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Survaiva Benjamin Donkor from Ghana wins Johnnie Walker Global Bartender Challenge

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Survaiva Benjamin Donkor’s ‘The Black Secret’ announced as winner of the Africa region

Johnnie Walker, the world’s number one Scotch Whisky, has announced the winners of its Black Label Global Bartender Challenge, with Ghanaian bartender, Survaiva Benjamin Donkor, Senior Bartender at Tribeca Restaurant, winning an exclusive three-night immersive Black Label experience in Scotland, the home of Johnnie Walker. Bartenders from across the world were invited to get creative and share an Instagram reel of their own signature Johnnie Walker Black Label cocktail, explaining why the blended Scotch whisky works perfectly in the serve.

 

With entries from over forty countries, Survaiva Benjamin Donkor’s serve was selected as a winner from Africa, with only seven other winners selected from across the globe.

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Survaiva Benjamin Donkor’s winning cocktail, named The Black Secret, combines Johnnie Walker Black Label with fresh lemon juice, activated charcoal syrup, crème de cassis, coconut liqueur and fresh pineapple juice.  

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The trip, which is due to take place across the Burns Night weekend in January 2025, will offer the winners the opportunity to enjoy a traditional Burns Night celebration in a truly authentic way, as well as experiences including a visit to the Diageo Archive; a behind-the-scenes distillery tour; a deconstructed tasting of Johnnie Walker Black Label with Dr Emma Walker, Johnnie Walker Master Blender; and the opportunity to enjoy an array of experiences throughout the Johnnie Walker Brand home: Johnnie Walker Princes Street.  

The winners were selected by Tim Philips-Johansson, Johnnie Walker Global Brand Ambassador and Jan Šebek, the winner of the Johnnie Walker challenge at Diageo World Class 2023. Entries were shortlisted and recreated by the judges during a tasting session in Amsterdam to determine which entries used Johnnie Walker Black label in the most exciting yet balanced way. 

Survaiva Benjamin Donkor said: ‘I am incredibly grateful for the honour of being selected as one of the winners of the Johnnie Walker Black Label Bartender Challenge. It is truly humbling and I want to express my heartfelt thanks to everyone involved. This achievement is for Africa, and I know my motherland is very proud of me. It has always been my dream to win a global competition like this and words alone cannot express how I feel now’.

Johnnie Walker Global Brand Ambassador Tim Phillips-Johansson said: ‘Survaiva’s fruit-forward cocktail impressed us, particularly the way in which the crème de cassis complemented the Johnnie Walker Black Label.  Coconut with pineapple is a classic combination for a reason and we really enjoyed how Survaiva took these flavours and twisted them to create his own signature serve’.

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The initiative was designed to shine a light on Johnnie Walker Black Label’s liquid credentials and give back to those who have supported the award-winning blended Scotch whisky within the bartender community.

Johnnie Walker Black Label was first created over 100 years ago by the Walker family who were not content with the one-note flavours and inconsistent whiskies of their day. They took bold steps to make a significantly better Scotch Whisky – expertly blended to create the rich, iconic flavour that is still made today.   Johnnie Walker Black Label takes the very best whiskies from the Four Corners of Scotland, each expressing the aromas and tastes typical of that region, to create a beautifully balanced liquid celebrated worldwide.

For further information, please visit @johnniewalker on Instagram or contact: Senior Brand Manager for International Premium Spirits & Reserve, Abena Chrappah, via [email protected]

– ENDS –

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Notes to Editors:

Please see the full Terms & Conditions for more detail: https://www.johnniewalker.com/en/terms-and-conditions/bartender-challenge-terms-and-conditions/

About Johnnie Walker:

Johnnie Walker is the world’s number one Scotch Whisky brand (IWSR 2023), enjoyed by people in over 180 countries around the world. Since the time of its founder, John Walker, those who blend its whiskies have pursued flavour and quality above all else.

