I AM 80% FIT, THANKS TO FAMILY AND FRIENDS - KUNTA KINTE SHARES "STROKE" STORY

They hit the limelight when they released One Gallon in 2005. The two brothers, Bradez then inched their way further into the hearts of music lovers when they followed it with Simple in 2009.

However, before Simple could hit the market, one-half of the Bradez duo, Kunta Kinte, suffered a stroke at the age of 21 years and found himself bedridden.

Telling his story, Kunta told Showbiz in a telephone interview from his residence in Kumasi: “it was a Monday, and I was in school."

Kunta was then a Level 200 student at the School of Performing Arts, Legon. “I remember I had recorded my verse on Simple and five days after that I began feeling very feverish.

“I thought it was malaria, so I went to the Legon Hospital. However, after leaving the hospital, I felt like I was sinking. I was falling. It is difficult to explain, but I realised something was happening to me.

“I woke up later to find myself in one of the beds at the Legon Hospital. I was told I lost consciousness, and I was in a coma for a day or so. I was later referred to Korle-Bu after spending five days at the Legon Hospital," he said.

According to Kunta, 26, when he came from his unconsciousness, he realised something was not right with him. “I couldn’t talk; I couldn’t move my right hand and right leg. In fact, the right side of my body, was paralysed.

There was no strength whatsoever in that part of my body. I later found out that I had suffered a stroke” he said.

Touching on how he felt when he discovered he was ‘bedridden’, Kunta said “I was devastated at first, but I knew I had to fight to overcome it. I am a very energetic person who loves to sing, dance and there is no way I wanted to be confined to bed for the rest of my life.

“When it happened, I virtually had to be helped in everything I did. My mother and brothers had to support me because I could not do anything on my own and I am grateful to them and God for how far he has brought me.

“Initially, I thought it wouldn’t take long to get well but I have realised it is not so. I admit it bothers me that it has taken this long. It’s been five years now, but I am very grateful to God.

“To think that before I couldn’t do anything on my own and now I have regained 80 percent of my strength is magnificent. I can talk, sing, and since last year, even drive myself to do my physiotherapy. The feeling is just great.

“There are people who have suffered stroke and couldn’t regain their strength. Some have even lost their lives, so I am very happy to be alive and to get stronger each day. I can even cook for you” he added with glee.

Asked what he could cook, Kunta amidst laughter said “ I can cook Indomie and rice. It has not been easy, but I am about 80 percent well now. I am working hard to add the other 20 percent to be fully recovered and that I know will be soon. I am very grateful to be alive” he added.

Touching on his music career, Kunta said “I don’t want to come back on the music scene half-baked. I want to come back with a bang. So I am taking my Physio very seriously so I can join my brother and together with him, Bradez will be bigger and better than before.

Kunta is very grateful to God, his mother, brothers, family, Samini and a host of others who have been very supportive of him.

“I am thankful to everyone who has been there for me. I will plead with my fans to be patient with me and wait for Kunta because I will be back” he added.

I AM NOT OFF BAM RECORDS - JOEY B

'Tonga' hitmaker, Joey B has responded negatively to the beaming question asked over the weekend published on Georgebritton.com whether he had left D-black’s record label, BAM. He indicated that he had not left the label yet, and he is not leaving anytime soon.

Black Avenue Muzik, the record label which nurtured him to win the discovery of the year award at this year’s Ghana Music Awards.

This was a result of a study made by the writer for many days. According to the report ‘Joey B has been seen alone and sometimes with a few friends out of the circle of BlackAvenue Music at some events including EL’s B.A.R concert and also at VVIP’s SallaFest show which marked the end of the Islamic fasting and praying season, Ramadan.

While, D-Black together with his team have been moving around without his signed artiste, Joey B that is quite surprising as the two had always been seen together at almost all events.’

Likewise the fans of the ‘TONGA’ hitmaker, who has taken up the responsibility as well to refute the question put forwards their lovely artiste, Joey B with the answer being ‘FALSE’.

But in this industry, there are some instances you do not need anyone to tell you before you realise that this is going. One has to do his permutation and get to know that this is what is happening, and the probability that your guess is right will be higher.

OFORI AMPONSAH: I’M NOT MUSICALLY DEAD

Although his maiden gospel album did not do well on the market as he had expected, highlife musician-turned-pastor, Ofori Amponsah, says nothing will make him go back to secular music.

“I receive calls regularly from friends and fans who keep asking me to go back to highlife music since I am not doing well in the gospel scene.

Whenever I hear such comments, I brush them off because I know what I want to achieve with my gospel music” he told Showbiz in an interview on Tuesday.

According to Ofori Amponsah, although his earlier songs were mostly decent love songs, still, there is no way he would go back to secular music as his admirers suggest.

