Latest news with #GhanaArmedForces
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Black people should not be a footnote in the country music history narrative
It was the evening of Nov. 6, 2016, and award-winning artist Beyoncé Knowles-Carter hit the stage with the Dixie Chicks to perform at the Country Music Awards. For her contribution, she received criticism from the country community, and some country music fans wondered why she was even there. In 2024, Beyoncé released a country album, 'Cowboy Carter,' which went to No. 1, selling 407,000 units in the first week. Despite the popularity of the album, it received no CMA nominations. One may wonder why an acclaimed artist cannot break into the country world, but the answer is clear. She can have all the credentials in the world, and the music can be widely popular, but the color of her skin will always be a problem for some fans. Though her situation isn't unique, many African American artists have tried to break through in the country industry but have not reached the same heights as their white counterparts. Failure to attain equal status isn't an uncommon experience for African Americans, but it is especially rich given the origins of country music. It started with Black people. Over time, it has been whitewashed into what people view it as today, a rural white country sound. When looking into the history of country music and what it is today, one must go back to its origins. Country music started in the 1920s with its birth in Bristol, Tennessee. The genre was called hillbilly music. The first family of country music was, ironically, the Carters who were from Virginia. The Carter scratch became the signature guitar sound of classic country music. What many people don't know, though, is the Carter scratch was created by a Black man named, Lesley Riddle, who worked closely with the Carter family in helping them create many of their songs. Today, country music is a genre that is popular worldwide. Although the genre itself in its current form isn't reflective of its history. Since the beginning, the genre has been predominantly white people playing to a white audience, and this still rings true today, because if one looks at the current country artists and awards, there is only one race represented. I know this to be a fact since I grew up listening to country music through my Ghanaian father. He learned about the genre through his brothers who served in the Gold Coast Regiment, now called the Ghana Armed Forces, alongside British soldiers. An unusual connection, I'm aware, but it speaks to the borderless appeal of country music. One would think I learned country music from my southern roots on my mother's side, but it came from Africa. Opinion: Luke Combs' 'Fast Car' cover can mean more to country music than just a hit single Yet, Beyoncé's album has allowed people who look like her such as me to be able to express their love for country music more openly to a certain extent, whereas before this was not the case. Beyoncé embraced the history of country, incorporating artists like Linda Martell while making space for the next generation in a way the genre often doesn't. One thing Beyoncé did do with her 'Cowboy Carter' album is allow people who are Black to openly show and express that they listen to or were raised on country music. I hope one day Black people will be able to freely express their love for country music and be welcomed into the country community not just as a gimmick but as an actual part of the genre. Black people should be able to create country music without receiving backlash from the fans and critics. It's the least they could do, given Black folks started the genre. Juwairiyah Sa-eed Abubakar is a journalist at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Her grandfather's roots come from Tennessee. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Country music is steeped in Black culture and heritage | Opinion
Bloomberg
30-03-2025
- Bloomberg
Chinese Nationals Missing After Suspected Kidnapping Off Ghana
Ghana's Navy is investigating the suspected kidnapping of three Chinese nationals by pirates on a Ghanaian registered fishing vessel, officials said on Sunday. The abductions took place in the waters off the West African nation on March 27, the Ghana Armed Forces said in a statement in the capital, Accra.
Zawya
14-02-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
President Mahama engages United States African Command (USAFRICOM) Commander at Munich Security Conference
President John Mahama held bilateral meetings on Thursday, the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference. The meetings focused on enhancing regional security cooperation and investment opportunities in Ghana. One of the highlights of the day was a meeting with General Michael E. Langley, Commander of the United States African Command (USAFRICOM). The talks focused on addressing subregional security threats and the urgent need for increased U.S. support in tackling these challenges. 'Today's meeting with General Langley highlights Ghana's commitment to enhancing our security posture in response to evolving threats across the region,' stated President Mahama. 'We appreciate the support of the United States and are keen to expand our collaborative efforts.' Key topics discussed included the establishment of a bilateral agreement for joint maritime patrols, an initiative to safeguard Ghana's coastal waters, and to combat illegal fishing and piracy. The two leaders also explored avenues for improved coordination between USAFRICOM and the Ghana Armed Forces regarding security cooperation and logistics, thereby enhancing operational effectiveness. Regional security remains a top priority, so the meetings reflect a concerted effort to strengthen partnerships that can effectively respond to emerging threats and ensure stability throughout West Africa. The Munich Security Conference, which brings together leaders worldwide, is a crucial platform for dialogue on international security. President Mahama's engagement with USAFRICOM highlights Ghana's proactive approach to regional security and its strategic partnership with the United States. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.
