Monday, 3 June 2013

Gospel musicians use juju – Hannah Marfo confirms



At a time when most people are complaining about falling standards in the gospel music industry, sorcery, commonly referred to as ‘juju’ is rumoured to be used by some gospel artistes for career successes.

According to available reports in the industry, this “juju” is used to “kill” the growing career of “competitors” who serve as threats in the industry.

This issue, which received condemnation in the past, gained prominence again when gospel icon, Hannah Marfo confirmed it in an interview she granted in Accra last Sunday.

Speaking on the challenges she had encountered as a gospel artiste in the industry, Hannah lamented on how she virtually had to give up on her musical career because of the numerous problems she encountered on a daily basis.

According to the ‘Gye Gye Me’ hit maker, after the release of her hit single “Akristofo Adooso”, which pushed her to prominence in the gospel industry, she could not explain the numerous problems that besieged her on a daily basis.

She noted that it was in these trying times that a Prophetess, at whose church she had gone to perform, revealed to her that two female musicians had used other evil mediums including sorcery in an attempt to collapse her career, hence her constant struggle to make any meaningful impact in the industry.

Hannah went further to disclose that even though she rubbished those revelations by the Prophetess because she didn’t want to believe that as Christians preaching the word of God through music, some could resort to the use of sorcery to be successful, which is even against the religious beliefs, doctrines and practices of Christians.

“But seven years after that the revelation by the Prophetess, I also had a dream where God revealed to me how these two female artistes that the prophetess told me about seven years ago were undermining my progress in the industry. I immediately called the prophetess and informed her about my own revelation and she encouraged me to be more prayerful and depend on God to deliver me from all the challenges I was encountering in my career,” she told Kwabena Idan, the host of “After Church” on Adom FM.

She said even after this revelation, she was still not convinced till one gospel artiste, Cecy Twum, whose husband happens to be a Pastor, also confirmed it to her.

She was however quick to add that she didn’t bear any grudge against these artistes since she had always been prayerful and knew that God had the ultimate answer to her problems.

“At a point in time, I gave up on my musical career because I couldn’t stand all the numerous challenges; but God used my kid sister to encourage me. I remember she once told me that I am not working for man but for God so I shouldn’t let anyone hinder my talent. These words have always been my guide anytime I want to give up”.

After several attempts from the host to make Hannah mention the names of the said female artistes to which she vehemently denied, she remarked, “It is not necessary because I put my trust in God and I also pray a lot”.

This confirmation by Hannah Marfo on the use of “juju” in the industry received widespread condemnation when it made the headlines sometime ago.

But he question on the lips of many Ghanaians is: why would Gospel musicians use sorcery in their career? Are they in the industry for business or to proclaim the work of God, as most of them make us believe?

Source:Myjoyonline.com

Tiwa Savage arrives in Ghana for Sarkodie’s Ordinary Love video shoot


Bubbly Nigerian musician Tiwatope Savage known on stage as Tiwa Savage has arrived in Ghana to feature in the latest video of Ghana’s fastest rapper Sarkodie.

The video, Ordinary Love, is on Sarkodie’s third studio album, Sarkology expected to be released in August.

The Kele Kele hit singer arrived in Ghana Monday and went down straight to business.

The video, which is being directed by Gyo of Phamous Philms, will be shot on location at Laterbiokoshie, a suburb of Accra, and the shoot will run throughout Monday night.

Sammy Forson, Manager of Sarkodie, explained in an interview with Myjoyonline.com Monday that the song is centered on “a couple struggling through their relationship.”

The relationship, he added, is rocked with “continuous fights, breakups etc. Sarkodie and Tiwa Savage represent the couple who are going through that crisis. It’s a song of hope to relationships.”

According to him, Tiwa Savage did the chorus and the bridge of the song which happens to be one of Sarkodie’s most inspiring songs.

Tiwa Savage is expected to leave Ghana Tuesday.

Source:Myjoyonline.com

Preachers Grab 3 Nominations at African Gospel Music Awards

Preachers, just after winning the Most Wanted Rap Song Award in the Christian Community Music Award 2013, have been nominated in the Africa Gospel Music Awards 2013. What’s more amazing is that they have been nominated in THREE (3) categories:
1. Group of The Year
2. Afro Rap Artist of the Year
3. Video of The Year (My Days ft. Isaac Ogoe)

Preachers are the only Ghanaians in the Group of the Year and Video of the Year categories. Asking how they felt about the nominations, the young men said they are very humbled by the news and continue to give glory to God Almighty for His blessings and favor.

