Emmanuel Adebayor Invite Wizkid, Bisa K Dei & others For Massive Concert in Lome

Troubled Tottenham Hotspurs and Togo striker Emmanuel Sheyi Adebayor has invited  fleet of African Music icons including Nigeria's Whizkid, Ghana hiplife sensation Bisa K Dei, Togolsese icon Dieudonné Willa, British-Nigerian singer Lola Rae, Serge Beynaud, and a host of other African stars for a massive musical concert in Lome, it has been revealed.

The series of event has been slated for 13 and 14 June, Lomé will welcome big stars of African music and being by the Sheyi Emmanuel Adebayor Foundation.
The shocking decision to organise the flashy party and concert, comes days after the former Arsenal striker was given a compassionate leave by Tottenham Hotspurs as concerns over his mental state increased.

This was the second time the beleaguered star has been granted compassionate leave by Tottenham Hotspur this season to return to Togo to sort out his personal issues.
Adebayor has made a series of allegations against his family over Facebook in recent weeks that have prompted concerns over his mental state.

But in a sudden twist of events, the former African Footballer of the year has decided to invite several top African Musical stars for a massive two-day concert at the famous Marcelo Beach and another at the National Stadium which organisers say, is expected to attract over 5,000 audience.
Ghanasportsonline.com checks has revealed that though the striker was given time off to meet family and sort over issues, he is yet to set his eyes on his biological mother despite having been in the Togolese capital for over a week.

Tottenham want to sell Adebayor during the summer, meaning he could have already played his last game for them, but the club’s immediate concern is the player’s well-being.
It is hoped that giving Adebayor time off to clear his head and return to his homeland will allow the 31-year-old to sort out his problems and grievances in time to return to pre-season training, either at Tottenham or with another club, in the correct frame of mind.

But the player has chosen to embark on wild parties and multi-million musical concerts arising questions at to the authenticity of claims that he has been left down by family related issues.
Friends and confidants of Adebayor are worried about his recent actions and claim he is not listening to advice or efforts to help, although he has consulted with Chelsea striker Didier Drogba about his problems. There is growing concern that Adebayor’s Facebook messages will put off any interested clubs.

In his first Facebook post, Adebayor accused younger brother Rotimi of taking 21 mobile phones from a French football academy. That was followed by a second message in which Adebayor claimed Rotimi stole a shirt given to him by the late Marc-Vivien Foe, a signed jersey that belonged to Real Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane and a £25,000 Cartier necklace.

In the third post, released this week, Adebayor said arguments with his brothers Kola and Peter, who died in July 2012, got so bad they drove him to consider taking his own life.
credit: ghanasportsonline

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Governments Have Failed Us - Obrafuor

One of Ghana's veteran and influential hiplife artiste Obrafour have slapped all governments that have ruled and currently ruling the country Ghana to have failed the Arts Industry.

Speaking on Kasapa Fm mid-morning show "Aben woha" hosted by Afia Schwarzenegger on Friday, 30th May,  the musician criticized all government for not paying attention to the Creative art industry.

He mentioned that he just does not understand why when we elected a new government, the new government will still accused the previous government for their flaws.

"All the governments that have come and gone have failed us. I don't understand why we vote for a new government and they will still be accusing the previous government for their failures. The government officials are just not helping us and they are not just not paying attention to the arts industry", Obrafuor says.

Many stakeholders in the entertainment industry have criticized previous and current governments for their failure to support the creative art industry.

A year ago, the Nigerian economy became one of the best in Africa with the support of the revenue generated from the creative arts industry.

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Ambolley Questions Stonebwoy BET nomination

Veteran Ghanaian musician Gyedu Blay Ambolley has expressed worry about authentic Ghanaian music not receiving nominations at international awards ceremonies.

Citing the annual Black Entertainment Television (BET) Awards as an example, the musician said the organisers, during nominations, totally ignore highlife, the authentic music genre from Ghana, a situation he finds unacceptable.
He wondered how Stonebwoy got nominated for the Best International Act (Africa) category of this year’s, ceremony for a music genre that is completely alien to Ghanaian music.

Speaking in an interview with Hitz Entertainment News, the ‘Simigwa’ act said “that’s what they see coming out of Ghana so they go by it, nobody has really tried to sit down to put in an experiment to know what it is …because if you talk about Stonebwoy the raps are all the “patois” style. It is just like copying the dancehall thing from Jamaica, the beat is still the same format so if he’s going to be nominated out of adapting and copying well then I don’t know what is wrong because if you take highlife, highlife is the tree of dancehall, hiplife and all the rest are just branches of that tree but don’t forget at a point in time all the branches fall but the tree still stands”.

Mr Ambolley hammered on the fact that the youth in the music industry have lost their identity as Ghanaians.

When he was asked what exactly the identity was he said “every country has its own identity musically and they stay true to their music. The kids that have come, they are adapting, they are coping [and] they are not learning so how am I going to turn it around for it to become mine…”
“If it’s “patois” they go the same way and the kids cheer them on because most of these DJs are young guys who didn’t come to meet that highlife element. What they met is the “Dancehall” and others so they think that’s what it is”.
credit:George Britton

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Don't Send Any Money To Africa - John Dumelo

 One of Ghana's fine and award winning movie actors John Dumelo has posted a video on his facebook fanpage telling the world not to send any money to Africa in his name.

