FIPAG FIGHTS FOREIGN MOVIE PRODUCERS

Leadership of the Film Producers Association of Ghana (FIPAG) have launched an all out attack on non-Ghanaians who make films in the country without having a work permit, a permit from the Ghana Actors Guild and a permit from FIPAG.
This campaign, according to the Public Relations Officer for FIPAG, Michael Kwaku Ola, was meant to protect the Ghanaian movie producers and the industry as a whole and not scare off foreigners.

“People have in the past sneaked in and out of the country to shoot movies and documentaries among others without any work permit or permission from FIPAG. Well guess what, things have changed now. FIPAG, together with the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) will make sure that the right thing is done,” Michael Kwaku Ola told NEWS-ONE.

It could be recalled that Nigerian comic actor, Osita Iheme who is popularly known as ‘Popo’ was prevented from shooting a movie in Kumasi by some officials of Ghana Actors Guild (GAG) and FIPAG because he did not have a work permit. The production was put on hold until Popo got the necessary work permit.

“I hear people saying that what we are doing will prevent foreigners from coming into the country for their filmmaking project but that is not true. We are rather encouraging them to follow right procedure,” FIPAG PRO stated.

He added that the association has been receiving complaints from some hotels in Ghana that some people who parade themselves as FIPAG members have used their facilities to shoot movies and left without paying.

“Sometimes even the Ghanaian crew is not paid by the foreigners who run off after the production. We feel very sad when we hear such complaints and we are doing everything possible to avert such incidences in future,” Kwaku Ola said.

The association is reported to have men on the ground who would inform FIPAG and GIS should any foreigner attempt to shoot a movie or documentary without a work permit.

4X4 BLASTS OUT EVENT ORGANIZERS

Boy group 4×4 have lashed out at event organizers and some corporate bodies, describing their sometimes rude and inconsiderate actions towards local artistes as most despicable.

In what could be described as a fiery Monday morning outburst, the trio poured their hearts out during an interview on TV3′s morning show, New Day.

A vituperation led by Coded (formerly known as Abortion), a member of the group, they managed to send out the strongest of signals about how unconvincing they and the larger body of local musicians were with the way things have been done in the past, and in recent years.

Calling out names, Coded mentioned the upcoming Guinness Concert on November 30, which is to feature Akon and Big Sean and some local artistes as one of such clear cases of disrespect for the local artiste. He wondered why the need to bring in the two American acts, when clearly it could have been handled by a crack core of local artistes.

Using a similar concert held by the company in Nigeria a fortnight ago, where only local artistes headlined it as case study, he insisted the idea to bring in those two acts, is completely out of place.
“You could make people tweet and ask them to sing a line of Big Sean’s song… they don’t know his songs.” He continued “they should have put in at least … i know of only three giants in Ghana and they are Amakye Dede, Kojo Antwi and Daddy Lumba. They could have headlined the show because Guinness is a big brand.”

“The same thing happened with Shatta Wale … they said we wanted to see Elephant Man… And Shatta Wale killed the show… We want to tell Guinness that they are not doing enough. This is really like … you are really disrespecting we the musicians. It looks like we’ve not been able to come out and speak so every time they take us for granted.

“They just come and disrespect musicians and they make us feel little … they belittle us. We don’t want to take anything for granted anymore. We’ve grown up and we believe it’s high time they respect musicians in Ghana.”

He asks “why is Sarkodie not on the bill, why is Edem, why is EL not on the bill, why is D Black not on the bill, why is even Kwabena Kwabena not on the bill, Bisa K Dei, Guru, all of those boys, making bad hits. Let us enjoy our own.”

“You pick this money and go and give it to Akon…FUSE ODG just won a MOBO award; you could have invited him to stage this show to make us feel like we enjoy our own and love it.”

Talking about how he used to go all the way to the Upper West Region by road just to perform during his early days in music, and how but for the intervention of some telcos, him and some of his colleague musicians wouldn’t be where they are now, he asked why Guinness didn’t find it smart to make some positive statement with their upcoming show.

“If you an alcohol company want to do something like this and don’t recognize we the musicians, it is bad.” A call that may trigger a rethinking of how things are done in the corporate and event organization world, locally, it follows similar sentiments expressed by Sarkodie over how he was treated in connection with the Guinness concert, also calling for greater respect for local artistes.

Other acts have in the past expressed same misgivings. As Coded noted, “It’s not funny at all.”

