Gospel musicians Diana Asamoah & Isaiah Kwadwo Ampong for court

Gospel musicians Diana Asamoah and Isaiah Kwadwo Ampong might be heading to court soon, according to Popular Newspaper. The paper reports that the two have been accused of copyright infringement.

The Popular Newspaper reports that two sensational gospel artists Diana Asamoah and Isaiah ampong would soon find themselves in the dock as they have been accused of copyright violations.

Veteran gospel singer Osenkafour Kwasi Anin has accused the two of reproducing portion of his music without his consent. Starting with Diana, Osenkafour anin accused her of using his song “Edinno ne Jesus “on her album Gospel old tune vol2 which was released in 2010/11 which saw massive airplay and also made a quite impressive performance on the gospel chart.

Isiaiah Ampong on the hand has also been alleged to have used the song “Hallelujah” on his latest album. In an interview with the popular newspaper, Osenkafour Anin said he has made several attempts to reach their producers after realizing they had used his music without his prior notice adding all efforts to reach them have rather proven futile.

He claims the two gospel stars popularity has soared after using his music and have also made huge chunks of monies from what his calls his divine property.

“I have informed my lawyers to officially file a law suit against each of them and they will soon receive writ of summons and I am demanding GH 20,000 compensation from each of them because I have through thick and thin before composing these wonderful master tunes. “He remarked.

Osenkafour Kwasi Anin has around nineteen albums to his credit and was very phenomenal in the gospel music industry during the 70’s and the early 80’s.

Meanwhile all efforts made by the popular newspaper to reach the two suspected artists and their respective producers proved futile.

Nana Kwame Ampadu grabs Ghc2000 From GHAMRO

The evergreen highlife musician, Nana Kwame Ampadu, who is credited with thousands of songs on the music market has received Ghc2000 from the Ghana Music Right Organisation (GHAMRO) to settle part of his medical bills at MAB Hospital at Nyamekye, a suburb of Accra.

In a letter dated April 11, 2014 captioned: ‘Request For Financial Assistance,' Nana Kwame Ampadu who has been ill for some times requested for an amount of Ghc8000 to defray part of his medical bills for a mild stroke which has put him in bed for three weeks.

Based on its efforts in ensuring that members of GHAMRO are well catered for, GHAMRO decided to assist him with an amount of Ghc2000.

100 Music Right Owners sue Carlos Sakyi, others over GHAMRO cash

Ghana’s King of Highlife music, Nana Kwame Ampadu, together with about 100 composers, song writers, music producers and music rights owners, has accused Carlos Sakyi of dissipating funds of the Ghana Music Rights Organization (GHAMRO) collected on behalf of music right owners in Ghana.

They have therefore dragged him (Carlos Sakyi) to court to account for the monies he collected on their behalf and asked him to explain why he had remained interim chairman of the CHAMRO Board when the organization’s constitution said he shall remain in office for a maximum of two years – which elapsed in May 2013.

They claimed Mr. Sakyi, since he started collecting monies on behalf of music rights owners in 2011, had not accounted for the monies till date.

They explained that Carlos Sakyi in his capacity as interim chairman of the GHAMRO Board was mandated by law to give yearly accounts of the monies GHAMRO collected, but this was the third year running and he had not given a single account.

Some of the big names that joined Nana Ampadu in the suit include; Abrantie Amakye Dede, Rex Omar, Tic Tac, Daddy Lumba, Reggie Rockstone, Francis Gyesi, Nana Tuffuor, Castro, Samini, Grace Ashy, Nobel Nketia, and Chizzy Wailer.

According to the writ of summons, Carlos Sakyi and other GHAMRO Board members including Amandzeba Nat Brew, K.K. Babobo and Mark Okraku Mantey “have deliberately refused to organize even a single Annual General Meeting since May 2011 when they took office as interim Board Members.”