John Dumelo for quiet sometime now have being advising his fans to avoid people using his name on the various social media platforms to ask for financial support from them.

He stated clearly that he is not on any social media platform aside his verified Facebook and twitter accounts.
In recent times, many celebrities have had their fans complain of hackers and scammers using their names to es tort money from them. These scammers use many ways and means to be able to get what they want from their victim.
According to John Dumelo, they come up with stories like, "I need money to assist me in my movie; I am here but l can't go to the bank; my mother is sick; I need money for the operation" and lots of unthinkable reasons.

"Hey guys, just to let you know I'm not on Skype,  I'm not on watsapp, I'm not on Viber, I'm not on Imo. If you are chatting with anyone on Watsup, Viber, Imo and Skype, it is not me. This is my Facebook fan page and its being verified. It has a little blue thick beside my name" John tells his fans in the video.

He goes on further to advice them to avoid any interaction with people on such platforms in his name.

"Those fake guys will take pictures from my Facebook account and setup their own and they will ask you for money for my mum is sick; or ask you for money for operation or they ask you for money for film production or whatever it is and they will say that, John can't go to the bank so send the money through his PA, Manager or whatever. It is FAKE. I am not on Viber, l am not on watsapp, l am not Skype, l am not on Imo. This is my Facebook acoount and it is verified so please be very careful and don't send any money to Africa".

Click on the link to watch the video.

https://www.facebook.com/john.dumelo.98?fref=nf

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Leila Djansi "Slaps" Ghanaian & Nigerian Actors with the Truth

Ghanaian movie producer and Director, Leila Djansi has shovel truthful sand in our opnion into the gari of most Ghanaian and Nigerian actors on her blog.

The outspoken movie maker questioned the Actor's guild's contribution to the government's pot of finance by way of tax.
According to her piece, Leila brought to the table the truth of living life which would not guarantee a successful ending for actors in the movie industry.

Read her piece....

"My phone's annoying buzz woke me up at 1am today. Someone from Ghana, calling to tell me something completely random. I was so pissed because, when I wake up from sleep, going back to sleep is near impossible.

Anyway. I started surfing the internet in Nigeria, cos I am really fascinated by General Buhari and what his leadership spells for Nigeria and Africa as a whole.

There I came upon this article: Nollywood Actor Begging for Alms

The effrontery of this actor. I feel bad he has a stroke and all but really, blaming other people is neither here nor there. It's no one's fault you did not fortify your future.

We live for today a lot in Africa. Friends flock around you when you have money to spend. You go places in an entourage. You pick up the tab everywhere you go. Immediately you hit on hard times, these very people find every reason to avoid you. The actors flying business class, buying expensive bags and shoes and cars... I greet you. Are you investing? Are you paying into a pension scheme? Do you have life insurance?

I had this experience. I was always picking up the tab when a certain friend and I go anywhere in Ghana and one day she told me about the landed property she bought. I had none. It was as though someone had woken me up from a slumber! I winked at my PA who reads me like a book and she said "Aunt Leila, I forgot the purse with all the money in it at home". The very expensive and various meals this friend of mine ordered were quickly reversed knowing she had to pay for herself. As hungry as were, my PA and I settled for a bottle of coke each.



Right after that, I also learned that if you give yourself to people cheaply, they lose respect for you. That's a given. You need to receive your due. Know what you are worth and make sure you get that. Know what people are worth and only give them that, nothing more, nothing less. Let them call you bitch. "All name be name". The homeless kid I gave a big room to in my office left, leaving a 2000ghc electric bill. Be weary of desperate people. Help people, but help them from a distance.

Last month, the president of the actors Guild of Ghana castigated the government for neglecting aged actors. Excuse me, how much, in taxes did the actors, when they were younger, pay to the government? Life is give and take. When he was president of the actors Guild, did he wander by SNNIT and inquire about pension plans for members? What happens to the 30ghc each incoming member pays?
What is the purpose of the Guild?
Do producers take permission from the guild to use its members? Are members taxed to pay into a pension and health plan?
Have they considered upping the membership fee to 200ghc a year, where 70% goes into a pension plan and 30% stays to manage affairs of the guild?

If you think that people will be around to support when you lose your shine, then you must be really shortsighted and delusional. People are around you when you are bright and shining. When the shine fades, they go chasing after someone else who is shining.

Success is like a corpse. It attracts all kinds of people to mourn, eat, drink, make new friends, but it always goes into the earth alone, to rot, and become nothing but a memory.

The ant is the smallest of animals, but it is the smartest!"
I felt so betrayed. Here I was thinking I was being a nice friend, being a christian, helping and not asking for anything in return. Ain't nothing christian about what I was doing. All it was was foolish.  Quickly, I rearranged my life. I made certain decisions. I bought land, built a poultry farm, got rid of my numerous staff and shut down my office in Ghana. I didn't need it. I don't live in Ghana. The staff in the office were not bringing in anything. I had to tell them where to supply DVDs to. They couldn't come up with that themselves, neither were they interested in following up with our vendors. To them, "Aunt Leila" is rich. She needs to keep us around and pay us no matter what. Parasites. I was paying their phone bills, transportation, lunch, plus salaries. When I decided I was done doing that, you only get commission, some quit (thank God). See what I mean?