TUTULAPATO GETS RAP ATTACK

Eight-year-old hip life artiste Tutulapato popularly known as ‘King of the Kids’ has released a new single titled ‘Rap Attack’.
Tutulapato, winner of the just ended Talented Kids reality show on TV3, in the new song, noted that several big names in the rap music industry have endorsed him.

“Kwaw Kese saw me and said I’m sick. Pope Skinny told me I will be a hit.
I’m the boy on fire, God has raised me higher and when I rap I don’t get tired,” a line from Tutulapto’s song stated.

Tutulatapo, currently under the management of Pope Skinny, has been rocking shows on various platforms and with his new song he is expected to rule the airwaves.

“When I started rapping, people saw me and laughed at me.
They didn’t know that I had hidden some of my rap lines.

Now I will be pour them out for my fans. My rap lines are as difficult as the economy.
Ghana’s rap without me is like a car without number plate. I’m now the hot cake, the original Lapato no fake,” he said.

After his spectacular punch lines  on the ‘Man in Sane’s’  ‘Woeisoomi’ hit song, it was rumoured that Kwaw Kese’s Mad Time Entertainment wanted to sign on the wonder boy onto his record label.
“I know there is an interest like that but for now, we have not completed the dealings. As you all know, Kwaw Kese already has a song with him,” a source told NEWS-ONE.

Tutulapato shot to fame after a video of him rapping on Adom FM’s Kasahari Level popped up on online video channel website Youtube.com.

LYDIA FORSON SAYS FANS CONFUSE HER FOR KAAKIE

The last time I was on a flight with Lydia Forson there was love in the air (well not between Lydia and me because we have been lovers for ages), and when we met again on Sunday there was the usual sparks.

Haha. This time we were both heading to Lagos where she would be attending the Africa International Film Festival, while I was connecting to London. 

In our conversations, Lydia mentioned how she is now often confused for dancehall singer, Kaakie. She said that people stop her in town to say they love her music and mention their favorite songs by Kaakie. But do the two look that much alike?

I guess it is because of their voluptuous bodies…hmmm
. I wonder who people confuse me with…lol

AKI AND PORPO SELLING SACHET WATER IN GHANA

After many years of shooting movies primarily in Nigeria, the pair picked up a movie role in Ghana and currently there for the production.

Porpo (Osita Iheme) related that he’s peacefully enjoying his stay in Ghana and expecting to finish shoot in the next couple of days, whilst Chinedu Ikedieze is gliding along since his friend is there as well.

Since many Ghanaian movie actors usually go to Nigeria to shoot movies with their colleagues there, it’s good that Nigerian colleagues also make the trip to Ghana to enjoy making movies there as well. At least they have their elder colleague around who’s now accustomed to Ghana.

Below is a scene from the movie:

LEGENDARY A. B. CRENSTIL TO BE HONOURED AT 2013 LEGENDS AND LEGACY BALL

Legendary highlife musician, A. B. Crenstil, will be honoured at this year's Legends and Legacy (LAL) Ball organized by Imajin Advertisers.

The announcement of A. B. Crenstil, born  Alfred Benjamin Crentsil Jr, as the artiste to be celebrated and honoured this year, followed earlier rumours that legendary musician, Kojo Antwi, had been selected by organizers of the event.

The LAL Ball, which started in 2011, is an event which seeks to celebrate the achievements and legacies of living music legends. It celebrated hi-life great, Daddy Lumba in its maiden edition followed by Amakye Dede in 2012.


Organizers unveiled A. B. Crenstil as the honoree for this year at a colourful ceremony at the Oak Plaza Hotel in Accra.
An elated AB Crenstil, whose musical career spans almost five decades, in a speech at the unveiling ceremony said, “I feel honoured. It is a good thing that would help me.”

This year's LAL Ball, according to the organizers, will come off at the Accra International Conference Centre on November 30. They, however said, supporting acts for the event will be announced on a later date.

'Biography'
Alfred Benjamin Crentsil Jr. was born to the late Alfred Benjamin Crentsil Snr. and Esi Yaaba at Posten in the 1940s.
He was always known as AB junior until his father died in 1984 and then he assumed the AB Crentsil name without the junior.

His primary and middle school education was the Takoradi Methodist Primary and Rev. Cleveland Middle School Respectively.

After his middle school examination, AB worked as an electrical apprentice under his father, who was the Works Superintendent of the Technical branch of Ghana Railways at Takoradi.

While in the middle school, Crentsil was introduced to the guitar by a Mr. Thedoh. Crentsil became proficient in playing guitar and started singing along as he plays it.