“What people forget is that I am a born-again person, and my new rules do not permit me to do secular music. Yes, many people wish I did secular music but I am sorry that cannot happen” he said.

To prove to his fans and friends that he was not “dead” on the music scene as many people believe, Ofori Amponsah said he would turn things around with his latest song Wose Kwame Ate Ahwe, which will be released next week.

“I hear people say all the time that I am no more useful on the music scene, but I think it is about time I proved all those doubting Thomases wrong, I’m confident that my song will be a hit because I have put in so much.”

Currently, Ofori Amponsah has a music school which together with his team teach new musicians how to compose and write their songs.

NADIA NTANU TO REPRESENT GHANA AT MISS WORLD 2014?

The organizers of the ‘Miss Ghana’ beauty pageant, Exclusive Events have been confronted with many thorny issues in recent times with time, not on their side to address all the issues especially with the organization of the Miss Ghana 2014 pageant.

Razz Newspaper investigations suggest that, one of the hurdles has been cleared by the organizers with the news that; a new queen has been selected to replace Miss Ghana 2013, Guissepina Nana Akua Baafi at the 2014 Miss World pageant.

The paper has it that; Miss Nadia Ntanu, the first runner-up for the Miss Ghana 2012 edition, has been selected to represent Ghana at the world event scheduled for London, UK in December 2014.

It was highly expected that, after the resignation of thee first three winners of the pageant; the nod will automatically fall on the other two finalists who made the last five during the 2013 pageant.

Further checks by the paper revealed that, the other two also turned down the offer of representing Ghana at the Miss World contest.

One of the last five finalists, Destiny, was heavily courted by the organizers to assume the position, but she turned down the offer with the excuse of having academic obligations.

With time obviously not on their side, the organizers are said to have had an extensive discussion with Nadia to represent the brand in London.

Sources claim that she is elated about the offer and has agreed to represent Ghana. She is said to have begun feverish preparations for the much-publicized Miss World pageant.

The paper has also uncovered that although both parties have concluded agreement and terms of the offer, Exclusive Events are hesitant in officially announcing Nadia’s selection to the public as the new Miss Ghana going for Miss World because of the ruckus that has engulfed the pageant in recent times.

When Razz Newspaper contacted the Chief Operating Officer of the company, Samuel Bokorvie on the confirmation of Miss Nadia Ntanu as the new Queen to represent Ghana at Miss World, he declined to say that he had no authorization to comment on that subject.

DAVID OSCAR AND GEORGE QUAYE CLASH OVER GH COMEDY

There have been several talks in the country that try to compare Ghanaian comedians to their fellow colleagues in Nigeria.

The little discussions I’ve had with some of my countrymen point to the fact that Nigerian comedians are far better than Ghanaian comedians. Their arguments are based on the fact that Ghanaian comedians do not learn in order to adapt themselves to various situations. I guess such was the opinion of George Quaye, a TV presenter and Public Relations Officer for Charter House.

For some time now, there have been misunderstandings between David Oscar – a Ghanaian comedian (popularly known for his comedy series – Laugh a Minute – on Viasat 1) – and George Quaye. Speaking on Neat FM’s Entertainment Ghana yesterday, David Oscar shed more light on the beef between the two.

According to him, George described Ghanaian comedians as ‘wack’ (without value) which did not go down well with him as a comedian. If such a careless statement had come from any other person, he wouldn’t have had any problem; but for someone like George who knows the challenges Ghanaian comedians are facing, such pronouncement should not have come from him.

“The reason why I was even more shocked because he made those comments was that this same George met me somewhere around 2011 or 2012 and asked me about Corporate Comedy Series. I told him how far we’ve come and was even telling him how difficult it was to raise sponsorships and all of those things.

So if this same man having had this conversation with me sits on his TV show and act oblivious to the fact that there are actively working comedians in the Ghanaian entertainment industry and say Ghanaian comedians are ‘wack’, then that to me is rather unfortunate”, David emphasized.

He believes that our system keeps on feeding Ghanaians with Nigerian contents and that explains why Ghanaians appreciate Nigerian comedians more. 


However, George also pointed it out that he made that statement in order to ‘ginger’ Ghanaian comedians for them to sit up and improve on their skills. When asked if he was prepared to retract that statement, George had this to say:

“On the contrary, I would have hoped David Oscar would be grateful to the fact that the statement I made has probably pushed them to prove me wrong. I feel that those harsh words I used on them has angered and annoyed them so much to prove me wrong. So for David Oscar to refer to me as a worm, fool, and idiot on social media, I thank him.”

Conversely, David does not think those words motivated them to work extra harder since they (Ghanaian comedians) have been working very hard every day. So if George decides to treat him with contempt, he will likewise treat him with an equal measure of contempt.

