…(Squeeze tight) P3ch3m, p3ch3m! I know you love it p3ch3m,
wey I dey feel the p3ch3m mmm mp3ch3m mp3ch3m,

(It’s opened 2x)T3sem t3sem omo fru bra na ma t3semu (You should climb up; I've opened it) 

so me mu ma me nkeka mu mmmm nkekamu nkekamu, (Hold me to scream)
I go wine and go down ey, feeling this song ey

…Go down and watch mi waist shaking that thing you want to taste
No no no no no no no way shuluwa p3ch3m (Agyei, squeeze tight) mmmhmm all day
Stay calm and watch mi waist, shaking that thing you want to taste…

The above italized words are lyrics of a song by Asantewaa of the Breeze group on Vodafone Icons’ Divas Edition titled, ‘P3ch3m’ (a Fante word which means squeeze tight) which was released barely a day ago.
Produced by Danny Beatz, ‘P3ch3m’ is recorded on an African Contemporary/ Afro-Pop rhythm and it sounds nothing like the usual songs including ‘Konko’, ‘Chinin Chiga’ and ‘Me bowo tuo’ the songstress has released .

Displaying versatility on the just-released song; I think that she can do better without going all profane in probably her next songs although profanity is not new to the music world.

Following the generation’s interest in such music kind; the profanity level in the Ghanaian music industry seems to be rather rising, yet since it is the trending course in recent times; the youth thrill and hail to such songs containing profane and vulgar content.

Profanity indeed is nothing new to music enthusiasts when reference are made to the reigning times of Highlife music through to our current generation; and Ace Highlifer, AB Crentsil’s ‘Moses’ cannot be out of the records likewise, Kwabena Kwabena’s ‘Adult music’ which featured Samini.

Deep thoughts into the lyrics of the biblical-based song, ‘Moses’ revealed a clear sense of profanity yet took over the airwaves likewise ‘Adult music’, which took over the airwaves in a grand style; and now Asantewaa’s ‘P3ch3m’.

Kindly share your thoughts on the song below; https://soundcloud.com/asantewaa233/asantewaa-p3ch3m-prod-by-danny-beatz
By: Ama Larbie

With God having his very own plans for every human; Ghanaian-based Nigerian Comedienne, Jacinta has indicated that although shoe could have been a banker or worked with a corporate establishment, the Lord proclaimed unto her life, “My daughter, I have made you a professional f**l."

According to her, the Lord’s plan for her is way bigger than what she wishes stating, “I don’t know what would have become of me if I had forced my way into becoming the banker or that corporate worker but for His will, here I am enjoying myself.”

“And also, adding more lifespan to people I come into contact with be it during Comedy shows and my everyday life and that is one major reason I look forward to a better and outstanding #GhComedy this year ,” she added.

Apparently a religious person, Jacinta noted that her Comedy life started in church in 2009 which was for mere fun, but “I began to see it as a career as I grew older and exposed more of my comic side wherever I find myself; and that was when I realized making people laugh is the greatest gift one can give to mankind.”

Upon realization, according to her, she started doing a lot more research and getting close to people who were blazing the trail in Nigeria but came to Ghana to pursue both educational and comic career in 2012.

“I was much-determined to carve a niche for myself, not just as a comedienne but also an entertainer; even though I didn't meet an equally buzzing comedy industry in Ghana,” she declared.

With just few women in this male-dominated field, Jacinta indicated, “I don't find the men competitive because everyone is unique in their own different ways as in this field as well as other careers, skill is everything so if a man or woman can do it why not.”

“It’s an equal given,” adding, “my biggest challenge rather is making the average Ghanaian to laugh as sometimes you see the laughter on their faces but they just don't want you to hear it yet I desire to make people happy.”

Born Jacinta Ocansey, she aspires to becoming a world-recognized comedienne and entertainer in few years to come.

Appreciating, “I am grateful to the entire #GhComedy crew, James Brown, David Oscar, DKB, Foster, Khemikals, Ajeezay, and everybody who has made it an effort to support #GhComedy.”