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The end of an era; Portrait of an arts writer

In physical stature, Nanabanyin Dadson has not changed one bit in 30 years; not a decimetre taller, not a decigram heavier. Perhaps he has browned just a demi-tone more, and he stammers less. Ask his wife, Mimi, she knows him more than all, being the closest to him and the last to see him before the lights go out every night for the past 30-something years.

He wrote his first arts criticism when I had been more than five years doing that job. So I knew,10 paragraphs into that maiden piece,that a new kid had arrived on the block. Don’t ask me how I felt. Prior to his entry, I had been known as the only newspaper arts critic who dared to dispute the word and work of the high and mighty; the only one who interrogated policy and dared public servants in the cultural sphere to get mad.

Nanabanyin’s first article published in The Mirror changed the very contour and temperature of the landscape: Suddenly, the very ground on which my throne stood moved, ever so slightly.

My good fortune, however, was that unlike Shakespeare’s Macbeth, his arrival on the scene did not rebuke my genius. I did not feel threatened: There was something in his style and the knowledge he exuded that told me that a colleague, not a rival, had arrived. I was right.

Today, I can say with the confidence of self-knowledge that if any three journalists have affected the way I write, Nanabanyin Dadson is one – the two others being Ajoa Yeboa Afari and Elizabeth Ohene. As I wrote in a tribute to a departed colleague in 2013, these three are in my personal Hall of Fame in the inky fraternity who are both journalists and writers. Nanabanyin is a writer. As I had done to every article written by Ms Yeboa Afari and Ms Ohene, since I came to know them, I began to keep a file of Nanabanyin’s articles. That is how much I respected him, and still do.

Yet, the third time we met physically (to do a post-mortem of an ???ECRAG??? Awards show), in 1985, we quarrelled. Who was this upstart who dared to point out technical flaws in our Awards Night held at the Star Hotel the previous weekend?! On closer self-examination later, however, I confessed to myself, Carl Bannerman (RIP) and Godwin Avenorgbor that the young man knew his stuff. His knowledge of the stage, in particular, and show business, generally, was technically superior.

I had become an arts critic because God had gifted me with a pair of critical eyes and ears, plus a generous sprinkling of literary capabilities. God had also divinely appointed Kwaw Ansah (Film), Nii Yartey (Dance), Dinah Reindorf (Music) and Efo Kodwo Mawugbe (Drama) as my teachers, and my tutorials were on the field (call it on-the-job training) over a long period of time.

Nanabanyin Dadson burst upon the scene already made. He was, and perhaps still is, the only arts critic in Ghana with academic and practical knowledge of the art forms, in general, and Literary Appreciation as a specialisation. In addition to his academic acquirement was his talent as an event director. But over and above all these qualities was his passion. To arts and culture, he is to a native born.

This passion manifested in the language he employed. It brimmed with knowledge, both of the dynamics of the various artistic manifestations about which he wrote, and the nuances of the English language, his medium of journalistic expression.

One tribute dropped from my lips the day he disclosed to me that he was about to retire from the Graphic Group. In that instant in time, a panorama spanning his 30-year contribution as an arts writer played before my mind’s eye, and out came the words, “It’s the end of an era”. That era is not limited to cultural journalism. Nanabanyin’s influence has affected the cultural industry as a whole. What has driven him has been his stated desire to move up the arts “from the days it was treated as a bastard, unserious and a frivolous endeavour in Ghana not deserving of a prominent place in the scheme of media subject categories.” In this, he has achieved a large measure of success.

The difference between Nanabanyin Dadson, on the one side, and all other arts critics and reviewers in Ghana, has been this: For him, this is a career not a pastime. Nab is the critic who brought his knowledge and passion into journalism. Not that he has loved and practiced journalism less; he loved arts and culture more.  It is in his blood. It drives him.   

Saturday after Saturday in The Mirror, Thursday after Thursday in the Graphic Showbiz, Nab, in the last 30 years, has written about probably every artist worth reading about in Ghana. Year after year, in all the days of ‘Double Do’, Nanabanyin unleashed his talent in event directing.

Of course, the hot exchanges between the two of us 30 years ago in the office of Dan Moffat, then the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of Arts Council, were only the first of many such bouts. A man with a biting pen, he was wont to sink his teeth into every artistic event. In this, he did not spare even his colleagues as he bit the ???ACRAG???, both from within (as a member) and without, after he quit. I disagreed with him not because he dared to name names (including mine) but because I thought in his measurement of two artistic standards, he had used two different yardsticks; one for measuring Double Do, with which he was associated, and one for ACRAG, from which he had walked out because he had not had his way all the time.

Critics do not often respond to criticism. How I itched to point out to him a fact or two! I itched to point out that the flaws he was criticising so openly in ACRAG were not entirely absent when he was in charge as the unofficial event director of this now defunct club of arts critics and reviewers.

I am sure that in looking on his life as a journalist, Nana B will battle with a conscience that is returning a verdict of guilty in the area of theatre promotion. I am one of those in the jury whose vote will send him to the journalistic gallows – if there was any such thing. His passion for the arts did not drive him to do as much for Theatre (Drama) as he should have.

But he is only human. In rephrasing Shakespeare’s Hamlet, I will remove the element of gender from the quote and conclude thus: “Frailty, thy name is human”. For the sake of conscience, I am glad that I have written this tribute not to the dead but to the living – one who, to most arts critics and artists, ascended the heights where legends belong.

