Ghana's Premium Stout, Castle Milk Stout (CMS), is collaborating with Ghana's premier comedy warehouse and ace Ghanaian comedian David Oscar, to boost the growth of Ghana's fastest growing art form.

Castle Milk Stout's commitment to the growth of Ghanaian comedy started with the signing of brand ambassador/icon David Oscar, dubbed as the Self- Imposed Ghanaian Comedy Crusader as he constantly demands for the rights and respect of comedians.

David is famous for giving Ghanaian comedy prominence as he single-handedly flew budding comedians around the country on the ticket of his Corporate Comedy Series road show.

Speaking to David, he confirmed the fact that his next road show has gained a "smooth touch", as CMS  is on board to partner with him, thereby complementing his efforts in putting Ghanaian comedy on the map. This is in line with Castle Milk Stout's support for original African material.

CMS is also the first brand of its kind to support an initiative totally dedicated to Ghanaian comedy, making it a distinct example for other corporate entities.

According to David Oscar, fans should expect maximum smoothness as the Corporate Comedy Series train rolls into Cape Coast this Easter. More details soon.

Source: Emma Ugoh

Ghana’s Highlife and Afrobeat duo Gallaxy has finally cleared the airways about the rumors surrounding their Afrobeat single BokoBoko (Slowly) since it was released in January this 2014.

The rumor went viral on the social media few weeks ago that, ‘BokoBoko (slowly) was recorded in Nigeria. This was after it was alleged that they were spotted in Lagos early last year. To most people BokoBoko (Slowly) sounds more Nigerian than Ghanaian.

However Gallaxy in an interview with Andy Dosty on ‘Airtel Chart Show’  on Adom 106.3 Fm responded   that their official beat maker and sound engineer Shottoh Blinqx single handled the recording of BokoBoko(slowly) here in Ghana. ‘Shottoh Blinqx played the beat and we nailed right it on the head’.

They also continue to debunk the views that they sound Nigerian. According to Gallaxy; Afrobeat is a trend that is very dynamic in nature with a tone and style.

‘You need to fuse the various dominant African languages together with your local dialect to send your message across to the masses .Just that Nigerians  pioneered it in a way’ they added.

BokoBoko(slowly) is making waves across Africa and has become most people’s favorite song at the moment . And at Number five on Adom Fm’s ‘Airtel chart show’

Download BokoBoko(slowly) by Gallaxy via this link: http://www.hulkshare.com/ubfdubwsrzeo

Video: http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=iO68gR36kCM&hl=en&client=mv-google&guid=&gl=GH

Jamaican dancehall artiste Vybz Kartel and three co-accused have been found guilty of murder in the Home Circuit Court.

Kartel, real name Adidja Palmer, was charged along with Shawn Shawn Storm Campbell, Shane Williams, Andre St John, and Kahira Jones in the alleged death of Clive 'Lizard' Williams on August 16, 2011.

Only Williams was found not guilty. Sentencing has been set for March 27.

Earlier today Kartel supporters broke through police barricades and pushed their way to the gates of the courthouse chanting "Free Vybz Kartel!"(NB)

S.K Originale, known widely for his
collaboration with Nana Boroo on the popular Aha Yede song will officially release the video of his new single, Sugar, this Saturday.

Sugar is the fourth single off his debut album which is expected to be released later this year and is produced by Mix Master Garzy in Tema.

The song has a unique francophone style which he has come to be identified with and it is about men who, for the most part, regard their ladies as “sugar to sweeten their bitter
lives”.

Known for his proficiency in both French and English languages, Originale, frequently throws in French words and phrases on Sugar to give it the Francophone feel.

The video of the song with a beach setting will receive its first official play this Saturday, March 15, on Allo Tigo on Metro TV.

According to the Celebrations singer, the video will confirm his understanding of the role music plays in building an artiste’s brand.

“There are artistes who owe their career successes to their music videos which have become channels where music artistes are given the opportunity to impress the public not only with their vocal abilities but also with their looks and moves”.

Originale, real name; Sopko Kwaku Mawuli, is currently busy working on other songs in the studio. He has three other singles, Ca Va Aller, Celebrations and Fa Ma Me.

He described the songs as prelude to his debut album expected to be released soon.

Originale was previously known as S.K Blinks.

Songs he has featured in include Toffee (Ofori Amponsah), Atupa Jenje ( Obour), Azingele (Rough and Smooth), Onie (VIP) and Double Double (Grace Ashy) SK Originale is currently signed on Bakus Entertainment Record label which is a subsidiary of Bakus Group of Companies based in Texas, USA.

“I know that the competition is getting keener so it is important that we put out quality stuff and Sugar is the new beginning for S.K Originale,” he stated.

