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Image courtesy of Iranti-Org

This Organization Fighting for LGBT Rights is Being Backed by the Commonwealth Foundation

Iranti-Org is helping lesbian, trans, intersex and gender non-conforming movements in South Africa and Africa.

Iranti-Org is one of the few organizations in South Africa that is helping members of the LGBT community, especially trans, lesbian, intersex and gender non-confirming individuals, use the media as a means to mobilize behind various movements. Although South Africa has progressive laws when it comes to the rights of the LGBT community, the rates of femicide, gender-based violence, rape and violence towards queer people remain alarmingly high. Recently, the Commonwealth Foundation has partnered up with Iranti-Org and granted funding to them as part of an effort to support at least 400 transgender and intersex people to fight against stigma, discrimination and advocate for the increased protection of their rights.


Speaking about the partnership in a press statement, Jabulani Pereira, the Director of Iranti said that, "The support from the Commonwealth Foundation will enable us to collectively address trans and intersexphobia." Pereira added that, "Trans and Intersex persons need legal protection and increased access to health care."

Commenting on their move to financially back Iranti-Org, Dr Anne Therese Gallagher, the Director-General of the Commonwealth Foundation said that, "International and national laws affirm that all persons are entitled to their basic human rights, regardless of difference. This grant is a recognition by Commonwealth Foundation member states of the need to fight violence—and challenge discrimination—wherever it occurs."

The Commonwealth Foundation will reportedly support the organization for a period of four years.

Events
Photo by Ransford Quaye.

Fun Places in Accra, Ghana to Visit This Weekend

From Winged Wednesdays at Cachie & Cachie to Open Field Day at Bambo’s Adventure Park, Accra is packed with places to have fun.

This weekend is packed with places to have fun at! Enjoy unlimited wings, sides, and free drinks at a cool new restaurant, or sign up for a “Capture the Flag” paintball tournament with your entire squad. Whatever your choice of fun is, here is a list of places to visit this weekend in Accra, Ghana.

Right from the midweek all through to the weekend, here is a list of fun places to visit in Accra, Ghana.

Winged Wednesdays at Cachie & Cachie

Cachie & Cachie is a budding restaurant and bar located at East Legon, Accra that offers a diverse culinary experience. However, despite their distinct menu we’re here to highlight their signature weekly attraction - unlimited wings! Yes, you heard right, unlimited. Cachie & Cachie offers unlimited wings and sides every Wednesday evening for a flat rate that’s easy on the pockets. Also, show up early for a free mocktail from 6 - 6:30 p.m. only.

Date: Wednesday, 24th May, 6 - 10 p.m.

Venue: Cachie & Cachie, West Legon

Cost: From GHC85

Happy Hour at The Honeysuckle

The Honeysuckle is a popular sports bar themed after the famous British sports bars across the United Kingdom. Well known for its great food and ambiance, The Honeysuckle is regarded as one of the best spots in Accra for after-work leisure. On Thursdays, you can pass by to enjoy discounted food and drinks during Happy Hour. Also, there are multiple Honeysuckle locations in Accra, so take your pick, have a drink, and watch your favorite sports match for your pre-weekend unwind.

Date: Thursday, 25th May, 2-5 p.m.

Venue: The Honeysuckle, all locations

Junkie’s Burgers New Location Launch

If you’re a foodie and you haven’t tried Junkie’s Burgers, what are you doing? Junkie’s Burgers is home to Accra’s Best Burgers, and they’ll be launching a brand new location on Thursday. The new Junkie’s will be at Labone, so pass through for Junkie’s signature Fully Loaded Burger or any burger of your choice. Vegetarian options are also available.

Date: Thursday, 25th May

Venue: Junkie’s Burgers, Labone

Open Space at Kukun

Open Space is a conversation platform that periodically hosts panel-type conversations on intriguing subject matter facing young Africans across the world. It’s comparable to a live podcast, and their events are free to attend. Their mandate is “building and connecting Africans across the world through honest conversations,” and their conversations are intriguing, thought-provoking, and sometimes even humorous. This week’s topic is a hot one, so make sure to tap in for a night of great conversation.

Date: Friday, 26th May, 6 p.m.

Venue: Kukun, Osu

Cost: Free

“In Relation To Light” Exhibition at The Mix Design Hub

Curated by Mamoud Brimah, “In Relation To Light” is a solo exhibition featuring the work of Ghanaian illustrator and artist Michael Badger. The exhibition explores what constitutes true self-expression with a series of surrealist, figurative paintings depicting varying human emotions on a journey toward self-discovery. The artist involves these figurative subjects in an exploration of what it means to stand in the light.

Date: Friday, 26th May, 6 p.m.

