Tuesday, 23 June 2015

ALLIANCE FRANCAISE: Matieres Grises Exhibition - Recycling Materials For Architecture

An architectural exhibition titled “Matière Grise: Material, Recycling, Architecture”, which aims at transforming main cities into “Zero Waste Metropolis” with the use of recycled materials in building will be held at the exhibition hall of Alliance Francaise Accra from Thursday 25th June 2015 to 26th July from 9am to 9pm.

There will be a Panel discussion facilitated by Nat Amarteifio, former Mayor of Accra on 25th June at 6:30pm. A cocktail and launch of the exhibition follow at 8pm.

Taking into consideration the crisis of materials and ambition to transform main cities into “Zero Waste Metropolis”, the Architects of the agency ‘Encore Heureux’ in France explore the issue of re-using materials in this decisive era where architecture aspires to reinvent itself by adjusting to environmental and economic restrictions. This exhibition will have architects discussing projects that show the potential and the possibility of a new life for used materials.

Re-employment of building materials, according to the agency, would definitely be one of the tools for the transition toward a less “material consuming” architecture which economises raw materials. The title of the exhibition, “Matière Grise”, which means "Grey matter" has a double meaning, from singular to plural: consuming more grey matter to generate less grey matter. Using less “grey matter” leads to the use of less energy to extract, transform, carry and shape the material.

 As we continue to tap into natural resources to feed, house, travel, clothe and entertain ourselves, the construction field, such as agriculture, transport and energy, cannot remain unconcerned to such issues. To build differently, several strategies must be used. The reemployment of material is one of them.

Architecture is embodied in multiple materials put together using techniques, know-hows and manpower. Industrial revolutions led to the massive use of natural resources (sand, fossil energies, minerals, wood, land, water ...) offering incredible possibilities to architects (structure steel, reinforced concrete, glass…).  All these edifices shaped our cities and habitats. However, in a finite world, the natural resources available are limited and it has been predicted that some of these resources could disappear within a few decades if we maintain our current level of consumption. At the same time, the amount of material thrown away, incinerated or buried has never been so high. Mines are dry and waste disposal sites overflow.

More “grey matter” means more consciousness, simplicity, invention and creativity for a responsible use of the material. It is also about claiming a more local approach, more collective, more surprising where the architect recovers his capacity of action. The reuse of material would thus be a deliberate choice of simplicity applied to building design. If natural resources are limited, intellectual resources seem infinite. 

 “Grey matter” is a journey with those exploring the precision of minimum impact, animated by the energy of conceiving and building.
This event is made possible thanks to Fondation Alliance Francaise, Pavillon de l’Arsenal and Encore Heureux, architectural practice.

This exhibition is free and open to the public.

Qweci featured on top 10 iTunes Debut Album


Swizz super producer, dj, and remixer FIUMI, featured QWECi on his track 'Anthem' from his just released album 'ELEMENTS' which debuted on the top 10 iTunes album chart in the first week of its release.

QWECi  jumped on the Song 'ANTHEM' by super producer FIUMI on the album ELEMENTS which also features Black Eyed Peas Dj ROCKY ROCK only to add a touch of excellence to an already produced masterpiece. 

Asked on how the collabo came about, Qweci  goes out to express his gratitude to FIUMI for believing in his talent and giving ears to talents across the world.
In QWECi's own words. 'I heard a song from the super producer FIUMI and I had no choice but to reach and the outcome is the masterpiece 'ANTHEM' which is number 3 on FIUMI's album 'ELEMENTS'. 

QWECi missed the album launch in Switzerland as he was in New York finishing up his latest single One Night which is already making waves in Ghana. 

Currently QWECi is finalizing his international album 'COLORS' which is being co produced by FIUMI, to be released in Europe in a few months.

Take a listen to 'ANTHEM' by FIUMI featuring QWECi and share your thoughts.