The writ of summon stated, “have been dissipating the funds of the organization to the disadvantage of the Rights Owners and have been paying themselves monthly salaries between GH2, 000 and GH4, 000, excluding other allowances, even though the regulation of the organization expressly forbids the payment of salaries."

The suit, filed last Thursday May 15, was just a tip of the iceberg considering the mounting agitation against Carlos Sakyi and the interim GHAMRO Board.

Indeed, two of the Board Members, Rex Omar and Charles Amoah, officially resigned their positions citing similar reasons against the interim chairman.

Another Board Member, Bice Obour Kuffuor, a representative of the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) on the GHAMRO Board, also recently called for reforms into the operations of GHAMRO and said there were no transparency, accountability and equitable distribution of royalties to the rights owners.

Mr. Carlos Sakyi had however remained adamant and not even an official request from the Attorney General, through the Copyright Office, could compel GHAMRO to render accounts of the monies it had collected and how they were spent.

I Didn't Absent Myself From Ghana Music Awards Because of Iyanya – Yvonne Nelson

Much talked about and most searched Ghanaian actress on Google, Yvonne Nelson has opened up about her life and recent events concerning her alleged bleaching and absence from the recently held Vodafone Ghana Music Awards in an interview with Citi FM’s Jessica Opare Saforo.

The actress who many believed absented herself from the awards event due to the ill feeling of seeing her ex-boyfriend Iyanya perform a song about her denied such claims and stated her absence was no way related to that as she was involved in an accident on her way to the event grounds.

“I wasn’t at the #VGMAs because I was involved in an accident on my way there. I was to present an award,” she said.

Reacting to issues of bleaching which has dominated most tabloids and webpages, the actress explained the use of filters on Instagram made her look fairer than she actually was hence the public outcry.

She explained it was however difficult for most people to accept her explanation as they remained adamant. (Well, why use filters that make you fairer than you are actually? For what reason?)

Speaking on issues of love, the actress who is currently working on her self-produced movie explained she was very paranoid and did not believe in what men say although she still believed in love.

Klint Da Drunk Denies Insulting First Lady On Facebook

Nigerian celebrities have had to deal with the issue of impersonation on social media platforms and from the look of things, the war might not be conquered soonest.

One of such victims is popular comedian, Klint Da Drunk, who such criminal elements have almost frustrated because of the atrocities they have committed using his hard earned name.

Sometimes ago, someone, operating a parody account of the humour merchant, took to Facebook to insult Nigeria’s First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, on her use of English language.

However, Publicist of the comedian, Joy Akosa, has dissociated her client, Klint Da Drunk, from the act.

In a statement made available to Nigeriafilms.com by her, the comedian stated that there is no way he would insult his country’s First Lady.

The statement released by Joy Akosa on the matter is presented below;
"My attention has been drawn to activities of some elements on social media platforms, opening parody accounts in the name of Klint Da Drunk. His Facebook, Twitter accounts have been also used by these impersonators to defraud unsuspecting fans of the comedian.

“About four Facebook fan pages bearing his name have thousands of likes and some have even created humorous posts on the pages, making it look as if Klint Da Drunk posted them. On a particular Facebook fan page named Klint D' Drunk, the impersonator posted some write-ups which were directly ridiculing the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan.

“Whoever reads the posts or thinks it was the comedian who posted them should please zero such thoughts as the comedian is not operating that account and he dissociates himself from such.

“In a bid to stop this, we have provided the real social media accounts operated by Klint Da Drunk. 

Davido's HKN Gang & 4Syte TV AllStars Join The Celebrity Soccer Weeekend

This Saturday 24th May will see the first edition of the Gh Celebrity Soccer tournament kick off at Lizzy’s Sports Complex with Samini’s Highgrade Family Team, D-Black’s BAM United, R2Bees Nation, Shatta Wale’s Shatta Movement, Castro’s Baby Jet United, Yfm All Stars, E.L’s BBNZ Live Team and Tinny’s Bardman Family, Davido's HKN Gang and 4Syte TV AllStars battling it out for ultimate supremacy.

