning the midnight candle.
I explored further. I found that attaya consumption goes beyond the Gambia. Other countries such as Sierra Leone and Senegal are also known attaya consumers.
One study by Gegbe et al. (2015) examines the motivation behind attaya consumption in Sierra Leone and found that there is no strong motivational reason for consumers behind attaya consumption. However, the study found that (21%) of the respondents often drink Ataya, (31%) say they drink Ataya every day, (25%) do not drink Ataya every day and ( 21% ) of them say they do drink Ataya weekly. Seventy percent (70%) of the respondents have been motivated by their friends, partners, colleagues workers, or family in drinking attaya while (30%) were not motivated by any of the above in drinking attaya. Sixty-seven percent (67%) of the respondents drink attaya with friends, (10%) with their partners, (23%) with colleagues’ workers, and 0.4% drink Attaya with their family respectively.
Attaya in Ghettos
From Manjai Kunda, Bakau, Kololi, Banjul, Brufut, Fajara, Serekunda, Basse, Bijilo, Kartong, Cape Point, Senegambia, etc, every corner I passed through, Ataya bases have rapidly replaced Ghettos. In the case of Sierra Leone, Ben Turay(2009-2010) reports that over 1,500 ‘Attaya’ bases in the country and 584 registered attaya bases in Freetown, out of the number, 252 are in Eastern, 175 are located in the Central, while 157 in the Western. Each base has over 30 regular members drinking the product. The report further notes that more than 1,500 people take care of families through attaya business which has enhanced Love and Unity across the country.
Attaya & Normal Green Tea
Though attaya is made from green tea. Steven Prihoda(2015) article explained further:“The difference between attaya and normal green tea is in how it is made. A normal green tea takes five minutes; the attaya process can take hours. While some belief attaya to be as caffeinated as coffee, if one were to compare the caffeine content of regular green tea to that of attaya, the difference would be negligible (a simple black tea would be an even better – and faster – choice); and, if caffeine consumption were the desired goal, coffee would remain far more potent than attaya, green tea, or black tea. But while some people in The Gambia do use attaya as their caffeine fix, that’s not the point”.
Attaya, scientific benefits
I wasn’t surprised with the health benefits because attaya is made from green tea which science has proven many times the health benefits.
Green tea comes from the plant Camellia Sinensis. The two main varieties of tea plants are Camellia sinensis, a small-leaf variety native to China, and Camellia sinesis assamica, a large-leaf variety that was first discovered in the Assam district of India. Hundreds of cultivars and hybrid plants have evolved from these two plant varieties over time.
Attaya, Live Longer
Studies have found that some compounds in green tea may help you live longer. For instance, Kuriyama et al.(2006) studied 40,530 Japanese adults over 11 years. Those who drank the most green tea — 5 or more cups per day — were significantly less likely to die during the study period. The study found that:
Death of all causes: 23% lower in women, 12% lower in men
Death from heart disease: 31% lower in women, 22% lower in men
Death from stroke: 42% lower in women, 35% lower in men
A previous study( Suzuki et al.2009) examined over 14,001 older Japanese individuals and found that those who drank the most green tea were 76% less likely to die during the 6-year study period.
This means that there could be something special in longevity in those countries such as Gambia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, etc who drink more unadulterated attaya daily.
Improves Brain function
Drinking attaya improves brain function. For instance, Green tea does more than just keep you alert, it may also help boost brain function.The key active ingredient is caffeine, which is a known stimulant. Though green tea doesn’t contain as much as coffee, however, it has more to produce a response without causing the nervous effects associated with taking in too much caffeine.
Cancers
A 20-year study by Bah et al.(2013) found that cancer incidence has remained relatively stable over time, in the Gambia. This could be linked to their high attaya consumption. Observation studies review (Ogunleye and Michels, 2009) found that women who drank the most green tea had an approximately 20–30% lower risk of developing breast cancer, one of the most common cancers in women.
On Prostate cancer, Kurahashi et al.(2008) study found that men drinking green tea had a lower risk of advanced prostate cancer.
An old study(Litt et al. 1997; Yuan. J.M, 2013) found that green tea drinkers are less likely to develop several types of cancer, but more high-quality research is needed to confirm these effects
Cardiovascular Disease
Attaya drinking could improve heart health. Other studies in Japan using a green tea extract found that, after 12 weeks, the subjects had reductions in body fat (10%), blood pressure (6.5%), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels (2.6%), suggesting a reduced risk of CVD.
Finally, (Kuriyama, S, 2008;Shimazu et al. 2007; Miller et al. 2017) studies acknowledge that those who drink green tea have up to a 31% lower risk of dying from cardiovascular disease.
Diabetes, Weight Loss, fat burning
Several human- and animal-based studies suggested that green tea and its flavonoids have antidiabetic effects (Wu, 2004; Iso, 2006; Wolfram, 2006).
One study ( Nagao et al. 2012) found that green tea drinkers had significant decreases in body fat percentage, body weight, waist circumference, and belly fat, compared with those in the control group.
