CASTRO DIES IN 2021 — SO SAYS THE LAW

Eight, almost nine, weeks after Castro disappeared during a Jet Ski cruise on the Volta River, there has been no definite news about his whereabouts or that of his pylon companion, Janet Bandu.

Most people who continue to comment on the mystery disappearance of the entertainer, do so carefully so as not to suggest that Castro and his lady friend were dead.

In some media circles, however, the speculation has been rife that Castro is dead and people should better accept that fact and move on with their lives. But a police officer, Chief Superintendent Dodzi Hlordzi, the District Commander of Ada where Castro was last seen has come out to say that no matter what anyone says, Castro and his female companion cannot be said to be dead until after seven years have passed.

Speaking with the online portal of Accra based radio station StarrFmonline.com, Mr Hlordzi said that the families of Castro and Janet may only organise funerals for them after seven years and their estate, if any, can also be inherited, only after that period.

That position of the law was confirmed by entertainment lawyer, Kwame Koduah Atuahene on Tuesday when Showbiz consulted him on the issue.

He said according to The Evidence Act of 1975, Section 33, a person can only be declared legally dead after seven years by a court, where the person in question has not been seen or heard from in seven years despite diligent and persistent efforts to find him.

He added that in the event the missing person left a Will, anyone who stands to derive any benefits such as spouse, parents or business partners, would have to be withheld until after seven years have elapsed.

“If there were any proceeds to be derived from joint ventures such as businesses and song collaborations that Castro has done with anyone in terms of sales and proceeds, it would still have to split jointly, this is done to ensure no one tramples on his rights,” he said.

Lawyer Atuahene however explained that these were presumptions and as such, if anyone could provide any facts or evidence of Castro’s availability or if he could be found before the seven years elapses, then everything would proceed as normal since he would be deemed as being alive.

From reports, Castro was in the company of Black Stars captain Asamoah Gyan who together with friends were spending the weekend at an Ada resort on July 5.

Castro was said to have taken one of the Jet Skis available out on a cruise on the Volta River, along with Janet Bandu, while the others continued with their relaxation at the shore.

According to the reports, the Jet Ski was found later floating on the river but Castro and Janet have not been found since.

Castro De Destroyer, real name, TheophilusTagoe, was born in 1982. His debut album, Sradenam, released in 2003, shot him to public prominence and he followed up with subsequent hit albums including Toffee, Comm Centre and African Girls.

He earned the accolade, “The Destroyer” which was attached to his Showbiz name because most of his songs became instant hits. He was also called 50 Cent by close pals due to his striking resemblance to American rapper and artiste, 50 Cent.

Castro endeared himself to many last year when he released OdoPa which featured AsamoahGyan and Kofi Kinaata. The song earned him the Highlife Song of the Year at this year’s Ghana Music Awards.

“It has always been my prayer that God will bless me so that I can help the society, family and unearth talents that are hidden. My dream is to help bring talented but hidden young artistes to limelight,” he told Showbiz in an interview last year December.

“WE DON’T NEED PARTIES, WE NEED LEADERSHIP,” - SARKODIE SPEAKS ON BBC

BET Award winning Rapper Sarkodie’s “Inflation” song is indeed making waves everywhere and attracting both positive and negative comments since its release some days ago.

Aside receiving commendations and condemnation from the opposition NPP and ruling NDC parties respectively, the song has also generated a lot of discussion across the country and even beyond.

In the song, Sarkodie spoke about Ghana’s recent economic meltdown and told President John Mahama and his government to concentrate on finding lasting solutions to the economic hardship rather than engaging in things that do not benefit the ordinary Ghanaian.

In his first interview after he released the song, Sarkodie said on
BBC’s ‘Focus on Africa’ yesterday Thursday August 28 2014, that he has no political allegiance neither was he targeting any political party as some people are alleging.

According to Sark he is a proud Ghanaian and a citizen of the country so he was simply showing concern as an ordinary Ghanaian over the living conditions in the country which is getting worst by the day.