Group A see's D-Black's BAM United facing E.L's BBnZ. Group B see's Shatta Movement battle it out with Yfm AllStars. Group C will have Castro Baby Jet United square of with Samini Highgrade Family and Group D see's R2Bees Nation play against Tinny's Brdman Family in the group stages.

New addition to the group stages see's the entry of Nigeria's Davido and his HKN Gang as they face 4Syte TV AllStars. The young Nigerian crooner who will be in the country ahead of his performance at the Ghana Meets Naija Concert tweeted this today.

Kick off is at 11 a.m and final match is at 5pm. Come support your favourite Celebrity Team and be a part of a good cause. The Cups up for wins include the overall winners cup, the goal king cup and the 4Syte TV player of the tournament cup.

This event is brought to you by LiveWire Events and Yfm, with support from 4syte TV, ameyawdebrah.com, ghanamusic.com, omgghana.com, ghanagist.com, ETV and blackavenueclothing.

Part of the proceeds will be going donated to the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of the Korle bu Teaching Hospital.

Kumasi Residents Reject Lumba’s ‘Yentie Obiaa’

President Mahama was in Kumasi days ago and the song he used during his stay was Daddy Lumba’s ‘yentie obia’. The action of the president has resulted in the people of the city rejecting the song.

Adom News reports that following the adoption and use of ace musician Daddy Lumba’s latest song ‘Yentie Obiaa’ by President Mahama during his recent visit to the Ashanti Region, some residents in the opposition stronghold of Kumasi have decided to boycott the song.

Some of the residents have told Adom News that any time they heard the song being played, to them, it seems as if an insinuation is being cast at them by the President, hence their rejection of the song.

A beer bar operator described the situation as being so bad because customers always walk out of his bar when the song is being played.

A resident described the song as having suffered the same fate as a cocoa tree under attack from the dreaded swollen shoot disease.Though most of them feel sorry for the renowned musician’s potential loss in arguably the biggest market in Ghana as a result of its virtual hijack by the ruling party, they insist they just could no longer stand the song again because of the attitude of the President.

This situation notwithstanding, most of them insisted that they still love the ace musician, Daddy Lumba.

Sarkodie, Joey B, Samini, Others Nominated For AFRIMMA Music Awards

African Muzik Magazine, Big A Entertainment and the African Muzik Magazine Awards [AFRIMMA] continue the mission of “crossing boundaries with music” with the latest confirmation of multi-platinum and Grammy Award winning recording artist, T-pain.

The popular artist, who rose to fame through such hits as ” I’m Sprung” and “Good Life” featuring Kanye West, will be performing live at Afrimma on July 26th.T-pain will be performing with legendary artist, 2face Idibia, one of Africa’s most iconic and globally successful artists.

” This event will not only celebrate the music of Africa, but celebrates the unique sounds, culture and artists that tell the stories of our continent as a whole” said Anderson Obiagwu, Founder of Afrimma.

“AFRIMMA represents growth, celebration and pushing the culture and music of Africa continuously forward for the better. It will be an amazing night celebrating the artist who have influenced and impacted the culture as well as the pioneers who laid the framework for the music of today.”

International Airline Carrier, Arik Air, has signed on as the presenting sponsor of the African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA). The airline has become the preferred travel source for domestic, regional and international travel. Arik currently services a multitude of West African Countries along with the United States and many other destinations.

Laura Maczka, Mayor of Richardson, has issued an official proclamation from the city endorsing its support of AFRIMMA. Additionally, International Television Powerhouse, Sound City, has signed on as a media partner and will broadcast the award show throughout Africa. The network has been dubbed as the “Pan- African Urban Music Channel”, and will provide the exclusive broadcast of Afrimma.

AFRIMMA is a highly anticipated award show celebrating the beauty of African music and artistry. The award show will take place Saturday, July 26, 2014 and will honor some of the world’s top African celebrity musical artists, managers, producers, dj’s, and cultural influencers. The star studded event will attract guests from various cities throughout the United States as well as guests and honorees from over 17 African Countries .