Attaya, warnings
Gegbe et al. (2015) study found that if attaya is not boiled the right way or excess consumption, or mixed with another product as in the case of Sierra Leone, it can lead to many health implications. Additionally, Poor hygiene at attaya bases has high risks of Cholera and Tuberculosis (TB), although attaya bases enhance Love and Unity across the country.
Also, in Ghana, The ministry for national security has warned the public about brands that are unwholesome for public consumption. So in choosing, opt for quality brands approved by the FDA.
Green tea can cause side effects due to caffeine. These can include anxiety, tremors, irritability, and sleeping problems. This is more likely if you’re sensitive to caffeine or take large doses, Green tea extracts may cause liver problems. Symptoms can include yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes, nausea, and stomach pain. The negative effects of green tea extract on the liver may depend on how much green tea extract you consume each day.
Green tea contains small amounts of vitamin K. This means it may decrease how well blood thinner medicines work. Since green tea acts as a mild stimulant, you shouldn’t use it with other stimulants. It may change the effects of other medicines.
Attaya: Market size
According to Market Research.Com, the tea market in Gambia was equal to 18.40 million USD (calculated in retail prices) in 2015. Until 2025, the tea market in the Gambia is forecast to reach 48.18 million USD (in retail prices), thus increasing at a CAGR of 9.01% per annum for the period 2020-2025. This is a decrease, compared to the growth of about 11.46% per year, registered in 2015-2019.
The average consumption per capita in value terms reached 9.61 USD per capita (in retail prices) in 2015. In the next five years, it grew at a CAGR of 8.16% per annum. In the medium term (by 2025), the indicator is forecast to slow down its growth and increase at a CAGR of 5.92% per annum.
Also, Alliedmarketresearch.com found that the tea market size in West Africa was valued at 1.6 billion dollars in 2019, and is projected to reach 2.6 billion dollars by 2027, registering a CAGR of 8.5 % from 2021 to 2027.
Conclusion
There are many benefits to drinking attaya. My only concern is how sugar is added in the Gambia. But without adding sugar, attaya consumption is linked to areas such as Okinawa where studies have proven that medical conditions are rare due to their high green tea consumption.
Green tea is widely consumed worldwide for its health benefits. Many retrospectives and few recent studies attest to that fact. Its effect on cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases are well documented in both human and animal studies.
Drinking three to five cups of attaya per day seems to be optimal to reap the most health benefits.Try to choose a higher quality brand of green tea, because some of the lower quality brands can contain excessive amounts of fluoride (Lu et al. 2004). The attaya I bought in the Gambia was sold for only 5 dalasis, about 70pesewas in Ghana. That being said, even if you choose a lower-quality brand, the benefits still outweigh any risk.
One unique thing about attaya is that the small jar takes about 30 minutes to drink. It is not consumed in a rush. Attaya is like a ritual and drink in gatherings; hence, the social bonding and unity among the consumers are enhanced. Attaya is also brewed in a local jar on a charcoal pot to bring the natural feel of the tea. So just in case, you would want to try green tea, then the Gambian version isideal.
NB:
Prof. Nyarkotey has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations to justify his write-ups. My articles are for educational purposes and do not serve as Medical advice for Treatment. I aim to educate the public about evidence-based scientific Naturopathic Therapies.
The writer isa Professor of Naturopathic Healthcare, a Medical Journalist,and a science writer. Currently BL Candidate at the Gambia Law School, Banjul, Gambia. E. mail: professor40naturopathy@gmail.com
Ghanaian Dancehall musician Shatta Wale has turned to the Nigerian music industry for help after calling them out on different occasions for failing to reciprocate the love shown to them by Ghanaians.
Some months ago, he launched an attack on Grammy award-winning artist Burna Boy while revealing some secret dealings of the artist and some Nigerians on Twitter who trooped to his page to attack him during his banter with Burna Boy.
However, it appears Shatta Wale has taken his words back and has realized that the Nigerian market will be of great help to his music career as he seeks assistance.
While seeking assistance from Nigerians, Shatta Wale berated the Ghanaian music industry describing it as a “disgrace”.
He also heaped praise on Nigerians for rolling out measures that have seen development in their music production and artiste development, a move that has birthed great collaborations with foreign artists and nominations for top awards.
Reggae legends, Bob Marley and The Wailers usher in the new year with a reimagining of his classic ‘Stir It Up’, in collaboration with Ghanaian rap icon, Sarkodie.
Produced by MOG, this song combines the signature guitar strums and soothing bounce we know and love, with Sarkodie’s iconic flow. ‘Stir It Up’ will connect generations, continents and more!
Bob Marley is one of the most legendary figures in modern music; the Jamaican singer, musician, and songwriter inspires with social activism and politically conscious lyrics fused with elements of lovers-rock, ska and rocksteady. As a pioneer of Reggae, Bob Marley was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994.
In December 1999, his 1977 album ‘Exodus’ was named Album of the Century by Time Magazine and his song ‘One Love’ was designated Song of the Millennium by the BBC.
With a career spanning almost 20 years, Sarkodie is one of the most successful African rappers of all time. He was the first winner of BET’s Best International Flow artist at the 2019 BET Hip Hop Awards, and he was crowned Vodafone Ghana Music Award’s “Artiste of the Decade”.
