Connect with us

Africans at Cannes 2017In the heat of the growing debate about the extent some Ghanaians go to ‘slay’ at various events, I’m doing a throwback feature on how some Africans (yes, including myself) dazzled at the 2017 Cannes Film Festival. While different arguments have been made for, and against the need to slay at such events, I hope to share my little view on the subject. I find nothing wrong with looking good and making an appearance. But for me, my issue is the importance people attach to it and the extent they go to make an appearance. I often use the term ‘slay queen’ derogatorily and I’m sure those who are used to my sarcastic ways would have picked up on it by now (well I guess the incidence where I was compared to Dobby from Harry Porter says it all…wink). These ‘slay queens’ often than not just want us to remember them for slaying, as though that in itself is a fulltime job. They go to events sometimes with make-up artists on standby, and with their own photographers to conduct a photo shoots at the venue, just to have stunning photos to post on Instagram. Some of them, sometimes avoid the red carpet because they are not sure what images ‘unofficial’ photographers would capture. I have attended many major events around the world, and watched many such events on TV; and I have never seen international celebrities (from Beyonce to Jennifer Lopez) behave like Ghana’s ‘slay queens’ do. Let me use Joselyn Dumas as an example. She has been captured looking stunning at various events home and abroad for many years. And all this while, all she has been doing is showing up and looking stunning ‘on the red carpet’. Now, let me take you to the 2017 Cannes Film Festival where Joselyn Dumas stunned in a lovely Kente gown to the screening of ‘Potato Potahto’. The movie by Shirley Frimpong-Manso had a parallel screening at Le Gray D’albion during Cannes Film Festival.Africans at Cannes Film Festival 201717 Joselyn’s co-stars OC Ukeje, Nikki Samonas and Lala Akindoju were also in attendance at the screening. They also took the opportunity to make appearances at Palais des Festivals et des Congrès for main Cannes screenings and premieres.Africans at Cannes Film Festival 20179 Africans at Cannes Film Festival 20178Africans at Cannes Film Festival 201715 Africans at Cannes Film Festival 201716 Also making an appearance was Kenyan Fashion, Beauty, and Travel & Lifestyle blogger, Silvia Njoki.Africans at Cannes Film Festival 20173 Africans at Cannes Film Festival 20174 Perhaps Africa’s most elaborate and media frenzy appearance on the red carpet came from the pair of Tanzanian actor Ernest Napoleon and former Miss Tanzania, Miriam Odemba. Their appearances on various days caught the eyes of the international photographers mostly due to Miriam Odemba’s larger than life sense of style.   Africans at Cannes Film Festival 201710 Africans at Cannes Film Festival 201711 Africans at Cannes Film Festival 201712 Africans at Cannes Film Festival 201713Africans at Cannes Film Festival 201718Africans at Cannes Film Festival 201719 I know many people have been asking why Ghanaians go to the Cannes Film Festival anyway. It may seem pointless to just show up and rock the red carpets but the festival also offers a lot of opportunities for actors and filmmakers to network and market themselves. According to sources, after Harold Amenyah attended the festival in 2016, it opened an opportunity for him to be casted in an upcoming production in South Africa. I also believe that screening ‘Potato Potahto’ at Cannes put Shirley Frimpong-Manso in contact with some people who can market her films or collaborate with in the future. So I guess all I want to say is that it is important to make grand appearances with a mind-set of gaining from such appearances. Africans at Cannes Film Festival 20171 Africans at Cannes Film Festival 20172Africans at Cannes Film Festival 20175 Africans at Cannes Film Festival 20176 Africans at Cannes Film Festival 20177 MK 9472]]>

Advertisement

Buzz

Olivetheboy denies writing ‘Goodsin’ song for Ayra Starr

Published

on

olive

Ghanaian Afrobeat singer and songwriter, Joel Ofori Bonsu, professionally known as Olivetheboy, has debunked claims his hit song “Goodsin” was composed to express his affection to Nigerian songstress, Ayra Starr. (more…)

Continue Reading

Buzz

THE RECENT INTERNET BLACKOUT AFFECTED MY STREAMS – KiDi

Published

on

kidii

Multiple award-winning Ghanaian artiste, Dennis Nana Dwamena, well-recognized by the stage name KiDi recently expressed frustration over the recent internet blackout in the country, highlighting its adverse impact on his streaming numbers and online engagement.  (more…)

Continue Reading

Buzz

Burna Boy calls out foreign media over old shaved beard photos

Published

on

Burna Boy

Nigerian artiste Burna Boy has publicly criticized foreign online media platforms for sensationalizing an image of him without his signature beard. (more…)

Continue Reading

Buzz

Nurse Verification Fee: NMC suspends newly approved verification Fee

Published

on

nurseees 1

The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Ghana (NMC) NMC) has suspended with immediate effect, the implementation of the newly approved fees imposed on nurses pending its review. (more…)

Continue Reading

Buzz

Watch: Ghanaian filmmaker Kofi Asamoah hosts star-studded birthday dinner

Published

on

Screenshot 20240328 120806 Instagram

Ghanaian filmmaker Kofi Asamoah marked his birthday in grand style at the luxurious Kempinski Hotel on March 27, 2024. (more…)

Continue Reading

Buzz

Help us to get our movies on Amazon, Netflix — Martha Ankomah appeals to NFA

Published

on

ankomah

Celebrated Ghanaian actress, Martha Ankomah has made a heartfelt appeal to the National Film Authority (NFA) to support local filmmakers in getting their movies on major streaming platforms like Amazon Prime and Netflix.  (more…)

Continue Reading

Trending