Month: October 2018

Talented music duo, Dope Nation talk about their musical journey. Moreover, they revealed, frustrations they encountered while trying to enter the music industry. Therefore, these frustrations forced them to produce their own beats.

The duo, made up of identical twin brothers, said they became fed up with constantly joining long queues just to record their songs.

Moreover, they recounted 13 years ago in Takoradi, how they used to wait in queues to have a recording session with WilliesBeatz. They spoke about this journey on Daybreak Hitz on Hitz FM. They stated

“You have to buy Willies ‘waakye’,”

Michael one of the twins stated that in those days WilliesBeatz, was busy recording big acts like Guru, Kofi Kinaata and Castro. Therefore, he barely had time.

Due to the frustrations, B2 said they had to watch YouTube videos to learn how to produce their own beats.

“It took us about five years to master [producing our beats]” 

DopeNation is known for producing hit songs such as ‘Kpuu Kpaa’ by Shatta Wale, ‘Wow’ by Joey B feat EL, ‘Sebgefia’ by Joey B and EL,.

Serwaa Amihere puts her foot in her mouth.

GHOne TV presenter, Serwaa Amihere courts the anger of some Ghanaians. This was after she criticised the government’s insistence on holding a rally-like launch for NABCO.

Earlier in the week, President Nana Akufo-Addo launched his flagship programme for employment, the Nation Builders’ Corps (NABCO). However, the rally-like launch of NABCO did not please GHONE’s Seerwaa Amihere.

Moreover, she wondered why the Corps members had to march.

However, her criticism attracted the ire of supporters of the Presidency and the NABCO programme. They thought she was being destructive. She passed her comments in a tweet.

“I’m just wondering, couldn’t we have commissioned the NABCO recruits without them marching?? ?????????”

One user responded to her saying

“Ghanaians and useless critics, the jobs creation are the most important to us the graduates , he has done it and we are greatful. Hopefully it’s sustainable. To hell with your wondering .”

Singer, Efya puts the addiction rumors to bed. According to her, the rumours that she is a drug addict are false.

Moreover, according to her, she “does not do drugs” like people have been assuming since she came to the spotlight through music.

She made these statements in an interview with Rainbow Radio

“I have had migraine since I was 12 years and I do take paracetamol so that is the only drug I do. I don’t care about people saying I do drugs. I don’t care anymore because I know who I am”.

“You can’t stop my greatness. I have been doing this for 8 years and you think you can stop me? Amazing, Stop saying I do drugs. Are you not bored with the same old story”.

Ever since she came in the limelight, people say she uses drugs. This is because of some of her actions during interviews and other acts of hers has always been out of order and hence directed pointing fingers at her.

Dancehall artiste, Stonebwoy talks about his ‘Ashaiman To The World Concert’. According to him, he does not have a problem with Shatta Wale performing at his ‘Ashaiman to the World’ concert.

Moreover, he said contrary to the cold reception he received at Shatta Wale’s concert last Saturday; he wouldn’t do same to his rival. He made these statements in an interview on Daybreak Hitz on Hitz FM

“I have done it before how difficult will it be for me…”

“It wouldn’t be easy…this time but I pray that I find a way. It wouldn’t be easy because he hasn’t made it easy for me” 

He explained that his decision to attend Wale’s album launch was an attempt to bring peace between him and his rival.

“It’s a move that will definitely signify peace,” he said, adding that he didn’t go there for war.

Ghanaian actor, Adjetey Anang expresses his disappointment in Gabby Otchere-Darko. Earlier in the week, Gabby stated that many Ghanaian movies are bad.

The post caught the attention of a lot of industry players including Kafui Danku, Yvonne Nelson and Lydia Forson.

Moreover, Adjetey Anang wades into the issue and didn’t mince words in expressing his disappointment about Mr Otchere-Darko’s post.

Adjetey Anang’s post to Gabby Otchere Darko

“Dear Mr. Gabby Otchere-Darko, First of all, I appreciate that you add your voice to the need for us to move our nation beyond aid. Also, the need for our creative works to contribute to development agenda.

Indeed, truly, Hollywood has been a front-runner in the promotion of America as a brand and has been a key contributor to the development of America and a great influence on their world and on ours.

Beyond what the major film studios and individual stakeholders have done, I am very sure you are also aware the major role played by American governments over the years.

Enabling environment for creative arts, enforcement of piracy laws, intellectual property laws, capacity building, tax incentives, etc. Most of the Hollywood movies you see are from the top 6 studios despite the fact that there are thousands of filmmakers in Hollywood; which implies that there are some crappy ones from the same America that do not get the same attention.

Which brings the question, which random movies from Ghana did u watch? I am very curious because of the blanket statement you made. I won’t even go into how individuals have fought and toiled to keep the industry alive with 100% owner’s equity financing of movies.

More of the post

Many of our movies have made significant strides on the continent n beyond with individuals’ hard work. Reputable international airlines buy and show Ghanaian movies, reputable international film festivals and awards in Europe, US and across Africa acknowledge and duly recognize the quality of our films which have been painstakingly financed by individuals who have used their lifetime investments to nurture these dreams with the hope that someday the government of our nation will see that we are not looking for handouts and “sponsorship” but government’s interest that there is indeed an opportunity to make Ghana’s film industry an attractive investment venture and positively project the image of Ghana.