As Nanabanyin Dadson walks out of the gates of Graphic Communications Group Limited, it is the end of an era - the era of “educated criticism”. As Adwoa Serwaa Bonsu, Jane Buckman Owoo and Nii Korley shut the gates, they do so on the life of their mentor, a man who, to them, to many other arts critics and to hundreds of artists, ascended the heights where legends belong.

The writer is an artswriter.

Written by  Enimil Ashon | Graphiconline

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Sarkodie and Stonebwoy Listed Among Top 10 Hottest African Artistes Making Global Waves

 Africa has continued to churn out exquisite talents in the entertainment industry and music has continued to enjoy wide publicity and popularity.

Anthony Ada Abraham writes on 10 top African artistes making wave at home and abroad.

Today, Africans are commanding respect in the field of music, having proven to the world that they too are a force to reckon with. All over the continent, musicians are bringing honour to themselves and their motherland with the quality of their work in the different genres of music.

From Nigeria to South Africa and Ghana through to Senegal, it is irresistible rhythmic tunes and dance steps. The hottest African acts making wave across the globe comprise those that have won lots of accolades with their music and the upcoming ones who have endeared themselves in the hearts of many fans across the world.

According to Mike Sound, Africans are the rave of the moment and they will soon be the best in the world. “We are the African dream and we will soon become the centre of attraction which is what we have started to experience,” he said.

These are some of the top artistes in Africa right now:

AKA, South Africa

This South African hiphop act has shown that Africa and Africans have come a long way in positioning the genre in the music industry. His hardcore style has endeared him not just in Nigeria but all over the world. He was once quoted as saying he feels more at home in Nigeria. He has worked with notable artistes in the music industry across Africa and beyond like Ice Prince, Burna Boy etc. He is well respected right now as his songs are making waves across the globe. The Sony Music/AKA partnership is the key catalyst to change the business and face of music across Africa, especially in the key areas of quality, distribution and content management. AKA is a multi-award winning artist, who recently climbed the iTunes singles chart with ‘Congratulate’ and ‘Run Jozi’, both singles released from the album ‘Levels’.

Asa, Nigeria

This petit lady will never stop impressing and amazing her fans with hit songs. Her latest release has kept lots of people in awe. The multi-instrumentalist has proven that women are also on the verge of exploding in the music scene in Africa and she has kept that by churning out classics that are undoubtedly magnificent.

‘Bed of Stone’ is the third studio album by Nigerian-French recording artiste Asa. It was released on August 25, 2014 on Naive Records. Recorded in the East-Sussex area in the UK, the album was co-written and produced by Blair MacKichan, a British producer that has already worked with Siaand Lily Allen. Bed of Stone is, according to the label company, an album that goes “right to the heart”. It features a folk sound similar to her previous albums Beautiful Imperfection and Asa. Its lead single, Dead Again was released in May, 2014, while a clip video was broadcast the same day. The song is the opening track of the record, it is a piano ballad that deals with a bitter love. The album was acclaimed by critics.

Akon, Senegal

Many would want to say he’s not supposed to be on this list but to clear the air, Akon is one of Africa’s best representatives in the world. Though many see him more like an American artiste, the convict music maestro is sure a good ambassador of Africa. He’s just one of those men who have made Africans proud and also not ashamed of their root.

Wale, Nigeria

Olubowale Victor Akintimehin is signed to Maybach Music Group and associated with Rick Ross, Meek Mill Black Cobain, Mark Ronson, Chrisette Michele J. Cole and Wizkid.

The artistes is a good Mc (Hiphop) and that’s why he’s certainly under one of the best record labels in the world.

In an interview with Flavorwire, Wale said he incorporates elements of go-go in his music. Cyril Cordor of allmusic described go-go as “a more raw, percussion-driven offshoot of disco” that originated in the Washington DC area.

Wale’s early singles that were played primarily in his local metropolitan area heavily sampled 1990s go-go records.

Reviewing Attention Deficit, David Jeffries of allmusic remarked that Wale had a “post-Kanye, post-Lil Wayne, alternative-meets-hardcore style” and commented that Wale’s single “Chillin’”, which featured Lady Gaga “crafts an instant floor-filler out of a sample from the ’70s hit ‘Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye’”.

Sakodie, Ghana


Michael Owusu Addo, known by his stage name Sarkodie, is a Ghanaian hip hop and hiplife recording artiste from Tema. This Ghanaian Mc is crazy when it comes to busting into rhymes and non-stop rapping. If allowed in any song he kills it and makes it look like nothing. The artiste who said his second home is Nigeria has worked with the likes of Ice Prince, Banky W etc.

Sarkodie was born and raised in Tema to his mother Emma Maame Aggrey, a single parent.

Sarkodie often raps in his native language Twi, and is considered a “multifaceted rapper” due to the various musical styles he possesses. Many Ghanaians recognise him as one of the leading hip hop and hiplife artistes in the country. He is considered one of the major proponents of the Azonto genre and dance. In 2010, he received many awards and nominations ranging from “Artist of the Year” to “Album of the Year”.