He was simultaneously working as an electrician and playing with the Strollers Band owned by one Kwesi Donkor. Crentsil has played with the El Dorado's, Sweet Talks and then finally the Ahenfo Band.

Crentsil continues to release new albums and he continues to win all the top accolades that are awarded to top musicians in Ghana.

As he always says: "When burger highlife came and everybody loved it, we all joined the train because we also wanted to make some money, but one that I realized is that, highlife will always be the original form of music for Ghanaians and we will always come back to it."

Crentsil is married to Elizabeth and they have seven children.

SONNIE BADU CELEBRATES BIRTHDAY AT FOUR ORPHANAGES HOME

On Saturday October 9, four Orphanages in Ghana welcomed award winning Gospel singer, songwriter, author and philanthropist Sonnie Badu and his entourage to their homes to celebrate another milestone in his life.

His birthday tour took him to the Remar Ghana, a Christian Centre of Rehabilitation based in Dansoman. Teshie Orphanage Home, Nungua based New Life Orphanage International and the Lighthouse Christian Children's Home, located at Jamaicaso, Aburi in the Eastern Region of Ghana.

Sonnie Badu spent his birthday with the four Homes with the entourage which included his parents, actress Selassie Ibrahim, television host Stacy Amoateng and other important personalities.

At each of the Orphanages he visited, Sonnie sliced his birthday cake with the children, after which he shared the cake and drinks to them. He also donated an undisclosed sum of money. He promised to do more and advised the handlers of the orphanages to call on him whenever the need arises.

At Remar Ghana, which was his first point of call, Sonnie and his entourage was welcomed to the Home with one of his inspiring song by the Remar El-Shaddai band. He couldn't help it, than to shed some tears.

"It's a great day for me, and one promise I made to God was that, if he takes me up unto that level, I will never forget the needy and for the past 7 years we have been doing this every year but this time around, we decided to visit four different places [orphanages]," an emotional Sonnie said.

"For us it's a great honour to be here to do what Jesus will do best, taking care of the needy, so I though, it would be good to bring some cake and spend time with my family and my friends right here, so we brought few gifts for the kids, just to show our appreciation to God for what he's done in our lives and it wouldn't end here, we will also do well to support the school and the Remar band."

The tour then continued to the Teshie Orphanage Home, New Life Orphanage International and to the Lighthouse Christian Children's Home, Jamaicaso.

At New Life Orphanage International, Sonnie Badu prayed for a young girl; Mummy Mensah who has undergone operation and discharged the same day as Sonnie's birthday. He showed special interest in the young girl and promised to make resources available for her upkeep.

Sonnie Badu is scheduled to rock Ghana in his upcoming concert dubbed "Africa Worships with Sonnie Badu" on Saturday November 30, 2013 at the Accra Sports Stadium.

MY MATES ARE GETTING MARRIED…YVONNE NELSON TWEETS

My mates are getting married.

My mates are getting good jobs.

My mates are succeeding.

My mates are living overseas.

My mates are buying cars.

My mates are building houses.

My mates are this……my mates are that……

It’s a pity you literally forgot about your mates in the mortuary, your mates in the psychiatric homes,
your mates are roaming on the streets, your mates are jobless, hungry, blind, deaf……….

You might not be where you wish to be but you have obviously
transcended from where you were yesterday.

Do you know: Only 53 days left and we say bye bye to 2013? Some slept yesterday and didn’t wake up today? We’re sinners but GOD showed mercy?

GOD still has plans for you before the year ends?

Some mates are there in jail without committing any crime? You ate last night but some didn’t or couldn’t?

♥You have work and sources for daily living while some have nothing to look up to

♥You are not alive because you are faithful or because you have never sinned before – but it is the MERCY of GOD that kept you alive.

INDEED GOD LOVE’S YOU♥♥♥

Can you just appreciate GOD by saying ‘THANK YOU GOD’.
Be thankful.

15 FUNNY OBSERVATIONS IN NOLLYWOOD FILMS

Below are some of those subtle and funny “things” about Nigerian Nollywood movies. Enjoy!

1.Isn’t funny that a Ghost picks up a call in Nollywood, how is this possible?

2. Why would a Ghost have to look “left and right” before crossing the road?

3.Isn’t it funny for two Ghost to fall in love, na wa!

4. Why is it that Nollywood characters die or run mad immediately after their confessions?

5. How come a legendary Village Movie, set in the 70′s, still find Brazilian hair on Mercy Johnson?

6. Must all hired assassins be found in uncompleted or abandoned buildings?

7. Will a Yoruba movie ever be complete without a visit to the ‘Baba’?

8. Observe, nine out of ten times, Olu Jacobs dies of heart attack in Nollywood movies, why?

9. “15 years ago” , Ini Edo calls her boyfriend with a Blackberry Bold 5. How possible?