The Africa Gospel Music Awards founded in 2009 has been  the face and voice for the African gospel/Christian music community worldwide and is dedicated to exposing, promoting and celebrating the gospel through Africa-fusion music of all styles.

Over the years, it has been held in London (UK) and this year, it is to be held at the prestigious Great Hall of Queen Mary’s University of London on Saturday, 6th July 2013. The event will undoubtedly be a night to remember and draw huge crowds from all over the world. 

Voting Procedure (5 Steps):
1. CLICK here>> http://www.africagospelawards.com/nominations.html
2. Scroll down and CLICK the \" VOTE NOW\" BUTTON
3. FILL in your EMAIL ADDREDD
4. CHECK your MAIL INBOX  and you’ll find a mail from AGMA which has the link to vote
(Please check your junk folders if you don\'t find email in your inbox)
5. Scroll through and select PREACHERS in GROUP OF THE YEAR, AFRO RAP ARTIST OF THE YEAR and VIDEO OF THE YEAR. And Submit. (It is not compulsory to vote all categories)

Anas Aremeyaw Anas explains his threat to expose John Dumelo



Award -winning Ghanaian investigative Journalist, Anas Aremeyaw Anas has explained that his threats to expose Ghanaian actor John Dumelo is about the payment of some amount of money and not about sex nor relationship as it has been reported in sections of the media after dropping his hint/warning on facebook over a week ago.

n the Saturday edition of the  Entertainment Review on Peace 104.3 FM , Anas called in to explain to host Kwasi Aboagye off-air, the reason why he is threatening to expose the actor. After the off-air conversation, the host explained that Anas admit “the saga is neither about sex nor relationship between John and the lady in question but rather it is about some amount of money the latter is supposed to pay the lady.”

He also explained that John has talked to him [Anas] and can confirm that the former has agreed to pay all the money with about USD2,000 already paid. He however refused to explain the fact that “it is not ideal to do that [take advantage] at the expense of a three month old baby and the mum…and the Australian issue.”

Anas is noted for uncovering stories on unscrupulous act in Ghana and across the African continent through which he has amassed praise from the likes of late President John Evans Atta Mills, US President Barak Obama among others.

Source: Ameyaw Debrah

MTN Hit-Maker Season 2 Launched

MTN, the biggest telecommunications company in Ghana, is happy to announce the take-off of the second edition of the MTN Hit-Maker music talent search, a project open to up-andcoming musicians with unique styles and who can compose and perform their own music.

Introduced last year, the MTN Hit-Maker show aims at identifying, grooming and supporting young aspiring artistes to record their own music and turning them into stars.

The first season was a huge success and everyone saw the wonderful, transformed talents on television for several weeks before the final showdown at the Accra International Conference Centre where Shadrach Adjei alias Naterial beat Miriam, Chiki and Atimbilla to claim the first prize.

Miriam placed second. Naterial and her have since recorded their debut albums titled Mamle and My Testimony respectively.

The Hitmaker initiative is championed by MTN and supported by the MTN Ghana Foundation under the auspices of the Youth Empowerment Program in partnership with the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA).

This year, the contest is looking for the artiste who can Move The Nation.More than 1,500 demos were entered in last year’s contest but only 12 contestants got the opportunity to enter the Hit-Maker House to be coached by three well-respected Ghanaian musicians.

They were coached by keyboardist Bessa Simmons of Osibisa fame; international soul-jazz performer Ofie Kodjoe and acclaimed producer/recording engineer, Zapp Mallet.

Some new aspects have been introduced to this year’s MTN Hit-Maker competition. Apart from dropping their demos at MTN service centers across the country, contestants can also be part of a nationwide radio selection process.

In this process, wannabe musicians would go to selected radio stations to sing their songs. Listeners would then be entreated to call or text to vote their favorites. Finalists would be invited back to the stations to sing on their instrumentals for the public to vote again.

The regional winners would be invited to Accra to vie for a place in the final 10 against contestants selected through demo drops.The 10 selected finalists would be housed and taken through rigorous training sessions and music production processes.

