99% OF MUSIGA MEMBERS DON’T PAY DUES

Reliable information available to Flex newspaper has it that 99% of members of the musicians union of Ghana MUSIGA do not pay dues.

In Flex newspaper’s quest to find out whether members of MUSIGA pay dues as expected of them, the revelation we had was a rather disappointing one. Read a notice to all registered MUSIGA members from the Welfare Department of MUSIGA with the subject; Payment of welfare dues, (unedited):

I wish to draw the attention of all registered MUSIGA members to the fact that, payment of welfare dues by members has not been very regular; therefore irregular payment of welfare dues has affected the effective running of the welfare administration, especially in terms of giving member’s benefits.  The welfare department of MUSIGA has long been depending on the coffers of the mother Union to foot welfare activities which must not be under normal circumstance. Brothers and Sisters, now is the time for the welfare department to stand on its own not depending on the mother Union for financial assistance on welfare issues.

In view of the above, I wish to appeal to all members of MUSIGA to pay their welfare dues regularly. PLEASE NOTE: with effect from 15th July, 2013, the Union/Welfare will not pay any benefit to a member who has not fulfilled his or her obligations as a member of the Union/Welfare. Thanks for your co-operation. NO CONTRIBUTION, NO CHOP. KEEP IN MIND.

In a chat with Mr. John Victor Owusu, the National Welfare Officer of MUSIGA, he said “the very musicians who criticize MUSIGA for not assisting them are the very ones who don’t pay dues. As I speak with you, MUSIGA members who have paid their full annual dues since this new administration took office will not be more than 5 people. The worst culprits are the regions. They don’t pay dues!

Flex newspaper had the privilege of going through the list of defaulters and to our utter dismay; we saw names of current respected young musicians who fly all the way to Dubai, South Africa, Nigeria, etc. just to shoot one music video. Some even resort to the media to criticize MUSIGA for not doing much for musicians but default in paying GHC 5 per month or GHC 60 per annum as union dues.
As the old axiom says “little drops of water makes a mighty ocean.” Flex newspaper is by this publication calling on MUSIGA members who owe union dues to honour their indebtedness because it is those monies the union can mobilize for members’ welfare. Until then…..MOTWUM!!

SARKODIE SUED GHC.90,000 OVER SARK LOGO

Two stories around awards winning musician Sarkodie will obviously be making headlines this week and the weeks ahead of us if management of the “illuminati” hit maker refuse to approach the one with legal chains with tact and swiftness.

The first story is about the fact that Sarkodie and Nana Ampadu have signed a memorandum of understanding to record some of his old tracks for commercial purposes.

According to a Flex newspaper source who is a member of a new management team formed for Nana Ampadu, recording is likely to start next week all things being equal and that agreement has been reached to make Sarkodie “inherit” some  of Nana Ampadu`s intellectual property.

On the other hand, Sarkodie is on the verge of losing his Sark Collection brand to one gentleman by name Obuobi Jeremiah who initiated the idea of starting a clothing line for Sarkodie and after several discussions with Sarkodie and his management members, provided the design, style, logo, art work and the brand name Sark. Jeremiah Obuobi is doing business with the brand name OBJ CLOTHING therefore he suggested the brand name OBJ SARK 1. In a writ of summon dated 23rd October 2013, Sarkodie including two of his core management members Isaac Duncan -Williams and Sammy Forson of Y-fm are to appear at the Akufo- Addo, Prempeh & Co Chambers, who are the solicitors and legal advisers for OBJ CLOTHING.

Among other demands, the lawyer in charge of this copyright infringement case Barrister Kwabena Boye Adjekumhene is demanding a whooping Ghc. 90,000 to be paid to his client, being the fee due to the plaintiff for creating the artwork,  to render proper accounts of all shoes, clothing and accessories to which the artwork created by the plaintiff has been applied and sold in order to aid the court as to the quantum of damages.

Hearing facts of the case as reported to Flex newspaper, Obuobi Jeremiah who happens to be the Chief Executive Officer of OBJ Clothing introduced this clothing line idea to Sarkodie`s management including the logo, art work and after consideration, he (Obuobi) was asked to supply samples of the product line he was talking about. Out of this burning desire to work with the most bankable artiste in Ghana, he proceeded to Kumasi and started sewing foot wears with the Sark design and artwork on them. During one of the Rapperholic concerts, OBJ Clothing provided all the T-Shirts which were used by management and followers of the artiste and some given out as “freebies” to Sarkodie`s fans at the concert inside the Dome of the Accra Conference centre.