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Today’s range of award-winning whiskies includes Johnnie Walker Red Label, Black Label, Double Black, Green Label, Gold Label Reserve, Aged 18 Years, Blue Label and Blonde. Together they account for over 21 million cases sold annually (IWSR, 2022). Johnnie Walker is also the number one best-selling Scotch and number one trending Scotch (Drinks International, 2024).

 

About Johnnie Walker Black Label:

Johnnie Walker Black Label, the biggest selling premium Scotch in the world3, is made using more than 29 whiskies from the four corners of Scotland. The whiskies used to create Johnnie Walker Black Label are matured to the exact point where they’ve reached their peak of vibrant flavour – this takes time and patience. 12 years is often an aging sweet spot for maturing whiskies – resulting in the unmistakably rich and smooth taste that is Johnnie Walker Black Label.

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About Diageo:

Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands across spirits and beer categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, JεB and Buchanan’s whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness.

Diageo is a global company, and our products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and the New York Stock Exchange (DEO). For more information about Diageo, our people, our brands and performance, visit us at www.diageo.com. Visit Diageo’s global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives and ways to share best practice.

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Tips on Choosing the Perfect Necklace for Your Loved One

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When it comes to buying a gift for that special woman in your life, there are various options you can consider. However, one of the most popular gifts is an item of jewellery. This is something that is not only stunning and sentimental but also a gift that they can treasure for years to come or even pass down to younger generations.

Of course, there are lots of different options you can choose from when it comes to jewelry gifts, from a stunning ring to a beautiful bracelet. Another popular option is to buy your loved one a gorgeous necklace, which makes an incredible gift. You can choose from a range of precious metals and stones to ensure you choose the perfect one for her. In this article, we will provide some tips on choosing the perfect necklace for your loved one.

Some Things to Consider

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There are a few tips that can make it easier for you to find the ideal necklace for your partner. Some of the key things to look at are:

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Find a Reputable Jewellery Store

One thing you need to do when it comes to finding the perfect necklace is to find a reputable jewelry store. This can help to make your purchasing experience far easier, and it means that you can enjoy everything from a great range of options to expert advice from professionals. So, do your research and look for a jewelry store with a solid reputation, affordable pricing, and quality jewelry items. It is worth checking out reviews of the store you are considering using, as this will give you a much better idea of what to expect.

Consider Your Budget

Another thing you need to do is to consider your budget. Take some time to work out what you can afford to spend on the necklace, as you can then focus on items that are within your price range. Of course, the cost of necklaces can vary based on the style, materials, and even the jewelry store you use. Make sure you get quality at an affordable price rather than just going for the cheapest necklace you can find.

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Think About Material Preferences

You also need to think about the materials used for the necklace to ensure you invest in something your loved one will adore. So, think about the types of precious stones she tends to wear and also what sort of precious metal she favors. You can enjoy all sorts of options these days, so you can find the perfect necklace for her. Also, think about things such as the pendant size she is likely to prefer so you can make the perfect choice.

Find the Perfect Necklace for Your Loved One

By taking the above tips on board, you can more easily find the perfect necklace for your loved one. There are options for all occasions, which means that with a little research, you can find the ideal gift.

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How To Optimize Your Instagram Profile For Business?

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Optimizing your Instagram profile for business enhances brand visibility and engagement. You can use Instagram as a potent business tool by strategically refining profile elements, creating compelling content, and engaging effectively with your audience.

 

Many wonder, “How to Optimize Your Instagram Profile for Business?” To succeed, refine your bio, visuals, and engagement strategies. Maximize visibility, attract your target audience, and foster meaningful interactions to meet business goals.

 

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This guide outlines essential strategies and best practices for crafting an Instagram profile authentically representing your brand. It aims to captivate and retain your audience, ensuring your business thrives with impactful interactions well into 2024 and beyond.

