Pope Skinny's 'Hot Cake' tops chart on BBC 1 Xtra

Pope Skinny  is finally number one on the popular Africa show BBC 1xtra.

The Asuoden Music rapper who on Saturday gave a tremendous performance at the Ghana DJ Awards night has expressed his excitements in a tweet on Monday saying “Bigupz to All #AsuodenMusic fans who No Dey Hear and #SM4LYF. We’ve gone global with #HOTCAKE. We are now number 1. Thanks to Hype Lyrics for the beat”.

“The entire team is really excited about it and it tells where the rapper is taking GH music.

The collaboration was good and Hype Lyrics also did hid very best on the beat.

We proud of Pope and we hope the success of this particular single reflects in the coming Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA)”, PR Assistant Reagan OdeiOfosuOsarfo stated.

Most of the songs that have made it to the number 1 spot have gone on to be play listed. Could Pope Skinny be the first Ghanaian based artist to be play listed on 1xtra?

“The track is one of the hottest tracks and every DJ loves it” DJ Edu commented.

www.viasat1.com.gh

Nicki Minaj, Lil Wayne and Tyga Come Together on ‘Senile’

The upcoming Young Money compilation album , Rise of an Empire , already boasts two hit singles, with Drake ‘s “Trophies” and most recently, Nicki Minaj ‘s controversy-baiting “ Lookin’ A** N****s, ” generating headlines and airplay.

Now, label boss Lil Wayne has teamed up with Nicki Minaj and Tyga for the latest single from the compilation, “Senile,” which can be heard below.

It’s a dark, minimal track that emphasizes lyrical dexterity of the rap triumvirate trading verses on the microphone.

Fans can hear all twelve new tracks from the Young Money stable when Rise of an Empire hits retailers on March 11.

Among the new songs is a new solo tune from Lil Wanye, entitled “Moment.”

Eminem and Rihanna to Unite for ‘The Monster Tour’

Legendary Detroit rapper Eminem has announced that he’ll embark on a three-city U.S. tour with none other than pop superstar, Rihanna .

The huge news comes from the latest issue of XXL , which features Eminem on the cover alongside Dr. Dre and Interscope Records head honcho Jimmy Iovine with a story based around the recently launched Beats Music streaming services.

Eminem also took to his Twitter account to spread the word regarding the Monster Tour with Rihanna, which he revealed would happen this August in New York, Detroit and Los Angeles.

No dates or venues have yet to be announced.

Rihanna and Eminem have had a very fruitful working relationship over the years.

They teamed up on 2010 single “Love the Way You Lie” (from Em’s Recovery full-length from the same year) which went on to be a massive success, topping the Billboard Hot 100 for seven weeks and garnering a slew of Grammy nominations.

They came together again for “The Monster,” a joint single from Eminem’s most recent album, The Marshall Mathers LP 2.

Like “Love the Way You Lie,” it went to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Chris Brown Sets Release Date for “X” Album

Chris Brown has finally announced a release date for his long-awaited sixth album, X.

“X is by far my best album yet…,” tweeted Breezy, revealing the follow-up to 2012′s Fortune will arrive on May 5, which coincides with Brown’s 25th birthday.

Chris also shared what may be the album’s official artwork, which sees him exhaling smoke with a red X superimposed on the image.

X will include contributions from Kendrick Lamar, Brandy, Kelly Rowland, Wiz Khalifa, and B.o.B. as well as production credits for Timbaland, Diplo, Polow Da Don, Danja, Pharrell, and Drumma Boy.

In other news, Brown was spotted over the weekend at California’ Universal City Walk, shooting the video for his latest single, “Loyal” featuring Lil Wayne,French Montana, and Too $hort.

Arketek Music endorses DJ Champagne Ghana #FomaPartyRiddim mixtape .

Ghana’s award-winning international jock, DJ Champagne is set to drop the official Ghana mixtape of the “Foam Party Riddim” produced by Arketek Music, Jamaica.

The mixtape includes over 24 Ghana artistes who have worked joints on the product, respectively. The mixtape is due for an official release on Friday, February 21, 2014.

This riddim mixtape project is the first of its kind to be ever done, OFFICIALLY, by any Ghanaian jockey.

Already endorsed by Dale Johnson (CEO of Arketek Music Productions, Jamaica/New York), there is high anticipation among Ghana dancehall fanatics as well as the international community who loves Dancehall music.

“As we are all aware now, Dancehall has come of age and is the biggest genre in Ghana right now, unquestionably.

As an international DJ, I have played at several places and my routine plays on radio has had a heavy but positive influence to me to involve more of my time and space to the Dancehall community, especially the talents from Ghana.

With my huge following and repertoire, I find it worthwhile to also assist in promoting the genre hence I went ahead and had discussions with the producer of the riddim, Arketek Music, who was highly elated about us doing an official mixtape for the FOAM PARTY RIDDIM to help boost the euphoria the riddim has brought to the music community.

His initial production which was the official release had about 10 artistes on it from Jamaica.

But all of a sudden the riddim became a household material in Ghana when I came out as the first on air personality to start promoting it; it caught the attention of our talented acts here in Ghana too and they jumped on it with some even shooting music videos for it – the likes of Episode and Stonebwoy who have shot videos for their joints on the Foam Party Riddim is enough evidence of how viable the riddim is.

I know there are other DJs and presenters who are particularly inclined to the genre here in Ghana but I just deem it laudable to add my quota to it as well to keep the vibe aglow.

Hopefully we are all set to drop the official Ghana mixtape this Friday, February 21.

If over 24 artistes in Ghana alone valued the riddim and run joints on it, that should tell you how far dancehall has reached and it is my hope and wish that this would open more doors for more acts to start working hard on more joints to fine-tune their lyrics and act.

And this project would be a continuous task I would be doing henceforth.

Arketek Music himself was very elated about the project and even looks forward to the official release which he has endorsed,” DJ Champagne corroborates.

DJ Champagne is an on air jock who plays for the biggest music station in Ghana – Yfm 107.9 - he has hosted several international jock stages including plays on Big Brother Africa show in South Africa.

He has won the “Radio DJ of the Year 2012” at the Radio & TV Personality Awards (RTP Awards).

The FOAM PARTY RIDDIM was initially produced by Arketek Music and had Jamaican acts like Busy Signal, Beenie Man, Mr G, RDX, and others riding on it in September 2013.

You can follow on twitter @Dj_Champagne @Arketek_Musik @ElormBeenie @Ghamaicans for more updates on this project.

Stereo6 Music Ghana Launches Audio Production Talent Impact Month.

APTI stands for Audio Production Talent Impact - an initiative by Duke Debrah and Aaron D. A. Aberimah, co - CEOs of Stereo6 Music record label company, to bring together sound engineers, aspiring sound engineers, artistes and basically, music lovers who would like to know a little more than how to increase the volume of music with buttons on their iPods to how it is actually made.

The main goal of this initiative is to create a platform for easy and effective exchange of talent ideas, music techniques and experiences in the music industry.

From beat creation to sound recording, mixing to mastering, participants of APTI get to watch, learn and work along with the masters in the music industry as they work on real projects for one month.

April. of 2014 is set to be the first ever APTI Month and is to be hosted at Glakos Studios on the Spintex Road, Accra by Co - Founders Aaron A.D. Aberimah (popularly known as Dugudbeatz) and Duke Debrah who are Sound Engineers by Profession having Produced and worked with many well known local and international artistes.

It is also rumoured that this year's APTI month is going to feature a number of surprise Music Producers and Artistes.

The debut of the APTI Month is anticipated to be a special and intensive project and as such, admissions are very limited and so interested participants are advised to apply as early as possible to guarantee a seat with the music gurus come this april.

For more information, you can visit their their Facebook page
- www.facebook.com/stereo6music

The latest:The late Joy Fm/BBC Broadcaster Komla Dumor

The three-day funeral rites of Komla Dumor, BBC senior broadcast journalist and former presenter of Joy FM’s Super Morning Show, begin today.