She encouraged Ghanaians to endeavour to attend ABBA Investments’ 2015 F14 Concert which she has been billed to perform along with Amakye Dede, R2Bees, Criss Waddle, DKB, Abenkwaen, Nana Quame, a few to mention at the Accra International Conference on February 14.

Story: Ama Larbie

Participating in Vodafone Icons’ Divas Edition with the 3-member group, Breeze, Asantewaa believes a good album should have a touch of most genres.

According to her, “the kind of music people listen depends on their mood and basically, that is I have always seeked to satisfy their soul with my music.”

Although she is more of the Soul music genre; Asantewaa does not sideline other music genres, but rather displays her versatility especially on Afro-pop/Dancehall rhythms.

With the strong passion for music, she released 2-singles titled ‘Konko’ and ‘Chinin Chiga’ produced by Sammie Blacc and J-Bux respectively last year.

The song ‘Konko’ focuses on a heart break experience and has being on the digital radio stations since its release. As at January 3, 2015, ‘Konko’ was number 8 on the Top 50 R&B Digital Radio Tracker Chart and number 15 on Independent Chart.

‘Chinin Chiga’ video has also earned massive air play on TV stations like 4Syte, UTV, GHOne, Adom TV and Cine Afrik.

She has performed on couple of shows in Ghana and beyond including the Urban 233 Tour; Glitz Africa Fashion Week (August 2012), Miss Earth (2012) and several others.

Born Anita Siaw Bamfo, she won the hearts of the judges during the Divas Edition of Vodafone Icons, and was called out of her group which was evicted to perform with Stephanie Benson at the Finals.

After which she debuted ‘Mebo Mehu Tuo’.

Listen to Asantewaa’s ‘Konko’ and ‘Chinin Chiga’ below;

Konko:

https://soundcloud.com/asantewaa233/asantewaa-konko-prod-by-sammie-blacc-new

Chinin Chiga:

https://soundcloud.com/asantewaa233/asantewaa-chinin-chiga-prod-by-jbux

Source: AmaLarbieAfrica.com

Koo Ntakra has finally voiced out his stance on the ongoing wrangles as to who has been the best rapper from the Akuapem range, stating he is the Best thing that has ever happened to that style of music in Ghana.

The 2013 MTN season 2 winner has made it clear in a report emerging from Koforidua where he started his music, to have been the Best thing that has ever happened to the style of rap with the Akuapem language. The report carried out by iPromoGH, talks about the young artiste stating why he is considered the Best out of the lot of the Akuapem rappers in Ghana.

According to the young rapper, Akuapem rap in Ghana, has not seen a lot of stars rise to prominence ever since Pope Skinny first used the language in his introductory stage, but since winning the MTN Hitmaker, within a year  I released my first studio album, which featured not only Ghanaian artistes but went on to do an international collaboration with WondaBoy of Nigeria, not only that, within the same period i have had the opportunity to perform alongside the best artistes not only from Ghana, but on the continent as well, including our very own Sarkodie who has won several international awards, and is highly regarded by many, Samini, Shatta Wale, Edem, DBlack, WizBoy, Davido who is the current winner of BET Awards Best Africa Art, as well as legendary  AB Crentsil among many others.

The rapper went on, stating that, he has given the younger ones on the mountains of Akuapem and the entire Koforidua who do street rap battle the edge and inspiration that they can also go on to becoming the future stars of their trade with their own rap style. ‘I have used all available channels and through my music to project the Akuapem language, it traditions and history, just within one year of doing commercial music, and I think no one has been able to do what I have done thus far’, he added.

Koo Ntakra is notably known for his story telling, poetic rap lyrics in his music with his deep Akuapem ascent that marvelled a lot including the judges at his time on the MTN Hitmaker reality show for which ultimately won him the prize.

The Powase Music Group artiste in November 2014 released his first studio album titled ‘Akuaba’ (Priceless), also released an official video with Yaa Pono for his ‘Move Back’ sond and has hinted of working on a new mixtape album to be released later this year to be titled ‘My Story’.