Tips To Optimize Your Business’s Instagram Account

In the fast-paced digital outlook of 2024, leveraging Instagram for business isn’t just about posting pretty pictures. It’s about crafting a strategic presence that attracts followers, engages them meaningfully, and converts them into loyal customers. For those looking to expand their reach further, understanding how to buy Instagram followers effectively can complement these efforts.

 

Here are comprehensive tips on optimizing your Instagram profile to maximize your business impact.

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1. Choose a Strategic Username and Profile Picture

Your username should ideally be your business name or something closely related, making it easy for users to find and remember you. Avoid complex usernames or obscure abbreviations that could confuse potential followers. Your profile picture should be your logo or a recognizable symbol associated with your brand, ensuring instant brand recognition.

2. Prepare an Engaging Bio

Your bio is prime real estate on Instagram. Use it to convey what your business is about clearly and compellingly. Include relevant keywords that describe your products or services to improve discoverability through search. Use emojis sparingly to add personality and break up text, but avoid overusing them, which can detract from your message.

3. Utilize Highlights Effectively

Instagram Highlights allow you to showcase important aspects of your business or products directly on your profile. Create categories that resonate with your audience, such as “Products,” “Behind the Scenes,” “Customer Reviews,” or “Tutorials.” Keep these Highlights updated and organized to provide visitors with a comprehensive overview of what your business offers.

4. Optimize Your Link

The link in your bio is your primary call-to-action (CTA) on Instagram. Direct users to your website, online store, latest blog post, or a specific landing page relevant to your current marketing campaigns. Use tools like link shorteners or landing page builders to track clicks and optimize your conversion rates.

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5. Create Consistent and High-Quality Content

Content is king on Instagram. Develop a content strategy that aligns with your brand identity and resonates with your target audience. Use a mix of photos, videos, carousels, and Stories to keep your feed dynamic and engaging. Maintain a consistent posting schedule to stay top-of-mind with your followers and utilize Instagram Insights to understand which content performs best.

6. Engage with Your Audience

Instagram is a social platform, so engagement is vital to building relationships with your audience. Respond promptly to comments, direct messages, and mentions. Encourage conversations by asking questions, running polls, or hosting Q&A sessions in your Stories. Show appreciation for user-generated content by reposting and tagging the original creators. To further boost your presence, consider strategic methods like purchasing Instagram followers, which can amplify your reach and visibility.

7. Utilize Instagram Shopping Features

If you sell products, take advantage of Instagram Shopping to create a seamless shopping experience for your followers—tag products in your posts and Stories, allowing users to purchase directly from your Instagram profile. Ensure your product descriptions are clear and include relevant pricing, sizes, and availability information.

8. Collaborate with Influencers and Partners

Influencer marketing remains a powerful tool for expanding your reach on Instagram. Identify influencers or brand ambassadors whose values align with yours and collaborate on sponsored posts, giveaways, or co-created content. Partnering with complementary businesses for cross-promotions can also introduce your brand to new audiences.

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9. Monitor Analytics and Adjust Strategies

Monitor Instagram Insights regularly to track metrics such as engagement rate, follower growth, and content performance. Analyze which posts resonate most with your audience and adjust your content strategy accordingly. Experiment with different types of content, posting times, and CTAs to optimize your results and achieve your business objectives.

10. Stay Updated with Trends and Features

Instagram frequently updates its features and algorithms, impacting how content is discovered and engaged. Follow industry experts, attend webinars, or participate in online communities to stay informed about new trends, updates, and best practices. Adapt your strategy to leverage these changes and maintain a competitive edge.

 

11. Collaborating with Influencers and Partners

Partnering with influencers or complementary businesses can expose your brand to new audiences. Choose collaborators whose values align with your brand’s ethos. Collaborative posts and shoutouts can significantly increase visibility and credibility.

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12. Promoting Your Instagram Profile

Cross-promote your Instagram profile across other social media platforms, websites, email newsletters, and offline channels like business cards or packaging. Encourage customers to follow you on Instagram for exclusive content or promotions.