This eagerly awaited event will be hosted by International Celebrity Comedian, Basket Mouth along with Nollywood Beauty Sensation and Actress, Juliet Ibrahim. The Host Hotel for this year’s event with be the Doubletree by Hilton located at AFRIMMA will feature exclusive performances from some of the most sought after musicians, dancers and artist from Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, South Africa and more.

The
2014 Award Show will take place at the Eisemann Center, a prestigious performance hall venue located in the heart of Dallas Suburban district, Richardson. The elegant venue boasts an impressive track record of high profile events which include theater
productions, concerts, and various performance art related events. Confirmed artists include Iyanya, 2face,Stanley Enow, Flavour, Davido, Diamond Platinumz ,Fally Ipupa, Wyre, Miriam Chemmoss and more.

Here are the nominees:

Best Male West Africa
Flavour Nabania (Nigeria)
Wizkid(Nigeria)
Iyanya (Nigeria)
Sarkodie (Ghana)
Dj Arafat (Ivory Coast)
Davido (Nigeria)
Shatta Wale( Ghana)

Best Female West Africa
Tiwa Savage (Nigeria)
Chidimma(Nigeria)
Viviane Chidid (Senegal)
Teeyah (Ivory Coast)
Sessima (Benin)
Efya (Ghana)

Best Male East Africa
Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)
Ben Pol(Tanzania)
Bebe Cool(Uganda)
Wyre (Kenya)
Navio (Uganda)
Jackie Gosee (Ethiopia)

Best Female East Africa
Rema (Uganda)
Aster Aweke(Ethiopia)
Avril (Kenya)
Lady Jaydee (Tanzania)
Victoria Kimani (Kenya)
Irene Ntale (Uganda)

Best Male Central Africa
Fally Ipupa (DR Congo)
Stanley Enow (Cameroun)
Ferre Gola (Congo)
Privato “Lill’P” Niyintunze (Burundi)
Anselmo Ralph (Angola)
Sine (Cameroun)

Best Female Central Africa
Arielle T (Gabon)
Suzanna Lubrano (Cape Verde)
Gasha (Cameroun)
Lady Ponce (Cameroun)
Ceuzeny (Cape Verde)
Ary (Angola)

Best Male Southern Africa
Aka (South Africa)
Zeus (Botswana)
Donald (South Africa)
Slap Dee (Zambia)
Khuli Chana (South Africa)
Stunner (Zimbabwe)
Tha Dogg (Namibia)

Best Female Southern Africa
Lira (South Africa)
Toya De Lazy (South Africa)
Judy (Zambia)
Zahara (South Africa)
Kearoma Rantao (Botswana)
Lizha James (Mozambique)

Best African Group
Psquare (Nigeria)
Mafikizolo (South Africa)
R2bee’s (Ghana)
Bracket (Nigeria)
Radio and Weasel (Uganda)
Toofan (Togo)
Sauti Sol (Kenya)

Best Male Diaspora
Fuse ODG( Ghana)
Tinnie Tempah
Wale (Nigeria)
Knaan(Somalia)
French Montana(Morocco)

Best Female Diaspora
Miriam Chemmoss (Kenya)
Mayra Andrade(Cape Verde)
Bumi Thomas (Nigeria)
STL (Kenya)
Les Nubians(Cameroun)
Nneka(Nigeria)
Dencia(Cameroun)

Best Dancehall Artist
Samini(Ghana)
Wyre(Kenya)
Timaya(Nigeria)
MC Norman(Uganda)
Dr. Jose Chameleon(Uganda)
Shatta Wale(Ghana)

Best Dance in a Video
Iyanya -Lekwaukwu ( Nigeria)
Toofan- Gweta ( Togo)
Kcee- Limpopo ( Nigeria)
Guru- Alkayida ( Ghana)
Psquare- Personally ( Nigeria)
Davido Skelewu ( Nigeria)