Obuobi presented the samples to Sarkodie and his management team but there was no favourable response from them until he read in the news that Sarkodie had launched his Sark Collection clothingline without his knowledge. Flex newspaper reporters saw some of the sample products and can confirm that production process really started. When Obuobi realized that his artwork which is his  intellectual property had been infringed upon, he wrote to the copyright office of Ghana to seek redress. Mr Atiemo at the Copyright office wrote back to Sarkodie and his management people but there was no good deal out of it, until he left the country to the United States of America where he is residing now.

Though Obuobi started talks with Sarkodie`s management especially Sammy Forson, promises to make payment for using his artwork was not forthcoming therefore his resolve to use Barrister Kwabena Boye Adjekumhene and his Akufo-Addo, Prempeh & Co Chambers to come to his aid. As of Monday during press time, there were indications that the writ had been sent to Sarkodie and his two management members. Flex newspaper is even gathering that, the extension of this case might include other individuals and institutions who have used this artwork for their publicity activities.

If Sarkodie and his management fail to appear before OBJ`s legal advisers, they might meet them at the High Court of Justice: Commercial Division anytime soon or issue an injunction to close down the Sark Collection shop at Dzorwulu. It is our wish at Flex newspaper that Sarkodie and his people will respond to this quickly to avert any issues that might affect the career and brand of the best rapper of our time.

PHOTOS: OSITA IHEME SPOTTED AT THE BEACH WITH A GHANAIAN ACTRESS

The Nollywood actor Osita Iheme was spotted at the beach with Ghanaian actress, Nana Ama McBrown.

It is rumoured that the Ghanaian actress is currently a romance with one of the actor’s close friend and they were all at the beach to catch fun.
See more photos below

LISTEN TO AUDIO: LUCKY MENSAH ‘ATTACKS’ NDC IN NEW SINGLE ‘ESI-ARABA’ FT JOE FRAZIER

Highlife Muscian Alex Mensah, known in showbiz circles as Lucky Mensah has released another single casting political innuendoes at the NDC government suggesting that if the President's former boss the late John Evans Atta Mills failed to live up to expectation, there is little chance that he, President Mahama will not be any different.

This is the latest track from the man Lucky Mensah who campaigned for the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) during their 2006 presidential campaign.

But as personal  disillusionment with the Mills presidency set in, he released ‘Nkratuo’ suggesting the government was incompetent in managing affairs. Lucky Mensah was reportedly frustrated that his efforts during the 2006 presidential campaign was not rewarded.

But in a turnabout, he  release another song ‘Atta beye ama mo’ (Atta will do it for you) after reports that he had succumbed to pressure from government.

It appears there is something still nagging at the entertainer about his relationship with the NDC government as this latest is set to open up new controversy.

The Twi song from the man Lucky Mensah which features Joe Frazier. ‘Esi Araba’ as the track title was produced by Roro.

Listening to the track over and over, the lyrics of the song translated in English is saying that "If Esi did nothing, Araba doesn't stand a chance"

Joe Frazier raps saying "if Drogba didn't live up to the bill, then don't expect Fernando Torres to do much..Barcelona did nothing so don't expect any positive result from Liverpool"

Lucky Mensah continues that “…. few of the family members have eaten whilst the rest are hungry. Be strong because we shall be the winners at the end of this battle. Hunger, poverty, hardship, discomfort will come to an end for us to laugh” Lucky Mensah said in the song.

FORGET NOT OUR SCREEN VETERANS

Grace Omabo, Kofi Middleton-Mends, Kofi Bucknor, Fred Amugi, David Dontoh, Grace Nortey, Mac-Jordan Amartey, Brew-Riverson Jnr. These are few names of ace actors and actresses who have at one point in our cinematography life blessed us with awesome performances.

With the exception of a few who are currently playing ‘active’ role in this new age, many have disappeared from our screens. The question to be asked is what has accounted for their early retirement?

Did Ghanaians become too comfortable and got fed up with them? Did movie producers think them not suitable for roles anymore?

Do they find the script of today too lousy? Or they moved on to other endeavours rather than have a young director (age-wise) screaming at them during shooting? It could be a complexity of factors.

Undeniably, these old actors have contributed majorly to the growth of the industry. The likes of Kofi Bucknor, the lead actor in the classic movie ‘Heritage Africa’ exited the scene only to re-emerge in ‘Run Baby Run’ playing the drug baron by Revelle Movies. David Dontoh and Fred Amugi have managed to remain relevant, taking up roles in TV productions, adverts but less features in movies.

I can’t be convinced that these veterans are bad actors or have lost their gloss. Yet our movies seem not to accommodate them. And here is where Nigerian movie producers beat us to it.

They have succeeded in finding roles for some of the old actors in some of their movies. The likes of Olu Jacobs, Pete Edochie, and Patience Odzorkwo are cast in movies as rich men, fathers, mothers, chiefs etc and they play these roles with a touch of finesse. I still can’t be convinced that these Nigerian compatriots are better than their Ghanaian veteran counterparts.