Sent by: Geoge Britton

Monday, 22 June 2015

Special review of 'Boo Boo' by Ghanaian Music Group Gallaxy


Harbour City Recordz signed Highlife and Afrobeat recording artiste Gallaxy has once again released a brand new song titled ‘Booboo’. This is their first ‘release’ in 2015 after enjoying massive public attention through airplay, gigs  with their hit song ‘Bokoboko’  which actually shot them into them Ghanaian mainstream music industry.

The group is also known for other  great songs like ‘Tweaa’,’Wodo Nti’,’Holla at me’,’ Yema me’  which video was premiered on 4syte Tv few days ago and now ‘Booboo’ produced by their label’s producer Shottoh Blinqx.

‘Booboo’ is an Afrobeat song that has the indigenous ‘Agbadza’ rhythm .Most of the instruments in the song sounds live even though they were electronically played. ‘Booboo’ is another great African song.

The   Kwesi Dav has proved his versatility again with his great vocal delivery. He has done what is not so common. He is a vocalist who always wants to convey his message through rhyming.
Bra Chiky on the other hand did a lot on the song. The known rapper did the hook for the song. He is gradually showing his singing capability. Because on their previous song ‘Yema me’ he did the hook which has become part of the song that people loves.

Gallaxy has commercially being in the industry for the past four years and has played all the major stages including the prestigious 4syte Tv Music Video Awards.
Unlike the other Ghanaian music groups, Gallaxy has a brand that is easily identified and known for their highlife and Afrobeat songs.

‘Boo Boo’ is not just another song by the group but also proves the group is phenomenal and can ride on any meaningful beat on the other hand can just ride on something small and make it big.
The song is a love song which basically encourages a woman who is emotionally weak because of what people around keep saying about her partner. And the man on the other hand is encouraging the lady to forget about what ‘haters’ keeps saying about him not being his choice and kind of man for her.

Gallaxians thus Gallaxy’s fans must be very excited about this song. ’Booboo’ by Gallaxy will surely revive other people who has songs on similar rhythm.

Let me wrap up by congratulating the group for going beyond what they are known for to  work on  a new style .Music is another  field that is very spiritual since you are expected to produce something that the fans  has never heard before. 

- Showbiz GH

Kwame Seseben set to Release Maniac Album with new Single ‘Akuapem Rap’.


After several years behind the console, one of the high rated indigenous Akuapeam rap kings’ Kwame Seseben is about releasing his long awaited studio album titled ‘Maniac’, with its first single Akuapem Rap preceding it.

The young rapper/producer who has over the years seen to a lot of records from the mountains of Akuapem where he hails from, has hinted of releasing his album later this year. Details of the album are yet to be made public as the rapper is still putting finishing touches to some of the songs, however, he teases fans with this single ‘Akuapem Rap’ which features Kricket also a proponent of the rap genre.

Akuapem rap was produced by Ragoon Beatz, who doubles as the rapper.  The self-acclaimed ‘Akuapem Dr Dre’ is set to defy all odds to producing what might go down in the history of Ghanaian rap music, an all-round Akuapem music album.


 Kwame Seseben ft Kricket - Akwapim Rap (Produced by Ragoon Beatz) - DOWNLOAD

Sunday, 21 June 2015

And now meet the 'Woju' hit maker Toby Grey

Toby Grey

Toby Grey, born Adeyemi Tobiloba Maryam, in Ogun State in 1994, is a Nigerian singer, song writer and performing artiste. Her talent for music was discovered at the age of 16 and a year later in 2011 with heavy influence from Nneka, Asa, Leona Lewis, Ciara, she recorded her debut and has since gone on to record several with a good number performances at various showcases and major events including the City People Entertainment Awards, Kennis Music Easter Fiesta, 2face VoteNotFightCampaign etc,. A native of Osun State, Toby Grey is currently in her final year, studying French Language at the University Of Lagos.