Venue: The Mix Design Hub, Osu

Cost: Free

Dance Class at DWP Academy

For a dose of fun, great vibes, and some physical activity this weekend, you can sign up for a dance class at DWP Academy. Dance With a Purpose Academy is Accra’s most prominent dance studio, located at East Legon. DWP Academy dancers have featured in Beyonce music videos, performed alongside Usher at international festivals, and more. If you’re passionate about dance, DWP Academy is definitely a place to check out.

Date: Saturday, 27th May, 12:20 - 3:30 p.m.

Venue: Lizzy Sports Complex, East Legon

Cost: GHC50 for a session

The Awakening Live Recording Concert with Akesse Brempong

For fans of contemporary Christian music, there’s an event for you as well! Akesse Brempong, one of Ghana’s leading voices in the gospel music scene is hosting a live recording concert called “The Awakening: Anthems of Revival.”Other top gospel voices are on the bill as well, such as Pastor Isaiah Fosu Kwakye Jnr., MOG Music, Efe Grace, and Kofi Owusu Peprah, so it promises to be a night of gospel music excellence and one you definitely don’t want to miss.

Date: Saturday, 27th May, 4 p.m.

Venue: Empowerment Worship Centre, Achimota

Cost: Free, but register to attend

Vine Brunch

Vine Restaurant is a premium restaurant, bar, and lounge located at Labone. They offer a choice selection of continental and African dishes and drinks, and on Sunday you can catch the Vine Brunch for premium cocktails and mouth-watering dishes prepared by master chefs all throughout the day. Trust me, there’s no brunch like a Vine Brunch.

Date: Sunday, 28th May, 12:30 - 9 p.m.

Venue: Vine Restaurant, Labone

Open Field Day at Bambo’s Adventure Park

Bambo’s Adventure Park is a recreation center located at Labone, Accra. On the last Sunday of every month, they host Open Field Day, a fun games event. Their arena-style paintball tournament is the main attraction, however, there will be loads of other activities, as well as music, food, and drinks. Play capture the flag with a team of friends, or relax and unwind with board games at Bambo’s Adventure Park this weekend.

Date: Sunday, 28th May

Venue: Bambo’s Adventure Park, Labone

Cost: GHC180 per head

Music

Interview: Nevermind the Legend Talk, Wande Coal Just Wants To Make Good Music

We talk to the Nigerian icon about his fourth studio album, Legend Or No Legend, his much-awaited collaboration with T-Pain, and being the blueprint for Afrobeats.

There is no Mount Rushmore of Afrobeats without Wande Coal. If there ever was an emblem for the hallmark of Afrobeats as we know it today, that emblem would have his face on it.

When Afrobeats slowly evolved from its hip-hop and R&B influences, shepherded by forerunners 2face and D’banj, Wande Coal emerged with arguably one of the most defining imprints on the Nigerian pop scene: his 2009 debut album, Mushin 2 Mo’hits.

Released under the Don Jazzy & D’Banj led Mo’hits record label, Mushin 2 Mo’Hits shot Wande Coal to instant superstardom, spawning hit singles such as “You Bad”, “Kiss Your Hand”, “Bumper To Bumper,” and much more. The sixteen-track album also set the blueprint for Afrobeats melodies, delivery, and the overall soundscape, eventually setting the stage for the rise of pop-icons such as Wizkid, Davido, and more.

It would take another six years after his debut before another Wande Coal album would see the light of day. After a drawn-out departure from Mo’Hits Records to start his own imprint, Black Diamond Entertainment, and an intermittent presence within the music scene, Wande Coal released his critically-acclaimed 2015 sophomore album, Wanted.

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Photo by Nino Kojo on Unsplash

Places in Lagos to Have Fun this Weekend

From festivals to live shows from Seyi Vibes and Johnny Drille, here are the events you shouldn't miss in Lagos this weekend.

With Nigeria’s presidential inauguration on the horizon (May 29), it’s officially going to be a three-day weekend. And we’ve no reason at all to complain, so we are taking it one step at a time. First, Children’s Day is arguably this weekend’s centerpiece holiday, and The Palms Shopping Mall on the Island is putting together a fun showcase for the kids.

In that spirit, adults who have always wanted to partake in children-themed activities can head to Landmark Beach for their No Adulting Party. Elsewhere, Seyi Vibes takes to an intimate stage for the grand opening of Hard Rock Nightclub on the Mainland.

As of late, the rising street pop artist has been entangled in a fabricated rivalry with Asake, polarizing social media, and we are calmly looking at how it will play out.

The Palms’ Children’s Day Showcase

While this year’s Children’s Day is brimming with event ideas everywhere (dance party, camping, picnics etc), why not take them to The Palms? The Palms Shopping Mall is curating a weekend of magic and wonder with their Children’s Day Showcase. From art, music, dance, comedy to lots of fun games and prizes to be won, The Palms has the kids covered.