KWAKU MANU LANDS GLO DEAL?

Telecommunication networks in the country are now using Ghanaian comic actors for their commercials to boost sales.

Vodafone hired the services of Funny Face, Airtel also signed Kalybos for their commercial and Kumawood poster boy Kwadwo Nkansah popularly known as Liwin was seen not long ago on MTN billboards and their TV commercials.

After the above mentioned actors had their share of the big budgeted commercials from these telcos, Glo is next to follow the trend. Today, Zionfelix.com cameras captured the Kwaku Manu on set with some of Glo ambassadors shooting a commercial for the telecommunication.

Few of the Glo ambassadors Zionfelix.com spotted on set of the commercial were Irene Logan, Gyedu Blay Ambuley, Koo Fori and others. Officials Zionfelix.com talked to refused to disclose details of the contract but we were told the cash involved was good for a person like Kwaku Manu.

I WON’T JOIN POLITICS BECAUSE I’M CREATIVE MINDED—RAMSEY NOUAH

Nollywood actor, Ramsey Nouah, has disclosed that he will not go into politics just like his colleagues who are embracing the profession.

Ramsey stated that he is a serious minded person and as such, does not have the time for politics.

According to the actor, “I am a creative minded person. But the truth I have come to understand is that you could say ‘I will never be there’ but circumstances might even make you do things. Personally, I’m not a keen person, I am not very good at dealing with politics, it is really tough for me.”

He said actors campaign for politicians as their own way of showing support for who they feel is capable of leading the people.

Talking about some celebrities who attend political events, the actor explained though he can’t tell if they have any personal gain, but such have helped Nollywood, the present dispensation, which has really contributed to the growth of the sector.

SARKODIE TURNS BREASTFEEDING AMBASSADOR

Ace Ghanaian rapper, Michael Owusu Addo, popularly known in showbiz as Sarkodie, has been unveiled as the 2014 Ambassador for the Ghana National Breastfeeding Campaign.

The multi award-winning artiste is to use his fame to promote the culture of breastfeeding among nursing mothers across the country.

In his acceptance remarks as the ambassador, the rapper explained the importance of breastfeeding to the wellbeing of children and nursing mothers. He was speaking at the launch of the 2014 World Breastfeeding Week by the Ghana Health Service (GHS) on Wednesday in Accra.

According to him, breastfeeding prevents babies from frequently falling ill and thus saves parents from spending their scarce financial resources on medical bills.

“Breastfeeding is very essential, and it is to save yourself the cost and the stress of going to the hospital all the time just because your child has fallen sick because he/she has not taken the right nutrients which are derived from breast milk,” he said. He urged young mothers to constantly breastfeed their babies for at least a period exceeding six months.

He added; “I will let my followers know about the importance of breastfeeding exceeding six months… I will do everything I can to promote the idea. I will use my social media platforms to educate the public on the need to breastfeed babies.”

The ‘Give It to Me’ rapper disclosed that the rate of breastfeeding among young Ghanaian mothers was very low.

STOP THE "NEGATIVE CAMPAIGN" AGAINST GHANAIAN COMEDIANS

Until his performance at last Saturday’s 1018 Laughs event, not many lovers of stand-up comedy had taken DKB as a “serious” comedian. But the loud and sustained applause that greeted him at the Accra International Conference Centre was enough testimony that he had arrived and could rub shoulders with the big boys of the genre.

An elated DKB, real name, Derrick Kobina Bonney who spoke to Showbiz on Tuesday couldn’t hide his pride after what he claimed was a “revengeful motivation” from his critics whose disregard for him spurred him on to put up the good performance.

He said that even though he had confidence in himself, some of the messages he received and read online prior to the show were rather discouraging to his person.

He said he was however poised not to disappoint the “many eyes” that were on him and he looked forward to nothing short of a good show.

“Since Saturday, I have been receiving congratulatory messages. I never knew Ghanaians were that much interested in comedy. I knew Ghanaians loved comedy but the calibre and sort of people who have sent messages to congratulate me is evidence that many Ghanaians appreciate what we are doing.

“I won’t hide the fact that I was initially nervous when I came on stage but I overcame that feeling and told myself I had to make Ghanaians proud of their own comedians and that was a personal assignment I had to undertake on the night”, he said.

Despite the fact that DKB has been applauded for the great show he put up, some critics have also expressed concern about his emphasis on his rather “unpolished jokes” on the night. But DKB didn’t take it lightly when the question was put to him.

“I don’t know what was vulgar or unpolished about my jokes on the night. I have read all those opinions and think it is rather unfair to me. I was only reflecting on the typical character and behaviour of the various tribes in Ghana. What I said about the people of the Ga tribe is what they are known for. I am a Ga myself so I knew what I was talking about.