When speaking on this historic collaboration with Bob Marley, Sarkodie said: “What a way to kick start this year! Definitely one of the highest moments in my career/life… It’s been a BIG torture keeping quiet about this particular project but I guess it’s always the best when timing is right. Big shouts to the team at Island records, my team and the Marley family for getting me on this amazing project with the legend Bob Marley.
Such a blessing to lay my vocals right next to the original vocals of the legend…I will be sharing how the whole process happened… for now, get ready to enjoy the remake of Bob Marley’s ‘Stir It Up’ produced by MOG”
The official music video for ‘Stir It Up’ showcases the vibrant relationship between Jamaica and Ghana. With Sarkodie leading on creative direction, these Ghana-shot visuals authentically explore identity, unity and community.
Sound Engineer, Appietus has clashed with Papi of 5Five fame over revenue from their ‘Muje Baya’ collaboration.
The rapper who was a member of the now defunct 5Five music group released the song which featured the record producer and it became a monster hit.
In a recent interview, Appietus disclosed that the group lied to him and never paid for his work. This caused a heated exchange of words on TV.
“After recording the song (Muje Baya) they told me they were going to show it to an investor. The next moment, I heard the song playing on radio,” Appietus said.
Appearing on CTV, Papi shared his side of the story and accused Appietus of ripping them off by putting their song on digital platforms and hijacking revenue. The renowned sound engineer later joined the conversation via phone and things went south on the show.
“He is very stupid and dumb…Appietus you are dumb, barter trade is still payment or you don’t understand the word. You claim I never paid for the studio session. You are very stupid…Appietus your whole career, your whole life, Muje Baya made you. All your songs, which one made you?” furious Papi quizzed.
Appietus equally lost his cool and said “can you imagine, I have done over 200 hits, just imagine how Papi is on TV disrespecting me. I am so hurt, this is why a lot of producers are not helping”.
Angry Appietus added he will drag Papi to court. “I am taking this on for defamation of character. This is how you can thank me. When you guys came, every time you said you were hustling and can’t pay the fee I was charging. You can’t pay so everything was about barter trade. It was me showing you people love but later I realized that I was being taken for a fool,” he said.
He continued that “when the songs became a hit, you didn’t pay me so I needed to put them online to make my money. Now you say am a thief, thank you very much but note that I will take the matter to court.”
Ghanaian Musician, Black Sherif paid in full the medical bills of some mothers at the Ridge Hospital who have been discharged but could not go home because they have not been able to pay their medical fees.
The ‘Second Sermon’ rapper also provided the mothers with food and toiletries during his visit to the hospital today, 18th January 2023.
Black Sherif hasn’t disclosed yet what influenced him to pursue this kind gesture to the new mothers at the hospital.
The 20-year-old rapper took home four coveted awards at the 5th edition of the 3Music Awards which took place at the Grand arena of the Ghana international conference. He also won hip life/hip hop artiste of the year, Breakthrough act of the year, Hip hop song of the year and song of the year respectively.
At the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMAs) plaque last year, Kwaku Frimpong also grabbed his first VGMA plaque as he won the best hip-hop song of the year.
It has been growth after growth and barriers breaking season for Blacko who also dropped his debut album, which has been marked as the most stream Ghanaian music project on multiple music streaming platforms as such Boomplay, Audiomack, Spotify among others.
Demonstrators gather during a rally called by French trade unions
Trains and flights were canceled in France, primary schools shut and thousands of police officers deployed as labor unions held nationwide strikes to protest the government’s plan to raise the retirement age for most workers.
Protests in major French cities, including Paris, Marseille, Toulouse, Nantes and Nice, brought transport services to a standstill on Thursday. The Eiffel Tower was closed to visitors, and the country’s energy network was also under strain.
Eight of the biggest unions had called for a “first day of strikes and protests” against pension reforms unveiled by President Emmanuel Macron’s government. The legislation will require French citizens to work until 64, from 62 currently, to qualify for a full state pension.
Train lines across France were seeing “severe disruption,” according to French rail authority SNCF. Metro lines in Paris were hit by full or partial closures, the city transport authority RATP said on Twitter.
Meanwhile, Eurostar canceled several services between the French capital and London, according to its website.
At least three more people are reported to have died amid protests against Peru’s President Dina Boluarte. Dozens of lives have been lost during weeks of demonstrations after former leader Pedro Castillo was ousted.
Police used tear gas to disperse crowds in the capital Lima, where thousands of protesters from rural areas have spent days converging. A woman died in the southern town of Macusani, where a police station is reported to have been set on fire. The 35-year-old woman was admitted to hospital without any vital signs, according to emergency services.
Separately, Peru’s human rights watchdog reported two further deaths as a result of blockades in the northern La Libertad region.
In a tweet, it said a 51-year-old woman had died, and that “a teenager lost her baby”.
The deaths come ahead of a large-scale protest planned for Thursday afternoon in the capital. Journalist Neil Giardino told the BBC that “anger indignation made its way to Lima” as thousands of indigenous people from the highlands descended on the capital.
When I arrived in the Gambia, I was thinking that I had to concentrate on the reason that brought me. 