The ceremony begins this morning with a solemn requiem mass.

That will be followed by public viewing of the body which will enable many people, particularly the youth, to pay their last respects to him.

A liturgical service will be held at the Forecourt of the State House on Saturday, February 22, 2014, followed by a private family burial.

The curtains will be drawn on the funeral rites with a thanksgiving service at the Holy Spirit Cathedral, on Sunday, February 23, 2014.

Shakira Says Rihanna Is ‘Just Like the Girl Next Door’

Shakira has been making waves again. Her collaboration with Rihanna on her single “Can’t Remember to Forget You” has generated a lot of interest — especially the music video — for it’s clothing (or lack thereof) and the titillating relationship between this unexpected duo..

Shakira talked to Carson Daly on 97.1 AMP in Los Angeles (a Radio.com station) about the experience.

And while anyone who follows Rihanna on Instagram knows she keeps it really real, the last thing anyone expected to hear about here was the first thing out of Shakira’s mouth.

“She’s just like the girl next door and she is really, I think, the sexiest woman I’ve seen,” Shakira said.

“Hands down, because I can be sexy, but you have to give me a countdown. Like, ‘Shakira, be sexy. 3, 2, 1. Go!’ You know? But she’s sexy all the time… She’s so cool and mellow….Also, so down to earth.

That’s nice, to work with someone, because it is intimidating to working with a diva, you know, someone who is so, so successful. You never know how they’re going to be.”

It’s probably the first and last time anyone will refer to Rihanna as “the girl next door” but we get the jist.

Shakira admitted she had to ask her husband for permission before she shot the risqué video and joked that she won’t be able to shoot any more videos with men so now we can expect all of her love scenes to be sapphic.

Shakira also addresses her return to The Voice , her history as a rock chick and writing a Nashville song that she got Blake Shelton to duet with her on for her new album.

How Google Blew Its Chance To Buy WhatsApp

Page was willing to pay more than the
$19 billion Facebook paid for WhatsApp, according to a new report from Amir Efrati and Jessica Lessin at The Information .

But WhatsApp's founders turned down
Google because they believed the only
reason Page was bidding on WhatsApp
was to keep it out of Facebook's hands.

Efrati and Lessin say that days before WhatsApp closed its deal with Facebook, Page made a pitch: Come to Google. You'll be able to keep the company independent. You're a threat to Facebook.

That pitch wasn't good enough. WhatsApp decided to go with Facebook.

When Page heard that WhatsApp wasn't interested, he started talking to WhatsApp investor Sequoia.

He made it clear that he would outbid Facebook.
It was all for naught. The WhatsApp guys went to Facebook.

They thought that
Facebook had a better grasp on what they were doing.

And, apparently, they felt
Page was only interested in WhatsApp as a way to hurt Facebook.

For what it's worth, a source at Google told Efrati and Lessin that WhatsApp
misunderstood Page.

Page was merely
encouraging WhatsApp to remain
independent.

Google Wanted To Buy WhatsApp For $10 Billion

When Facebook announced that it was
buying WhatsApp for $19 billion , the first reaction from most people was shock.

After they picked up their jaws from the ground, and digested the acquisition,

eventually they started to wonder why Google didn't buy WhatsApp. After all, Larry Page likes to think big, and there was gossip of Google's interest in WhatsApp a year ago.

Well, it turns out Google did want to buy WhatsApp, it just failed.

Amir Efrati at The Information reports :

"More than six months ago, Google
approached WhatsApp with an odd
offer: It would pay the mobile
messaging startup in exchange for
the right to be notified if the
messaging app entered into
acquisition talks with other
companies, according to a person
involved in the process and two
people briefed on it."

The highly unusual right-to-know offer was worth millions of dollars. WhatsApp rejected that deal.

Efrati says this idea comes from Google's head of M&A, Don Harrison.

After Google got beat in the Instagram sale, it wanted to figure out a way to get an inside edge on acquisitions.

So, he concocted a plan to buy shares of a company in exchange for a heads up on sales. Jessi Hempel at Fortune has more details.

She says Google offered $10 billion for WhatsApp .

And it didn't offer a board seat to WhatsApp's CEO. Obviously, this was a no-brainer for
WhatsApp.

Facebook made an offer that was twice as big, and it moved in a much more decisive way.

50 Cent Leaves Interscope Records

After 12 years on Shady/Aftermath/Interscope Records 50 Cent has parted ways with his label home in lieu of a distribution deal with Caroline/Capitol/UMG, the rap mogul announced Thursday (Feb. 20).

As it stands, 50 is technically a free agent.

A new label agreement means he and G-Unit are no longer tied to Eminem's and Dr. Dre's Shady/ Aftermath imprints, but there are no hard feelings between the parties.

"I have had great success to date with Shady/Aftermath/Interscope and I'd like to thank Eminem and Dr. Dre for giving me an incredible opportunity," 50 said in a statement to the Associated Press.

"I've learned so much from them through the years. I am excited to enter this new era where I can carry out my creative vision."

Em added some words of his own, stating that he is "grateful to have had a chance to play a part in 50's career," and credited the Queens MC with helping grow Shady Records.

"Shady simply would not be what it is without 50 Cent," noted Em.

"I've developed a great friendship with 50 over the years, and that's not going to change. We know 50 will have success in his new situation, and we remain supporters of both him and G-Unit."

50 has sold more than 30 million records on Interscope.

His departure comes after years of very public disagreements with the label, which is home to a host of other rappers including Kendrick Lamar , Game , Chief Keef and French Montana.

In Dec. 2011, 50 threatened to leave the label for delaying his fifth album.

"Ok I tried to be cool with my record company," he tweeted.

"I went to the meeting talk to everyone and s-feels like there [sic] moving in slow motion…I'm sorry to announce I will not be releasing a new album this year if we don't get on the same page."

Though the album never came out, 50's latest business venture will include a digital promotional push for his debut release on Caroline/Capitol/ UMG, Animal Ambition .

The project goes up for pre-order March 18, and will be marketed with weekly videos leading up to the drop date.

Ghana Entertainment Awards Rescheduled to March.

Charterhouse, organizers of the prestigious Vodafone Ghana Music Awards and event giant in Ghana, is hitting Ghana again with another uniquely prestigious awards Scheme dubbed: Ghana Entertainment Awards .

Although earlier reports indicated the event was supposed to be launched at the plush, Villa Monticello on Saturday Night, February 22, 2014 at 7pm, George Quaye disclosed the event has been rescheduled to March.

Signing out of The Pundit show on Tuesday February 18, George disclosed a final date has not been set and official communication would be made available as soon as they deemed it necessary.

The scheme seeks to award all sectors of Ghana’s Arts and Entertainment Industry.

This is perceived by professionals in the industry as a step in the right direction considering its diverse scope.

The Ghana Entertainment Awards is an award scheme designed to award people in all the different sectors of the creative arts industry and shall reward excellence in music, movies, radio, TV, fashion, Arts writing, events, sports and many more.

I will beat my artiste if he/she looks down on me - Bulldog

Artiste manager and CEO of Bull Haus Entertainment, Lawrence Nana Asiama Hanson (Bulldog) has warned that he wouldn't hesitate to beat up any artiste he manages should the artiste look down on him.

According to Bulldog, as an artiste manager, he will accord him or her the needed respect in all matters and expects same from the artiste.

Speaking on Rhythmz A-Z on Joy FM Saturday, hosted by Nii Ayi Tagoe, the Bull House CEO stressed that he will physically attack the artiste should the artiste disrespect him.

"It is not a smooth journey and I've always been open with the artistes.

I face my problems but I don't have any artiste looking down on me, when you do that [I will beat you] and I will walk away after punching you," he said.

When Okraku Mantey, who was also a guess on the show, interjected that "so those of us who don't have body" what should they do?, Bulldog quickly advised that, "Then, this is not your field... go to the hospital."