One would expect that after watching your “random movies”, you would engage stakeholders or individuals who keep financing our own works to keep our little flame alive by keeping our audiences entertained, educated and informed.

Tell us what you think we can do to improve the industry, what role your govt can play in giving us that needed support etc. I am very disappointed that you rather took to the media to voice your disappointment and in a very condescending way too, to rubbish our efforts.

The last of his words

We aren’t rubbish Sir. Many of us, like myself are highly educated, talented and exposed and we simply believe that this is an untapped gold mine for Ghana’s economy so despite the frustrating challenges and the lack of commensurate rewards for the volume of work we put in; we forge on… working hard night and day, positively projecting the image of Ghana everywhere we go; hoping that someday our star will shine.

Please make time to engage us and listen to us… as the Desiderata says *”…listen to others, even the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.” We can together move this industry forward, if only your comments would be constructive and not condescending.

Ghana Movie Awards (GMA) makes a comeback this year to continue its mandate. A lot of sources confirm this news. This news comes after almost two years after it had been put on hold.

The award is an annual event to recognise excellence in the Ghanaian movie industry

Its first edition was on December 25, 2010 at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC). However, subsequently the date changed because it conflicted with other events in December.

In 2017, Zylofon Media stated that it had taken over the organisation of the Ghana Movie Awards.

Moreover, according to reports, Zylofon Media will organise the awards for the next 10 years starting from 2017.

However, Ghana is yet to witness another Ghana Movie Awards since the last one in 2016.

Furthermore, according to a source, founder of the awards, Fred Nuamah, takes back the franchise from Zylofon Media to organise the awards with his GP Productions.

Dancehall artiste, Stonebwoy explains why he was at the Reign album launch concert. After the concert, there were exchange of tweets between Samini, Shatta Wale and Stonebwoy. Moreover, according to the tweets, people denied them entry to the concert. This is even when they wanted to perform. The concert was at the Fantasy Dome.

In an interview on Hitz FM’s Daybreak Hitz Show with the host Andy Dosty, Stonebwoy disclosed the reasons why he wanted to perform at the Reign Concert.

According to him, even though he knew Bhimnation fans wouldn’t have been happy to see him perform at Shatta Wale’s concert knowing there’s no peace between them. However, someone needed to take a bolder step to quench the hatred flames between them (Shatta Wale and Himself).

He told Andy Dosty,

“Instead, I wanted to take a bolder step to make peace, but we were denied”.

Gabby Otchere Darko explains his comments. Yesterday, social media was abuzz with the debate sparked by Otchere-Darko.

Moreover, numerous celebrities, including Yvonne Nelson and Lydia Forson called out his comments.

Gabby Otchere Darko responds to the criticisms

“I hope I have provoked a healthy debate. It is not meant to denigrate. However, to generate a discussion about using entertainment more for development, social justice and education.

“There are many Ghanaian celebrities who use their influence in a positive way to promote a cause. Therefore, we celebrate them. We saw many Ghanaian celebrities stepping out onto the streets during the pitch darkness of Dumsor to protest and we celebrated their activism.

“The debate I seek to provoke, however, is that we do not have enough filmmakers, musicians, etc, using their films or music, etc, to promote social justice, educate and entertain or to plug into a greater consciousness, like the theme Ghana Beyond Aid. How do we define that theme of consciousness that has resonated across the globe to effect change in our society and beyond? How do we use our creativity to change the mindset of our people from a culture of dependency and inadequacy to one of a confident AFRICA and Africans united in knowledge of their value and ready to push harder and smarter ahead? That is not to say those leading our creative industry are not good or brilliant in what they do. No!

“I am only calling for more Ama Ata Aidoos, Chinua Achebes, Spike Lees, and Ousmane Sembènes. Bob Marley, Nina Simone and John Lennon recognized the power of music. They used their powerful voices to spread strong messages, to provoke discussions, to challenge stereotypes and to promote social justice. Solange, Common, Chance and even John Legend are such strong modern activists.

 

RuffTown Records signed act, Wendy Shay has another song on the airwaves. This time around she takes charge of what is hers. The song title is “The Boy Is Mine” and it features Eno.

Furthermore, in the song she stands ready to protect what is hers and is not ready to go. Eno is the friend who is not loyal and plays the greedy role.

However, a few days ago an audio went viral of Bullet being caught by his girlfriend allegedly with Shay. Therefore, to a lot of Ghanaians that was a ploy to promote the song and video. But there are sections of the public that think they want to lie to Ghanaians and cover up the affair.

Yaw Skyface directed the video.

Watch the video of of Wendy Shay ft Eno

VRMG boss, Edem lashes out at Multimedia group’s Hitz FM. This is for what he describes as a nonsense act.

In the week, Hitz FM had a topic of DJ Switch on their show ‘DaybreakHitz’. They asked their social media followers:

“DISCUSSING NOW: People are worried about the tangent DJ Switch is on: dancing with grown-ups, not behaving like a girl her age not concentrating on school… Is she being misled by her parents and handlers? What is your view? #DaybreakHitz”

However, Edem stated that the topic was inappropriate for discussion on the radio. He added that they need to  engage the parents of DJ Switch privately. He made his outrage known on Twitter.

“Stop the Nonsense Hitz fm..The little girl doesn’t need this…If u care about here engage the parents privately…What a country” 

Also, he announced that this years edition of the Edemfest will take place in the kings land of Keta Aborigines on the 2nd of November.