Let’s look at Hollywood. How old is Morgan Freeman, Frank De Niro? What of Meryl Strepp? Sandra Bullock? Have they retired from acting? NO! They are still on their A-game. Morgan Freeman is still enjoying more success despite his age. Meryl Streep I read is being cast as lead in upcoming Expendables (Female Edition).

We can argue that these are two different scenarios. Hollywood is Hollywood. But then age wise some of these Hollywood stars are might be older than those we have here.

So to my question: How come our good old actors and actresses are not giving many roles to play in Ghanaian movies (Ghallywood)? I listened to an interview recently in which this question cropped up. Emmanuel Armah who can be described as ‘veteran’ said painfully that some of these movie producers come with peanuts in hand as payment fees.

Some come with the ‘I’m-doing-you-a favour’ temperament. That’s the producer is coming to help a veteran out of his/her ‘poverty’ or misery.

The argument often proffered by movie producers to such discussion is that these veterans have seen their best days. And that many weren’t able to re-invent themselves and stay relevant till date.

But movie producers, directors and script writers must understand that the experience some of these veteran actors bring on board is valuable, something most of the new actors don’t have. Plus there are roles that don’t cut for some of these young actors. I watched a movie (forgotten the title) in which Jackie Appiah was cast as a mother. It was ludicrous.

It must be said that when it comes to casting veterans in movies, the Kumawood producers do much better than their Ghallywood compatriots.

Let not forget these veteran actors. Their experience comes in handy. Movie directors and producers should employ them so they add a bit of ‘taste’ to movies. Remember the right casting is as important as the story. Those in the movie scene should cud on this.

BBA (THE CHASE) CONTESTANTS BEVERLY OSU AND BIMP ARE DATING!

Big Brother Africa (The Chase) contestants, Nigeria's Beverly Osu and Ethiopia's Bimp, according to reports are in a serious relationship.

The news is expected to take fans by surprise considering the fact that Beverly, during her stay in this year's Big Brother Africa reality show had a fling with South African representative Angelo.

Angelo and Bimp were close pals during their stay in the Big Brother house, a friendship they have managed to sustain till date and fans are awaiting so see Angelo's reaction to this news.

Nigerian blogger Linda Ikeji is reporting that, Beverly and Bimp are currently living together at a temporary apartment in Lekki, a suburb of Lagos, Nigeria.

According to her, Bimp is planning to stay in Nigeria permanently if all his plans go well.
He is expected to return to Ethiopia Thursday while Beverly goes to South Africa for the Channel O Music Video Awards which comes off at the Walter Sisulu Square, in Kliptown Soweto on Saturday, November 30.

Bimp is expected back in Nigeria as soon as his new love, Beverly returns to Nigeria after the awards.

4X4 BIGGER THAN ANY MEMBER - CAPTAIN PLANET

For now, they can pride themselves as Ghana’s longest surviving hiplife trio still making waves after 10 years of existence.

Ever since hiplife group 4x4 hit the scene a decade ago, they seem to be multiplying in strength and number, evident in the addition of Fresh Prince to the original duo of Captain Planet and Coded.

Some of the hits from the 4X4 camp include Sikilitele, Contestant Number 1, Hot Girls.com, World Trade Centre and Waist and Power.

The frequency with which groups are breaking up has, however, sent many wondering if 4X4 would also eventually split.

Speaking to Showbiz last Monday, Captain Planet a member of 4X4 allayed the fears of their fans and said though it was difficult to maintain a group, 4X4 always rode on the respect and love the members had for each other.

“We come from different backgrounds so we have our different approaches to issues but we have always had our own way of resolving issues. We sometimes have our differences but even in the midst of the disagreements, we always find amicable ways to settle issues.

“The name and brand 4X4 is bigger than any member of the group. Nobody feels more talented or too big to kill this reputable brand by leaving the group. 4X4 doesn’t die. We multiply and that is why we added a new member which is evidence of our strength,” he added.

Captain Planet was hesitant to comment on the break-up of groups in the business. He said he respected the decisions of such groups to fold up.

“None of us intend going solo because we salute the 4X4 brand and hold it in high esteem. It is not about individual talents and qualities.”

Touching on the addition of Fresh Prince to the group in 2008, Captain Planet stated that his inclusion made 4X4 a “complete whole” because he is a good singer, the one thing that was missing in the group from the beginning.”

Making themselves relevant after 10 years in the industry is a real feat. Captain Planet told Showbiz that their only weapon for success is hard work and unity.

He said after a decade, the group had grown from “boys to men” and are now more matured to transcend the borders of Ghana and conquer Africa and the world after enjoying the status of being local champions.

The interview couldn’t have ended with Captain Planet not paying tribute to Ronnie Coaches of Buk Bak fame who passed away recently.