Source: Gifty Owusu-Amoah/Graphic
Showbiz

Popular Ghanaian actress Nadia Buari and Nollywood actor Jim Iyke showed once again that they are in sizzling romance.

The love birds were spotted on a romantic date, having a nice time with each other.

Ghana’s Highlife and Afrobeat sensation Gallaxy has for the first time interacted with the huge number of  their loyal fans across the  continent on Africa’s first synchronized radio-television show ‘Smile Time Africa’  hosted by  the versatile Smile Baba  which airs on GhOne tv  and Afro Star in Ghana, PR Television in South  Africa, Kennis Music Channel  in Nigeria.

Gallaxy set the tone for the discussion by extending their appreciation massive to their fans out there for the support since their entry into Ghana’s music industry three years ago.

They continue to add that the massive airplay and coverage their latest Afrobeat single ‘BokoBoko’ (slowly) is enjoying is a result of their hard work and a teaming support for their record label, Harbour City Recordz lead by Mr Gideon Narh.

Commenting on their style of music, Gallaxy said Afrobeat and Highlife music is their choice and feels more comfortable with the chemistry. ‘We switch between both genres when the idea comes and it works perfectly for us.’ they added.

Gallaxy outlined some of the plans ahead of them this year, It includes strengthened in their music brand and spreading their wings across the global.

Gallaxy’s last appearance before coming on Smile Time Africa was their splendid stage performance at the second edition of Ghana Dj Awards held at the Ghana National Theatre.

Download BokoBoko(slowly) by Gallaxy via this link: http://www.hulkshare.com/ubfdubwsrzeo

Video: http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=iO68gR36kCM&hl=en&client=mv-google&guid=&gl=GH

The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts is putting in place an initiative to revamp theatre in the country.

Ghana's theatre industry has taken a nose dive for some years now with several calls for it to be revamp to foster patriotism and national growth.

Theatre, some time passed, served as an important tool for education in Ghana.

"That's how I learnt about patriotism," Deputy Minister for Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Dzifa Abla Gomashie-Ahiaglo affirmed in an interview on the Super Morning Show on Joy FM Friday.

The Deputy Minister agreed that, "in recent times, we haven't done that as much as we should.

We haven't built on the foundation that was laid by our forebears."

"As a way to go, we need to use theatre to change the direction in which we are going and re-discover ourselves as Ghanaians," she said.

Dzifa Gomashie-Ahiaglo disclosed that what the ministry is seeking to do to revamp theatre in Ghana "is to encourage amateur groups and also the professional groups to start the theatre season."

The ministry, she added, is currently interacting with persons in the industry "to see how we can bring up plays that reflect what we want as a people."

The first Theatre Season is expected to start in September 2014 and it will be "replicated in the centres of national cultures across the regions," the
Minister said.

This Dzifa Gomashie-Ahiaglo noted will help revive the love for theatre, groom a new crop of theatre performers, and also use theatre to change the mindset of Ghanaians.

As a way to support the initiative, the minister said the venues will be given to the amateur groups for free and also the resident drama company of the National Theatre will serve as resource persons to the amateur drama groups.

Source: Myjoyonline.com

Check out the press statement from
HighGradeFamily asking for a review of the Ghana Music Awards :

Over the years, there have been numerous controversies surrounding Charter House/Ghana Music Awards, the constitution of the board and consequent nominations thereof towards the annual Ghana Music Awards; all past sponsors are herein acknowledged.

However, of particular interest is the seemingly growing trend of Conflict of Interest that plaques the Board and its decisions, with traces to specific individuals such as Mark Okraku Mantey and the growing aspersions in the definition of categories,who qualifies and per what standards of criteria are followed per norms as pertains in other jurisdictions with emphasis on our very own turf.

Of particular concern is as per a quote by Enoch Sarpong, a showbiz critic on facebook { Apparently Mark Okraku Mantey’s artiste KUMI GUITAR isnt a NEW ARTISTE….His FIRST VERSION of “break into two” song was released 2years ago….and was produced by SUGARTONE..}
Questions need to be asked:

1. As a private entity with due regards for the Ghanaian Laws, is Mark Okraku a manager/ afilliated to an artiste known as “Kumi Guitar” and does this constitute a conflict of interest?

2. Are the guidelines for nominations particularly “New Artiste of the year” explicitly clear to warrant an exclusion of Kofi Kinaata in same?

NB: the Number of shows performed by Kofi Kinaata, an artiste of HighGradeFamily, Interviews including on Dj Blacks Weekend shows… Airplay of his various songs et al as against the other categorized in “New Artiste of the year”

3. Per the assertion by Enoch Sarpong (verifiable) that Kumi Guitar first released/promoted a song 2 years ago constitute a wrongful categorization of the said artiste and therefore requires a review of nomination(s) given the level of public agitation?