He won the Best International Act: Africa category at the 2012 BET Awards, and was nominated in the same category at the 2014 BET Awards. His sophomore album, Rapperholic, was the recipient of 3 Ghana Music Awards from 12 nominations. He was ranked 8th on Forbes and Channel O’s 2013 list of the Top 10 Richest/Bankable African Artistes. He is the first Ghanaian to win the BET Awards for “Best International Act Africa”. Sarkodie has had the privilege of performing on the same stage with international musicians such as T-Pain, Miguel, Movado, Trey Songz and Ludacris. He has a large fan base in Africa, and is considered one of the most celebrated musical icons to hail from Ghana.

Yemi Alade, Nigeria

Since the release of her ‘Johnny’ hit, the artiste has never looked back. The remix of her song…in French has continued to receive lots of reviews at home and abroad.

Yemi Alade has just won the award for “Best West African Act” at the 2015 Kunde … for the latest single, “Kissing (French Remix)” which features Afro-Caribbean music star Marvin.

Stonebwoy, Ghana

Stonebwoy is the stage name of Livingstone Etse Satekla, a Ghanaian afro pop, dancehall and reggae artiste and is the CEO of Burniton Music Group. He won the Artiste of the Year in the 2015 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards. Many Ghanaians recognize him as one of the leading reggae and dancehall artistes in the country and Africa. Burniton Music Group dropped a brand new afro-dancehall tune from Stonebwoy. He calls this one Baafira which simply means less talk do more. The song features multi-award winning recording artist, Sarkodie and was produced by Beatz Dakay.

Mafikizolo, South Africa

Mafikizolo, the South African duo are currently “tensioning” the continent with their massive club anthem “Khona”, they also teamed up with Nigeria’s very own Mr May D on their effort Happiness. The South African music group, and Nigeria’s very own Davido teamed up on the track titled “Tchelete”, produced by Shizzi and Oskido. The song is a banger!

Youssou N’dour, Senegal

N’dour helped to develop a style of popular Senegalese music known in the Serer language as mbalax, which derives from the conservative Serer music tradition of “Njuup”. He is the subject of the award-winning films ‘Return to Goree’ directed by Pierre-Yves Borgeaud and ‘Youssou N’dour: I Bring What I Love’ directed by Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi, which were released around the world.

In April 2012, it was announced that N’dour has been appointed tourism and culture minister in the cabinet of new Prime Minister Abdoul Mbaye.

J Martins known for his extraordinary skills of blending conscious with beats that make fans nod their heads and tap their feet, released the video to – Time Is Now, featuring the Senegalese international singer –Youssou N’dour.

Wizkid, Nigeria

The album on everyone’s lips right now is “Ayo” by Wizkid, which took the industry by surprise as it dropped ahead of schedule. While it’s still too early to judge the album as a whole, my first impression is very positive. Loads and loads of bangers from start to finish. That said, my 2 stand-out tracks, and possible fan favourites, are “Ojuelegba” and “Kind Love“. Two different kinds of tracks, but you’re guaranteed to love both.

Source: Leadership.ng   

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Photos: Liwin, Wayoosi, Samuel Ofori, Others defy Rains For ‘Dumsor’ Demo In Kumasi

“Esum Aduru Yen Demo”  organised by Film Producers Association of Ghana took place on the streets of Kumasi despite the rains. 

The "demo" which directed at the current erratic power supply in the country popularly called "Dumsor".
The demonstratio witnessed participation from movie actors, movie producers and concerned citizens. Reports indicated of a heavy down pour but this according to sources did not stop the demo from happening.


According to Hello FM’s Isaac Owusu, most of the protestors despite the rain still continued with the event to campaign against the power shortage in Ghana which is affecting the movie industry.

Some of the known faces present at the demo included executives of Film Producers Association of Ghana (FIPAG), Kwadjo Nkansah Lil Win, Samuel Ofori, Michael Afrani, Joe Shortingo, Wayoosi, among others.
The protest started from the Kumasi Cultural Centre and ended at the Jubilee Park amidst heavy rain.

Photos credit: peacefmonline.com

 

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Theodosia Okoh, Designer Of Ghana’s National Flag Laid To Rest

The mortal remains of Theodosia Okoh, the designer of Ghana’s national flag have been interred at the Osu Cemetery in Accra after a state funeral Thursday.

The funeral for one of the country’s illustrious daughters was held at the forecourt of the State House in Accra.

Hundreds of Ghanaians, including government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, the clergy, members of parliament and high-ranking politicians, defied Thursday morning’s downpour to pay their last respects to the late stateswoman who died on April 19, 2015 at the age of 92.

Some the dignitaries at the funeral included President John Mahama, Vice President Amissah Arthur, former president Jerry Rawlings and his wife Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings. Chairperson of the Convention People’s Party (CPP), Samia Nkrumah was also in attendance.

Communications Minister, Omane Boamah speaking at the event, called on Ghanaians to take a cue from the life of Theodosia Okoh and commit themselves to the national cause.Theodosia Okoh_opt

Madam Okoh is also celebrated for her immense contribution to the development of sports in the country. Mrs Okoh was a national hockey star and the first and only female chair of the Ghana Hockey Association.

Until her death, she was a patron of the Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG).

A thanksgiving service will be held at the Ridge Church on Sunday May 31, after which the family will gather at her residence for the final funeral rites.

Mrs Okoh was survived by three children: Kwasi Okoh, Stanley Kwame Okoh and Theodosia Amma Jones-Quartey.