Fans can now get his ‘Akuaba’ album online via iTunes, and also get exclusive previews and sneak peeks of his activities via Youtube on;
www.Youtube.com/koontakra
www.soundcloud.com/koo-ntakra
www.facebook.com/koontakra

On the 31st of January 2015, Beat Phreaks are bringing an all-female lineup of DJs to The Republic. Female DJs are undoubtedly on the rise and #TheTakeover is an acknowledgement of that fact.

#TheTakeover is a journey to unearth the best in female talent in an industry that's mostly male dominated. This Saturday, DJ Ella from Nigeria, DJ Nyce, Mz Orstin and DJ Keyzzz will be bringing you some dope music from all across the globe.

#TheTakeover is slated to be a monthly event. Expect a crazy line-up of females at the Republic Bar and Grill in Osu every last Saturday of the month from 9pm till late. Organizers expect to expand the line-up to include emcees in later editions of the event.

If you are as excited as we are about women turning the tables, you should not miss this. #TheTakeover is more than music, it's a statement! Entry is FREE!

Ghanaian highlife and Afrobeat music group, Gallaxy has released visuals to their much-anticipated song, 'Holla At Me'.

The video, directed by award-winning video director,Ebenezer Xbills of Xpress Philms is characterized by quality pictures and outstanding African costumes.

According to the group, the concept and use of African prints in the video is to promote the patronage of locally made products.

They urged Ghanaian artistes to embrace the use of locally produced prints and costumes to sustain the
local textile industry which is currently suffering from the huge importation of cheap and inferior prints.

Gallaxy noted that considering the huge influence musicians and celebrities have on society and their fans, the war on imported textiles can be won if “we all come on board and patronize our own.”

Gallaxy - Holla at me (official video) -  https://t.co/olvRGiCk43

Come Saturday 21 of next month,the Accra International Conference Centre will play sound-wall to high-profile DJs including 1995 DMC Technics UK Mixing Champion DJ Kofi and Rothmans Best DJ in West Africa 2001 and two-time overall Best DJ of the Year at Ghana DJ Awards,DJ Black,amongst other fantastic DJs.

Ghana DJ Awards shapes to be exciting as this is the first time fans of DJ Kofi would see him on the turntables performing in Ghana since 2007. It’s also resounding to see DJ Black perform at the Awards show for the first time.

This year - the biggest in the history of the awards,under the theme AMPLIFIED, organizers,Merqury Republic,in a quest to include all facets of the Disc Jockeying,have revealed plans for a spectacular DJ showdown and a typical Night Club setting at the Foyer of the Accra International Conference Centre on February 21.

The highly anticipated event which has received positive reviews on radio and trending on social media will see some of the country's top celebrities,music acts and iconic Disc Jockeys.

DJ KOFI

Kofi’s DJ career really too off in 1995 when he was crowned DMC Technics UK Mixing Champion and an international DJ star was born. Kofi recalls ‘literally the next day after the UK final my phone was ringing off the hook with all sorts of job offers from production to Djing’.

After doing guest spots on Radio 1 and Kiss FM Kofi finally found a home in radio on Choice FM where he held down a prime time Mixshow (12pm - 1pm). It became one of London’s most popular mixshows from 1995 to 2002. At the turn of the Millennium Kofi revisited a style of DJing that he started doing first in 1991,what is now know as the mash up. In 2000 he released mixalbum “Its been a long time” which became a blueprint for the style.

After being asked by Sony Music to do a mix for the late Michael Jackson’s “Invincible” European album launch and seeing the finished product come back as an audio visual mix. Kofi’s mind was open to the endless possibilities of AV mixing.

Some years later Kofi added AV to his live show repertoire. Over the last 10 years Kofi’s turntable wizardry and innovative selections have taken him to over 43 countries. Residencies in Russia,Greece,Switzerland and Bungalow 8 in the UK have brought audiences, fans and friends to his global music and energetic sets.

The sole DJ at the first MTV Africa awards Kofi is a favourite among crowds and known as the entertainer’s entertainer. Rocking parties such as Coldplay’s ‘end of world tour party’ at Wembley Arena,Blur’s Hyde Park comeback concert after party,Jay Z after party and the Williams sisters Wimbledon championship parties the diversity of the gigs as eclectic as the music and visuals.