At this stage, television shows would be organized for the contestants to perform their songs. Contestants with least public votes would be evicted till only four contestants remain.

A grand final showdown would be organized for the last four to perform alongside established artistes.The MTN Hit-Maker season two has a prize package of a recording and artiste management deal worth GHC100, 000.00 for the winner and GHC 50, 000.00 for the first runner-up. The third and fourth-placed winners will also receive some handsome prizes.

MTN Hit-Maker will also reward the sound engineer with the Best Beat on the show and weekly prizes for Best Performer, Best Appearance, Highest ‘Texters’ and more.

Ivan Quashigah’s Farmhouse company will produce the MTN Hit-Maker again this year.


Source: Eugene Osafo-Nkansah

TV3 Mentor 7 Launched



TV3 last Sunday, May 26 launched the seventh edition of its Mentor music reality show with 16 contestants shared into four groups: Savannah Squad, Golden Squad, West Side and East Side.

TV3 started the Mentor programme in 2006. Past participants that have moved on to establish careers for themselves in music so far include Paulette Broom, Okurasini Samuel, Adez, Erico, Isaac Showboy, Cee and Dela.

The current bunch of contestants comprises 11 young men and six ladies. Felix Bosu, Client Service and Brand Manager for TV3 promised a good show this season. He praised the judges - Mark Okraku Mantey and Dominic Ansah Asare for selecting a good field of contestants for this season.

He explained that though the contestants have been put into groups, they will perform as individuals for the 13 weeks that the show will run.

Some of the 16 contestants who have their own songs performed snatches of them before Nii of Mentor 2, Chris of Mentor 5 and K G of Mentor 3 also entertained the audience with their own stuff.

Singer/dancer Slim Busterr and highlife supremo, Gyedu Blay Ambolley also thrilled everyone at the launch with good music. Ambolley got the audience singing alongside with him for the 20 minutes that he was on stage.

Lapaz Toyota hit-maker, Guru rendered some of his known tracks before advising the contestants to take every aspect of their stay in the house seriously.

Sunday, 2 June 2013

OJ Scares Okyeame Kwame



 Song writing is paramount in the music-making process. It takes two forms: first, writing of the text and secondly, putting the text to ‘music’; this is same as singing the lyrics to melody. While some can do both, others do either.

The Referentialist and Expressionist theories of music dwell much on the importance of the message carried by a particular song, which tells us that one way or the other, the lyrics of a song add colour to it.

The tact employed in writing texts for songs is a very difficult one. You need to have nurtured that art through whichever means to be able to write lyrics that are refreshing and practical to life. The words of the song should evince emotions that would make the listeners feel they are living.

In Ghana, there are a few song writers. We have Kojo Antwi, Okyeame Kwame, Michael Oware Sakyi (OJ), Akwaboah, Asem, Kwabena Kwabena and few others. This year’s Ghana Music Awards crowned Okyeame Kwame, for the second consecutive time as Songwriter of the Year.

On TV Africa’s Rundown last week Wednesday which was hosted by Nana Kwadwo Addo, Okyeame Kwame who was happy to have won the songwriter award twice quipped:

“Yea, I have won songwriter of the year award twice and just as I was preparing to win the third one, OJ brought a full album. Now, how I am going to win?”

If you have listened to Okyeame’s ‘Woara’ featuring Raquel, there is no grain of doubt it will be nominated again in next year’s Ghana Music Awards but I think I understand his fear. OJ’s ‘Maye se Mo Pen’ which is still enjoying massive rotation on radio and TV is a close contender.

OJ is one artiste who has written songs for a lot of gospel musicians in this country and anytime he releases an album he proves to the world he is a songwriter. Listening to the song called ‘Maye Se Mo Pen,’ anyone who is fortunate to have ability to appreciate good songwriting qualities would admit that he expertly wrote that song.

Well, we are almost half way through the calendar year of the VGMA and we wait to see if Okyeame Kwame’s fear is warranted.

Credit:Kwame Dadzie

Sarkodie,Efya,Yvone Nelson and others nominated for Nigeria Entertainment Awards





Nominations for  the 2013 Nigeria Entertainment Award (NEA) have been announced  and Sarkodie, Efya, R2Bees and UK based-Fuse ODG have been nominated in the music categories. While actors Majid Michel, Yvonne Nelson, Nadia Buari, John Dumelo and Chris Attoh were nomintaed in the pan-African movie categories. 