10. When poor people come to Lagos to struggle, they always make it. How true is this?

11. Isnt it funny for Segun Arinze to act as Ramsey Noah’s dad?

12. Isn’t it interesting for a blind woman to say “I’m happy to see you, my son”?

GUINNESS BIG ERUPTION HITS GH WITH WORLD CLASS ENTERTAINMENT

Guinness, the nation’s number one stout, is bringing together some of the best known music artists internationally and locally for one of the most epic musical performances ever seen in GH – The Guinness Big Eruption concert.

International superstar, Akon, and American hip hop star, Big Sean will be stepping up and headlining The Big Eruption at Accra Sports Stadium on Saturday 23rd November.

Ghana's own dancehall kings Samini and Bandana (Shata Wale) will also be giving Ghanaians the best of dancehall music that Ghana has to offer.

Through the Guinness Big Eruption Concert, Guinness will be bring the world class stage of entertainment to GH and also give Ghanaians a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience the big entertainment shows they only see in other parts of the world right here on Ghanaian soil.

You don’t want to miss out on the biggest Eruption to ever hit GH!
For tickets to the eruption concert:

Buy a six pack from any of the designated outlets: Game, Baatsonaa Total, U- Save (Tema), Darkuman Total, Marina Mall and Rice and Sugar.

Interact with the Guinness Facebook page
Be spotted by the G-Men drinking Guinness

Always remember to:
Stay On Side - Drink Responsibly
Guinness is Strictly not for sale to persons under the age of 18

“I AM THE SEXIEST, DARING, ANNOYING, BUT THE BEST GHANAIAN FEMALE ARTISTE IN AFRICA” – KAAKIE

I remember during my primary school days when teachers asked for a description of myself in one sentence, I fumbled. It’s usually very hard to condense all the description you could give of yourself in one sentence. Even as an adult, same thing happens when I go for interviews; and am asked to describe myself in one sentence.

This “one sentence” description of yourself, is not the easiest of tasks. But, well, this is not the case for Kaakie.

Over the weekend “The white carpet”, an entertainment show on JoyNews on multi TV, hosted dance hall queen Kaakie. The queen diva as popularly called when asked to describe herself in one sentence took a deep breath and without punctuations, she said; “I am the most sexiest, daring, annoying but the best Ghanaian female artiste here in Africa, the world and aiming to empower women, and very sweet”.

Think otherwise? Well you can take a swim in the ocean but Kaakie won’t care.
The Diva who was just describing herself in one sentence added that she can be very naughty at times. Who would think the daring Kaakie will fear anything? Well everybody has fears and Kaakie's biggest fear at the moment is Nigeria's Jesse Jagz. The two have been nominated in the same category “Reggae/Dancehall” in the 2013 Channel ‘O’ awards.

But the sexy dancehall queen assures herself and her fans; “I won’t board a plane to South Africa and come back with nothing. I’m hopeful irrespective of my competition.”

The last time Samini was on “The White Carpet” he referred to Kaakie as his little baby, so it didn’t come as a surprise when Kaakie responded in similar fashion, when asked who Samini meant to her, that: “Samini is like my father, brother and everything to me”.

She added that the 30% of “Patwa” she speaks is by kind courtesy, Samini Meanwhile Kaakie has entreated all her fans to keep praying for her and look forward to a whole new Kaakie after the channel O awards.

GHANAIAN CULTURE ON VERGE OF EXTINCTION – DAVID DONTOH

Renown Ghanaian creative artist David Dontoh has expressed concern, that the cultural identity of the Ghanaian and other Africans could become extinct if deliberate efforts are not made to stop the trend whereby Africans are fast losing essential elements of their customs, traditions, and heritageto foreign cultures.

 According to the Ghanaian celebrity, it is sad that “most of the youths you find in Ghana today, they call themselves Ghanaians but in fact, in their minds they don’t think like Ghanaians, they don’t speak Ghanaian languages, they don’t eat Ghanaian foods, they don’t dress like Ghanaians, and they don’t like Ghanaian songs.”

 
Speaking on ‘Inside Afrika’ a Pan African Development Program on Accra-based Radio Universe, David Dontoh stressed the need for Africans to preserve the positive aspects of their cultural heritage. He observed, “civilisations have risen and fallen and gone extinct and it was all because they did not see the need to take good care of their traditions and cultures and the heritage they came to meet.”