13. Monitoring Competitors

Keep an eye on your competitors’ Instagram profiles. Analyze their content strategies, engagement tactics, and follower growth. Learn from their successes and failures to stay ahead in your industry.

14. Staying Updated with Instagram Trends

Instagram regularly introduces new features and updates its algorithms. Stay informed about these changes and adapt your strategy accordingly. Embrace trends like live video, IGTV, or new interactive stickers to keep your content fresh and engaging.

15. Adhering to Brand Guidelines

Maintain brand consistency in all aspects of your Instagram presence. Use a consistent color palette, fonts, and tone of voice in your visuals and captions. This helps reinforce your brand identity and makes your profile easily recognizable.

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By implementing these strategies, you can effectively optimize your Instagram profile for business in 2024. Successful Instagram marketing requires creativity, consistency, and strategic planning tailored to your target audience and business goals. Continuously refine your approach based on analytics and feedback to drive sustainable growth and engagement on the platform.

Final Take: How To Use Instagram For Business?

To maximize Instagram for business, plan your profile setup and content strategy strategically. Ensure your bio and profile reflect your brand identity. Create compelling visual content that resonates with your audience and creatively showcases your products or services.

 

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Engagement is critical; regularly interact with your followers through comments, likes, and direct messages. Use Instagram Stories, Reels, and IGTV to diversify your content and reach broader audiences. Utilize hashtags strategically to increase discoverability and join relevant conversations in your industry.

 

Stay adaptable to new features and trends on Instagram to maintain relevance and engage your audience effectively. Monitor analytics regularly to understand what content performs best and adjust your strategy accordingly.

 

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By consistently and authentically implementing these steps, you can harness Instagram’s potential as a powerful business tool. It allows you to grow your brand presence, drive sales, and effectively achieve your business objectives in 2024 and beyond.

 

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Meta Rolls out In-Stream Ads & Ads on Facebook Reels across Nigeria & Ghana

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Today, Meta announced the availability of two new monetization features for eligible creators in Ghana & Nigeria. In-Stream Ads on Facebook and Facebook Ads on Reels, will enable creators to earn money for crafting original videos and cultivating community.

 

Commenting on the rollout, Moon Baz, Global Partnerships Lead, Africa, Middle East and Turkey (AMET) at Meta said: “Everyday, we’re inspired by the incredible African creators who use Facebook to tell their stories, connect with others and bring people together. This expansion will empower eligible creators in the vibrant creative industry across Nigeria and Ghana to earn money, whilst setting the bar high for creativity across the world and making Meta’s family of apps the one-stop-shop for all creators.”

  Facebook In-stream Ads & Ads on Facebook Reels

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  • In-stream Ads can play before, during or after on-demand videos, whether it’s pre-recorded content or when publishing a recording of a previous live stream. Types of In-stream Ads include Pre-roll Ads (which play before a video starts,), Mid-roll Ads (which play during videos), Image Ads (static image ads that display beneath the content) and Post-roll Ads (ads which appear at the end of videos).

  • Ads on Facebook Reels integrate seamlessly into original Reels, enabling creators to get paid based on the performance of their original reels while entertaining fans.

Available from today, eligible Creators in Nigeria and Ghana will be able to earn money for their video and reels content, with support in over 30 languages globally. To use either product, creators must pass and remain compliant  with Facebook’s Partner Monetisation Policies and Content Monetisation Policies, and they must be at least 18 years old. Additionally, for in-stream ads creators must meet certain eligibility requirements such as having a minimum of 5,000 followers.

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will.i.am Reveals RAiDiO.FYI, Introduces A New Wave in Interactive Music, Talk, and Culture Programming

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will.i.am Reveals RAiDiO.FYI, Introduces A New Wave in Interactive Music, Talk, and Culture Programming

FYI, a pioneer in creative technology solutions today announced the introduction of RAiDiO.FYI, a new conversational AI platform that turns the airwaves into interactive media via a new dimension of connection to music, talk radio, and cultural content.