4. Will Charter House and the VGMA Board for the first time, recall their decision, address and reannounce categories and nominations particularly those in question, for us” excluding Kofi Kinaata our Artiste from the New Artiste of the year category)?

5. Will Charter House and its allied Bodies act on Mark Okraku Mantey’s abuse of conflict of interest provisions as affecting a general body and its decisions by excusing him from any further activities; By explaining the criteria on nominations for New Artiste thereby excluding our Artiste “Kofi Kinaata”; Will all parties consider brand effect on supervising a clear case of conflict of interest(legal issue) involving Mark Okraku Mantey, member of the VGMA board, whose self glorification seems to make him a touch not in Ghana Music Industry and on what basis he does so?

We will require answers, as these will go a long way to maintain some credibility in the Annual Event that highlights the best of Ghanaian music.
The Media must help set things right.

Sgd.
Anthony Daning (Mr.)
Manager
HighGradeFamily/Samini Music

When you’re one of the most successful artists of your generation, a time comes when you need to innovate.

And just like some of his illustrious predecessors did in their heyday, Over Again hitmaker, Edem, says he’s adding a live band to his repertoire.

Drawing his inspiration from the likes of Abrantie Amakye Dede, Kojo Antwi Bessa Simons and other highlife artists that have endowed Ghana’s rich musical history, Edem reveals that this is a new step in his career and says he’s assembled a group of bandsmen he hopes will take his music to the next level .

Brimming with confidence and enthusiasm, Edem says he’s more than excited about his new project and let out a small secret that will certainly excite his fans.

“I’m also learning to play some instruments,” he says, “And I can’t wait for people to see me playing an instrument live. It might be a piano, guitar or whatever”.

Asked why he has decided to play live at this point in his career, Edem says he feels it will give his image a facelift, a new appeal and a new direction .

Barring all the difficulties associated with keeping and maintaining a live band in mind, the Nyonuviade rapper and Dzodze native plans to be more strategic with how he uses his band.

“It’s not every show that I’ll be performing live but most of the strategic shows that are live band oriented like Ghana Music Awards for example.

I feel that I can do better with live band than a lot of people because I’m the best hip-hop performer in the country, and once I roll out and I start performing live it has to continue.

I’ll try and see if I can add traditional instruments like the local drums that I’d rap over and take this to a totally new creative direction.”

Commenting on what different thing his band would bring to the music scene, he said: “Because I’m a purely hiphop artist, most of my songs are rap songs but I want to infuse hiphop with live band music and do it effectively.

“People shouldn’t think that it’s only soldiers and highlife artists that can do live band music.

With the kind of consistency my musichas achieved since my first album, people should know that this is something I’m going to do on a highly professional level.”

Edem divulged that he has named the band Volta Regime Music Group (VRMG) band and says he wants his fans and people in general to associate his band with his music brand like it pertains in other countries.

“In time, as an artist, I want to be identified with my band as pertains in other countries where some artists can be identified with their bands.

This is what the old very classic highlife artists used to do,” he told Showbiz.

The next plan, according to Edem, is to conquer Africa with his band in tow. He sees the next five years as an opportunity to grow his brand and his band to continental renown.

“Within five years, the Edem brand is supposed to be found on the African continent and by this I mean visibility in Kenya, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Nigeria, Tanzania and efforts are already being made in that direction.”

In his final words, he said he would be releasing his new album titled Books and Rhymes very soon and thanked fans and well wishers for supporting his career.

“And I have a lot of major international collaborations on my album so they should look out for it also,” he said.

Source: Graphic Showbiz

ARTISTE OF THE YEAR
Kwabena Kwabena
Sonnie Badu
Shatta Wale
Sarkodie
Samini
Guru

BEST GROUP OF THE YEAR
R2Bees
4×4
Ruff ’N’ Smooth
D2

NEW ARTISTE OF THE YEAR
Akwaboah
Joey B
Kumi Guitar

BEST RAPPER OF THE YEAR
SARKODIE- RAP ATTACK
Trigmatic – Wo Sika Nti
M.anifest – Someway Bi
EL – See Me Suffer
Guru – Let Me Love You

VODAFONE SONG OF THE YEAR
Adult Music – Kwabena Kwabena ft Samini
Odo Pa – Castro ft Baby Jet & K.Kinata
Slow Down – R2Bees ft Wizkid
Dancehall King – Shatta Wale
Metanfo – Bisa K’Dei
Tonga – Joey B ft Sarkodie
Ma Ye Se Mo Pen – Oj
Boyz Abre – Guru
Down On One – Sarkodie ft Fuse ODG
Million Pound Girl – Fuse ODG