The Nigeria Entertainment Award (NEA) was established in New York City in January, 2006. This year’s award ceremony will be held in New York on September 02.




Check out full list of nominees below:
Best Album Of The Year
Timaya Upgrade – Timaya
Obo – Davido
Ybnl – Olamide
Empire Mates State Of Mind – Eme
Son Of A Carpenter – Brymo
R&Bw – Banky W
Hottest Single Of The Year
Kukere – Iyanya
This Year – Jaywon
Kokoma – K9
Like To Party – Burna Boy
Limpopo – Kcee
Beat Of Life (Samba) – Sarz Ft Wizkid
Best New Act Of The Year
Sean Tizzle
Ketchup
Seyi Shay
Burna Boy
Ajebutter22
Dammy Krane
Gospel Artist/Group Of The Year
Frank Edwards
Onos
Monique
Funke Akinokun
Sammy Okposo
Bouqui
Best Pop/R&B Artist Of The Year
Praiz
Banky
Wizkid
Iyanya
Davido
Wande Coal
Best Rap Act Of The Year
Olamide
Jesse Jagz
Ice Prince
Vector
Phyno
Ruggedman
Music Producer Of The Year
Spellz
Masterkraft
Chopstix
Sarz
Shizzi
Fliptyce
Music Video Of The Year
Tonight – Burna Boy (Directed By Mex)
Sisi Eko – Dare Ft Flavour (Directed By Mark Hofmeyr)
Skibo- Solid Star (Directed By Clarence Peters)
Ghetto – Shank (Directed By Patrick Ellis)
Voice Of The Streets – Olamide (Directed By Mattmax)
Oliver Twist – Dbanj (Directed By Sesan)
Most Promising Male Act To Watch
Sugar Boyz
K9
Bular
Black Magic
Endia
Man
Yung L
Most Promising Female Act To Watch
Aramide
Oyinkansola
Lola Rae
Emma Nyra
Kimani
Aura
Lil Miss Miss
Niyola
Eastern African Artist Or Group Of The Year
Camp Mulla
Fally Ipupa
K’naan
Navio
Radio & Weasel
P Unit
Western African Artist Or Group Of The Year
Sakordie
Toofan
Efya
R2bees
Magic System
Viviane Candid
Southern African Artist Or Group Of The Year
Tear Gas
Aka
Zahara
The Very Best
Dama Do Bling
Zone Fam
Best International Artist
Lil’ Simz
Fuze Odg
Stylzz
Sean Csa
Tolumide
Jjc
Best Indigenous Artist/Group
Flavour
Olamide
Timaya
Jaywon
Kcee
Remenisce
Best Collabo
Tony Montana- Naeto C Ft Dbanj
Bottom Belle – Omawumi Ft Flavour
Emi Ni – Chidinma Ft Suspect & Illbliss
Ghost Mode – Phyno Ft Olamide
Baddest Boy – E.M.E
Without My Heart – Tiwa Savage Ft Don Jazzy
Best Lead Actor In Film
Oc Ukeje (Alan Poza)
Femi Jacobs (The Meeting)
Bimbo Manuel (Hereos And Zereos)
Ali Nuhu (Confusion Na Wa)
Hakeem Kazim (Last Flight To Abuja)
Mike Ezuruonye (Friendly Scorpion)
Best Lead Actress In Film
Joke Muyiwa (Ayitale)
Rita Dominic (The Meeting)
Uche Jumbo (Mrs Somebody)
Genevieve Nnaji (Dr. Bello)
Omotola Ekeinde (Last Flight To Abuja)
Mercy Johnson (Fazebook Babes)
Best Supporting Actor In Film
Ali Nuhu (Blood And Henna)
Jide Kosoko (The Meeting)
Gabriel Afolayan (Hereos & Zereos)
Jim Iyke (Last Flight To Abuja)
Oc Ukeje (Confusion Na Wa)
Alfred Atungu (Twin Sword)
Best Supporting Actress In Film
Ebbe Bassey (Dr. Bello)
Belinda Effah (Kokomma)
Tunde Aladese (Confusion Na Wa)
Nse Etim Ikpe (Kiss & Tell)
Oge Okoye (Fazebook Babes)
Tonto Dike (My Life My Damage)
Best Film Director
Charles Novia (Alan Poza)
John Uche (Bianca)
Niji Akanni (Hereos And Zereos)
Tunde Kelani (Maami)
Kenneth Gyang (Confusion Na Wah)
Ifeanyi Ogbonna (Fazebook Babes)
Best Picture (Film Producer)
Confusion Na Wah
Last Flight To Abuja (Obi Emelonye)
The Meeting (Rita Dominic)
Hereos And Zereos
The Twin Sword
Alan Poza
Best Tv Show
Jara
Moments W/Mo
Project Fame
Sunrise Daily – Channels Tv
Idol
Big Brother Africa
Pan African Actor
Chris Attoh (Single & Married)
Frank Arthus (Heart Of A Wife)
Majid Michel (The Grooms Bride)
Thomas Gumede (Otelo Burning)
David Mapane (Taxi Cop)
John Dumelo (Letters To My Mother)
Pan African Actress
Yvonne Okoro (The Contract)
Nadia Buari (Single & Married)
Yvonne Nelson (Single & Married)
Mbufung Seikeh (Ninah’s Dowry)
Matshepo Maleme (A Million Colours)
Nolwazi Shange (Otelo Burning)
World Dj
Dj Xclusive (Lga)
Dj Tunez (Nyc)
Dj Sose (Lga)
Dj Ttb (Abj)
Dj Spinall (Lga)
Dj Bayo (Uk)
Best Comedian
Senator
Bovi
Basket Mouth
Emeka Smith
Seyi Law
I Go Die
Entertainment Promoter
Shekpe Knights
Big A
Bigmoose Ent
Stronghold Ent
Coko Bar
Empire Entertainment
Radio On Air/Tv Personality
Yaw – Wazobia
Freeze – Coolfm
Tolu – Nigeria Info
Ajebo – Naija Fm
Gbemi – Beatfm
Toke Makinde – Rhythm Fm
Tv Personality
Denrele
Adams
Labi Layori
Dolapo Oni
Uti Nwachukwu
Yvonne “Vixen” Ekwere
Entertainment Blog
Notjustok
360nobs
Linda Ikeji
Bellanaija
Ndani Tv
Factory78
Entertainment Executive
Gaga (Ysg Ent)
Ibaka Tv
Tony Nwakolor (1805)
Ubi Franklin (Made Men Music)
Jason Njoku (Irokotv)
Eric Idiahi (Spinlet)
Best International Actors
Gbenga Akinnagbe
Dayo Okeniyi
Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje
Emmanuel Akintunde
Nonso Anozie
David Oyelowo
Best International Actress
Megalyn Echikunwoke
Ashley Madekwe
Caroline Chikezie
Hope Olaide Wilson
Adepero Oduye
Judi Shekoni