Toby Grey as she is popularly known released a Cover to Kiss Daniel’s Smash-hit song titled ‘Woju’, her version titled ‘Gboju’ which has been causing controversy between Kiss Daniel’s camp and Toby Grey’s management, Toby Grey has been riding on 3G so far has she dropped 3 singles back to back titled Gboju, Gbalowo E, and Gbona which is currently making waves and gradually breaking boarders to other neighboring countries. 

Her performances has always called for applause and standing ovation. Toby Grey recently released a video to one of her singles titled “Gbalowo E”.
Toby Grey’s is maintaining relevance in the music industry and working industriously to become of the top female songstress from Nigeria, through to the world.

Alternative Links to watch music videos by Toby Grey

Get interactive with TobyGrey on Twitter & Instagram: @iamTobyGrey

Sent by:  ScoopConcepts /Promoter: VikkiSpyce /Published by Jonilar for Showbiz GH

Wednesday, 17 June 2015

#ThowbackThursday: Afrohitz Mixtape Produced by Dj Ricky Augustine


A year ago the team at Showbiz GH uploaded a banging mix tape produced by Dj Ricky Augustine.Check out the songs that made it to the playlist.Kindly DOWNLOAD in case you don't have it.
1. Dil ft Iyanya - Pretty Girls
2.MzVee ft Promzy - Borkor Borkor
3.J.O.E.L ft SammyLee - Cindarella
4.MzVee ft Stonebwoy - Natural Girl
5.Richie - Shabote
6.Kay Switc ft Wizkid & Olamide - For Example
7.Screech ft JTown - TumTum Casanova
8.Phenom ft WizKid - Murder Dem (Remix)
9.Shatta Wale - Free Up(World Boss)
10.Kofi Kinata ft Kese - Different
11.Burna Boy - Boom Boom Boom
12.Sarkodie ft Obrafour - Elijah
13.EL - Identity (Missile Riddim)
14.Samini - Scatta Badmind (Missile Riddim)
15.Wizboyy - Wizolingo
16.R2bees - Killing me softly
17.D2 ft Shatta Wale - Fever
18.Atumpan ft Samini - Regina
19.Shatta Wale - One man in a million
20.Wonda Boy ft Sarkodie - Before then
21.JTown - Ok3 mi ni
22.Shatta Wale - Life (Instru)
23.Gallaxy - Tweaa
24.Samini - Bumper (Tonga Refix)
25.Yaa Pono - Amen

Coming up at Alliance Francaise: “LAIMOMO”, A UNIQUE CREATIVE ARTS SHOW


Date: Wednesday 24th June,2015  Time:7:30pm Venue: Alliance Française Accra.

Creative artist, Akweley Bernice Animle presents “Laimomo”, a special performance featuring many aspects of the creative arts: drama, dance, music, poetry, painting and photography. This show will take place on Wednesday 24th June 2015 as part of La Paillote Takpekpe events organized by Alliance Francaise Accra to encourage and support the creative arts.

Laimomo seeks to criticize the then and now, taking into consideration sanitation issues and the fact that many have become insensitive to the environment. The show aims to use drama, dance, music, poetry, painting, photography and rap to inspire the audience to stand up against all wrong doings; such as selling in the midst of filth and extortion of tenants by landlords. It seeks to encourage people to go back to communal living where being each other’s keeper was appreciated and emphasize the importance of team work. The central focus of the performance is to question the ever changing state of culture. The Audience is sure to experience a painting brought to life by very talented actors.

Lai signifies ‘wood’ and momo denotes ‘old’. The two combined have a rather interesting birth which is; old wood. This simply means the old wood is the best to use. Laimomo is a Ga term which can be linked to the adinkra symbol of the Akans called sankofa which means ‘go back and take it!’. According to the Akweley, director of the show, “it is the old wood that ignites fire quickly hence its effectiveness in the area of cooking and other areas that need the use of fire. We must learn to go back to our roots and pick from there some vital values to aid our future.”