"You are not cut out for this [then] you should be doing gospel music," he added.

Bulldog noted that it takes a lot guts to manage an artiste and if one is not prepared mentally and physically, they shouldn't venture.

Over the years, the Bull House CEO has managed several musicians including VIP, 5Five, Iwan, and Shatta Wale (Bandana), with some of the management contracts ending controversially.

Other panelists - Francis Doku, Nana Turkson, Ken Addy - on the show shared a common view that people should not rush into artiste management without having the needed understanding of the job.

They also urged that there should be a proper agreement between the two parties - the artiste and the manager - before the relationship starts.

Tiwa Savage Arrested For Assaulting Policeman

Mavin Records artiste, Tiwa Savage, has been quizzed by the police for allegedly humiliating a policeman who apprehended her for violating some provisions of the Lagos state traffic laws.

Savage often referred to as Mavin First Lady, was said to have engaged a policeman who flagged her down for flouting traffic rules in front of Eko Hotels and Suites Victoria Island, on Saturday.

Savage who was recently signed a brand ambassador deal with Forte, allegedly came down from the vehicle she was riding in and confronted the policeman on duty who arrested her.

During the ensuing argument with the cop, Savage who was infuriated by the development was said to have angrily removed the cap of the policeman in a bid to get back at him.

The first African female PEPSI ambassador was reportedly whisked away to the Victoria Island Police Division, for daring to humiliate and assault the policeman.

When contacted, Group publicist for Mavin Records, Terfa Tilley-Gyado, confirmed the incident to our correspondent on the telephone.

He said the records label will be issuing a comprehensive statement stating the position of Tiwa Savage and the group on Monday.

“What would you like to know? We are planning to prepare an official statement; definitely not at this time.

The press release will be out on Monday for your Tuesday production.

“I don’t think it will be prudent to use the story until you have the official statement. That is just my own opinion. I think you should wait until you get the official statement,” he said.

Public Relations Officer, Lagos State Police Command, Ngozi Braide, could not be reached for comments.

Her telephone rang out when contacted while a text message sent to her was not replied to as at press time.

D-Black to Premiere New Video on Saturday 22nd February 2014

The highly anticipated D-Black Ciroc Party happening on Saturday 22nd February at DND Lounge / Devino in Osu, is definitely gonna go by it's tag line 'Once in A Blue Moon' as D-Black is set to release the second music video in the set of teaser music videos leading up to his 'Son of God' Album's single releases.

The video for the infectious club banger 'Party Gbee' was shot in Johannesburg, South Africa by Gorilla Films and will be premiered at the D- Black Ciroc Party next week Saturday.

Don't miss out on this 'Once in A Blue Moon' Party hosted by D-Black, the ever sexy and voluptuous Peace Hyde and the man himself KOD with DJ Mic Smith, DJ Breezy and DJ Vision turning up all night long!!

Get your tickets at the gate of DND Lounge / Devino for 30 GHC and VIP 60 GHC.

Sarkodie to stop “bragging” in 2014

Concerns about Ghana’s fastest rapper and award winning hip hop artiste, Sarkodie, being a braggart when it comes to his lyrics in recent times has been heeded to by the artiste who expresses guilt in response.

The rap smitten Sarkodie, accepted he was overly indicative of his successes through his lyrics with mentions of riches, cars, travels and women which he accused the nature of the work he does.

The BET Best International Act for Africa revealed on the KSM's TGIF Show that his work hovers around subjects which make up the lyrical content of songs he produces.

He said the period his fans complained about him bragging was when he actually took up the topic of riches while putting himself in the story.

“This is done everywhere and doesn’t mean I am better than others”, he told KSM assuring his fans to expect a different topic in his lyrics this year which would be mainly about his life as Sarkodie.

When asked about his desire for international fame, he said he has been studying the international hiphop terrain and hopes to fuse their beats to the domestic one so as to appeal to the market out there.

He added that he could attend international music events and take pictures with top stars but instead wants to concentrate on making his music better so that he would be looked out for wherever he is to be part of their events.

Source: Ismail Akwei

Lil Wayne's 'Tha Carter V' to be released in May

Drake announced his labelmate's news to New Orleans crowd.

The news was revealed in New Orleans on Friday night (February 14) when Drake brought the rapper onstage at a show at the House Of Blues
venue.

The Canadian star then told the crowd the fifth installment in his labelmate's 'Carter' album series would be released on May 15.

Recently, Young Money's Vice President of Promotion Mel Smith told a college newspaper that
the label was "very close to dropping the album" but wouldn't unveil the date of its release at the time as Lil Wayne wanted to "surprise people".

You can watch footage of Drake's announcement below.

Lil Wayne's last album in the 'Carter' series, 'Tha Carter IV', was released in 2011 and charted at Number Eight in the Official UK Albums Chart.

He was recently confirmed to feature on the forthcoming Young Money compilation, alongside Drake, Nicki Minaj and Christina Milian.

Nicki Minaj is Sorry You’re Upset About Her Single Art

Nicki Minaj stepped into a wave of controversy for the art that accompanies her latest single, “Lookin A** N****.”

She posted it to her Instagram account, revealing that the artwork would include a photo of civil rights leader Malcolm X taken for Ebony magazine in 1964.

In the photo, X is holding a gun and peeking out the blinds of a window.

The uproar came after the meaning of Malcom X’s placement in the image was construed to refer to him as the titular object referred to, when Minaj’s apology detailed that she meant for X to be the person looking down on the type of gentlemen she would refer to as “Lookin A** N*****.”

Minaj addressed the controversy in a caption to her Instagram account accompanying a still image from the video for the same song.

Samini Makes It Big in Final List for Best International Act in the Black Canadian Awards.

After a period of massive voting by Fans of the African Dancehall King and Multiple Award winning Artiste; Samini, in a statement released by Blackcanadians.com, has been shortlisted in the final list of the Best Six Nominees- Best International Act for the 2014 Black Canadian Awards to be held on the 1st of March 2014 at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Toronto, Canada.

This feat is largely due to the commitment and overwhelming support of the fans of Samini and the HighGradeFamily community, who continue to repose trust in Samini and want him entrenched as a Legend in the books of DanceHall Music in Africa.

Fans are however encouraged to visit from the 13th of February at 11:59pm www.blackcanadianawards.com to vote massively for Samini to win the ultimate crown of Best International Act in the Black Canadian Awards when voting commences.

The Black Canadian Awards instituted by the Largest Black Canadian Community in Canada is to Honour Outstanding People who have contributed immensely in various facets of life in this period marking the Black History Month.

To the fans and the community of people who support Samini, The voting period for the Nominees starts on February 13, to February 26, 2014 at 11:59pm.

This friendly competition is fierce, so we expect a record level of public participation through the voting process and attendance and we encourage fans to vote massively from the 13th of February at 11:59pm when voting begins for Samini to win the ultimate crown of Best International Act.

Pluzz 89.9fm Secures Rights For Ghana DJ Awards Live Event Broadcast.

After months of negotiations, Accra based radio station Pluzz 89.9fm has secured the rights from Merqury Republic to broadcast the second annual 2014 Ghana DJ Awards in real time to listeners across the globe for the first time on February 22.

Under the agreement, Pluzz FM secured a package to broadcast the Ghana DJ Awards, airing pre-event interviews, including the pre-event jam and backstage interviews on February 22 from the Ghana National Theatre.

The Ghana DJ Awards this year will feature unprecedented access for fans to the event, with Pluzz 89.9fm and Merqury Republic launching Ghana DJ Awards Live, which will look to bring music fans multiplatform access to all the VIP and backstage events leading up to and throughout the Ghana DJ Awards 2014.

The live broadcast will also go live well in advance of the main ceremony on Saturday February 22, offering fans to enjoy a massive build up to the event.

Ghana DJ Awards Live will begin on Saturday at 4pm on Pluzz 89.9fm as well as Pluzz899.comand will continue right through to the main event and beyond.

