Tuesday, 4 June 2013

It Hurts To Read Bad Stuff About My Daughter - Efya's Mum


Anytime her daughter mounts the stage and wows her audience with her unique voice coupled with her electrifying stage craft, it is the expectation that Nana Adwoa Awindor, mother of sensational singer Efya would be beside herself with pride for nurturing such a talent.

Of course, yes, mum Nana Adwoa Awindor does. She is absolutely proud of her daughter and is happy for her every minute and says she has always been grateful to God for the talent given her daughter but she finds it very difficult to deal with the bad publicity that often goes with showbiz stars.

In an interview with ‘Showbiz’, Nana Awindor, who herself is a media celebrity following the huge success she had with her ‘Greetings From Abroad’ television series, said anytime she read negative stories about her daughter, it felt as though a sword had been driven through her heart because she knew very well that her daughter would not engage in undesirable activities like drug abuse.

“I know how it is like to be in the public’s eye and I know my daughter through and through and so it really hurts to read such bad stuff about her. It is annoying, irritating, abhorring and everything put together. Sometimes, I have to be strong for her to tell her not to respond to such stories and concentrate on her career because such detractors will come to nothing.

“Sometimes these things really hurt because we believe that we are nurturing a young talent into an international star that Ghana should be proud of. But some people think that is the opportune time to punch holes and bring her down when she is going global” she added.

Nana Awindor said in modern times that the world has become a global village, people should have a second thought about the negative stories they put out there since such stories transcend the borders of the country and may have negative effects on those personalities.

“Can you imagine that somebody who has cropped the hair and sniffing cocaine is posted on the Internet with an attached story that Efya is a drug addict? Some of these stories break me down but often I say hey! It doesn’t matter, let us just forget about it and focus on what we are doing and let them be who they want to be. We want the ultimate prize and that is what we are looking for”.

The mother of the songstress who has won the hearts of many with songs like Best In Me, Cigarette, and Little Things could not hide her pride in the success her daughter has chalked in her music career adding “I see growth, possibilities, advancements, an international star par excellence. I see a bud blossom into a flower which has all the abilities of surviving and I am proud of her in so many ways.

Efya’s singing prowess is a God given talent and not the ability of mortal being because she has been doing this since childhood and in God’s own time, He made things more beautiful and packaged”.

Apart from serving as a strong tower behind her daughter’s brand, Nana Awindor the Chief Executive Officer of Premier Productions says she has been busy working on her new series of Greetings from Abroad which has been off the screens for almost four years.

“Taking it off was deliberate in order to have a refreshing show after celebrating 10 years in 2008 but a new production is set to start showing on some selected stations in June” she stated.

When asked how challenging it’s been touring the world, this was her response “It has been hectic and challenging but it’s always been an inward passion to brand Ghana and couldn’t have used any other means apart from this show to brand Ghana and I am delighted that it turned out well.

“But I have gone through some never to forget ordeals. I remember that in 2006, my hand bag which contained all the money for the expenses for myself and production crew was stolen and I cried like a baby at the German Airport. In fact, I wailed to the surprise of many present but these are some of the hazards that come with the job”.

A native of Efigya Kwabre in the Ashanti region, who is now a queen mother and bears the stool name “Obaapa Adwoa Nkyaa” and her last words to celebrities: “pride comes before fall so be humble and always seek the face of God in all your endeavours”.

Source: Graphic Showbiz

Ghanaian Star Prince David Osei at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival



One of the hottest Ghanaian actors Prince David Osei was one of the exclusive class of stars on the red carpet of the 66th Cannes Film Festival in France and sent TALK OF THE TOWN By Orikinla the following remarks on his unique experience.

Personally it was an eye opener for me even though this was my second time of visiting Cannes and the awesome Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, venue of the most famous and most attended international film festival in the world, but it was my first time to walk on the most prestigious red carpet event in the world; walking alongside famous Hollywood stars like Nicole Kidman on the day of the screening of Alexander Payne's "Nebraska" that was nominated for the coveted Palme d'Or and Bruce Dern won the Best Actor award. Its a very interesting and emotional story! The whole Grand Theatre Lumiere on Thursday May 23, 2013 was filled with movie stars from Hollywood, with directors and superstars like Michael Douglas and a host of international stars were there.


On Ghanaian and Nigerian movies not competing at the Cannes Film Festival.

I believe its about time we produce quality and interesting movies that can enter into competition. Lest I forget, I also saw Steven Spielberg, one of the best directors in the world. The 66th edition of Cannes was electrifying as peeps partied in their luxury yachts, hotels, beaches and on the streets with awesome fireworks with the most expensive cars paraded at the venue from the 15th to 26th of May. Cannes was full of intriguing activities, premieres here and there; celebrity parties here and there.

There was this outdoor cinema on Macé beach called Cinéma de la Plage. An open-air cinema or 'cinéma en plein air' in French. It was interesting to screen a movie outdoors in the cold at the seaside with peeps feeling cold and enjoying the movie under the stars at the same time.

My new hair style really gave me attention as many thought I was some big Hollywood shot...ha ha ha ha.

Cheers to all my fans in Nigeria, Ghana and other parts of the world.

~ Prince David Osei.