Being a protégé of the Buk Bak group, Captain Planet became emotional and recollected the good relationship 4X4 had with Buk Bak.

“4X4 is forever indebted to Buk Bak because they made us who and what we are today. They mentored and gave us the right footing in the industry”.

For now, 4X4 is promoting its new album, 4ward and are optimistic it would be a hit.

4X4 comprises Sylvanus Jeff Dodji (Captain Planet), Russel Edem Avornyo (Coded) and Prince Tamakloe (Fresh Prince). The trio has won several awards including Best Group and Album of the Year at the 2011 and 2012 Ghana Music Awards. 

XCLUSIV FOTOS: WHAT REALLY HAPPENED AT THE "GUINNESS BIG ERUPTION CONCERT"

After all the anticipation and hype the Guinness Big Eruption Concert came off last Saturday November 23, 2013 at the Accra Sports Stadium. By far the event will go down in history as the most well attended entertainment event in Ghana.

For the first time International artistes mounted the stage before the Ghanaian artistes. Big Sean was the first to grace the stage and performing in Ghana for first time, he did well to move the crowd even though most of his songs are not popular in Ghana.

Konvict Music boss Akon mounted the stage along with his band and his official DJ who doubles as his hype man Benny-Demus. Dressed in all white, the RnB Super star mesmerized the charged crowd with his well-organized performance.

Akon who said he likes to have direct physical contact with his fans surprised the crowd in a huge balloon and with that as his protection, he jumped into the crowd.

As the crowd rolled the balloon with him in it from one side to the other, he kept singing till that bit ended and he went back on stage to continue where he and Benny-Demus danced, sang and moved the crowd.

Akon also brought this huge robot-like character on stage to spray some smoke lights on the stage and into the crowd. In a nutshell, he gave the crowd their time’s worth and the organizers their money’s worth as the best performer on the night. Nigerian Singer Wizkid had a bad day on stage after he was introduced by Akon. There were irritating breaks both in his music and his microphone.

Rapper EL who came as surprise also lived up to his billing on stage.
Climax of the night was rival dancehall artistes Samini and Shatta Wale.

African Dancehall King Samini and Dancehall King Shatta Wale both had their good and bad moments of stage.

While Samini did a live band performance, Shatta did not, yet, he had the crowd going crazy for him. Samini put up an outstanding performance that saw him deliver a repertoire of enviable mega hits back-to-back. He was on point and did everything with accurate perfection that, there was nothing to fault him with.

Though a section of the crowd were heard booing him, it was clear they had no reason for doing so other than their preference for Shatta.

Shatta, on the other hand, performed fewer songs as compared to Samini, but his audience response was greater. During Shatta’s performance, it was as if the crowd had been charmed into a frenzy, as some of them were seen removing their shirts and trousers and running around in boxers.

But for the unforgivable security lapses on stage, this would have been the best outdoor event so far this year attracting an estimated 30,000 people who filled one half of the stadium for the show, eventhough there was about twice that number outside the venue who couldn’t gain entry.

The official unveiling of the new Guinness bottle and the wonderful fireworks that preceded it even added more colour to the event.

WATCH OUT! JOHN DUMELO'S PASSPORT DUPLICATED!

John Dumelo is the target of series of dubious activities being carried out by fraudsters, who are using his name to dupe poor victims.

In what has been a back to back tampering of his image to collect monies from their victims, the people behind the criminal activities have moved from duplicating his passport to cloning his Facebook account.

The actor/businessman has come out to distance himself from all of the demands being made by the fraudsters.

“Please be advised there are importers online posing to be me and asking for money through western union to support my foundation and also telling ladies they love them and will marry them. I’m not in Nigeria and I don’t have a Nigerian number! This is really getting out of hand. Don’t send any money,” he posted on his official Facebook page.

“I don’t have a Facebook page of my foundation neither do I have a Facebook page of my clothing line. Even though I have Skype I don’t Skype at all. Whenever I post a picture on my page these scammers copy the picture and paste the exact thing.

“They usually ask for money and tell u to send it to Nigeria using someone else’s name. They will say it’s my manager or personal assistants name. I don’t have a manger in Nigeria and I don’t have a personal assistant in Nigeria.” “The scammers are not only in Nigeria. They operate from Ghana and other African countries. They will usually say send money for the John Dumelo charity or a relative is sick and needs money for hospital. Don’t send any money.”

Dumelo isn’t the only Ghanaian public figure whose social media account or image has been used for dubious purposes. Colleague actor Van Vicker has had his Facebook account completely taken over by hackers, and is now being used to promote pages, websites and discounted merchandised deals. Actress Yvonne Nelson also had her Twitter account hacked weeks ago, where the hackers took over for few minutes and posted very damaging updates, which she later had to deny as not coming from her.