This year's Ghana DJ Awards will see about 23 awards presented across a huge range of categories, and Ghana DJ Awards Live broadcast on Pluzz 89.9fm will provide fans with a diverse range of access options including chances to win fantastic giveaways live on radio.

The 2014 Ghana DJ Awards Rhythm Nation hosted by Klint De Drunk comes off at the Ghana National Theatre on Saturday February 22 at 7pm.

Mariah Carey Directed Her Own Underwater Shots in New Video.

February  sees the first of two video premieres for Mariah Carey’s brand new single “You’re Mine (Eternal).”

The romantic song, along with candy heart themed visuals, marks her first attempt at owning Valentine’s Day the same way the singer ow Christmas after the massive success of her version of “All I Want for Christmas Is You.”

Carey is one of those artists who goes full tilt,  balls to the wall, all the money in the can at her music videos.

“You’re Mine” is no exception and this time Carey’s got skin in the game — she created the concept around the video and brought Indrani to direct — but the way Carey explains it, she’s more of a co-creator.

“I would say it was a directorial collaborative effort. Yeah,” Carey pauses. “It was interesting.

We went to the rainforest and that was interesting.

Part of the reason was, first of all I love Puerto Rico.

One of my favorite places ever and I did my one of my favorite videos, ‘Honey,’ in Puerto Rico at the El Conquistador hotel.”

Tupac Biopic Finally Gets a New Director

The Tupac biopic, which is slated for release next year, has found a new director. Sort of.

The latest hire just so happens to be the guy who was originally supposed to take the job, John Singleton.

The director—known for his films Boyz n the Hood , 2 Fast 2 Furious and Poetic Justice , which starred Tupac and Janet Jackson —has not only signed on to direct the untitled film, but will produce and rewrite the script for the project.

The movie is believed to follow the L.A.’s rapper life from his rise to being one of the most popular hip-hop artists to his 1996 murder in Las Vegas.

Incorporate English into your songs to penetrate world market - China-based musician advises.

China-based Ghanaian gospel musician, Ishmael Philemon Ackon, known on stage as Bro.

Philemon, has made a passionate appeal to musicians in the country to try and incorporate the English language into their songs to get the needed mileage.

According to the musician, failure to do so will deprive musicians in the country, the needed push to fully making it into the global market.

With the debate ranging on as to whether Ghanaians should stick to composing songs in the local dialects or do so in the English language, the gospel musician believes that while it is important to incorporate English words into the songs, Ghanaian musicians should make sure they maintain the African rhythm.

Speaking in an interview with Myjoyonline.com, he noted that the greatest barrier facing Ghanaian music is "the genre. We try to follow trends and when you follow trends, the ear sometimes gets tired of the trend."

He also explained that, "We try to [only] localize our songs like always in Twi.

When you look at Nigerian music, Nigerians have their own language yet mostly they sing in English because they want to cut across."

Most Nigerian musicians, Bro. Philemon, noted "are trying do songs in English but with African rhythm," they are therefore cutting across - penetrating the global market.

"We cannot compete with those people who have their own genre of music. If you try to go exactly the way they are then it's going to be very difficult for you to get there. It's possible for you to break through but it will take time," he stressed.

With only one album - M'asan Aba - to his credit, he won 'Artiste of the Year (Asia)' at the 2013 Africa Gospel Music Awards in the UK and also recently won 'Collaboration of the Year' at the 2013 Ghana Gospel Industry Awards organized by Adom FM.

Bro. Philemon believes that Ghana's music is unique and complementing it with some amount of English will do the country's musicians some good.

The 'Me Bo Wodzin' hit singer started his professional music career in Ghana in 1997 but moved it to China due to his business ventures in that country.

Doing music in China, he explained, "is good but it is not as home [Ghana] because you don't have the wider audience in China as you have here [in Ghana]," but nevertheless he is making some gains and he is currently embarking on a couple of projects that will "make me have a wider audience in China as I'm going to record Chinese songs," and more English songs.

He believes that singing in Mandarin "could be accepted because it amazes them [Chinese] to see black man speaking Chinese. That's what makes it attractive to them.

We've had concerts in China and we sing Chinese songs and it always amazes them."

Currently, Bro. Philemon is in Ghana to embark on an extensive campaign to vigorously market himself and his music more to the Ghanaian audience because he has observed that a lot more people know his works but not the person behind them.

He is also rebranding to suit a wider market - including Nigeria and South Africa.

Back in China, he is a member of a Christian band Freedom 61, based in Shenzhen, China, and they engage in evangelism and series of Christian activities.

Drake Calls Macklemore’s Apology Text to Kendrick Lamar ‘Wack as .....

How did Macklemore beat out Kendrick Lamar for the Best Rap Album GRAMMY? It’s a question a lot of people, including Ty Dolla $ign , have been pondering since last month’s awards show.

And now Drake , who has had his own issues with Kendrick, is giving his two cents on the whole thing.

Specifically calling out Macklemore for, what he believes, was a not-so-convincing apology text.

In the text to Kendrick, which Macklemore posted on Instagram , he wrote, ”You got robbed.

I wanted
you to win. It’s weird and sucks that I robbed you.”

But Drake told Rolling Stone that supposed heartfelt message was ”wack as f***.”

Dobble set to premiere a video on Valentine's Day.

Afro-beats artiste Dobble is set to premier their newest Hi-life single and video on 14th February 2014 at Aphrodisiac Night club.

The duo who within two years of their music career stand tall as the best music group in Ghana want to see all their fans turn up for this exclusive premier.

“With all the hit songs, this is the first time we are getting up close and personal with our fans, friends and well wishers hence on 14th Feb, we want to see every one come out in their numbers for a good course” DOBBLE noted.

The group disclosed that the new single and video gives birth to versatility.

On vals day come to Aphrodisiac night club to put your lover in a good mood, see you all – their ending words.

Kate Middleton Steps Out In Sparkly Royal Jewelry Goodness.

Kate Middleton attended a glamorous charity gala at the National Portrait Gallery in London last night, as a royal patron of the gallery should.

The night's dress code: "black tie with a hint of sparkle," The Daily Mail says, and KMid brought enough sparkle to compensate for people who forgot to read their invitations properly. (There's always someone.)

Not that she'd be allowed to share the
bejeweled wealth though — the chunky Cartier diamond necklace she paired with her midnight blue Jenny Packham gown was borrowed from the Queen's jewelry collection.

Specifically, it's the "Nizam of Hyderabad" necklace, given to the Queen upon her wedding in 1947 by the then-ruler of Hyderabad, a former Indian state.

Kate's hair billowed just so, and she had a slight tan going on following her recent family holiday to Mustique .

Here's the glamorous look in full:

Ashanti Teams Up with Rick Ross for Sexy ‘I Got It’ Video

It’s been awhile since we’ve heard new music from Ashanti—six years to be exact—but as we already know she’s always there when you call, she’s always on time.

But in her new video for “I Got It,” she’s not interested in just being a ride or die chick, she just wants her accolades.

With a little help from Rick Ross , Ashanti shows that she’s the boss, bragging about her fancy car and her designer duds. Not to mention her impressive acrobatic skills, which have her swinging like a girl on the flying trapeze.

With the release of her latest video, Ashanti also revealed details of her upcoming album, BraveHeart , out March 4. The follow-up to 2008′s The Declaration features not only Ross, but French Montana and Meek Mill .

Yvonne Nelson savors her secondary virginity as she awaits Mr. Right

Her breakup with Nigerian musician, Iyanya, a year ago brewed a lot of media fuss, but Ghana’s sexy actress, Yvonne Nelson, appears to be fantasizing about who her next man will be.

In a new tweet Tuesday touching on her sex life, the multiple award-winning actress suggested she is far from meeting her ‘Adam’ but enjoying her secondary chastity; a year after the break up with boyfriend Iyanya.

