Ghana Shows Love To Haiti - The Concert

How will you feel if the sad incidence of Haiti fell on your birthday? If you wouldn’t feel right, then KOD (Kofi Okyere Darko) didn’t feel right either because the catastrophic magnitude 7.0 Mw earthquake that hit the people of Haiti on the 12 January was his birthday.

This necessitated him to gather some friends under the auspices of the Ministries of Information and Foreign Affairs to organize a musical ‘tribute’ concert dubbed “Ghana Loves Haiti”, which took place at the International Conference Centre last Saturday.

Haiti, the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere has lost 90% of their properties as a result of the earthquake which damaged the Presidential Palace, the National Assembly building, the Port-au-Prince Cathedral, and the main jail. Several lives were lost, including that of the Archbishop of Port-au-Prince Monsignor Joseph Serge Miot and opposition leader Micha Gaillard.

Journalist Kwaku Sakyi Addo, the host of Kwaku One-ne-One, apparently one of the known Ghanaians to have touched down on the Haiti land narrated “life” in that country according to his short stay there. A story was told of a Ghanaian woman who was saved because she had come to Ghana for a wedding.

The concert which was to raise funds to support the Haitians saw most of the musicians such as Okyeame Kwame, Paapa Yankson, Kwaw Kese, Bradez, Wutah, D-Black, Yasmeen Helwani, Iwan, Kwabena Kwabena, Ohema Mercy, Bertha (Stars of the Future), Ruff-n-Smooth, Nii and Pat Thomas advocating in their performances for the need for each and everyone to support the Haitians.

Do you believe that in Ghana, you have to know somewhere to get somewhere?

Satirist KSM made the audience laugh out loud to forget the pain of coming to support the Haitians. Imagine being approached by a white woman to give her directions to the National Theatre. Definitely, she needs to know somewhere first to be able to direct her to the National Theatre.

The concert was produced by Blaqkaprikorn, with the help from Charter House and the venue was kindly sponsored by the Ministries of Information and Foreign Affairs. Though some of the artistes billed to perform didn’t perform, the programme was a success.

Though the show had ended fundraising activities for Haiti still continues. Interested individuals can Text "HAITI" to Kasapa, MTN and VODAFONE short code 1990 and donate GHc1.00 per text. Text as many times as you like. You can also donate into any GT Bank nationwide and make your donations directly to the HAITI EARTHQUAKE RELIEF FUND - ACCOUNT NUMBER: 202 109097.

Ghana Music Awards 2010: Asem Tips Ayigbe Edem But Richie Says Sarkodie

Nominations for the 2010 edition of the biggest entertainment event of the Ghanaian calendar, the prestigious Ghana Music Awards have just been opened by Charter House, the event. However, there have been a debate as to “who wins what” come Saturday April 10th at the conference Centre.

Though nomination is still on-going, Ewe rapper Ayigbe Edem and Sarkodie, a rapper who was recently signed on Akon’s Konvict Music label are already being mentioned from all corners as two outstanding artistes who will slot out in the category ‘Discovery of the Year’, a category Asem won last year.

As spelt out by the organizers in the ‘discovery of the year’ category. The award goes to the artiste who made most impact with his/her first commercial release (Single/Album) during the year under review. The winner of that award is adjudged by the Selection Committee, Planning Committee and the general public as the most promising and talented new artiste.

Both Sarkodie and Ayidge Edem have tasted mainstream success with their maiden album.

As the debate rages on and the tongues wagging in anticipation of the potential winner come awards day, Asem who won the accolade last year after feuding off challenge from fellow hip lifers R2Bees, Wanlov the Kubolor, Klana, Richie and Gospel songstress Gifty Osei feels the best person to succeed him is no other person but Ayigbe Edem.

But Richie disagrees, because to him Sarkodie should grab that award with so much ease. Asem told GhanaCelebrities.com that he contends the 2009 saw the number of talents cropping up and feels Ayigbe Edem has given the Ewe population something to cheer about.

“Honestly, this year, there’ve a lot of talents, like now am listening to Iwan, I think he is fantastic, am listening to Stoneboah, I think he’s fantastic, I listen to Lil Shaker, I think he’s fantastic too”. He said.

“There are lots of talents around and I believe when its very competitive, then you know Ghana music is soaring, Eazzy baby, Eazzy is phenomenal, wherever you go they talk about Eazzy like crazy, OJ’s music is nice, Macho Rapper, he is something else, he is different and his music is good”.

“I believe it’s going to be competitive, if I had my way, all these artistes will be given some acknowledgement for their good works”. He ended.