“I am a citizen so when something hits me I think I have the right to talk about it. Same way music listeners can criticize me when I go wrong.”

He further stated that “I have a loud mouth to talk about it, I have platforms that when I release a song everybody is shaking, media men are talking about it and that’s the idea… when I do music, you always listen to it and it keeps reminding you.”

Quizzed if the release of the “inflation” song is an indication that he not satisfied with the many promises and public assurances by President Mahama, the “Ododie” Rapper said he wants evidence of an economic turnaround and the living conditions of Ghanaians improved.

“That speech is always gonna be there…if you ask me ‘what are you doing for Ghana music?’ I will always say ‘I’m trying to put it on the map’ but am I putting it on the map? That’s the question.”

Sarkodie believes good leadership is what Ghana needs now and not political divides which being on in Ghana for so many years now.
“...don’t take it political because people think I am for a certain political party. But I was talking about all the other parties before him (JM). We don’t need parties, we need leadership,” he said.

Sarkodie went to UK to perform at Dominion Centre, Broadway High Road at Wood Green in London on Sunday August 24, 2014 with Hi-Life living legend Abrantie Amakye Dede.

I CAN SLEEP WITH PRODUCERS FOR MOVIE ROLES - ACTREES

A Nollywood actress, Tessy Oragwa, has spoken on the widely talked about affair for movie roles in Nollywood. The gap-toothed actress said it is a personal decision and should not be opened to criticism.

According to her, the issue happens in all sectors, but more pronounced in the entertainment industry because celebrities are in the eyes of many.

Tessy pointed out that as far as a woman is concerned, she will always be approached by guys and it will be left for her to make a choice of what to do.

“There is no discrimination about that, but don’t make it look like you are being harassed or forced to do what you do not want to do. You have a mind of your own and you are mature enough to take decisions,” she said.

The actress also denied ever having such experience, but admitted that any producer approaches her and he is good, she could agree just for fun. “No, I don’t think anybody would want to do such a thing to me. When you approach me and you are good, I might decide to take a decision and have my fun,” she declared.

MAAME SERWAA EXPLAINS APHRODISIAC NITE CLUB BIRTHDAY BASH TO CRITICS

Child actress Clara Benson known in showbiz as Maame Serwaa celebrated her 16th birthday on Tuesday, August 19 at the Aphrodisiac Nite Club in Kumasi.

The birthday celebration at the night club has generated lots of criticisms from a section of the Ghanaian public.

Kumawood actors Fred Ohene Boade also known as Bohyeba; Papa Kumasi and movie producer Nana Wusu are few of the worried Ghanaians who have expressed their displeasure about the venue for the 16-year-old actress.

Maame Serwaa through her management has reacted to the criticisms raised against her birthday celebration at the night club.

Maame Serwaa’s manager whose name is only known as Dominic has revealed why management chose such a venue for the 16-year-old Kumawood actress to celebrate her birthday

Speaking to Abrantepa on Radio Univers, Dominic confirmed that the event happened inside Aphrodisiac Nite Club but “it was not on a club day. Management chose the venue because of the public peace. We thought it wise to choose Aphro because we knew the event will end late at night so that we do not disturb the public.”

“People have a problem with it because it happened at a club, we understand that but it was not a club day where people were clubbing. People who came comported themselves for a successful event,” he explained.

Dominic revealed that Maame Serwaa has completed her new house which she will be moving into it soon.

Adding that management of the actress will soon be launching the actress’ social media network accounts and her foundation.

M.ANIFEST ALMOST BECAME A ‘WATCHMAN’…

Award-winning rapper and songwriter, M.anifest on the ‘Hanging Out With KOD ‘ show over the weekend, revealed that when he was young, he wanted to become a watchman because he thought the watchman job was cool but he later found out that they aren’t paid that much.

He later went through different stages wanting to be a number of things; from being a pilot to a doctor and then to his father’s profession, lawyer, but never thought of becoming a musician.

