Musah Solomon Napari Crowned Champion of Zaa Multimedia’s 2026 Eidul Adha Under-15 Dagbani News Presentation Competition
Tamale, Ghana – June 2026
In a remarkable display of youthful brilliance, linguistic excellence, and emerging media talent, Musah Solomon Napari has been crowned champion of Zaa Multimedia’s 2026 Eidul Adha Under-15 Dagbani News Presentation Competition, a flagship initiative dedicated to nurturing the next generation of Dagbani broadcasters and preserving the rich heritage of indigenous language journalism.
The competition, held on May 28, 2026, a day after the Eidul Adha festivities, brought together 14 gifted young contestants whose performances captivated audiences and judges alike. With confidence beyond his years, eloquence in delivery, and an impressive command of the Dagbani language, Musah Solomon Napari distinguished himself from a highly competitive field to claim the coveted title. Yusif Samira emerged as the first runner-up after delivering an equally commendable performance that reflected immense promise and dedication.
More than a competition, the annual event has evolved into a vibrant platform for discovering, inspiring, and grooming young communicators who possess the passion and potential to shape the future of Dagbani media. Participants were assessed on a range of professional criteria, including language proficiency, articulation, clarity, confidence, composure, and overall news presentation skills.
The roots of this visionary initiative can be traced to the 20th anniversary celebration of veteran broadcaster Alhassan Yushawu Jahanfo, whose distinguished career in the media industry inspired a collective reflection on the future of Dagbani-language broadcasting. Amid the celebrations, a compelling question emerged: Who will carry the microphone when today’s media icons step aside? The answer was found in the determination to invest in young minds and cultivate a new generation of broadcasters capable of advancing the frontiers of indigenous language journalism.
From that vision was born the Under-15 Dagbani News Presentation Competition—a programme that has since become a beacon of hope for aspiring young broadcasters across Dagbon and beyond.
Since its inception, the competition has provided children with a unique opportunity to develop their communication skills, build self-confidence, and cultivate a deep appreciation for their linguistic and cultural identity. In an era where many indigenous languages face increasing pressure from globalization and digital transformation, the initiative serves as a powerful reminder that local languages remain invaluable vessels of history, knowledge, identity, and cultural continuity.
According to the organizers, the overarching objective of the programme extends beyond identifying winners. It seeks to raise a generation of media professionals who will not only inform and educate society but also become custodians of Dagbani language, culture, and values. By nurturing these young talents today, the initiative is laying the foundation for a stronger and more vibrant indigenous media landscape tomorrow.
In fulfillment of this vision, Alhassan Yushawu Jahanfo and Zaa Multimedia have pledged their unwavering commitment to mentoring and supporting the competition’s outstanding performers. As part of this commitment, champion Musah Solomon Napari and first runner-up Yusif Samira will receive practical exposure to the broadcasting environment, professional coaching, and hands-on mentorship designed to sharpen their skills and prepare them for future opportunities within the media industry.
The success of the 2026 edition stands as a testament to the growing enthusiasm among young people for Dagbani media and communication. It also affirms the transformative power of investing in children and creating pathways through which their talents can flourish.
For many observers, the competition represents far more than an annual event. It symbolizes the preservation of a language, the nurturing of a culture, and the deliberate cultivation of future voices that will one day educate, inform, inspire, and unite communities through the power of the spoken word.
As the curtains fall on another successful edition, one message resonates clearly: the future of Dagbani broadcasting is not merely being imagined—it is already taking shape in the confident voices of young talents such as Musah Solomon Napari and Yusif Samira.
Through initiatives like Zaa Multimedia’s Eidul Adha Under-15 Dagbani News Presentation Competition, the torch of indigenous language journalism is being passed to a new generation, ensuring that the voice of Dagbon will continue to be heard for many years to come.