While acknowledging that culture is dynamic and no nation is an island, the Ghanaian Celebrity noted that “if you would forgo what you have and live like others who live in another environment, you are actually only fighting to go extinct because it will come a time you will not survive because all the things God in his wisdom gave you to develop on and live by, you have thrown them away.”

In addition to factors such as colonialism and acculturation, Mr Dontoh blamed the nation’s education system for the gradual eroding cultural identity of Ghanaians.

The Host of GTV's Agrofie noted that “language is the bedrock of your culture, of your history, of your heritage, of everything that identifies you as a people…interestingly by our educational system we don’t teach the pupil the mother tongue, you start direct even from crèche speaking the English language so by the time you are in JHS you virtually express yourself best or better in a foreign language and therefore that child from the onset, has lost perhaps 50% of what makes he or she a Ghanaian.”

On the way forward, David Dontoh suggested “we should use the medium of theatre and film to project, because other cultures vigorously projected their cultures through these media and that is what we have to do because at the end of the day, that is what promotes and markets your economy out there… You don’t market your economy based on someone else’s culture.”

Explaining the importance of the media in shaping cultural identity, David Dontoh noted that, “if a child comes home and watches television and he only sees Europe and the Mexican Telenovellas all that you’re telling the child is that those are a better way of life than ours that is how come our girls are wearing Brazilian hair and we don’t make Brazilian hair here.”

He said the current situation whereby Africans have developed a taste for foreign goods which they do not produce while at the same time they produce raw materials primarily to feed other people’s economies, is an indication that the Ghanaian economy is not being developed based on Ghanaian culture.

David Dontoh also described as dangerous, the recent revelation by TV3’s Odelia Ofori that some Cocoa Farmers in the Western Region have never seen or tasted chocolate. He said this is a reflection of the poor state of the Ghanaian economy.
“The basis of the economy is the culture, once you lose the culture, you’ve lost it,” he concluded.

MONOGAMY IS STUPID - AKON

Akon believes the idea of a man having one woman for all of eternity is ridiculous and not realistic -- and if women could just accept that, there would be far less domestic disputes.

Akon was at LAX yesterday when we talked about the pressures of being in a monogamous relationship.

"Women aren't built to mate with more than one party ... men are."

He adds, "As a male, we're natural breeders by nature" and women need to take more time to understand how men are built.

"At the end of the day as a male we are natural breeders by nature. We can't even escape it if we wanted to."

However, that doesn't mean that men are incapable of being married -- ya gotta listen to Akon's philosophy.
 

4SYTE TO HONOUR HAMMER

Organizers of this year’s 4Syte TV Music Video Awards have disclosed ahead of the main awards night that celebrated Music Producer Edward (Hammer) of the Last Two Music Group will be honoured.

As part of the awards ceremony two non-competitive categories “Lifetime Achievement Awards” and “Living Legend Award” is presented annually to deserving individuals (dead or alive) who have contributed immensely to the development of their respective fields.

4Stye Music Video Awards has, since its inception, rewarded the hard work of pioneers in the film and music industry, including Reggie Rockstone, Ivan Quashigah, Abraham Ohene Djan, Ramesh Jai, Kwaw Ansah and Allen Gyimah, Prof. Kofi Middleton Mends with the Living Legend and Lifetime Achievement awards.

Organizers have hinted that Hammer will be one of the honourees on the main awards night come Saturday November 16, at the Accra International Conference Centre, for his immeasurable contribution for hip-life music in particular and positive influence in the music industry in general.
Edward Osei (Hammer) of the Last Two Music Group is a successful producer responsible for some of the finest old and new hits on urban radio. Hammer led a consistent drive and support for the growth of hip-life.

He is behind the discovery and development of great rap talents including Obrafour, Kwaw Kese, Sarkodie, Edem, Tinny, Quata, Okra, Boli among others. In what became a go-to shrine of a sort for most young acts seeking their first hit single, his Last Two recording studio, from the early part of 2000 till date, has played host to hundreds of musicians. He has successfully inspired and shepherded most of the rappers and music producers the country is seeing now.

I WOULDN’T HAVE MADE IT IN MUSIC TODAY -CELINE DION

Celine Dion has admitted in an interview that she does not think she would have made it as a singer, if she had to start out again today.

The five-time Grammy Award winner said “show business and society has changed tremendously” since she began her career more than 30 years ago and she does not know if she would have had “the patience to start a career today”.