GOSPEL SONG OF THE YEAR
Osoree Nnwom – Cecilia Marfo
Maher-Shalal-Hash-baz – Nicholas Omane Acheampong
Wonder God – Sonnie Badu
Ma Ye Se Mo Pen – OJ Nyame
Egwamaa – Joyce Blessing ft Jewel Ackah
Menwu – Patience Nyarko

HIPLIFE SONG OF THE YEAR
Boyz Abre – Guru
Down On One – Sarkodie ft Fuse ODG
Tonga – Joey B ft Sarkodie
3 Points – Gasmilla
Anadwo Ye De – 4×4

REGGAE / DANCEHALL SONG OF THE YEAR
Freaky Gal – Jupita
Pull Up – Stonebwoy
Hot Cake – Pope Skinny ft Shatta Wale
Dance Hall King – Shatta Wale
Fever – D2 ft Shatta Wale
Scatter Badmind – Samini

HIGHLIFE SONG OF THE YEAR
Adult Music – Kwabena Kwabena ft Samini
Odo Pa – Castro ft Baby Jet & K.Kinata
Love – R2Bees
Metanfo – Bisa K’Dei
Break Into 2 – Kumi Guitar

AFRO POP SONG OF THE YEAR
Latex – Edem ft Kaakie
Million Pound Girl – Fuse ODG
Dance (Neke Neke) – Tiffany
Slow Down – R2Bees ft Wizkid
Dance For Me – Ruff ’n’ Smooth
Scream – Eazzy

BEST COLLABORATION OF THE YEAR
Odo Pa – Castro ft Baby Jet & K.Kinata
Down On One – Sarkodie ft Fuse ODG
Slow Down – R2Bees ft Wizkid
Adult Music – Kwabena Kwabena ft Samini
Azonto Boyz – Guru ft Lil Win
Hot Cake – Pope Skinny ft Shatta Wale
Nyame Egwamaa – Joyce Blessing ft Jewel Ackah
Tonga – Joey B ft Sarkodie

HIP HOP SONG OF THE YEAR
See Me Suffer – EL ft Lil Shaker
Lies – Sarkodie ft Lil Shaker
Someway Bi – M.anifest
Marilyn Monroe – Dee Mooney ft Fuse ODG
Me Wo Dollar – Kwaw Kese ft EL

HIPLIFE / HIP HOP ARTISTE OF THE YEAR
Sarkodie
Eazzy
R2Bees
Guru
M.anifest
EL
Joey B

HIGHLIFE ARTISTE OF THE YEAR
Bisa K’Dei
Kwabena Kwabena
Castro

GOSPEL ARTISTE OF THE YEAR
Sonnie Badu
Nicholas Omane Acheampong
OJ
Joyce Blessing
Patience Nyarko

AFRICAN ARTISTE OF THE YEAR
Mafikizolo
P-Square
Davido
Kcee
Wizkid
Flavour

ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Sarkology – Sarkodie
Heavy Price – Joyce Blessing
Aroma Of Worship – Sonnie Badu
Thanks Giving – Bisa K’Dei
Apae – Manifest
Boyz Abre - Guru

BEST MALE VOCAL PERFORMANCE
Sonnie Badu – Wonder God
OJ – Ma Yese Mo Pen
Knii Lante – Baby Take Good Care
Kwabena Kwabena – Engya Me Ho
Castro – Oo Pa

SONG WRITER OF THE YEAR
Ma Yese Mo Pen – OJ
Wo Sika Nti – Trigmatic
Engya Me Ho – Kwabena Kwabena
Baby Take Good Care – Baby Take Care
Baba – Bisa K’Dei

PRODUCER OF THE YEAR
Kaywa
Shatta Wale
KillBeatz
Nacy
Guru
Dj Breezy
Bisa K’Dei

GOSPEL ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Heavy Price – Joyce Blessings
Aroma Of Worship – Sonnie Badu
Nokwasem – OJ
Maher—Shalal-Hash-Baz – Nicholas Omane Acheampong
Mekasa Ama Awurade – Patience Nyarko

BEST FEMALE VOCAL PERFORMANCE
Efya – Life
Joyce Blessings – Nyame Egwamaa
Mariam Afari – Ashesi Nyame
Gina West – No Power Against Me

RECORD OF THE YEAR
Trigmatic – Wo Sika Nti
Knii Lante – Baby Take Good Care
Tseataa (Josh Laryea) – Kane
Afriyie – Everlasting Love
Akwaboah – I Do Love You

OTHER CATEGORIES
Best Music Video Of The Year

Instrumentalist

Life Time Achievement

Music For Development

Traditional Artiste Of The Year

Sound Engineer MUSIGA MERIT