Friday, May 26 - Sunday, May 28, 12pm - 6pm

Venue: Palms Shopping Mall, Lekki

Cost: Free

Hard Rock Nightclub Opening with Seyi Vibez

There’s something about a club opening that makes the night special. Opening its door to the public, Hard Rock nightclub has invited Seyi Vibez as a performer. Seyi Vibez is riding the waves of his latest single "Hat Trick," but fans will be hoping to see him perform his 2022 single "Chance (Na Ham)." He will be joined by DJ Pash and Keshi


Friday, May 26, 10pm

Venue: 62, Opebi Road Ikeja

Cost: Free

I Am Fit Festival

It can feel easier to stay at home while doing workouts, watching fitness videos, and meditating on yoga mats. But nowadays, fitness fitness are becoming extravaganzas that have spilled from Instagram. They can be a great way to meet fitness enthusiasts, local trainers, celebs, and whatnot. This weekend, the I Am Fitness festival aims to live up to that task, featuring workouts, games, and a boxing bootcamp.

Saturday, May 27, 7am

Venue: Rivbond Plaza, Behind Total Filling Station, Abraham Adesanys, Lekan

Cost: Free

No Adulting Party at Landmark Beach

Ever wanted to relive your childhood memories playing the games and activities you indulged in now as an adult? In a time where children-themed parties are being catered towards adults, here’s your time to meet other adults who are kids at heart at the No Adulting Party at Landmark Beach.

The event is in conjunction with Lyfe on the Beach, with fun activities like foam party, musical chairs, face painting, water guns, bouncy castle, sack race, Playstation 1 and 2, and many other games.

Saturday, May 27, 2pm

Venue: 4, Water Corporation Road, Oniru, Victoria Island

Cost: From N5,500K (early bird)

Smirnoff Pineapple Punch Launch Party

The Pineapple Punch joins Smirnoff Ice’s exciting range of products released in the market. The flavor has been around for a while, but now Smirnoff has thought it nice to throw a party in its name. Young John is set to perform, with DJ Consequence and Wanni x Handi on the turntable.

Saturday, May 27, 7pm

Venue: Bolivar Bar, 10 Wole Olateju Crescent, Lekki

Cost: Free

Hertitude 2023

Hertitude is the women-focused festival from Zikoko, one of Nigeria’s top digital media platforms. The festival is inspired by their HER content vertical, which chronicles the lives and experiences of Nigerian women.

With its successful debut in 2022, the festival returns this year cranking up the fun and activities. It’s being publicized as an event for hot babes and baddies, seeking to strengthen bonds via games, music, sip and paint, pottery, candle making and lots more.

Saturday, May 27, 3pm - 11pm

Venue: Astrosoccer, 1, Osborne Road, Off 2nd Avenue, Ikoyi

Cost: From N5875

Cruising with Bikaholics of Lagos

Bikaholics of Lagos is a growing cycling community organizing bike rides and not to mention their Sunset Cruise, which has become their flagship event. Holding this Sunday, this month’s Sunset Cruise will set sail at Ikoyi and there’s also an opportunity to rent a bicycle if you want one.

Sunday, May 28, 5pm

Venue: Fantasy Land, 42 Alfred Rewane Rd, Ikoyi

Cost: Free

Johnny Drille Live

R&B star Johnny Drille is teaming up with the good guys at Afro Vibes Lagos for an intimate live experience. Titled Believe, it’s based on the emotional ballad Believe Me which he released in April. Drille has come a long way from his mini concert tour Johnny’s Room Live in 2018. And Lagos has a special place in his heart, which makes Johnny Drille Live an event not to miss.

Sunday, May 28, 7pm

Venue: Terra Kulture, Tiamiyu Savage, Victoria Island

Cost: N20K (early bird)

Interview
Photo courtesy of the artist.

Interview: Joeboy Wants to Take on the World

The Afrobeats star talks global dominance, future plans, and his new album, Body & Soul.

Joeboy’s ascent has been meteoric.

Since his 2019 breakout single, "Baby,” the Nigerian musician has amassed a year-by-year plethora of continental hit singles that have cemented him as Afrobeats’ sweetheart and a true African popstar.

Releasing an EP and an album along the way, Joeboy’s often romantically-themed music, which usually seeks to serenade, has gradually morphed into more varied forms of love—he is love-starved in “Alcohol,” correctional in “Contour,” thirsty in “Duffel-bag,” and affectionate in “Body & Soul.” Those four singles preface his much-anticipated sophomore album, Body & Soul.

“This album definitely has more edge, it is less innocent than the first one,” Joeboy tells OkayAfrica about his new album, which is titled after one of his earlier singles.

With well over a billion streams, Joeboy swiftly became a vanguard of the new class of Afrobeats superstars, but with his latest effort, the Lagos-bred artist seeks to stamp his African popstar claim on the world stage.

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