Dark Suburb, Ghana’s only Alternative Rock Band, is performing at the
Awakening Concert scheduled for Saturday 7th of February at Alliance
Francaise. The concert will feature Noella Wiyaala, afro Soul singer Eli among several others.

Dark Suburb is an Alternative Rock Band caught between the worlds of the seen and the unseen; the living and the dead.

They have been invoked back to life by a priest disenchanted with the current state of the music industry.

So he travels to the underworld to
recruit the best singer, drummer, guitarist and pianist to form a great band for the ages. But alas! Before the band can make a transition to the land of the living, they must be accepted by the living. The more they are loved,
the more they will be revealed.

They draw their breath, their form, their strength from the vitality of the living. And so for now Dark Suburb is an apparition, their music echoing from
the shadows. The more they are loved, the more they will be revealed.

Dark Suburb is barely a year old but it has already garnered a good following and generated a large amount of curiosity among music lovers in and out of Ghana, all wanting to know more about this mysterious band.


With a 5 track EP and 3 music videos racking in thousands of views, Ghana’s alternative rock band, Dark Suburb, is finally ready to step out with several concerts this year starting with The Awakening Concert.

The event will commence at 6pm and the audience will have the opportunity to purchase Dark Suburbs EP and merchandise.

DATE:30th January,2015
VENUE:Alliance Francaise - Accra Alliance Francaise d’Accra (La Paillote Takpekpe stage), Behind Opeibea House, Liberation Link, Airport Residential Area|TIME:8pm |RATE:15GH

King Ayisoba is encouraging Ghanaians to purchase batakiri through the “Batakari Night” concert with artistes such as Wanlov, Yaa Pono, Agongo, Stevo, BOLA, Asaanaho, shake bongo, Prince Buj and keyboardist Opoku Mensah and his band. 

King Ayisoba, an award winning artiste renowned worldwide, has made great waves with his kologo sounds since he was discovered in the Ghanaian music scene in 2005.

He is currently on a campaign trail for more people to patronize batakari from northern Ghana with a show dubbed “Batakari Night”. Also referred to as
fugu, batakari is made of hand loomed strips of cotton. The strips are sewn together by hand of machine and usually have embroidery on the neckline.
Making of batakari has created employment opportunities for many people in the north.

King Ayisoba’s style of music is melodic and percussive at the same time and he has displayed diversity and innovation by using traditional instruments together with hiplife (a style that emerged in Ghana in the mid-90s and contains hip hop and dancehall elements) beats, bleeps and bass.

His lyrics are very personal, sometimes funny, often urgent and always imaginative

DATE: Wednesday 28th January,2015 |TIME:7:30pm
VENUE:Alliance Francaise - Accra Alliance Francaise d’Accra
(La Paillote Takpekpe stage), Behind Opeibea House, Liberation Link,
Airport Residential Area.


The Write Experience is a package of seamless stirring poetry and graffiti
aside an intimate jazz trio thrill by saxophonist and composer, David Bindman; percussionist and pianist royal hartigan and bassist Wes Brown.

They’ve performed, given workshops, and recorded throughout Asia, Africa, Europe, West Asia, and the Americas in a bigger renowned group called the Blood Drum Spirit Ensemble. (www.royalhart.com | www.blooddrumspirit.com)

The event is produced by Inkfluent and powered by Alliance Francaise d’Accra (La Paillote Takpekpe), directed by kwame Write and focuses on environmentalism awareness. 

Graffiti artists Trez & Baby and
poets Efy & Julio Teko from Togo will join Ghana’s Apiorkor & Akosua Hanson, Duafe & AndyonAndy, Ozionn, kwame Write & Namoji, Slim 1 & Wolali for captivating collaborative performances.

There’ll also be live reggae folk
music by Ras Bomba as former Artist-in-Residence at Vienna’s Kunsthalle Exnergasse and afrogallonist Attukwei flaunts some engaging plastic art installations. Be there!