Pushed to the wall, Asem mentioned Ayigbe Edem as one of the best MCs in the game, apparently for his knack for rap. He was impressed Edem took a risk by rapping in Ewe, a language only few people speak in Ghana.

“I think Ayigbe Edem has done well, over a number of years, Ewe rap has been on the down side as in Ghanaian music, all the dialects have had their fair share of exposure and the fact that he actually came from no where”.

“What Edem did was a risky thing; he had the guts to rap in Ewe, knowing that majority of Ghanaians don’t speak Ewe and Edem is an MC, when I listen to his song, I don’t speak Ewe but I call him for explanation, so I think Edem is fantastic and will win the award” he ended.

Richie, the brain behind Lynx Entertainment, also the current recording engineer of the year disagrees with Asem. Richie revealed to GhanaCelebrities.com in a separate chit chat that though 2009 saw the influx of new acts in the hip life game, Sarkodie stands out tall.

“To be honest, I think it will go to Sarkodie, because among all the new artistes who came this year, Sarkodie has done the most and I think he deserves it”.

Lights Off At Aphrodisiac Night Club Messed Up Lynx Entertainment

The Aphrodisiac Night Club in Accra, the venue for the outdooring of the latest sensation of Lynx Entertainment had a power outage after actor cum musician ‘O. J. Blaq’, pretty boy ‘Asem’, smooth voice ‘Richie’ and ‘Eazzy’, had teased the crowds with pieces of their songs to outdoor Zigi.

The biggie man, O. J. Blaq opened the night with ‘Biggie Boy Lover’, followed by the chap whose name is a hit song ‘Asem’. He performed his latest single ‘No More Kpayor’, after which was followed by Richie and then Eazzy of ‘Bo Won Sem Ma Me’ fame.

Eazzy then introduced Zigi to the crowds as the latest addition to the Lynx Entertainment family. Dressed in suit with trademark ‘You say weytin” Kwaku Sarpong Plahar known in showbiz circles as ‘Zigi’ performed his single ‘Catch Your Eye’ to the large number of crowds that had been teased with ‘you know the name right’ and ‘it’s a hit’ instrumentation.

Though the crowds were excited and singing along with Zigi as he performed his single ‘Catch Your Eye’, the power fluctuation brought his performance to an abrupt end. The light went off on three occasions and came back in approximately 60 seconds each time it went off.

Why the sudden light off? The members of the Lynx Entertainment crew told GhanaCelebrities.com the light off came in as a result of Zigi’s bringing new thing in the music industry.

In a chit chat with Albert, Lynx’s Administrative Director he said they should not be blamed for the power fluctuation but the blame should be shifted to the club management.

GhanaCelebrities.com would bring you an exclusive interview with the Lynx Entertainment family on their views on the sudden power outage. A club like Aphrodisiac doesn’t have a standby generator? Watch this space.

Morris D’Voice shooting video for ‘Valentine’

Morris Baby Face is a sound engineer who has churned out hits after hits and has featured on some of the finest hits songs over the years. He can be remembered as being the winner of the Ghana Music Awards 2005 Best Sound Engineer for Obour’s multi award winning track “Konkontiba”.

Morris Baby Face now with a new name ‘Morris D’Voice’ has just released a single ‘Valentine’ for the Valentine’s Day celebration. The ‘Best Rapper Alive’ and the reigning king of Ghana Music Awards Okyeame Kwame added his brilliant and thought provoking rap to the song.

Valentine’s Day is a day for the celebration of love and it will be indeed painful not to be around to celebrate it with the one who matters most to you and later apologize for your absence. That’s exactly what the lyrics in the song says which is done in contemporary reggae tune.

The song will be release on the 1st of February alongside the video, which will be aired regularly on all the television stations in Ghana till 14th February, which also happens to be Val’s Day.

In a chit chat with Morris, real name Max Morris Twumasi, he revealed to GhanaCelebritries.com, that the song was purposely made for the celebration of the Val’s day. Okyeame Kwame told GhanaCelebrities.Com that, “Morris is going to be the biggest thing to happen and that Ghanas should watch out”.

The video has a lead character in person of Liela Yenma Liman, who was a finalist in the 2009 Miss Maliaka Ghana contest. It was shot in two places, in Dansoman and Reggie Rockstone’s Office behind Police Headquarters.

The idea of the video is simple but interesting. It depicts Morris, rich, successful and overly hardworking musician staying overnight at the studio working on his latest project. The only problem is, it is Valentine and he’s completely forgotten! Well, ignorance is bliss, until he comes home in the morning to meet an empty house; fiancée gone. He goes into shock, reminisce and.... watch out for the rest.