Unlike most Ghanaian musicians who played for typical Ghanaian communities when they go abroad, M.anifest usually plays for different audience altogether. He recently went on a-three- week tour with Damon Albarn thrilling thousands with his electrifying performances. Paris, Poland, Berlin, Hamburg, Belgium, Barcelona, Switzerland were few of the places he toured. He revealed that the tour was such a thrilling one, amazing and a tour that he really exported Ghana to the rest of the world.

On how he treats negative vibes, he said, ”I’ve a very good sense of humour so I just laugh if off when I hear such things or when my fans on social media particularly on Facebook blast me. I just see it as something worthwhile taking a lesson from and through all these; I’ve developed a very thick skin. Lastly, I focus on whatever I planned doing so as not to be destructed by such negative vibes”.

When not in the studio writing or recording a song, M.anifest enjoys watching movies as well as watching reality shows and to this end M.anifest revealed that he has been selected as the third judge
for this year’s Vodafone Icons Remix Edition. He revealed that he really admires Lauryn Hill, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, and Naughty by Nature so much.

M.anifest lived in the States for 10 years before deciding to come back home. Not long after his return, M.anifest has become a household name and a force to reckon with in the industry with some awards such as VGMA Rapper of the Year 2013, Hip Hop Song of the Year 2013, 4stye Best Hiphop Music Video to his credit.

M.anifest cautioned Ghanaian musicians not to be seen as public toys, he said, ”Being a public toy, one won’t be respected that much and one will even get broke early in life”.

Rapper M.anifest, on the challenges facing the Ghanaian music industry, cited the lack of a big auditorium for events as well as not being paid royalties as some few examples. He had the following words of motivation for his fans and the rest of the world, – being sincere, being committed in life, being passionate, one must be curious and lastly see beyond today and also see beyond limitations.

MERCY JOHNSON EXPLAINS WHY SHE LOVES AND RESPECTS GENEVIEVE NNAJI

It is rare that you find high level competing stars adoring each other.

Mercy Johnson has spoken once again of her love for actress Genevieve Nnaji, who she says is her role model. Speaking with City People magazine, Mercy Johnson said she adores Genevieve and doesn’t know what she can do that will be better than what Genevieve has done in the movie industry

“I think I have one of the best role models ever. I like Genevieve like crazy. I started watching her movies from the onset but I didn’t want to be Genevieve, I wanted to be Mercy with the motivation that a Genevieve could give me. So I watched lots of movies. I don’t play with her movies. I don’t know what I can do that will be better than what she has done. But I just try to improve on it, try to do it the way she will do it and perhaps even better to my own level. I practice like all the time. It is like a passion. It is just where I want to be. I am alive and I am in my space. It was paramount to perfect that space. I need everything. I watch everything. Nothing passes me by. I watch newscasters reading there news and after they are done, I sit down the way they do and read the news like that. So it is practice and Passion.”

Mercy went further to say that her love for Genevieve has never been hypocritical:

“It was never a hypocritical kind of love or likeness. It was plain. I didn’t even ever think I will become close to her. It is like I can meet her anytime I want to.”

On how she felt when she first met Genevieve Nnaji;

“Ahh! The first time I met her, my friend took me there. When we got to where she was, I became nervous. I told my friend “no, let me hide in your boot”. And I did. I got into her boot. Can you imagine I came to see her and when I got there, I wanted to run back. I jumped into my friend’s boot. So when she came out of the hotel, I could not see her, I could only hear her voice. The 2nd time I saw her was on set. When she came down and I met her, she said” “Ahh! Mercy, I like your movies” and I started crying. I was in tears of joy. I said “Aunty Genny, so you watch my movies?” She was sort of embarrassed. Before I met her, she had already known that there was somebody who was crazily insane about her. She was really nice to me, receptive. And even whenever we work together, she will correct me and say, that thing you did, you could have done it this way. Usually in life, you will know somebody, who is more than you. Give him or her that respect. You can’t fight a battle you can’t win. It does not make any sense. If somebody is much more bigger than you, there is nothing as big as you admitting it and hearing it from that person. I didn’t come into the picture to compete with anybody. I came to learn, do it well, make it and be there.”