Best Gospel Artiste
Nikki Laoye (Nigeria)
Isabella (Nigeria)
Sonnie Badu (Ghana)
Icha Kavons (Congo)
Bahati(Kenya)
Ntokozo Mbambo (South Africa)
Emmy Kosgei (Kenya)

Best Traditional Artist
Flavour(Nigeria)
Kwabena Kwabena (Ghana)
Bassekou Kouyate (Mali)
Sayicology (South Africa)
Mrisho Mpoto (Tanzania)
Stanlux (Togo)
Tunakie (Namibia)

Best Newcomer
Stanley Enow (Cameroun)
Nakhane Touré (South Africa)
Joey B (Ghana)
Phyno (Nigeria)
Kenzo (Uganda)
Sage (Kenya)

Best Video Director
Godfather (South Africa)
Clarence Peters (Nigeria)
Ogopa DJ (Kenya)
Patrick Elis (Nigeria)
Klasszik & JKP STUDIO (Angola)
Phamous Films (Ghana)
Justine Campos (South Africa)

Best DJ Africa
Dj Jimmy Jatt (Nigeria)
Dj Exclusive (Nigeria)
Dj Joe Mfalme (Kenya)
Dj Cndo (South Africa)
Dj Black (Ghana)
Dj Creme de la Creme (Kenya)
DJ Shiru (Uganda)
Best African DJ USA
DJ Shinsky (Kenya)
DJ Josh(Kenya)
DJ Fully Focus(Kenya)
DJ Amin (Ethiopia)
DJ Dee Money (NG/US)
DJ Ronnie (GH/US)
DJ Ecool (Nigeria)

Best Video of the Year
Psquare -Personally ( Nigeria)
Sarkodie -Illuminati ( Ghana)
Mafikizolo ft Uhuru – Khona ( South Africa)
Diamond Platnumz ft Davido – Number One ( Tanzania)
Flavour – Ada Ada ( Nigeria)
Anselmo Ralph – Unica Mulher (Angola)

Music producer of the year
Don Jazzy(Nigeria)
Shizzi(Nigeria)
Killbeatz(Ghana)
Dj Oskido(South Africa)
Nash Wonder (Uganda)
Sheddy Clever(Tanzania)
Ogopa(Kenya)

Best Dance Group
CEO Dancers
Unique Silver Dancers
Afro Mask
Imagineto Dance Company
D3

Best Rap Act
Sarkodie (Ghana)
Aka (South Africa)
Olamide (Nigeria)
Phyno (Nigeria)
Octopizzo (Kenya)
Zeus(Botswana)
M.anifest (Ghana)

Best Collabo
2face ft Tpain- Rainbow ( Nigeria/ United States)
Diamondz ft Davido – Number One remix ( Tanzania/ Nigeria)
Mafikizolo ft Uhuru– Khona ( South Africa)
Dr Sid ft Don Jazzy /Phyno/Wizkid- Surulere remix(Nigeria)
Amani ft Radio and Weasel – ‘Kiboko Changu’ (Kenya/Uganda)
Jmartins ft DJ Arafat— Touching body ( Nigeria/ Ivory Coast)
R2bees and Wizkid- Slow down ( Ghana/ Nigeria)

Song of the Year
Davido- ‘Skelewu’ (Nigeria)
Mafikizolo feat Uhuru ‘Khona’ (South Africa)
KCee – ‘Limpopo’ (Nigeria)
Yuri Da Cunha- Atchu Tchu Tcha (Angola)
Fuse ODG FT. Wyclef – Antenna Remix(Ghana)
Diamonds ft Davido —- Number 1(Tanzania)
Wizkid ft L.A.X- Carol ( Nigeria)

Artist of the year
Flavour(Nigeria)
Davido(Nigeria)
Diamond(Tanzania)
Sarkodie(Ghana)
Mafikizolo(South Africa)
Anselmo Ralph- A Dor do Cupido(Angola)
Wizkid(Nigeria)
Jaguar(Kenya)

Kesse To Perform At European Biz Summit In Italy

Award winning male vocalist and Afro Pop artist Kesse has been invited by Honorable Samiah Nkrumah to perform at the Summit of all Italian and European Companies of Communications, Productions and Advertising Strategies (ECCPAS) in Italy from 24th to 28th May.