 

Friday, 31 May 2013

MUSIGA To Present 'Artiste of the year' Car To R2Bees



The Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) is to officially present the brand new MG Rover Car to R2Bees who won the ‘Artiste of the Year’ category at the just-ended Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMAs).
The Union will present the car to R2Bees, winners of the topmost award, in an official ceremony in Accra which is likely to coincide with the presentation of the cash prizes for the award winners, according to a source close to MUSIGA.

On the eve of the awards ceremony, there was widespread news that the Union was donating a brand new car to the Artiste of the Year which is the topmost category of the awards .

The car was then showcased at the premises of the Accra International Conference Centre on the night of the awards.



The source says MUSIGA acquired the car through sponsorship from Midland Savings and Loans Ltd and Fairlop International Ltd adding that the Union intends to replicate this gesture as an annual feature of the VGMAs.

The car prize is an addition to the GH¢10, 000 prize money donated by Vodafone for the winner of the ‘Artiste of the Year’ category.

Actor Van Vicker Spotted At Miss Ghana Audition As A Judge



The auditions for Miss Ghana 2013 have started with several beautiful young ladies thronging the Express Hotel in Accra for a shot at the coveted crown.

Sitting in as a judge on Day 1 was actor and radio host, Van Vicker. Sources say Van was cool judge who didn't put too much pressure on the girls.

Other judges on the day were Steven Adusei – Professional Photographer, Shika Obeng – Cosmetologist and former Miss Ghana winner,Inna Marayam Patty – CEO, Exclusive Events Ghana.