Akweley Bernice Animle Popularly known as Nana Akweley Bernice 1st loves to talk, watch movies and also participate in theatre or television productions. She has worked as a stage manager for most productions such as Dom C's by Nyansapo, Wise up and unshelved directed by Alfred Elikem Kunutsu. She has also worked as technical Director for the plays Nasoebi and Odasani. She worked again as a crew in Spirited Actor, by Tracy Moore, Alien King sound Crew,Leopard’s Choice Production Assistant. She co-directed The trial of Dedan Kimithi and directed 'PITY THE FOOL'by D.M Larson, SELFLESS an improvise play for the Counseling and Placement Center of the University of Ghana and GRIP AM by OLA ROMITI. 

As a director and creative artist she believes her works should influence societal behaviors positively. Akweley does not seek to change society but rather create the avenue for change. “As a director I believe this country will only develop when we start to value the creative arts and technical education”, she stated.
Rate: GHC5 for adults / GHC3 for AF students and members / Free under 12

Visit: afaccra.org for details

Monday, 8 June 2015

FACE OFF; Blackup vrs Stonebwoy. Who is more romantic?

Benard Olafemi Kayede also known as "Blackup", a Ghanaian/Nigerian currently residing in Chicago was born in Accra a little over a quarter of a century years ago. His parents introduced the youngster to a lot of musical genres including Hi-life, soca, calypso, sokouss, hip-hop, RnB and reggae dancehall. This exposure made him become a follower of music at a tender age with particular interests in reggae and dancehall.

The highly anticipated single by the versatile and multifaceted Afro reggae/dancehall artiste Blackup is finally here. “Blackup” gives you a remixed version of the sensational original sound “Romantic” produced by Julz and featuring award wining and Bet nominated Ghanaian dancehall artiste "Stonebwoy”. This newest masterpiece is brought to you by his music team (Woj3ga Movement).

The song is a composite of his old reggae musical roots growing up on the streets of Accra, fused with a new acquired afro sound living in the diaspora. It dives into the point of view of a man expressing his wishful thoughts and feelings to the love of his life for when they meet again. His fusion of different dialects recited over dancehall and Afrobeat creates a unique sound and style that moves you afro spiritually with the vibe and rhythm. 

Shattarako sings for the ladies on “State of Emergency”


Aspire Music signed artist and Ghana’s finest vocal dancehall artist Shattarako has dropped a new single for the ladies. Toning down and singing about a failing love relationship, the versatile artist asks his partner to help solve their issues before he moves on.
State of Emergency was produced by Riddim Boss, winner of the Best Dancehall Producer at the BASS Awards.

Download STATE OF EMERGENCY by Shattarako





Sent by: Ebenezer Nana Yaw Donkoh (NY DJ)

#AccraFloods: Missing but found Hiplife artiste Hecta share his thought.

Hecta

Fast rising Hiplife and Hiphop recording artiste Hecta who was reported missing by his family and management after the heavy down pour and gas explosion in Accra last week Wednesday has finally opened up via a lengthy Facebook post earlier this morning and also shared his experienced and thought on the whole incident nearly took his life.The ‘evuna’ hit maker  in his post  suggested the way forward to avoid seasonal occurrence of the tragedy

“I’ve been through it and I'm back safely. It’s a true test of my faith. I don't know how it all happened. But what I know for sure now is I'm back for good. To God be the glory. Big thanks to my management at #ShowbizGH, #Fiza & #Jonilar for being strong these few days. To friends, family and well-wishers. I can't say much. My heart is full of joy and gratitude.

I'm strong and ready to continue with my game plan for this year and towards my ultimate dream of becoming your favorite musician and philanthropist. I’m still studying the craft.

Support this journey with your prayers and advice.
This is the beginning of the new #HECTA.

My heart goes out to the victims of the   #AccrFloods and the gas explosion. May your souls rest in peace and those recovering should quickly bounce and let's do our part for #MotherGhana.


I will be sad more if the ongoing conversation about the recent tragedy goes nowhere. We need lasting solutions to these problems. Let’s make #Ghana a better place to be. God bless and thank you #TeamHecta. Watch out for #TakeOver” 

- Showbiz GH