“The guy I love...see him only in my dreams... He's only in my head and dreams...will let you know when I meet him one on one,” Yvonne tweeted.

For now, the once Miss Ghana contestant appears to be relishing what she termed “secondary virginity” until she meets the next or perhaps the last man that she would spend the rest of her life with.

“But for now, my secondary virginity is still on,” she revealed on twitter with an applause, ostensibly for that feat in her sexual life.

And for those who still may think Yvonne is having a secret relationship with co-actor, John Dumelo, here is her response: “Ok! Now about John Dumelo, I love him like a brother; we go wayyy back! So charley guys relaxxx. Love him tooo much to date him”.

Source: Source: Stephen Kwabena Effah

Pawpaw will not be getting married anytime soon.

Last week the news that Nollywood actor Osita Iheme was getting married to a Ghanaian lady went viral but it has emerged that it is totally false.

Osita, famously known as Pawpaw, has denied the rumoured marriage stating he is already used to such stories since he was the best man at his friend Chinedu Ikedieze (Aki)’s wedding in December 2011.

He has been associated with different ladies since Chinedu got married.

Some of the ladies include Ghanaian actress Nana Ama McBrown and London-based model, Brenda Gowon, who was allegedly said to have dumped him in 2008.

Pawpaw, reacting to the married rumour, is quoted to have said: "Na lie! There’s no such thing, they are just rumours."

Osita isn't leaving the league of bachelors anytime soon, he is still available.

EFYA comes out clear on her marriage issues…claims she was misquoted

Contrary to earlier media reports, songstress Efya isn’t waiting to win a Grammy before she gets married.

In an interview with Elia Chebib of GH and Beyond, she set the record straight on what she actually said and how her exact words have been taken out of context.

“I didn’t say I was not going to get married till I win a Grammy.

I know that’s how it seems like when I
said it in the paper but this is what I said ‘I said I’m not ready to get married yet and then in between the time if I win a Grammy, I would be grateful,” she says.

“I believe in love and I love love and I love the people that I love and because of that maybe they love me back and might want to take me personal but I did not say if I do not win a Grammy, I won’t get married.”

“I just said that I will like to win a Grammy during this time when I’m not so engulfed about the whole fantasy of getting married like some young women do at my age.”

The four time GMA Best Female Vocalist winner also spoke of how her music has evolved over the years. “My music has evolved.

I can’t say that it hasn’t because I can feel it and my fans also feel it .

And the people that I work with feel it. My producers also realize that I’m not making the same kind of music that I used to make before and that is also very good for an artiste because it shows your level of development at certain point and I love it.”

Efya’s debut album Love Genes is set for release later this year.

Source: Gameli Hamelo-enewsgh.com

Lil Wayne Working On ‘Tha Carter V’, According to Drake.

The implications of the two words “Carter V” may
not seem like much.

Maybe he’s thinking about Jimmy Carter’s great-great grandson. Maybe it’s just a late-night thought of Lil Wayne ‘s Young Money associate Drake .

The point is we don’t know, but Drake tweeting “Carter V” is likely to suggest that Lil Wayne has started working on, or is somewhere in the midst of working on the fifth installment of Tha Carter series.

The series celebrates its 10th year anniversary this year, with the first chapter being released in June of 2004. It’s most lauded and successful episode is triple-platinum Tha Carter III , released in 2008.

According to Complex , the album has been in the works for over a year now, but there have been no updates about its status since Lil Wayne put out the fifth installment of his concurrent series, Dedication this past summer.

Wayne did tell MTV in 2012 that Tha Carter V would be his last album.

Help push Ghanaian comedians or else there will be no future - Fritz Baffour appeals.

One of Ghana's pioneer comedians and Member of Parliament for Ablekuma South, Fritz Baffour has called for a concerted effort to help push the Ghanaian to the top.

The MP had said in an interview with Channel R last week that, “I’m not too enthused about Ghanaian comedy.

When we started comedy in the past with people like KSM and Tommy Annan Forson, we gave out deep comedy.

Now the industry is bad! Investment in comedy is poor, so basically, I’m not enthused about comedy in Ghana now.”

Speaking as a guest on Rhythmz A-Z on Joy FM Saturday, Fritz lamented that the fortunes of the Ghanaian industry has dwindled drastically and called for support for up-and-coming comedians to sustain it.
"It's not as good as I thought it should be.

The way we started and I thought more people will come on board and that there will a great response from the Ghanaian people," he said.

Credited for starting standup comedy in Nigeria in the late 1980s, the MP recalled that,

"When he started in 1986 with Fritz & Friends with Tommy Annan Forson, it was a pioneering thing because that kind of comedy thing had not been seen in Ghana for quite a long time,"

although he will not take full credit for starting comedy in Ghana.

He gave credit to the likes of JB Danquah's son, Paul Danquah and BT Kingsley Hayford for laying the foundation for Ghanaian comedy in the 1960s.

His hit comedy series, Fritz & Friends, was aimed at mentoring people who wanted to do comedy but there was no support in terms of sponsorship, Fritz lamented.

According to him, during the Charter House comedy series "we had our guys but they put on the backburner and that was it.

If you don't encourage them, if you don't interact with them, if you don't give them the chance to perform, to polish their routine then you are in trouble."

Ghanaian comedians, the veteran lamented, came in as openers for the big Nigerian stars and that was it.

"Young men like comedian David Aglah, I see him, a wonderful young man but I feel sorry for him because he is not given the push," he said.

"When it comes to comedy, it's not about you pushing yourself, you actually need somebody to push you...if you don't have the backing and the support, then we are in trouble," Fritz stressed.

Eazzy: Free to mingle

After almost six months of break- up with her boyfriend Keita, musician, Eazzy is relishing how good it is to be single.

“You are not under any pressure to satisfy your partner and also satisfy your fans with good music.

Now I have all the time in the world to concentrate on my music career which is my first love.”

Eazzy told Showbiz on Tuesday.
According to her, being single has also given her time to explore other businesses.

“I want to start acting and engage in emceeing shows aside the music I do.

Currently, I have some scripts on my table and my fans will soon see me on the screen”, Eazzy revealed.

Asked whether she will return to dating anytime soon, the Wengeze hit-maker said it will take her sometime to date again since she just stepped out of one.

She explained that she needs to take her time and study whoever the next guy might be.

She said she was happy none of her family members or friends was putting pressure on her to date soon.

“All the push I get are positive comments on my music career which gives me motivation and I realise am doing a good job”

Pretty Eazzy claims that after her break up there have been so many men knocking at her door but she was not giving anyone attention as she wanted to focus on her career.“You know life is not all about relationship.

There are a lot of things to think about than being in a relationship.

For now, I have to achieve the things I wasn’t able to do when I was dating and now that I am single I think this is the right time” Eazzy said.

Away from her love-life Eazzy said she was at present in the studio putting finishing touches to her second album which should be ready in a couple of weeks.

According to her, musicians like Edem, Stonebwoy and other prominent artistes will feature on the album.

To her fans and love ones, Eazzy said she was happy for the support and encouragement shown to her when she was going through her breakup blues.

“My family, friends and my fans are simply the best people I have around me.

They never stopped encouraging me with text messages and phone calls. I pray God gives them long life” she said.

Check out the full track list for Rick Ross' Mastermind Album which drops March 4

Rozay dropped the full lineup in a dramatic album trailer, which reveals that Kanye West and Big Sean will be featured on the track "Sanctified," while Lil Wayne will appear on "Thug Cry," and The Weeknd pops up on "In Vein."

The MMG CEO even threw in a little dancehall, tapping Sizzla and Mavado for "Mafia Music III." Diddy is executive producing the project, which is scheduled to drop on March 4.