The MixDown Studios artist will leave the country on the 24th of May to perform on 26th at Milan National Theatre in Italy.

Kesse recently release his new single Obiba ft female vocalist, Efya on the 1st of May which has gain him media presence and attention.

He received four nominations at the 2013 VGMAs for Best Collaboration of the Year 2013 for the song, Azonto Fiesta by Sakordie ft Appietus and Kesse and also, the song Sika by Okyeame Kwame ft Kesse.

Azonto Fiesta was nominated for the Hip Life song of the year together with Treat Her Royal ft Sakordie.

He has worked with many strong names in the music industry counting from Sarkodie, Okyeame Kwame, Guru, Raquel, Appietus, Edem, Kwaw Kesse and Tinny.

Bulldog Feeds Cell Inmates

It is said that sometimes one’s predicaments serve as blessing to others, and this was the case when CEO of Bull Hause Entertainment, Lawrence Nana Asiamah Hanson aka Bulldog made his cell mates enjoy food items that were sent to him by family and friends.

Bull Dog had been the toast of his cell mates as he passes on almost all his food brought to him from family, friends and loved ones.

When Flex newspaper paid a visit to him at the Cantonment Police Station, he had turned the cells into party ground as other cellmates enjoyed the food passed on to them by Bull Dog who had little attention for food but his friends who have come around.

Bull Dog who is the manager of controversial dancehall artiste Shatta Wale was arrested at Kokomlemle on Thursday 15th May, 2014 over the death of the late Fennec Okyere who was stabbed in his Manet Garden home not long ago by unknown assailants.

Criminal Investigative Department of Ghana Police in pursuit of the murderers came across Bull Dog’s name as suspect of the crime. He was then invited by the police to aid in investigations concerning the gruesome murder.

Bull dog was remanded in police custody last Monday at the Accra Central Magistrate court till June 2 to enable the police carry out further investigations.

Death Threats Won’t Stop Me – Kofi B

Highlife musician Kofi B says the threats on his life over his campaign for fairness, transparency and equity in the distribution of royalties by the Ghana Music Rights Organization (GHAMRO) will not stop him from making sure the organization does the right thing.

Kofi Boakye Yiadom, as he was named, is one of the strong voices among other musicians calling on the interim Chairman of GHAMRO,, Carlos Sekyi, and his team to account for royalties they collected on their behalf and to also explain why the board was still in office when the organization's constitution allowed him to remain in office for a maximum of two years – which elapsed in May 2013.

“Tweeaa!!! These death threats will not stop me from making sure that Carlos Sekyi and the entire GHAMRO board render accounts to musicians in Ghana. I’m going to be louder than before on this issue,” I’m going to be louder than before on this issue,” Kofi B told News-One.

Kofi B said he had reported the incident to the police and they have promised to look into the issue.

Kofi B received calls over the weekend from unknown persons threatening him to stay away from GHAMRO issues or he would be murdered like Fennec Okyere.

Reports said GHAMRO executives have scheduled to hold elections around July, but Kofi B said, “that election won’t work. The interim GHAMRO board has not rendered accounts on the monies it has collected for the past three years. How can they hold elections?”

“The law does not permit Carlos Sekyi and his team to hold the GHAMRO position for more than two years but as it stands now, they are in their third year. We don’t need him there,” he added.

Carlos Sekyi has however remained adamant. Though an official request from the Attorney General through the Copyright Office has been made to GHAMRO, it has not rendered accounts of the monies it collected and how they were spent.