The full album ‘Home & Away’ will be out in the last week of March.

The video shooting include: OM Studios, One Mic Entertainment, www.GhanaCelebrities.com and www.nnwom.com

Click here to view the pictures

Miss Zenith College wins ‘Face of Tertiary’ 2009

Students of Zenith College in Accra invaded the stage and marred the presentation of the winner of the ‘Face of Tertiary 2009’ when Miss Jasmine Akortsu, a student of the mentioned institution was adjudged the ultimate winner at the grand finale of the ‘Face of Tertiary’ 2009 which took place at the International Conference Centre. She modeled her way past 17 other contestants to the coveted crown.

For her prize, she will receive a Proton car, a monthly salary of GH¢120.00 and a ticket to represent Ghana at the finals of Miss World University Pageant to be held in Seoul, South Korea in March this year. With alarming rate of child labour in Ghana, Miss Zenith College has the task of helping to eradicate child labour in Ghana.

Abigail Bofa, Miss University of Cape Coast was adjudged as the first runner up. Her prize include GH¢1,000 and a washing machine. The second runner up was Miss Augustina Damalie representing the University of Education, Winneba and she took away GH¢700 and a cooker.

Other prizes presented at the night was Miss Talent which went to the eventual winner Miss Zenith College, Miss Eloquent was won by Miss Kumasi Polytechnic and Miss Bolgatanga Polytechnic taking home Miss Personality.

The competition which was in its second edition has a theme: "The Search for the Ambassador of Anti-child Labour". Though the show commenced on a boring note with half audience, it quickly changed to an interesting one midway.

Aside modeling in designed outfit, going through questions and answers segment, the showcasing of talent drew thunderous cheers from the audience who were mostly made up of parents of the contestants and students of the various contesting institution to give morale support.

The audience intermittently cheered, jeered, clapped and laughed anytime there was a goof on the part of the contestants.

After several tasks, the number was then slashed from 18 with the following schools making the last 8: University of Education, Winneba, University of Ghana, Legon, Zenith College, Accra, Catholic University, Bolgatanga Polytechnic, Wisconsin University, University of Cape Coast and University of Development Studies.

Passing her crown, Face of Tertiary 2008 said a lot she has done since winning the competition last year and tasked the new winner to continue from where she left off.

After the show, some of the audiences were of the opinion that it was a stolen verdict and it is understandable because losers will always complain.

Performers at the Face of Tertiary grand finale were Malta Guinness Street Dance Africa Champions 2 PUFF, hip life & RnB sensation G2, Grey & Kochoko of Mobile Boys, Rough & Smooth, Macho rapper and Kazuka.

I Am Still Single – Vicky Zugah

It is believed that female stars, be it movie or music stars, attracts the best men as suitors or like the saying goes “every nice looking young lady is already taken”. But contrary to the above or what most people assume or believe in, one of the maturing actresses in the Ghana Film Industry Miss Vicky Zugah has not still found her missing ribs yet.

When asked if she is still single, Miss Zugah was quick to answer in affirmative. She revealed in an exclusive interview with GhanaCelebrities.Com, that her job as an actress has tied her down to the extent that, it is gradually affecting her chances of meeting the right suitor to settle down with.

“YES! Am still single, because my career keeps interfering with my chances of getting the right suitor”, she said disturbingly.

Knowing very well that ladies are like flowers that flourishes for certain period and fades out the next moment, she further disclosed that she’s not too sure if the men that come her way, really loves her or just want to ‘hit’ and ‘run’.

“Plus at this point am not sure what exactly these men want from me, if they truly love me or only want to have a “bite” because am on TV”.

Though, there have been some delays with her meeting the right suitor, she still wouldn’t mind acting nude, but only on one condition; if it’s worth it and sends a good message at the end of the story/movie.

For now, Miss Vicky, will keep her hands crossed with the hope of a real man approaching her but not men who wants to have a bit of her because she is a star and run off.

Her being in the movie industry was pre-ordained; she just became a star on a plate of gold, as she chooses to call it. “Let’s just say am one of the few lucky ones who had it on a plate of gold. No stress at all”.

Although, she didn’t have any intention of becoming an actress at all, consistent complements she receives from friends and close associates like “you are a star material, you have the face, you should try acting as a profession” drove her into the movie industry with “Trokosi” as her first movie, which also starred Jackie Appiah and the late Suzzy Williams.