Credit: Myjoyonline.com

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Mzbel in trouble again over Help Stop Dumsor lyrics

She has got herself in all manner of trouble since hitting the limelight about 10 years ago. Anytime sultry singer, Mzbel coughs, nothing but trouble comes out and it has happened again and this time around, it seems to be getting to the musician.

The 16 Years singer did not seem too amused when Showbiz met up with her last Tuesday. Her beef? She released a song titled Help Stop Dumsor last Monday on two Accra-based stations, Kasapa FM and Neat FM and already, people are lashing out at her.

Their reason for bashing her, according to Mzbel is because they think she did the song against the recent #DumsorMustStop vigil. ‘’I am surprised because it is not against #DumsorMust Stop which I actually support. This song has been in the offing for a while,’’ the visibly worried Mzbel told Showbiz.

She said the insults started on air as soon as the songs were released and then the ‘’aggrieved’’ persons started calling her manager through her contact on social media to rain all kinds of insults on her much to her surprise because she didn’t know what her crime was.

According to the Yopoo singer who did not participate in the recently held #DumsorMustStop vigil because it fell on Saturday, which is a Sabbath day for her, her song basically talks about the fact that everyone must play a role in stopping dumsor by employing measures such as conserving energy, reporting those involved in illegal connections to the appropriate authorities among others.

When it was pointed out to her that some part of her lyrics which go like Everybody pointing fingers at the government, Everybody saying dumsormuststop, wo nso den na wo ye for the dumsor to stop? Yov’ve got every right to demonstrate and talk.....seem to give credence to the perception that her song is against the  #DumsorMustStop campaign, Mzbel  defended herself saying it was just coincidence.

“ I had done the song for some time now and I got the opportunity to go on the two radio stations and just released it. It is not even on my website for people to download like I normally do and I didn’t make any noise about it prior to the release so I don’t know what they are talking about.

 “It is sheer coincidence. The song has nothing to do with the vigil. There are various aspects of this energy crisis and  we can all pick it from different angles and this is what I have done. It is not my intention to do a song against any particular person or persons. I see my song as complement to the efforts of others advocating  for the end of this problem the nation is currently facing”, she added.

What bothers the mother of one is that, people always have a problem with whatever she says because they misunderstand her, “now I can’t even speak my mind because whatever I say, they will say I want attention.’’

Despite the bashings, she is currently receiving, Mzbel intends to embark on a nationwide tour with her campaign on the energy crisis and hopes to get support from companies like ECG, VRA, GRIDCO, Energy Commission, World Bank and Ministry of Power.

A source at one of the organisations who support Mzbel’s course pleaded anonymity but confirmed that they have been in talks with her for sometime now because they believe in music for development.

“ The kind of message she had was interesting and we thought it was a brilliant idea so we are looking at bringing ECG and the Ministry of Energy on board as well as other artistes”.

Source: Graphiconline

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Exclusive: Why Shatta Wale went Half Naked on Stage

 Studio360gh in an exclusive interview with the Manager of Shatta Wale, Lawrence Asiamah also known in showbiz as Bulldog, revealed the secret behind Shatta Wale going half naked on stage at the Tigo Ghana Meets Naija held over the weekend.

According to Bulldog, it was a planned act which is to recognize and celebrate an African music legend Fela Kuti from Nigeria.

"You know, it was Ghana Meets Naija and as a matter of fact, we wanted to celebrate an African Legend in a special way that can be easily identified to him. Fela Kuti is a great Legend and we really celebrate him and adore him" said Bulldog.

"We actually gave a hint on what we were going to do on the night but l guess people didn't get it so it came to everyone as a surprise. We are happy we were able to put smiles on the faces of our fans" he continues.


On Saturday the 23rd of May, the 5th edition of Tigo Ghana Meets Naija was held at the Accra Inetrnational Conference Centre and Ghana's corner had Shatta Wale Sarkodie and Stonebowy while the Nigeria green corner was represented by the Mavins.

Shatta Wale gave an extra ordinary performance that lit the hall in flames and at the end of his act, he went half naked on stage to the amazement of patrons on the night.

Watch how Shatta goes naked on stage:

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AWDF Partner With Golden Movie Awards For African Women In Film (AWIF) Award

 The African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF) African Women In Film Award is presented to an African woman who has demonstrated through her work measurable efforts to change the narrative and challenge stereotypes about African women.

This award reflects AWDF’s commitment to raise the profile of African women, increase public support for women’s rights and social justice, and to facilitate platforms for African women’s views and achievements.

Nomination Process

Nominee must be an African woman filmmaker, producer, writer, actress or content creator.

The nominee must have demonstrated through their work measurable efforts to change negative narrative and stereotypes about African women (work produced over the last 5 years).

Nominations are open to the public. Nominations for this award close on June 3rd, 2015. Further details of the nomination process will be put online at www.awdf.org

To nominate a person for this award, go to http://goldenmovieawards.com

Prize for the winner: GHS 5,000 cash, plaque and opportunity to participate as a resource person in an African Women In Film Seminar scheduled for later this year.

AWDF and Golden Movie Awards will organise an African Women in Film Seminar, a  one- day capacity building programme that will bring together African women filmmakers, actresses, producers, writers and content creators to share expert advice and provide mentoring for African women in the film industry.

AWDF recognizes the importance of the arts as a tool for social justice work and as a medium to train, nurture and raise the profile of African women through their creative works and expression. The aim is to build the cadre of skilled African women who can use the different art mediums to promote women’s rights.