“When we talk like this, we make it seem like I didn’t put up a great show because some of these Nigerian comedians crack jokes on sex and more but we think it is okay. Perhaps, the messages in some of my jokes were not well interpreted,” he said.

Last Saturday night was not DKB’s first appearance on the platform of the 1000 Laughs series. He was on the bill in 2010 but he was not given that much recognition compared to last Saturday’s performance because he was new in the game at the time.

For now, if there is anything DKB it would want Ghanaians to do for comedians, is that they stop the “negative campaign” against them and support them.

He said that often, the media had been the worst culprit of the “crime” of telling negative stories about Ghanaian comedians when many of them have not even had the opportunity to watch any of their acts.

He threw the challenge to such critics to come and witness the new breed of comedians being groomed in the comedy fraternity at the Comedy Bar which is held at the Silver Lounge of the Accra Mall at the end of every month.

“I am not saying that they should sing our praises. That is not it at all. My only problem is that they should also not criticise us so harshly when they don’t have evidence to back their criticism.”

DKB, the current host of Boys Boys on Viasat 1 who represented Ghana in the Big Brother Africa Star Game in 2012 and also on the M-net Comedy Club in Uganda said his performance last Saturday was not just a flash in the pan.

He said he had mastered the act of stand-up comedy since 2005 and just needed the right platform to “reveal” his worth in that field.

He admitted that the 1000 series platform was a huge one and he couldn’t have messed up when given such a great opportunity.

CHASE FOREVER COVERS NAIJA JUICE MAGAZINE

Ghanaian musician, Chase Forever covers the latest edition of Naija Juice Magazine as the first Ghanaian to feature on the cover of the magazine since 2011.

The Ghanaian recording artiste and songwriter was born, Fianko Bossman, on June 24 in the mid-eighties, in Hackney Town, London.

He started writing song verses and performed any chance he got at a tender age. He participated in every talent show organized by his school.

In the year 2000, he joined a rap group called Souljas Inn and was considered one of the best battle rappers in Ghana. Souljas Inn’s first single, ‘One Day’ was featured as a soundtrack in Shirley Frimpong Manso’s film, 'Perfect Picture'.

He has written songs for numerous Ghanaian artistes including, Becca, D-Black (a 2009 Channel-O award nominee), Jane of Stars of the Future fame, Mimi of Big Brother Africa fame, Adina of Stars of the Future fame and Richie of Lynx Entertainment.

He has also performed on the same stage with well-acclaimed international stars like Mario and Shontelle from the United States.

He was nominated twice for 2012 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA 2012) and won “male video of the year at the 4Syte Music Video Awards.

He is known for his popular songs 'Finally', 'Lonely', 'Tell me your name', and 'Fire'. Also, his videos were shown on all major Ghanaian TV networks and foreign networks such as MuchMusic, VH1 Soul, Channel O, Trace, and MTV.

He just released maiden album titled, Unappreciated at a launching ceremony which attracted the creme de la creme of Ghana’s entertainment industry.

On Thursday, August 7, he will also release his new video for the remix of his song, 'Pull Me Down' featuring Samini.

CECILIA MARFO ISSUES DISCLAIMER

Gospel musician Cecilia Marfo has issued a disclaimer against a chief planning to sue the Church of Pentecost on her behalf.

“Our attention has been drawn to the fact that a chief has taken it upon himself to sue the Church of Pentecost on behalf of our gospel artiste, Cecilia Marfo.

Our artiste, who in recent times had some issues with her church over a prayer centre she is operating at the Afienya Road on the Mateheko First Bridge Bus stop,” management member Stephen Kenneth Nakujah noted.

We therefore want to clear the air that management of Cecilia Marfo; Flex Entertainment is appreciative to anyone who has from day one, supported her Ministry as a gospel musician and called to encourage and advise her when the issue came up,

"We also state categorically that we dissociate ourselves from anyone taking the Church of Pentecost to the court on our behalf or in his capacity. We love all our die-hard fans and sympathizers who were worried since this issue cropped up," he the statement further read.

He indicated "we are still members of the Church of Pentecost, and nothing can stop it. We respect the Church as the Church of God, and we respect the rules and regulations of the Church and so if the Church uses its powers as far as the constitution of the Church is concern."

"We respect that and will make sure that we resolve the misunderstanding between us and the Church,” he added.

Stephen Nakujah also urged all who love Cecilia Marfo to calm down for she is as fit as a fiddle. She is not worried at all. She has decided to be silent on this issue because, she doesn't see it as a problem.

She knows that everything was planned by God to send out a message to the world.