Putting the Ai into RAiDiO and STAiTioN, RAiDiO.FYI is ready to transform the industry, busting through the walls of traditional one-way media limitations. Every listener can now be an active participant, as well as a creator of their own station that refreshes dynamically as fast as the web, exploring passions and interests on a much deeper level.

The reveal of RAiDiO.FYI took place at the Grammy Museum during a Q&A discussion, “Black Music Past, Present and Future and the Impact of Technology” between will.i.am, Founder & CEO of FYI and Harvey Mason jr., CEO of The Recording Academy.

Powered by FYI, RAiDiO.FYI is evolving broadcasting into hyper-casting, bringing information to life, inviting people to chat with their radio stations, to interrupt anytime to ask the station questions about the music, the stories behind the beats, and delve deeper into the news, sports, culture, fashion, etc. Curated channels featuring exclusive content will be available across a range of interests, elevating every listener into an active participant in a living info-verse.

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FYI Founder & CEO will.i.am comments about creating RAiDiO.FYI:

“I came up with the concept of RAiDiO because of my love and passion for music and tech. Traditional radio is tech – it’s spectrum and broadband. AI is the New Tech and with this new form of voice computing, we can reimagine how people engage with information and entertainment. In an ultra-interactive engaging way, RAiDiO allows the listener to flow as deep as they want as the world unfolds, and vibe with the music in the most dynamic way imaginable.”

RAiDiO.FYI Key Features:

AI Personas: will help listeners curate the news, collecting and delivering the information they crave in real time. Choose from a variety of AI personas, unique voices that reflect culture, from the streets of South Los Angeles to the pulsing Latin neighborhoods of Miami, to the underground clubs of East London.

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Creators: FYI partners with content creators to curate and publish stations with the latest and freshest news from culture, sports, tech, politics and more.

Customized Stations: artists, brand and events can now have bespoke stations with curated content and information.

Personalization: Listeners can customize their own radio stations by curating specific news and topics they want to listen to, providing a deeply personalized experience

Comm-Versations: A fusion of conversations and commerce, listeners will soon be able to interact with customized ads that act as a personal concierge.

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RAiDiO.FYI will be available in summer, 2024 on the FYI app. To learn more about programming and discover unique content, visit FYI.AI or download the FYI app today.

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Rolling Stone Africa Launches in Nigeria with headquarters in Lagos

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Rolling Stone, the award-winning global authority on music, politics and more, is proud to announce the launch of Rolling Stone Africa in partnership with MWANKOM Group, a platform dedicated to championing quality Afro content. This collaboration marks a significant milestone as Rolling Stone expands its footprint in Africa with a commitment to celebrating the exceptional voices and impacting and shaping culture right now.

“Expanding Rolling Stone’s presence in Africa has been a long-term goal of ours. We’re thrilled that our platform can be part of the rich music scene, culture and stories that define the continent,” says Gus Wenner, CEO of Rolling Stone. “We look forward to working with MWANKOM and fostering global connections through the universal language of music.” 

MWANKOM stands as a platform that embodies the extraordinary and enriching voice of Africa and its global diaspora. Our mission is to intricately explore the crossroads of culture, business, technology, and media, offering insightful analysis, engaging commentary, and exclusive interviews with industry leaders. MWANKOM is dedicated to becoming a leading provider of quality content championing Afro content and culture across the diaspora.  

Rolling Stone is renowned for its deep insights and fearless editorial stance in coverage of music, politics, entertainment, and popular culture. MWANKOM is poised to align and support the Rolling Stone mission by offering inclusive coverage of the same integrity across Africa’s culture, business, and technology landscape. 