The star was speaking at the launch of her first English-speaking album titled ‘Loved Me Back To Life.’
The album features more recent hit makers including Ne-Yo and Sia.

Dion said it is “liberating” to have reached a stage in her career where she does not need to “prove anything” to anyone anymore.

The multi-platinum selling singer appeared on The X Factor over the weekend, but said it is not a route she would have gone down if she was starting again.

“Everybody now just wants to be famous – the artists today, there’s no limits, they’re willing to do a lot – it’s not up to me to tell you if it’s wrong or if it’s right, but I’m glad I didn’t have to do that.”
Dion also touched on the provocative displays of current female artists – including Miley Cyrus and Rihanna.

She said: “I wish that they didn’t have to go that far, but you have to give them the freedom to present themselves as they want – it’s up to us to buy the records or not.”

Across a 30-year career, Dion has sold more than 200 million records and will spend Christmas performing at a sell-out residency concert in Las Vegas, but she admits at some point she will have to hang up her microphone for good.

“Eventually I will have no choice, at some point, I’m not even going to be able to hum My Heart Will Go On.”

PAWPAW ROLLS WITH JOE SHORTINGO

Reports making the rounds say Nigerian miniature size actor Osita ‘Pawpaw’ Iheme has struck a new friendship with Ghanaian actor Joe Shortingo, also a miniature size actor.
Meanwhile, there are doubts Pawpaw and his long term pal, Chinedu ‘Aki’ Ikedieze are still the best of friends. There were earlier speculations that since Aki got married, his friendship with Pawpaw started facing problems and he does not hang out with Papaw as they used to.
Both Joe and Pawpaw are at the moment making a debut in an upcoming African movie and that is making their new bond a strong one.
Pawpaw had most often been featured alongside Aki therefore pairing with the Ghanaian actor for the first time is already raising eyebrows over the upcoming movie.

The shoot of the new movie generated some controversies in the past weeks when Pawpaw arrived in Ghana for the production.

Sources told NEWS-ONE that the two unique actors were on set playing friends and they have been putting up some of their best performances ever.

What is yet to be confirmed is if Pawpaw will stay longer in Ghana. In recent times, some Nigerian stars have not just made Ghana their second home but found interest in working here as well.

Hank Anuku stayed in Ghana for several months to work and he is a typical example. So it would not be a surprising if Pawpaw also hangs around for some months.

MUSIGA VISITS PPL UK

A statement from the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) says the Union’s president has led a delegation to visit PPL in the United Kingdom.

PPL is a leading organization that has succeeded in expanding her territories in collecting royalties for musicians who feature as backing vocalist or session men for sound recordings.

The statement said “though the new Copyright Act 690 of 2005 makes provision for the payment of royalties to performing artistes who feature as session men or backing vocalist based on the agreement they have signed with any employer who engages them in a recording contract, this aspect of the law is yet to see the light of day in Ghana.”

It said the Union is spearheading a campaign for the implementation of the copyright act 690 to its fullest to ensure the inclusion of all creative individuals who feature in a recording piece to benefit from same.

“The leadership of PPL is more than willing to assist Ghana to improve on our collective management system by providing all the needed support for the development of the Music industry in Ghana,” the MUSIGA statement revealed.

It said the Union will soon organize a forum to introduce this form to be used by all who qualify and to ensure that in the not too distant future they can all benefit from their creativity.

The delegation included the General Secretary, Mrs. Deborah Anaman and the Director for Special Projects, Rev. Fiifi Khan Agyarkwah.

WANLOV THE KUBOLOR AND M3NSA SHAVE OFF THIER RASTA (PHOTOS)

Wanlov the Kubolor and his singing partner M3nsa, who together make up Foes of Kwame Nkrumah (FOKN) Bois, have shaved off their Rasta.“M3nsa and I were in Nima the other time and we decided just to walk into a barber’s shop. Upon entry, we just told the barber to shave off the Rasta,” Wanlov told News-One.

The controversial singers, known for their unique pidgin lyrics and the humor they attach to their music, have shaved off a great amount of hair which could easily pass for a good ‘Brazilian Wig’ on any day.

Wanlov was recently in the news for publicly engaging in a fierce man-to-man fight with radio presenter Blakk Rasta at the premises of Joy FM.

According to the FOKN Bois, who will be showing the second installment of their ‘Coz Ov Moni’ movie in London, the hair shaving was a spontaneous incident which has no connection with any recent happenings. “M3nsa shaved his Rasta completely but I shaved off only some parts of mine,” Wanlov said. Wanlov and M3nsa have been receiving bashing from some Rastafarian groups in Ghana for leaking their naked picture on social platforms and their comments on gay issues among others.