Miss ECOWAS Ghana 2013 Takes Off

This year's Miss ECOWAS Ghana 2013 auditions will take off on Friday, June 14, at the Golden Tulip Hotel, Accra at exactly 8:00am.

This year's event is themed 'God Bless Our Homeland Ghana' and will see 15 delegates contesting to
be crowned the 2013 Miss ECOWAS queen, who will also become an ambassador to champion the Youth Peace Initiatives of the ECOWAS Commission for a period of one year in Ghana.

The crowned queen will represent Ghana at the sub-regional ECOWAS peace pageant, engage in breast cancer campaigns across the country, and in addition will be afforded the opportunity to present her peace initiatives to the entire ECOWAS sub-region and the world at large.

Meanwhile, the organizers of the annual Miss ECOWAS beauty pageant are giving a lifetime opportunity to young, bold, beautiful and intelligent ladies between 18 and 24 years to register and be part of the 2013 audition process by visiting www. missecowasghana.com to download their audition form. Contestants have to complete and submit the registration form on the day of the audition, June 14, with one passport-size and one full-size picture.

The Miss ECOWAS Ghana Pageant is the initiative of 702 Productions LTD, a Ghana-based international events management company, with endorsement from the ECOWAS Commission, Abuja. The pageant seeks to use the youth as a vehicle for preaching peace in the sub-region. It also aims to work with them to advocate for peaceful co-existence in the sub-region and also engage in breast cancer awareness campaigns to forestall the increasing cases of breast cancer among the citizens of Ghana and the sub-region.

Prices for this year's event include a rare chance to represent Ghana at the ECOWAS peace pageant, scholarships, cash prices and various sponsors' products.

Monday, 3 June 2013

John Dumelo to build 4-unit classroom block for a school in Sierra Leone

Ghanaian actor John Dumelo has disclosed that he will be financing the construction of a four-unit classroom block for a school in Sierra Leone.

The actor, who is currently in Sierra Leone, disclosed in an interview with Myjoyonline.com that plans are far advanced for the construction of a new classroom block for the Aberdeen Community Primary school in Aberdeen in Freetown, Sierra Leone.

According to him, the US$30,000 self financed project will start “as soon as possible” and he hopes to complete it “in the next 18 months.”

The initiative, John said, is part of his John Dumelo Foundation’s quest to give back to society. The construction, he said, would be preceded by a cash and school items – exercise books, pencils and erasers - donation to the school on Wednesday.

The fine actor said his charity work “involves going to communities, donating medical equipments to schools in deprived villages. We go to the community and we identify some of the problems that the community has...we identify them and we provide them.”

The foundation, which was launched some six years ago, has embarked on several charity projects including the ongoing construction of a four-unit classroom block for the Bayire Basic Primary School in Bayire in the Upper West region.

That project started two years ago and according to him, it is near completion.

In 2012, the award winning actor presented an undisclosed amount of money to the Students Financial Aid Office of the University of Ghana, Legon. The amount was aimed at giving scholarship to two students who are brilliant but lack the financial backing to complete their course at the university.

John Dumelo disclosed after the donation in 2012 that, “We are paying for two university students; one Medical student and one Theatre Arts student. We are sponsoring both of them to undergo the whole university education.”

In a related development, the actor disclosed to Myjoyonline.com that apart from the donation and construction of the school, five Sierra Leoneans will receive full scholarships to study in his film school - John Dumelo Film Academy.

“We are offering five spots for people to come and learn film making in my film school in Ghana. So we are giving five free scholarships because already we give scholarships in Ghana so we are giving scholarships to Sierra Leoneans,” he explained.



John Dumelo is using the visit to shoot episodes of his tourism reality show dubbed, The Jmelo Show.

The actor has so far visited Mount Bintumani, Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary, and some beaches in Sierra Leone. He hopes to also feature tourism sites of Liberia, Senegal and other parts of Africa in the future.

According to him, the reality show will see him, for example, “moving around Ghana from village to village talking about tourism, doing my foundation work and moving from tourist site to tourist site and also learning the cultures of different people.”

“It’s just not me; we have other actors and actresses joining me at a point in time so it just gives us a different side of actors and actresses that people might not know and currently I am in Sierra Leone to shoot the Sierra Leone version but I will come back to Ghana and continue with the Ghanaian version.

“We will also have people from London, Canada and Nigeria joining us in the reality show just to broaden the horizon. So we are just moving around Ghana, touring Ghana and showing the other side of Ghana people might not know,” he added.

John Dumelo is also currently starring in a movie, The Queen being shot in Sierra Leone, alongside Big Brother Africa StarGame star, Zainab and Ghanaian actor James Gardner.

Gospel musicians use juju – Hannah Marfo confirms



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source:Myjoyonline.com

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tiwa Savage is expected to leave Ghana Tuesday.

Source:Myjoyonline.com

Preachers Grab 3 Nominations at African Gospel Music Awards

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

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

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

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

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

Anas Aremeyaw Anas explains his threat to expose John Dumelo



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

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

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

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

Source: Ameyaw Debrah

MTN Hit-Maker Season 2 Launched

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Source: Eugene Osafo-Nkansah

TV3 Mentor 7 Launched



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

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

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

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

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

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

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