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“Rooted in a rich multicultural heritage, our journey has been defined by a strong commitment to collaborating with trailblazing entrepreneurs from Africa and its global diaspora across various sectors,” says D. Romuald Bellegarde-Smeralda, CEO & Founder of MWANKOM. “This passion propels us to forge meaningful partnerships and transform remarkable visions into reality. Our partnership with Rolling Stone is one such example, and a recognition of the influence of Afro-Culture today. With well over 1 billion people, and a global diaspora of over 500 million; including a large percentage between the ages of 18-30 years old, we understand the task as Rolling Stone Africa, a team of young and accomplished professionals all originating from the continent, to represent such diversity. We look forward to connecting those success stories from Africa with the rest of the world via the Rolling Stone Africa brand.”

MWANKOM’s diverse content portfolio reflects the multifaceted Afro experience and endeavours to elevate and celebrate Afro stories in a way that resonates with audiences worldwide. MWANKOM’s ultimate objective is positively impacting Africa by supporting educational projects and young entrepreneurs leveraging the global Afro diaspora. 

MWANKOM’s headquarters will be based in Lagos, Nigeria, where the majority of the Rolling Stone Africa team will operate from. Rolling Stone Africa is set to launch its digital edition on July 1st, featuring an exclusive cover story with a yet-to-be-revealed trailblazer from the continent.

We are thrilled to announce the appointment of Nicole Asinugo as our Editor-in-Chief. A Nigerian managing editor, screenwriter, producer, and storyteller, Nicole brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the African narrative to Rolling Stone Africa.

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Additionally, we are in the process of filling other senior positions to further strengthen our team. 



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People & Lifestyle

European Reggae Star Miriam Simone to Make Debut Visit to Ghana: Empowering Women & Children Through Music

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Renowned European Reggae artist, Empress Miriam Simone, is set to embark on her highly anticipated first visit to Ghana, a significant journey dedicated to spreading her music and advocating the empowerment of black women and needy children. With ancestral roots stretching from Amsterdam to Suriname, Empress Simone feels a profound ancestral connection to Ghana, the motherland, and views this visit as an opportunity to honor her heritage and foster unity within the global African community.
Miriam Simone is one of Europe’s celebrated female Reggae artists, hailing from Amsterdam and Suriname. Empress Simone’s musical journey began at the age of four, influenced by Gospel, Soul, and Reggae music. By the age of thirteen, she was already singing with bands and church choirs in Amsterdam, honing her vocal skills and passion for music.
Simone’s remarkable career has seen her share stages with renowned Reggae artists like Sizzla, Chronixx, Jah 9, Tarrus Riley, and I-Octane at major events such as Capleton´s show St. Mary We Come From, Trenchtown Rock, and Tarrus Riley & Friends. She has also collaborated with artists like Jamelody, Fyakin, and has unreleased songs with Sizzla and Capleton, showcasing her versatility and artistry in the Reggae genre. Her single “Disappointed” won the What´s the Verdict award for the best online international song of 2012 on Roots FM (Jamaica).
Empress Simone’s homecoming concert, hosted by DJ Gashie of Golden Fingers Sound System, will be held at Nima-Ashaiman Station on the 27th July 2024, setting the stage for meaningful connections and impactful interactions with fans and the local community. Her latest single, “STOP THE SHOOTING,” produced by Paul Scott of Sound System Club LTD, is against war and violence, further underscoring her commitment to advocating for peace and unity through her music.
Celebrated for her wonderful vocals, dynamic performances, and firm dedication to liberation and freedom through music and Rastafari teachings, Empress Simone’s journey to Ghana is a symbolic homecoming as she works together with Ghanaian sound sound system, conscious Ghanian reggae artists, and organizations to uplift the community and strengthen the voices of women and children. Her upcoming projects in Ghana, including a video shoot for her collaboration with Ghanaian reggae artist Major Steppa, video shoot for her forthcoming album, and building a branch of her organization called the ‘Indigenous Women Foundation’ in Ghana underscore her commitment to supporting black women and children and fostering positive change within the community.
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