1. "Intro"
2. "Rich Is Gangsta"
3. "Drug Dealers Dream"
4. "Shots Fired"
5. "Nobody"
6. "The Devil Is a Lie" (featuring Jay Z)
7. "Mafia Music III" (featuring Sizzla and Mavado)
8. "War Ready" (featuring Jeezy)
9. "What a Shame"
10. "Supreme"
11. "BLK & WHT"
12. "Dope Bitch Skit"
13. "In Vein" (featuring the Weeknd)
14. "Sanctified" (featuring Kanye West and Big Sean)
15. "Walkin on Air" (featuring Meek Mill)
16. "Thug Cry" (featuring Lil Wayne)

Fuse ODG tells Africans abroad to return

The call for Africans abroad to return to the continent has been given some more support by MOBO award-winner and ‘Antenna’ hit-maker Fuse ODG.

In an interview on the BBC’s News Day programme earlier on Wednesday, the Ghanaian born Afro pop superstar called on Africans worldwide to rally behind development efforts to change the negative perceptions about Africa and make it as good as the countries they have emigrated to. “It’s a call of action.

Africa is not all about the negatives. We need to actually do something.

We need to actually take action to make sure that the perception actually changes and as being in Africa and actually something to make sure that Africa is a great place to be,” he said.

He added that: “We need to go back to the continent to re-invest and invest our skills because I feel that our parents left Africa because the home that they had was not quite habitable for them…so it’s important that we rebuild our home…and I feel that it has to be our generation.

We’ve gained skills from the UK, we’ve gained skills from the US and it’s our responsibility to build Africa,” he continued.

Fuse ODG disclosed in the interview that he is on a mission to showcase the new Africa to the world through his music.

His TINA – This Is the New Africa – movement became a global phenomenon after the success of his first two singles ‘Azonto’ and ‘Antenna’. The latter featured Wyclef Jean and earned him a MOBO Award.

Fuse ODG, born Nana Richard Abiona, is expected to release his ‘TINA’ album in May 2014.

Source: citifmonline.com

Shatta Wale knows Samini is up there - KKD

With the battle between dancehall artistes, Samini and Shatta Wale (Bandana) rages on, showbiz personality extraordinaire Kwasi Kyei Darkwah believes that Samini is currently the superior of the
two.

Samini and Shatta Wale have over the year ruffled each other's feathers over who is the country's best dancehall act.

KKD, speaking on the heated rivalry between the two musicians on Drive Time on Joy FM with Kwabena Anokye Adisi (Bola Ray) Friday, said while he admits that the two are good, Samini "is up there".

According to him, the entertainment industry the world over thrives on such rivalries and an artiste like Jay Z, for example, sees this kind of competition "everyday".

The multiple award-winning broadcaster, arts and culture personality said Shatta Wale "accepts that Samini is up there and he wants Samini's place".

He advised Samini that in the face of such competitions, it is important that he keeps his dignity.

According to him, for every established artiste, "once you climbed up to the top, everybody wants to bring you down, but it is important to maintain your dignity."

KKD, also known as the Finest, disclosed that "there are more Samini songs that I like than Shatta Wale [songs]."

"I think Shatta Wale is hot but he has to keep his focus," he advised and urged Bandana to release songs that are pleasing to his fans.

Ghana Music Week 2014 is here! GH All-Star Live Concert March 8.

The second edition of GMW 2014, a week-long celebration of Ghanaian music, was launched at the Alisa Hotel on Tuesday morning.

The main festival comes off from March 3 to March 9, 2014 at the National Theater, Accra Sports Stadium and other venues in Accra.

“2014 GMW is primarily about Education (seminars, forums); Festival (music, dance and comedy); and Awards Show; and seeks to be recognized as the biggest music festival and conferences in Africa within the next 5 years”, says Musiga President, Bice Osei Kuffour, in his keynote address.

GMW 2014 is organized in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, the National Theatre, British Council of Ghana, Charterhouse and Fantasy Entertainment (U.S.A).

According to Musiga, GMW will be organized under the broad theme ‘Positioning Ghanaian Music as heartbeat for Tourism Promotion” for the next 3 years.

“This is welcome news as the Government is aware of the many untapped potentials in the tourism and creative arts that require various forms of investments which Music continues to be one of them”, Said Mrs Elizabeth Ofosu-Agyare, Ministry
for Tourism, Culture & Creative Arts.

She said the Ministry had been working closely with MUSIGA and other bodies in the arts industry in almost all of its activities, including PANAFEST and Emancipation Day Celebrations, World Tourism Day, among others.

“My office is open to support any creative arts domain with proposal worthy of considering”, said the Minister.

She was referring to initiatives such as Musiga’s ongoing industry research work being undertaken by KPMG, aimed at establishing the economic contribution of Music to the National economy.

Mrs. Amy Appiah Frimpong, Deputy Executive Director of the National Theater added that: “National Theater is excited to be part of GMW from day one.

As hosts, we promise that GMW 2014 will be the official meeting ground for those leading and shaping our industry; bringing together and encouraging participation of not only locals but internationals.”

Touching on highlights for this year’s festival, Obour outlined the following activities: “On March 3, 2014, Ghana Music Day (on the air), will see musicians hosting various radio and TV shows and granting interviews throughout the day”.

The Opening Ceremony, which is expected to celebrate music & dance from all 10 regions of Ghana, will be held at 11am on March 4 at the National Theater.

According to Obour. “Unlike last year, there wouldn’t be exhibition of goods and services at the National Theater this year”.

A Stakeholders Forum on Ghana Music Study (Research Project) comes off on Tuesday, March 4, 2014.

Ghana Music Honours, the industry’s ONLY awards show (by and) for the Industry, comes off on March 5 at the National Theater to reward music excellence.

There will be a major Gospel Rock Show at one of the big Churches to be announced soon.

There would be a 2-Day Workshop on Music Business Development and Artiste Management on March 5 and March 7.

The workshop will focus on ways to market and promote artistes in this modern era and will be facilitated by world class practitioners with broad-based marketing and entrepreneurial knowledge.

The workshops are free and capacity is limited to 100 participants.

Interested parties (artistes, artiste managers etc) are encouraged to submit their applications no later than February 27th, 2014.

To apply, artiste managers and everyone who works
or would like to work in music management must complete the application form at
www.ghanamusicweek.com.gh or contact Fiifi Khan at multimotivation@yahoo.co.uk.

Also, there will be regular updates at
ghanamusicweek@live.com; facebook.com/ghanamusicweekfestival and twitter.com/GhanaMusicwk

GMW 2014 flagship concert dubbed ‘GH All-Star Live’ comes off at the Accra Sports Stadium on Saturday, March 8, 2014.

Burry me with my Ghana DJ Award – Tommy Annan Forson

Veteran and legend broadcaster Tommy Annan Forson popularly known as Uncle Tommy has disclosed that any time his maker calls him, he should be buried with his honorary award he received at the 2013 Ghana DJ awards.

Uncle Tommy made the statement during an official presentation of his long awaited life time achievement award by the Ghana DJ Awards team at his RABOBEF offices in Accra.

After receiving the award, Uncle Tommy said, ‘to be frank with you, I have waited for close to a year for this Plaque but upon seeing this plaque it is worth the wait’.

The legend also added that he has seen plaques and held plaques but the Ghana DJ awards plaque is something he will cherish for the rest of his life.

‘Listen, if the old man calls me and you put me in that box, you make sure you put this thing (plaque) with me’, Uncle Tommy intimated and used the opportunity to confirm his attendance to the 2014 Ghana DJ Awards scheduled to hold at the National Theatre February 22.

The veteran broadcaster was honored at the 2013 Ghana DJ Awards for his contribution to the DJ culture in Ghana by training and inspiring young Disc Jockeys and presenters to attain higher heights in their fields of Endeavour.

The first ever National DJ Awards in Africa, the Ghana DJ Awards, recognized the efforts of radio veterans Kwesi Kyei Darkwa a.k.a KKD and Tommy Annan Forson on February 15, 2013.

The 2014 Ghana DJ awards slated for the 22nd of February 2014 at the Ghana National Theatre with gate opening at 7pm sharp, according to the veteran, will be a night worth celebrating.