“We partnered with GMA because we see them as an innovative, emerging team seeking to raise the barrier in terms standards of excellence and production in the African movie industry. They are made up of young professionals eager to promote an agenda of authenticity and creativity in African visual storytelling,” Sarah Mukasa, AWDF’s Director Of Programmes said.
AWDF Partner With Golden Movie Awards For African Women In Film (AWIF) Award

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Yvonne Nelson's ‘If Tomorrow Never Comes’ premieres June 5

 All roads lead to the Silverbird Cinemas in Accra on June 5 as popular actress Yvonne Nelson premieres her latest movie, If Tomorrow Never Comes.

The red carpet ceremony is expected to attract some of Ghana’s A-list celebrities and a large crowd as the actress is no stranger when it comes to gathering large numbers of movie enthusiasts.

The new movie tells an epic story of a young girl, Ewurabana, who was sold into slavery by her wicked uncle after her mother died leaving her and her kid brother in the village.

She went through all kinds of inhumane treatments at the hands of her handlers. There was even an attempt on her life, but she escaped to the city to hawk in the streets as her only means of survival.

A lot happened in the streets till a miracle eventually catapulted her into a powerful figure in society. She now narrates her sad story to the world.

It stars the leggy Yvonne Nelson, David Dontoh, Kweku Elliot, Khareemah Aguiar, Becca and a host of other popular faces in Ghana’s showbiz industry.

The movie was wrapped up some months ago and was shot in parts of Accra and a village called Aforkpa Kope near Senchi in the Eastern Region of Ghana.

Yvonne Nelson produced the movie and also acted in it. It is her first produced epic movie and there are high expectations awaiting the movie.

See photos from behind the scenes.

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Sammy Forson ‘slaps’ Mark Okraku Mantey in the face for calling him an “errand boy”

 Award winning broadcaster, business manager for BET & MTV, VGMA Award winning Ghanaian rapper Sarkodie and CEO of Aspire Music/Entertainment Sammy Forson has slapped programmes Manager of Accra based Hitz FM, Mark Okraku Mantey in the face for describing him and his road manager as “errand boys” for Sarkodie.

In a series of tweets on Wednesday morning, Sammy Forson expressed disappointment in the outspoken producer (Mark Okraku Mantey) who once handled big artists such as Lord Kenya, Daasebre Gyamenah and many others for such an utterance.




The laid back late afternoon drive time presenter on re branded Live FM disclosed he was saddened the incessant negativity spoken about Ghanaian artists by people who have done nothing help the industry.

Read all the tweets from below;

So I gather Mark Okraku Mantey and Some Anorld dude on peace fm called me and my road manager “Errand boys” for Sark.. Lol

It just saddens me when these guys sit on radio and speak so much negativity and Ghanaians believe them when they have done nothing to help

Well, Mark, as “Errand Boys” we have won at BET, MTV Base etc, what did u do with Lord Kenya, Daasebre etc. Did u even get a nomination?

The fact that some of us keep mute and grind at the same time doesn’t mean u can Diss and get away with it.. I don’t talk till its necessary

If you have the interest of Gh artistes at heart, u will use every platform u hav 2 support & help push the industry. Thought u knew better”

He however advised people to help make the industry better or rather keep their mouths shut.

“If u won’t support, shut up and let those of us who know what we are about do our work. I expect u to know better.. Help grow the industry”

READ THE TWEETS:

Sammy Forson @sammyforson  ·  2 hrs 2 hours ago

If u won't support, shut up and let those of us who know what we are about do our work. I expect u to know better.. Help grow the industry

 

Sammy Forson @sammyforson  ·  2 hrs 2 hours ago

If you have the interest of Gh artistes at heart, u will use every platform u hav 2 support & help push the industry. Thought u knew better

 

Sammy Forson @sammyforson  ·  2 hrs 2 hours ago

The fact that some of us keep mute and grind at the same time doesn't mean u can Diss and get away with it.. I don't talk till its necessary

 

Sammy Forson @sammyforson  ·  2 hrs 2 hours ago

Well, Mark, as "Errand Boys" we have won at BET, MTV Base etc, what did u do with Lord Kenya, Daasebre etc. Did u even get a nomination?

 

Sammy Forson @sammyforson  ·  2 hrs 2 hours ago

It just saddens me when these guys sit on radio and speak so much negativitiy and Ghanaians believe them when they have done nothing to help

 

Sammy Forson @sammyforson  ·  2 hrs 2 hours ago

So I gather Mark Okraku Mantey and Some Anorld dude on peace fm called me and my road manager "Errand boys" for Sark.. Lol

 

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Why DJ Black was missing at the Tigo Ghana Meets Naija

Last Saturday was the night Ghana met Naija at the Accra International Conference Centre. Sarkodie, Shatta Wale and Stonebwoy represented Ghana on the night and The Mavins represented Nigeria.

One observation made by studio360gh on the night was the absence of DJ Black. Earlier, DJ Black was announced to be the referee of the night but patrons rather saw Nii Ayi Tagoe to be the one handling affairs.

Many people did not really notice the absence of DJ Black due to smooth running of the event on Saturday. Nii Ayi Tagoe kept the patron and the pace of affairs intact.