Vicky Zugah was born on 11th October to Mr. Komla Zugah and Miss Beatrice Patu both from the Volta Region of Ghana. She is the third child of three siblings. She loves to watch movies a lot and read when she is not on set.

She desires to work with anyone above her in the movie industry in other to enable her acquire more experience in the profession. A good movie inspires her a lot and challenges her to do much better.

After hard days work, she will settle on banku with okro stew. She has these movies to her credit ‘The Bible’, ‘The Return Of Beyonce’, ‘Tears Of Womanhood’, ‘Pretty Queen’, ‘True Colours’, ‘Girls Connection’, ‘Big Girls Club’, ‘Araba Lawson’, ‘June 4th’, ‘My Dearest Princess’, ‘Cross My Heart’, ‘Total Exchange’ and many more.

Ghanacelebrities.com will publish our full exclusive interview with Vicky Zugah soon, keep popping the coin to catch up with us here…

‘GhallyGold Awards’ replaces Ghana Film Awards

New life has been breathed into the Ghana Film Industry with a launch of a new awards scheme to recognize excellence in the film industry and award them.

ITEM 3 HOUSE in partnership with the Film Producers Association of Ghana (FIPAG) launched a ‘Ghallygold Awards’ with new branding to replace the defunct ‘Ghana Film Awards’ at the Sterling Hall of the Coconut Groove Hotel in Accra.

In a brief introduction of the history Ghana Film Industry, Mr. Imoro reiterated that Ghana Film Industry being the pioneers has a long history, which we need to uphold to propel us forward. He indicated the need for the government to take a critical look at the Film Bill which has been at the parliament for close to 12 years.

The launch of the awards was observed by various players in the movie industry including the pioneers of the industry, producers, directors and actors such as Abdul Sallam Mumuni, Socrate Safo, Mr. Akwetey Kanyi, Abbeyquaye, Bob Smith Jnr. (Diabolo Man), Harry Laud. Others were Kojo Dadson, Umar De 1st, Juliet Ibrahim, Beverly Afaglo, Lucky Lawson, Vivian Ago Achoe, Ekow Smith Asante, Augustine Abbey (Idikoko), Linda Quashigah

The launch also saw the unveiling of the plaque for the awards by Rockson Adu Boahene CEO of Item 3 House, the plaque is a stature which is a figure of a performer standing on a base with five divisions, holding a sphere that has a film roll and an adinkra symbol called “Nsaa” up in his hands. The five round bases symbolize the five spokes of the film industry namely Writers, Directors, Actors, Producers and Technicians. The figure on the base is kneeling on one knee symbolizing giving honour to who it is due. The film roll symbolizes on the production of movies, whiles the sphere symbolizes on the production of movies.

The adinkra symbol ‘NSAA’. According to the “The Adinkra Dictitionary” by W. Bruce Willis, the nsaa symbol reflects a saying “nea onnim nsaa oto n’ago”, which he translates as “He who does not know the authentic Nsaa will buy the fakes”. It is a symbol of excellence, genuineness, authenticity

There would be a 9 member selection committee which would be made up of imminent people in the movie industry to screen the movies. The winners are then determined by voting in which all members are then allowed to vote. Their vote will carry 30 % and the general public carries 70%.

A question was asked as to whether Ghana Film Industry now called “GhallyGold” or still remains as Ghallywood”, which nearly ruined the launch but the CEO in his reply said earlier on his outfit and reps from the Film Producers Association of Ghana had agreed to change the name to “GhallyGold”.

As it stands out now, since there hasn’t been any award for a long time, the organizers are looking at movies produced or released from 2007 calendar to 2009 to qualify for nominations. An individual or any member of various production houses can pick a form and nominate a movie in each category.

After all the categorization, it would be put forward for the general public to vote for their favourites via a short code.

The launch was declared by Uncle Ebo Whyte, after a short but interesting speech. The categories are ‘Actor In A Leading Role’, ‘Actor In A Supporting Role’, ‘Actress In A Leading Role’, ‘Actress In A Supporting Role’, ‘Costume Design’, ‘Directing’, Documentary Feature, ‘Film Editing’, ‘Makeup’, ‘Music (Score)’, ‘Best Picture’, ‘Best Editing’, ‘Writing (Screenplay)’.

For more information on the categories and nominees, check

http://www.ghallygoldawards.com

Imagine ‘Actor In A Leading Role’ category with Majid Michel, Agya Koo and Van Vicker vying for it? What about the ‘Actress In A Leading Role’ with Jackie Appiah, Kyewaa and Yvonne Nelson?

By Ebenezer Anangfio Jnr.