Ghana DJ awards 2014 which has the theme the Rhythm nation will see performances from DJ Mensah, DJ Mic Smith, DJ Slim, DJ Bright, VIP, Edem, Ms V, Keche, Stonebwoy and many more. We  simply can’t wait to party with Uncle Tommy on the night.

Get ready for an exceptional event full of great music.

Shatta Wale issues last & final warning to media houses.

Shatta Wale is angered at the way media houses have been 'bugging' him on his beef issue with Samini for some weeks now that he had to take it to Facebook to announce his displeasure.

"I am saying this once more and for the last
time..I charles nii armah mensah jr a.k.a. shatta wale does not want any media house to ever call me on any issue concerning samini dagaati till da world comes to an end and it is coming from the depth of my heart and I mean this..#SM4LYF", Shatta Wale wrote.

Like his new song titled 'No Sitting' says, it does not look like he is ready to sit down and quench his issues with Samini.

Pharrell, Kendrick Lamar & Janelle Monae to Play the 2014 NBA All-Star Game.

The upcoming NBA All-Star Game is celebrating with a few high profile performers: Pharrell,Kendrick Lamar and Janelle Monáe .

Pharrell will kick off the game in New Orleans, playing with “surprise chart-topping musical guests” while the game’s players are being introduced.

One player, who if he gets his wish, won’t hear his name called though is Kobe Bryant.

According to CBS Sports, the L.A. Laker announced that since he only played in six of the first 43 games this season he did not feel that he deserved a starting position at the game.

Pope John Paul II private notes go on sale.

A collection of personal notes written by the late Pope John Paul II over four decades is going on sale in controversial circumstances in Poland.

In his will, the late Pope stated that all his personal notes were to be burnt after his death.

But his private secretary, Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz, kept them.

He said he did not have the courage to destroy them as they gave precious insight into the Pope's life and thinking.

The 640-page book, Very Much in God's Hands..

Personal Notes 1962-2003, contains Karol Wojtyla's personal reflections on religious subjects from his time as Bishop of Krakow until two years before his death in 2005.

'A crime to destroy them' Cardinal Dziwisz recently told reporters he had "no doubt'' about publishing the collection.

"These notes are so important, they say so much about the spiritual side, about the person, about the great Pope, that it would have been a crime to destroy them.''

The ideas in the book are briefly sketched, with some written in just two or three sentences, says the BBC's Adam Easton in Warsaw.

The book has its supporters, he continues, but many people in Poland cannot understand why the late Pope's private secretary ignored his wishes.

Adam Szostkiewicz, a prominent religious commentator who opposed the book's publication, says much of it is impenetrable to the average reader.

The cardinal says he spoke to the Pope about which notes should be destroyed and which should be kept.

Cardinal Dziwisz was his closest aide for almost 40 years, first in Poland and then at the Vatican.

After John Paul's death, he was made Archbishop of Krakow in southern Poland.

He has said the proceeds from the book are to fund a memorial museum for the late Pope, who will be declared a saint at the Vatican in April.

Bull Dog, Samini, Shatta Wale fiasco heightens up.

The rivalry between dance-hall musicians Samini and Shatta Wale has taken an interesting twist even as the two get ready to go on a live programme on UTV for a ‘tell-it-all’ debate that would also be broadcast live on Peace FM.

Samini first threw the challenge to Shatta for them to go on national television and engage in a debate to enable the general public know the whole truth about the disagreement between them, and Shatta accepted.

Samini called for the debate when he spoke to Akwasi Aboagye on Peace FM’s Entertainment Review last Saturday and alleged that in the past the Chief Executive of Bullhaus Entertainment, Bull Dog came to him and asked for permission to go beat up Shatta Wale.

“His manager, Bull Dog, years back would meet back
stage and tell me that he wants to beat that guy (Shatta Wale) for me because the guy was fooling and he (Bull Dog) only wants clearance from me to beat him up.

Today, Bull Dog is behaving as if he has a fight with me because he manages Shatta.

But Bull Dog knows he used to come to my shows, remove his shirts, breathing profusely, jumping up and down and sweating all over.

You Bull Dog, today, because you oppose me, you sit on TV to say my brand is not marketable,” Samini revealed.

Incidentally, Bull Dog is Shatta’s manager and he has taken a strong exception to the allegation from Samini, describing it as blatant untruth.

“Samini is a liar; I have never ever told him that I wanted to beat up Shatta Wale for him.

Rather I spoke to Shatta Wale in the past to stop insulting Samini during his performances.

I even added jokingly that (Shatta Wale) was doing fine without Samini so he should concentrate on his career and forget about Samini.

I remember playfully telling Shatta some three years ago that if he doesn’t put a stop to that behaviour, I will give him a few punches. I’m not at Samini’s camp and I don’t manage him so what will I gain if I had told  him that?” Bull Dog noted in an exclusive interview with News-One.

He continues: “All these things are lies; I don’t take off any shirt in public.

I love Dancehall, I respect
Samini and I enjoy his music but I’m not a fanatic like that.

He told a series of lies on that day.

I just want people to be truthful and honest in their submissions.”

Many people have raised several concerns about what seems to be bad blood between Samini’s group and Shatta’s camp.

News-One has gathered that arrangements are underway for the debate to be organized in the studios of Peace FM, as well as on UTV.

Source: News-One

Justin Bieber Trial Date Set for March 3 on DUI Charge.

Justin Bieber will return to sunny Miami next month following his arrest on charges of driving under the influence, resisting arrest and driving with an expired license.

A Miami-Dade Country judge has set Bieber’s trial date for March 3 (which happens to be the great state of Florida’s 169th birthday!), Billboard reports.

His trial date will follow his arraignment for the same charges on Feb. 14, where he has already plead not guilty on the three misdemeanors from his Jan. 23 arrest after he was caught drag-racing and driving under the influence in a Lamborghini.

The arrest report states that the officer smelled an “odor of alcohol emanating from the drivers breath and bloodshot eyes.”

It continues to explain that Bieber had “slow deliberate movements and a stupor look on his face.”

Under the influence, Bieber did not understand why he was being arrested and continually asked each officer why he was being transported to the Miami Beach Police Department.

Pilots on Justin Bieber’s Plane Forced to Wear Oxygen Masks Due to Marijuana Smoke.

If you ever get a chance to take a ride on Justin Bieber’s private plane, make sure to pack your gas mask.

Last week, Bieber’s plane was detained on the tarmac at Teterboro Airport due to a strong odor of marijuana—no weed was found onboard—but according to NBC News the pilots were forced to wear oxygen masks to keep from inhaling the massive amount of pot smoke coming from the cabin.

“The captain of the flight stated that he warned the passengers, including Bieber, on several occasions to stop smoking marijuana,” the official report says.

NBC says the pilots were forced to wear their oxygen masks so that “they wouldn’t risk inhaling marijuana and failing a drug test.”

Kwaw Kese Apologizes To Vodafone

Hiplife artiste Kwaw Kese has rendered an unqualified apology to organizers of the just ended Vodafone Icons after he accused them of trying to extort money from him to decide on the winner of the contest.

Kwaw recounted that since he hijacked the stage at the finals of the Vodafone Icons and incited his fans against the organizers, corporate bodies in Ghana have refused to book him for their events.

“Because of the stunt I pulled on the Vodafone stage some time ago, most of the Corporate companies don’t call on me for shows and other things any longer.

I just want to tell Vodafone that
if I have offended them in anyway, we are all human so I want to apologize to Vodafone for what happened,” Kwaw Kese stated.

It could be recalled that Kwaw Kese was furious after his younger brother, Buda, was eliminated from the final round of the Vodafone Icons reality show.

Even though he had not been able to substantiate any of his claims, the ‘Man Insane’ alleged that a member of the organizing team asked him to pay GH10,000 in order for Buda to win.

“Oh yeah the guys at Vodafone are like my colleagues and I have realized that what I did on that very day did not go down well with them.

