A Look at Ghanian Entertainment Through Football and Reality TV

In recent years reality tv has become very popular in Ghana. The shows function not only as entertainment but also as a career launch for many. Additionally, the shows highlight Ghanaian culture, allow people to make a comfortable living, and promote philanthropy throughout the country. We can look at 4 shows as examples of the impact of Ghanaian reality TV.

Talented Kids 

This show is one of Ghana’s most famous and similar to the US show America’s Got Talent. Kids compete by showing off their talents, and one will become the winner. The winner often becomes very popular throughout the country. 

A well-known winner who skyrocketed to fame is Erica Armah Bra-Bulu Tandoh, also known as DJ Switch; she became one of the most famous disc jockeys at a very young age. Now at 15, she is the host of the show she not long ago won in 2017. She now has amassed 140k subscribers on youtube and 949k on Instagram and has started the DJ Switch Foundation, which is dedicated to spreading quality education throughout Ghana.

Date Rush 

This is a game-style dating show where singles compete to find love. The show started in 2018 but did not become popular until 2021. In the 2021 audition trial, hundreds auditioned from across the country to have the chance to participate in the show. As of 2021, no couples have gotten married; however, several have gone on to become very popular for their love. 

Di Asa

This show highlights plus-size women’s dance skills. As plus-size women are often shamed or discriminated against, this show seeks to provide a space where plus-size women can express themselves. The show has become very popular despite the stigma in the country towards plus-sized women. 

Ghana’s Most Beautiful

This is a pageant-based show. The pageants focus on traditional Ghanaian traditions and highlight beauty inside and outside of the women who compete on the show. The show focuses on highlighting transitional Ghanaian culture and has changed pageantry in the country. The most recent winner was Tung-Teiya Dahamani, who goes by Teiya. Since she won, she has become wildly popular. She has amassed nearly 50k followers on Instagram, makes public appearances, models, and runs a foundation named after herself.

Overall, reality tv is very popular in Ghana and has gone beyond entertainment and really impacted Ghanian Society.

Football in Ghana

Teams: Black Star, Black Queens, Asante Kotoko S.C., and King Faisal Babes F.C.Black Stars is one of the most highly rated teams in Africa

Won Africa Cup of nation four times

Ghana players earn a good salary according to Ghanaian standards 

Notable: Charles Kumi Gyamfi, Abédi Pelé, Abdul Razak, Tony Yeboah, Samuel Kuffour and Michael Essien.

Abédi PeléAyew

• Regarded as one of the Greatest African players of all time and was the captain of the Black stars
• Born near Accra on born November 5th, 1964
• One of the first African players to make an impact on European club football
• Was apart of the African cup of nation champions (1982)

Black pride

Ghana was the first African country to become independent in 1957. Under the government of Ghana’s first President, Kwame Nkrumah, football underwent a major development. “Nkrumah used soccer as a tool to clarify that Africa did not need to bow down before anyone”

Baba Yara Stadium

• The biggest stadium in Ghana, seating capacity of 40,000.
• It is located in Kumasi, Ashanti. 150 miles from Accra
• Holds big sporting events mostly football matches 
• The home of the Asante Kotoko S.C. and King Faisal Babes F.C.

about the authors:

Ebony James

• Senior
• Major: International Political Economy,
• Minor: Spanish
• Hometown: Greenville, North Carolina
• What I am most excited for: Trying new food and learning more about my ancestral history.

Amarian Culpepper

• Sophomore
• Major: Economics
• Hometown: Tacoma, Washington
• What I am most excited for: Trying new foods