JOSELYN DUMAS OUTDOORED AS JOBBERMAN GHANA’S BRAND AMBASSADOR

Jobberman Ghana, A jobs advertisement website has launched its services and outdoored its Brand Ambassador at a ceremony in Accra.

The ceremony was to familiarize the Jobberman brand in Ghana and also introduce to the general Public its Brand Ambassador- Joselyn Dumas.

Jobberman Ghana provides convenient and affordable avenues for recruiters to access a suitable pool of candidates for vacancies using the most effective and fastest tried and tested tools. Jobberman also gives jobseekers the opportunity to register and search for jobs for free on their website.

Jobberman Ghana is part of the One Africa Media Group.A group that operates Africa’s largest portfolio of online marketplaces.
The ceremony was attended by media personnel and other organisations and individuals who were invited to be part of the launch.

BabaJide Otoki, Country Consultant, Jobberman Ghana noted that to entrench the company’s commitment to constantly give Employers and Jobseekers a good platform to get the right pool of candidates and the dream job, Jobberman Ghana has made their platform user-friendly and easily accessible.

He noted that over the years the brand has established itself as a preferred jobs website which provides superior services to its users and has become Ghana’s No.1 jobs website.

Mr. Otoki explained the need for engaging Joselyn Dumas as a Brand Ambassador for Jobberman Ghana. According to him, the company chose Joselyn Dumas because they want to associate with someone who has built a brand for herself and can help promote the services of Jobberman.

“We chose Joselyn Dumas because she is young and enterprising and we believe the general public can associate with her comfortably.”
Joselyn has been signed on as Jobberman’s Brand Ambassador for a one-year period, after which the contract will be reviewed.

DON'T DRIVE MY POTENTIAL SUITORS AWAY

Ghanaian actress, Juliet Ibrahim has been dealing with relationship controversies lately, from her marriage break up to her allege relationship status with her allege ex-lover, IK Ogbonna. Now she is dealing with reports that she is dating the former Mr. Nigeria, Bryan Okwara.

Their rumored relationship came up when she posted playful pictures of her, Byran and Mofe Duncan. The actress has responded to reports saying the media wants her off the market; she also stated that she wants to enjoy single life and warned the media not to drive away her potential suitors.

“So the media wants me off the market abi! Abeg let me enjoy my Single life oh please! Don't drive my potential suitors away just yet! This one that every other month they will find me new boyfriend. Shake my head"

Bryan also supported her course by denying any dating rumor between him and the actress

"Ok..So Sources say that we are dating... does this mean Mofe Duncan is loosing this battle abi? #weekendBF wins #Rumours-KO #rumours night club-NI"

‘CWESI OTENG HAS MADE AN IMPACT ON THE MUSIC SCENE’

Bernard Amankwah, an enterprising gospel musician and evangelist, has praised Cwesi Oteng for winning the enviable Artiste of the Year (West Africa) and the Male Artiste of the Year awards at the 2014 African Gospel Music Awards (AGMA) held last Sunday in UK.

He stressed that the award is high-profile recognition for the young artiste and makes this year a memorable one for him, adding, “Cwesi Oteng has made an impact on the Ghanaian gospel music scene as far as gospel music is concerned.”

“I have to congratulate him for this success at the AGMA and I think this is his second time of winning this award. I think if all of us will work extra hard, we will take Ghanaian gospel music to another level.”

According to a number of stakeholders in the Ghanaian music industry, Cwesi Oteng is one of the few gospel stars in the country, who is making a huge impact on the gospel music industry in Ghana with his soul inspiring messages and stagecraft.

His fusion of rhythms of different genres backed by quality of sound and good video productions have caught the attention of many music lovers in Ghana, Africa and abroad.

Cwesi released his first single, ‘Mercy (But for Your Mercy)’ in 2010 and its video later that year earned him a massive recognition and raked in many awards including Best Gospel Video at the 2011 4Syte MVA and Best Lyrics for 2011 Most Wanted Song at the Contemporary Gospel Music Awards.