We have to promote peace. I just want to say that I’m sorry for what I did.

We all have to come together to promote the showbiz industry and move Ghana forward so I just have to eat in the peace bowl with them and just move on,” he added.

Vodafone Ghana officially dissociated itself from Kwaw Kese’s allegation and are yet to accept the apology.

Lydia Forson rescues 12-year-old- boy from child labour

Ghanaian actress, Lydia Forson, has facilitated the rescue of a 12-year-old boy who had been forced into child labour at Gasoekope, an island on the Volta River.

The boy, who gave his name as Emmanuel, said he was taken from his mother at Tema to the Volta Region where he was forced into child labour, together with several other children brought from other parts of the country.

Emmanuel, at a point, could not take the treatment meted out to him and the other trafficked children and therefore escaped from the village, thinking he could find his way back to Tema.

The young boy however got lost within the cluster of villages in the area and was stuck because the whole vicinity was surrounded by water.

He was wandering on the banks of the Volta River when he met Lydia Forson.

The actress was in the Volta Region for an outreach programme to rescue children trafficked to the area.

She was working in collaboration with Right To Be Free, an organisation founded by Eric Peasah.

Lydia Forson explained that the boy was standing at the shore waiting for an available boat to get in when they found him.

“Our boat was the only available boat. He was afraid to tell us he was running away so he lied that he wanted a lift to the neighbouring village.

He didn’t know who we were and we saw he was afraid because he was lost and didn’t want to say it.

“We took him with us and in the boat we questioned him.

When we were far from the village he finally opened up a little. When we got to Kpando, he tried to escape from us, so he started panicking and wouldn’t talk.

“But we spoke to his master, reported it to the police and social welfare and took him with us.

He finally started relaxing by the third day when he saw we were leaving Kpando. All he kept saying was he didn’t want to work on the water and he wanted his mum,” Lydia explained.

She said the boy is currently at the Osu Children’s Home in Accra undergoing a process to reunite him with his mother.

The beautiful actress spent three days in the region to scout for other trafficked children.

She visited villages like Gasoekope, Koala DDT, Adzaboso and Abionikope via boat for three days.

She said all the children they met did not talk unless their masters allowed them to. They always had their heads bowed down and were afraid.

“This year, our vision is to rescue 20 children who have been sold or trafficked to be used for labour.

The plan is to visit the villages, talk to the chiefs and ‘owners’ of these children to convince them to release the children.

"We have to make three visits per village and after that when we get the children we reunite them with their parents, and where the parents can’t take care of them we support the families.

And also try to find for the fishermen alternative methods to fishing that won’t require them using children in this dangerous water,” Lydia added.

My mission is to change the negative perceptions of Africa with my music - Fuse ODG

UK-based Ghanaian Afrobeat singer, Nana Richard Abiona known on stage as Fuse ODG has set his sights on changing the negative perceptions of Africa through his music.

The award winning artiste is currently enjoying huge success with his three smash hit singles, Azonto, Antenna, and Million Pound Girl (Badder Than Bad), enjoying huge rotations across the world.

Speaking in an interview with the BBC, Fuse ODG revealed that he is on a mission to project what he termed "the new Africa" to the world through his music.

He said: "I've always known that I am on a mission to showcase the new Africa to the world so the music is just a vehicle for me to use to spread that message and I'm pretty close to God as well so I feel like the music just naturally comes but the mission is just something that really carries me in a long term."

Currently enjoying massive following through his music, the Afrobeat sensation noted that it is time to let the world know that Africa is not only about poverty and disease and war; the continent equally holds a lot of opportunities.

"Now people are starting to learn, I'm out there screaming This Is New Africa (TINA); that Africa is not all about the negative images; you can actually be successful staying in Africa, you can actually invest in Africa and be successful, [and] you can actually be happy living in Africa," Fuse ODG stressed.

He believes it's about time Africans took action to redeem the image of the continent: "We need to actually do something, we need to actually take action to make sure that the perception does actually change and us being in Africa actually doing something to make sure that Africa is a great place to be."

Already, Fuse has been holding talks with students and the youth urging them to go back to Africa and invest their skills.

"I went to Stanford University to do a talk and I connected with the students as to how we can go back to the continent and invest our skills," the Best African Act award winner at the 2013 Music of Black Origin (MOBO) recounted.

He said: "I feel like our parents left Africa because the home that they had wasn't quite habitable so they came to the UK or they came to another country. It is important to rebuild our homes so they can actually go home and just relax.

I feel like it has to be our generation (developing Africa); we've gained skills from the UK, the US..."

Selly denies bi-sexual report

After news came out that Selly and one of her friends who they both starred in 2013 Big Brother- The Chase, were involved in an ungodly posture.

That photo in question was taken by her boyfriend (Praye Tieta) when Huddah was going back to Kenya after her short visit to Ghana.

Our platform has received a Rejoinder from the management of Selly, read below…

REJOINDER FROM SELLY - GHANA’S
REPRESENTATIVE IN BBA 2013
My attention has been drawn to an article published on the Ghanacelebrities.com on Saturday 1st February, 2014 captioned: “In the Face Of On-Going Bi-Sexual Accusations; What Is Wrong With These Photos?”

Reference was then made to some snapshots I had with Huddah Monroe, who represented Kenya in the BBA, when she visited Ghana a few months ago.

The article labelled me as bi-sexual and sought to create the impression that I was cheating on my fiancée, Praye Tietie.

I wish to state unequivocally that the story published on the website and other news portal was fictitious, concocted and a desperate attempt by my detractors to impugn my hard won reputation.

My relative silence since Saturday must not be misinterpreted as that of fear or guilt and I challenge the author to provide proof of the story if any.

The said photos which were the subject of the article were even taken by Praye Tietie and not in secrecy as the author wanted the public to believe.

After the BBA show, I have been busy working on other projects to enhance my career and would not allow such frivolous publications to distort my attention.

Signed:
Selly Ghalley

Frank Ocean, Foster the People, Major Lazer & OutKast to Play 2014 Sasquatch! Music Festival

This year’s Sasquatch! Music Festival, like Coachella before it, is offering double the fun by expanding to two weekends.

But unlike the Indio, California fest, each weekend of Sasquatch! will have entirely different lineups.

The Washington festival’s first weekend, taking place Memorial Day Weekend (May 23-25), will include fest mainstays OutKast , along with The National , Queens of the Stone Age , M.I.A . and Foster the People .

Newer artists like HAIM, Chance the Rapper , Phantogram, Rudimental and First Aid Kit make the bill.

Hip-hop is represented by Tyler the Creator , while dance acts like Major Lazer, Big Freedia and Ryan Hemsworth.

The weekend will also include performances from tUnE-yArDs, Violent Femmes , Panda Bear , Mogwai, Foals, AlunaGeorge, Cage the Elephant , Liars, Phosphorescent, Bob Mould, Washed Out, Elbow, Portugal. the Man , Deafheaven, Parquet Courts, Die Antwoord, The Naked and Famous, The Dodos and Austra.

Pharrell Williams to Perform ‘Happy’ at the Oscars

Less than a month after winning three GRAMMYs and singing with Stevie Wonder, Daft Punk and Nile Rodgers on the GRAMMY stage, Pharrell Williams has announced he will take the Oscars stage.

Today, The Hollywood Reporter confirmed that the producer will perform “Happy” from the Despicable k Me 2 soundtrack, which is nominated for Best Original Song.

The singer/songwriter/producer helped created the soundtrack for the film and last November, he released a video for “Happy” which ran for 24 hours and featured many guest spots including Odd Future ‘s Tyler, the Creator and Earl Sweatshirt , Steve Martin, Steve Carell, among others.

According to The Hollywood Reporter , if Pharrell wins Best Original Song, he will be the third rapper to receive an Oscar following Eminem for “Lose Yourself” from 8 Mile and Three Six Mafia for “It’s Hard Out Here for a Pimp” from Hustle & Flow .