Speaking to Kelvin Adisi of Empire Entertainment the organisers of the event, he mention that DJ Black's absence was not a planned thing or any disagreement but it was rather on health grounds.

"Dj Black was absent because he wasn't too well health wise so it was advicable to seek for his replacement immediately. Interestingly Nii Ayi Tagoe who is equally great was contacted and he delivered on the night as expected".

Tigo Ghana Meets Naija witnessed a massive attendance and a great night of non-stop music.

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Van Vicker, Abdul Salam End 8 Years Fight

Popular Ghanaian actor Van Vicker is back on Abdul Salam, CEO of Venus Films movie’s set, several years after they went their separate ways.
 
Van and Abdul Salam last worked in 2008 on the hit movie Princess Tyra. Since then Van has worked in Nigeria and Ghana but without movie credits from Venus Films.
However after eight years, Venus Films is currently on set shooting its new movie titled Stalemate, directed by Pascal Amanfo, and Van is lead male actor. It also stars Christabel Ekeh, Jessica Baah and a host of others.

The reason for Van Vicker and Abdul Salam’s long parting has not been established.
However, talks in the industry revealed they had a disagreement after the Princess Tyra movie and that they had sworn not to work with each other again.
Earlier in 2011, they both tried to react to the issue and settle their differences but it rather opened new ‘wounds.’

Salam, at the time, had stated that no artiste was big enough to sell his movies for him and that that was part of his decision not to work with Van.
Hear Salam in 2011: “Nobody can sell my movies. Not only Van, my name alone sells my movies [sic]. I don’t depend on artistes when it comes to me because I know a good story sells itself. So I don’t depend on artistes and say this artiste will sell my movie. No! If without Van I can’t sell my movie, then I don’t exist.

“If you look at my movies they are up to standard and any new face I bring into the industry, it still works out for that person. I still need Van though; I didn’t say I don’t need him.
“I am always ready to work with Van when he is ready. Van can never swear that he will not work with me. If he did, even God will judge him.
“Anytime he is available for me, I will use him because anytime I call Van, he is travelling. I have several meetings with him, he tells me, ‘no, give me prior notice.’
“And you know sometimes how this system works: I get a story like one week and the following week I’m going on location. But when I call Van, he is not available. I have to look at other artistes who are available. The only confusion between us now is that Van is a big man now and he is not available for me.”

Van, on the other hand, had created the impression that Salam was not professional in dealing with artistes.
He had reacted: “I will totally disagree with what Salam said that I am big man. I mean, we’ve grown and we’ve matured in the industry and I mean like he said with or without me, he will sell his movies. That is absolutely true. In the same light, I will say Salam too is a big man but the point I want to make is, if I have matured the same way he has and, I think, for me it is a matter of time to say, ‘Van, I want you in a movie, and Van said he is not available; and also it is about ok I really want to work with this guy, so I will really restructure my plans to work with him [sic].

“On the other hand, if you can’t wait, you can go ahead and shoot. That makes sense from the business point of view. I am not against that. But I just believe that we all build a relationship as we grow and move in the industry. That is why we have a lot of people, producers, directors, artistes and others who try to work as a group. If they believe the group makes a movie and it is a hit, so based on that kind of relationship we have to maintain [sic]…”

“But what brought about what you want to call a division, so to speak, which is not,” Van stated, “is because I have been traveling a few times. But then I also want to say that there are times that I do have meetings with Salam and we agree to shoot a movie and then Salam disappears.”
When asked if both of them were going to settle their differences, Van said: “I can’t stop travelling. I believe I am doing so many things, other things, not movies alone. But I want to believe if Salam and I can reach an agreement…I have a lot of problems but if we want to work, then we should come to a compromise.”

But they have found a common ground now. They have been shooting at East Legon in Accra. Salam visits the set from time to time to check on Van and the crew.

Source: Daily Guide

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Beware of ‘quick money’ – Kenya Lord advices

Lord Kenya, former hip life musician, has advised Ghanaian youth to stay away from the love for quick money since it is the root of all social vices in the country.

He said it is worrying that the “get rich quick” syndrome is increasing the spate of social vices and attributed it to “negative impartation” of Satan, who is the enemy.

Speaking at a youth empowerment programme for some senior high school students in Kumasi, he said this is the time for the youth to be told of the fruits of hard work, honesty and integrity in life.

The programme was organised by Creating Awareness Now Foundation (CANF), a youth training and empowerment organisation in Kumasi, on the theme: “Empowerment through Grace to Glory.” Mr Kenya, told the youth that the enemy has the capacity to blindfold and corrupt the minds of many from seeing and appreciating reality.

“Many have been blinded by the enemy so they refuse to patronise what is right and would rather support things which will promote the work of the enemy rather than God. People now support the negative, but it doesn’t make it right,” he said.

He also advised the youth to guard with care the talents that God has entrusted to them, and to take Jesus seriously together with the empowerment advices, since that is the surest way to their success.

 The President of CANF, Mr Collins Acheampong said the programme was organised in line with the Foundation’s aim of training and empowering the youth to be resourceful and proactive citizens. He added that the Foundation, which has been operating for two years, is committed of making the youth realize their full potentials in order for them to forgo social vices by interacting with role models to learn from their achievements.

Mr Acheampong said that more of such programmes targeting at final year students of the second cycle institutions would be organised annually to imbibe good moral values in the youth.

credit: Monte OZ

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