Cwesi Oteng’s ‘God Dey Bless Me’ hit song was one of 2012’s top 20 gospel songs, according to US Christian media outfit, Gospel Innovation.

The report sampled songs released in 2012 from all over the world including the US, UK and beyond, and relied heavily on originality, message, impact and reach.

Cwesi Oteng, who has been on BBnZ record label since 2012 and 2014, has won a number of awards.

I AM NOT DEAD – KWABENA KWABENA

Multiple award-winning highlife artiste Kwabena Kwabena has debunked claims that he is dead.

There were speculations on social media that the ace musician has passed on after a short illness.

However, speaking to Kwami Sefa Kayi on 'Kokrokoo' Friday morning, Kwabena Kwabena expressed surprise at the rumour and stated that he is healthy and very much alive.

“I just woke up and I am surprised of the news…Ei!!! I am alive” he said soberly.

KATE HENSHAW EXPLAINS WHY SHE WILL STOP ACTING AND BE IN POLITICS FOR THE NEXT 8 YEARS

Nollywood actress, Kate Henshaw, says she’s taking a break from acting to join politics for just eight years. In a chat with SaharaTV, the actress cited lengthy stay in politics as reason for much of the problems in Nigeria, on top of corruption on the part of government officials. Though she also said she had no money to share, she states that she will not enter politics for the purpose of financial gain, instead she will “push” herself to better the country. Kate told SaharaTV:

Are you quitting acting for politics?

Well, well, I will take a break to serve the larger population of Nigeria. I won’t quit. Arnold Schwarzenegger was a governor and he’s back to acting again. You take time off, you serve your people. I don’t hope to be there forever. I just want to do, make noise, leave when the ovation is loudest. That’s the best way. I don’t want to be there for 10 years, 12 years, 16 years, that’s the best way. I want to do other things.

You won’t exceed 4 to 8 years?

4- 8 years. That’s the limit…you can hold me to my word. There has to be another person, who will go through the process, who would want to try. That’s the problem. Too many people stay in one place for so long and other people just lose hope and say why would I even bother.

On how much money she has and is willing to dole out:

There’s no money. I can’t match the people who have been in the system for 20 to 30 years. I’m going with God and my heart. I’m not sharing money. If you continue sharing money it will never stop. If you want a change, a true change, then vote for me and you’ll see the change. But if you want money, hey, go for money and stay where you are and don’t ever complain.

TENSION MOUNTS AT GHAMRO PRESS CONFERENCE

A large number of Ghanaian musicians have threatened that they are ever ready to ‘pick up arms’ to fight against any individual or group of persons who tries to amass wealth at the expense of the poor musicians.

The musicians made this know at a press conference organised by the executives of the newly appointed interim GHAMRO board at oak plaza hotel in Accra on Thursday, the 28th of August, 2014.

The press conference was organized to brief the state of GHAMRO and along the line, a section of the musicians were opposed to some issues raised by the organizers of the press conference.

The musicians stressed that instead of the organizers to discuss matters such as the distribution of royalties to members, they rather spoke on irrelevant issues, and this sparked tension.

Speaking to a section of the media, the Vice President of the Music Council of Ghana, Akosua Agyapong, advised the musicians to stay calm and that the music council of Ghana was formed to fine solutions to some of the problems facing the industry.

Some of the musicians in separate interviews have threatened that everybody including the government has failed to come the aid of the 'dying' musicians, adding that, "this time around we are ready to pick up arms and fight for our rights, irrespective of the consequences."

Most of them attended the conference thinking that the organizers were going to discuss issues in connection with their royalties will be distribution, but it turned out to be the other way round, sparking controversies and tension among the musicians present.

Some of the persons present were, Obour, Okyeame Kwame, Akosua Adjepong, Ekow Micah, Nana Kwame Ampadu, Randy Nunu, Ben Brako, among others.