HERTY BORNGREAT BUYS MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS FOR AKROPONG SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND

Borngreat Music Productions, handlers of the reigning Gospel Artiste of the Year, Herty Borngreat, is importing a complete set of musical instruments from Germany for the Akropong School for the Blind.

The gesture is in fulfillment of a promise Herty made to support the school with proceeds from her ‘Be My Guest’ music concert held in September.

“I wanted the goods to arrive before I speak about it but since you are insisting I have to explain to you that we have shipped the instruments from Germany and we are expecting its arrival anytime from now.
Once they arrive, we would present them to the school,” Herty confirmed to NEWS-ONE.

The concert was the first of its kind and organisers said it would become an annual event. It came off at the Alisa Hotel and saw performances from veteran gospel musicians Mary Ghansah, Nobel Nketia and Tagoe Sisters.

Herty herself said she was utterly shocked at the massive attendance and the presence some of the country’s best gospel musicians.
In an interview with News One, the gospel artiste said she was mostly grateful to the veteran gospel musicians, Mary Ghansah, Nobel Nketia and Tagoe Sisters- and all her fans who contributed in making the day successful.

“I’m grateful to God almighty, my big brothers and sisters in this ministry and also to my fans for coming to the show.
I did not anticipate so much love and support. Thank you all,” Herty stated.

JOHN DUMELO SINGS WITH SARKODIE

Ghanaian actor John Dumelo has hinted working on a song with Ghana’s fastest rapper, Sarkodie.

However, some industry players are taking the announcement with a pinch of salt, since the fine gentleman is not known to have a singing prowess.

“I know how it happened, but I don’t know why it happened.

Can’t sing to save my life but this single would be banger!

Dumelo featuring Sarkodie,” John admittedly said on BlackBerry to announce the upcoming new music.

John is currently in the USA, according to reports. When the new music is released, John can clearly be classified among the league of Ghanaian celebrities who believe in exploring other areas of the creative arts.

ENTERTAINERS ARE HOLDING GHANA - BULL DOG

Artiste manager and Chief Executive of Bull Haus Entertainment, Lawrence Nana Asiama Hanson aka Bull Dog, has, in this period of economic hardship, commended Ghanaian entertainers for holding the country together through their works.

The outspoken Bull Dog told NEWS-ONE that in the current state of high taxes and tariff hikes, there will be a lot of chaos if musicians, singers and all who make up the entertainment stream decide to lay down their tools.

He added that “in these trying times where prices of everything seems to be going up and everybody feels that pinch that there is something wrong with this economy, the only thing you can fall back on is music and film and that is why I hold that Ghanaian entertainers should respect and honour themselves.”

“Entertainers in Ghana should be proud of themselves at this point in time because in the absence of some of the things they do like singing and acting, there will be chaos and the leaders of this land will not have it easy.

When you look out there, entertainers are still entertaining Ghanaians.

They are not saying they are striking like the doctors or teachers did,” Bull stated.

According him, the only section of society still struggling to put smiles on the faces of Ghanaians despite the economic hardship is the entertainment industry.

People listen to music and dance away their problems or watch movies and laugh away their hardship.

“Film makers are still struggling to put smiles on and laughter on people’s faces and they are keeping the country sane. In the absence of some of these things, I don’t think Ghana will be a better place for us,” he said.

It could be recalled that actress Yvonne Nelson took to her twitter page some time ago to complain about the current economic hardship to the President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama.

Others like movie producer Socrates Sarfo and actor Prince David Osei have also subsequently spoken on the same issue. 

PHILIPS ENDORSES YVONNE OKORO'S UP COMING TV SHOW

World acclaimed engineering and electronics company, Philips has endorsed popular Ghanaian actress, Yvonne Okoro’s upcoming TV Show, Dining With Yvonne Okoro.

The show, scheduled to start airing in 2014 is produced by Yvonne Okoro’s Desamour Company in collaboration with IFACTORY live and supported by Philips.

Philips has offered the actress a juicy package for the show and the decision to do so was to contribute to Ghana’s creative arts industry and Africa’s entertainment in general to otherwise give its consumers, a diverse way of exploring its product lines.

A leading producer of electronics, Phillips product lines are of great value and organized into three main partitions including; Philips Consumer Lifestyle, Philips Healthcare and Philips Lighting.
Yvonne is likely to highlight one of the three product lines on her cooking program.

Philips remains the world’s largest manufacturer of lighting in the world measured by applicable revenues and other great feats.
It does not just sponsor or affiliate with any program on TV or a brand.

It must be a quality production to merit its support and endorsement. Hence, the decision to rally behind the first Ghanaian actress to be featured on BBC Newsday Live and BBC Focus On Africa with Komla Dumor is a good sign to indicate something amazing is coming from Yvonne Okoro.

Creative arts has no doubt a lot to offer in the area of economic gains, therefore the merge with Philip’s brand has the great potentials of reaching new markets and maintain existing ones for the company.

YVONNE NELSON VOWS TO REMAIN SINGLE

Few months ago, the 'fragile' heart of Ghanaian actress, Yvonne Nelson was allegedly smashed by Nigerian 'bad boy' singer, Iyanya after she was allegedly used and dumped by the 'All I Wan Is Your Waist' singer.


Information exclusively reaching Nigeriafilms.com has it that the light-complexion star is not thinking about any other man, at least, for now.

But we were informed by a source close to her that Yvonne is planning to remain single at the moment. "She’s not trying to be pushed anyhow by anyone,” the source said.

The source further explained that 'It’s not that Yvonne’s too heartbroken to think about meeting someone new, but she just simply doesn’t have enough time to build a solid new relationship.'

“It’s not like she’s done with the movie shoot. She’s only got a little more than a week to chill out,” the source said, explaining further that, "that’s no time for her to be trying to date anybody or complicate things with some dude.”

“She’s cool with that,” the source added. “No man's needed,” said the source.

We were also told that Yvonne is "always going to movie locations while she’s got a quick break,” adding that it, "will keep her busy and out of trouble."

ACTOR SEGUN ARINZE’S EX-WIFE, ‘DOMITILA’ MARRIES 3RD HUSBAND

A former wife of veteran actor, Segun Arinze has married her third husband. The woman, who also is an actress, Anne Njemanze, well known as Domitila, a name she picked from a movie with the same title some years back, hooked her third hubby yesterday.

Anne was one of the favourite stars in the 90’s, she married the talented actor, Segun Arinze back then, but their union crashed like a pack of badly arranged cards.

Information reaching nigeriafilms.com says Anne married one Uzodinma Amadi, which was reportedly witnessed by associates of the new couple.

In 2011, the actress walked down the aisle with one Ogunbodede, but left him afterwards to now marry her new ‘catch.’

MUMMY’S DAY OUT – MZBEL STEPS OUT WITH CUTIE AARON

Mzbel stepped out with her son, Aaron on a sunny day’s stroll of the capital, and both mummy and cutie, looked somewhat buoyant. Aaron is Mzbel’s first biological son. She adopted and catered for some two others – John and Yannel – in the past. She still does. The musician, who has said she is all done doing secular music, and would take to gospel music upon return to mainstream action, has spoken of the joy Aaron has brought her. “Having Aaron has made me a better person. I feel more mature. “Aaron is an amazing child. He is a good boy who hardly cries.”

FROM JOHN DUMELO TO YVONNE NELSON

Happy birthday boo! Miss u like a fat kid love cake....where the party at? May today bring u nothing but joy and happiness. Love loads. @yvonnenelsongh

XCLUSIV FOTOS: YVONNE NELSON CELEBRATES HER 28TH BIRTHDAY AT THE BEACH

Beautiful Ghanaian actress Yvonne Nelson celebrated her 28th birthday yesterday Tuesday November 12 at a beach in Accra.

The “Heart of Men” actress chose to celebrate her special day at the beach with her close celebrity friends.

Last year, Yvonne celebrated her 27th on a beach with her celeb friends, so her desired location for her 28th was no surprise as Yvonne was said to have disclosed in an interview with Bellanaija in January that “the beach is her favourite spot to relax.

She stated in the said interview that the beach makes her appreciate God a lot more.

Some of Yvonne’s celebrity friends who were present to celebrate her birthday included; Nollywood actress Damilola Adegbite, Actress Khareema Aguiar, Chris Attoh, Van Vicker, Majid Michel, Eddie Watson, Movie Director Pascal Amanfo, Deborah Vanessa and James Gardiner, singer Chase hit the beach in Accra for some fun in the sun.

Yvonne took to Twitter to show her appreciation to her friends who celebrated with her and also thanked everyone for all the best wishes. “Thanks for all the lovely wishes..... Thank you soooo much. Love you guys very much. ❤️❤️ http://say.ly/Ibc7czE”, Yvonne tweeted.
Her

Checkout exclusive pictures from Yvonne’s birthday beach chill-out: