YAW SIKI TO DO GOSPEL MUSIC

Information has it that Isaac Okai, popularly known as Yaw Siki would no more do hiplife but gospel.

Though it has not been officially pronounced, a grapevine information to Flex newspaper indicates that the “Wope Dodo” hit maker wishes to move away from hiplife launch a gospel career.

I have met him several times in the hood, and the young artist is recovering from the injuries he sustained from the accident but he seems to be suffering as it is rumored that he would have to undergo surgery soon.

Let’s Pray for the brother.

ACTORS GUILD OF GHANA ESTABLISHES I.C.T CENTER FOR MEMBERS

The president of Ghana Actors Guild -G.A.G Mr. Samuel Nii Odoi Mensah can now heave a big sigh of relief because the consistent media bash that he has been dormant as a president will now come to an end soon.

The good news is that the Guild has now established a training center which will help its registered members have the opportunity to update their knowledge in the area of ICT which is relevant in all areas of the acting industry. Flex newspaper had an interview with the president in his office at Musiga`s head office last Wednesday and he had this to say.

“For some time now, the acting industry has become so interesting and a lot of people are coming to the field therefore making it so difficult to get jobs to do. Now people are not getting jobs to do so it is good we start getting them to learn some trade. So we want to come out with a training center where the actors will acquire knowledge on graphics, special effects and editing. We are doing this to help them get work to do.

The worst part of it is when people don't get acting jobs and they pay money to producers in the name of getting jobs. We will replicate this in all the regions for actors guild members to benefit. We will do it in batches because the place is very small. Initially, we wanted a place which could contain about 20 people but now we will start with 10 people from the other regions since we are using the Greater Accra secretariat as the training centre” Mr.Odoi revealed.

Again, Flex newspaper asked him whether the actors will be acting as teachers or they will be employing the services of experienced tutors and he responded that because they need to do it effectively, they will employ the services of professional IT teachers to train the registered members of the actors guild. “We are looking at NAFTI where we have spoken to them to get some people to come to our aid. You know the Guild does not have money to pay professors so we want the best qualification from the school to assist us because we cant afford the professors” he added.

“You see the moment people get jobs to do and they can get money to eat, the noise will stop. Because they are not getting jobs to do, they think the Guild is not working. So if we are bringing this to support ourselves and they are not ready to accept it, then that is their own issue” this was his response when Flex newspaper asked him if this training facility will help reduce some of the burdens of the guild.

Now whether the actors will patronize this training facility is another issue which will be looked at on another day because we all know that most of the Guilds members are not enthused about the activities of the guild since time immemorial.

"STOP ACCUSING ARTS-POLITICIANS" – HON FRITZ BAFFOUR

Honourable Fritz Baffour has cautioned people in showbiz to stop accusing him and others – arts politicians for not supporting the creative arts industry.

Some people in Ghana's creative arts industry sometimes get the privilege of entering into politics for what we often term as public service. These art-politicians are often lambasted by players in the showbiz industry for not lobbying, advocating or supporting their first love – creative arts, when they get into political leadership. One person whose name always comes under such criticisms is Honorable Fritz Baffour.

To get the side of our arts turned politicians or art-politicians, Flex newspaper had an exclusive interview with Honorable Fritz Baffour. 'Honorable I'm not recording you so please feel free and share; there will be no 'Fritz-leaks.' Honorable Baffour burst into laughter slap happily!

Flex newspaper asked Honorable Baffour if he has heard such criticisms against him and other art-politicians before. “Of course I have! I once remember listening to radio and hearing Kwabena Kwabena accusing me of not doing anything for the creative arts industry after entering into politics.”

What has honorable Fritz Baffour done for the creative industry ever since you got into active politics? Flex newspaper asked. “Well, for your information I've always been in active politics since my youthful days. Fact is, I've done a lot for the creative arts industry all my life because I am an artiste and will forever be.

“Most of the things I do are behind the scenes so maybe you don't get to see. Some too I do through committees in parliament. I can't just wake up in open parliament and start talking for the creative arts industry! There are mechanisms, committees and other avenues for pushing the agendas of the arts industry in parliament!”

What have you done for the creative art industry? Flex newspaper emphasized. “A lot! I am the chairman of the Museums and Monuments Board; I am a member of GAG – Ghana Actors Guild; I've supported the National Theatre in many ways; I supported the organization of the late Omar Hunter's funeral; I've been lobbying the World Bank to give funds for the creative arts industry.

“I've been advising some artistes, for instance, I've given people like KSM, Funny Face and others advice on comedy; I write and coach young writers on how to write; I just finished shooting a movie without charging a dime; I once hosted the Fritz and Friends, a lot!”

Your final words, “I will advise those who criticize art-politicians to stop doing so. We go there (politics) to push the interest of the arts but they are behind the scene works.” Flex newspaper thanked honorable Fritz Baffour and wished him good luck in all his political endeavors.

JIM IYKE INVOLVED IN CAR ACCIDENT!

Credible reports reaching Peacefmonline.com indicates that Nollywood actor Jim Iyke has been involved in a ghastly car accident which occurred Saturday February 22.

According to a reliable source the unfortunate incident happened around Kanda Highway in Accra on his way to the location of a new movie.

The ‘bad boy’ actor was admitted at the Nyaho Medical Centre Accra Ghana. According to Molokwupeter.blogspot.com, Jim Iyke was unresponsive to treatment after the crash and his actress girlfriend Nadia Buari and her mum have been with him at the hospital since the accident on Saturday.

According to reliable information available today, the actor is now responding to treatment and will be discharged as soon as he is strong enough to go home. 

A Source closed to the actor has also disclosed that the car he was driving is a Chevrolet Camero saloon car belonging his girlfriend Nadia.

We also gather that the crash may have occurred due to brake failure and over speed. 

AFTER LANDLORD THROWS EMEKA IKE OUT OF HIS HIS RENTED MAGODO APARTMENT SEE WHAT HE HAS TO SAY

Speaking to Saturday Sunon the development, Emeka, wondered why the media should be interested in his private life

According to him, “there is a position now, because I don’t want people who have not achieved anything in their lives to use unnecessary distractions to gain prominence. It is my money and investments and it is not a national crisis.

STATE OF THE NATION: DON’T BLAME PREZ. MAHAMA – SAYS YVONNE NELSON

The news-making actress, Yvonne Nelson does not only talk about acting, heartbreak and bleaching, she also has some say when it comes to governance and the state of the economy.

The actress shared her thoughts on the state of the Ghanaian economy when she conversed with KOD on GHOne’s Hanging out with KOD’ – where she expressed her displeasure on the inability of her leaders to provide basic things like water, electricity and fuel for the people.

The ‘House of Gold’ actress admitted that she is not happy with African politicians including those in Ghana and what is going on in the country. However, she thinks President John Mahama should not be blamed for the current state of our economy especially on issues to do with water shortages and inconsistent electricity supply.

“I am not happy with the politicians! No, Iam not. We have a lot of issues so we can’t blame the current President for anything. I believe that these things have been going on for a very long time so you can’t blame him because he is our current leader. Most of our problems started from the previous administrations,” she said.

By her declaration, Yvonne has taken a u-turn on her thoughts on the President considering her tweet last year on how President Mahama should do something on the state of the economy.

Asked what she would tell the President if she gets to spend 10 minutes with him, Yvonne said, “Basically, general developmental issues will be discussed. Things we see around us like electricity, water and other utilities are causing us headaches these days.”

“I sit back and see politicians and the things they say about helping their own people and when they come to power, they act like we are all good. When we complain, it’s like nothing happens.

“I do vote every election year but what does it do anyways? Voting is good but empty promises are too much and it’s about time our leaders act,” Yvonne stressed.

She also stated that Ghanaians have a bad attitude of being comfortable with everything and most of us are scared to talk about things we are not happy about. “It is a Ghanaian attitude. We are very comfortable and when are not happy about certain things, some of us are afraid to speak about it and it is bad.”

Asked what she thinks can be done to better the situation in Ghana now, she proposed, “I think for now, things that affect Ghanaians such as utilities like electricity and fuel should be tackled because these are things that we use on daily basis and if the prices are high, we will complain.

The leggy actress said she would have loved to serve in a political office in order to help make Ghana a better place. “I would love to help Ghana but I don’t like the way politicians go about their operations and how they make promises and renege on them but I would like to serve and help Ghana if things are done well.”

On what she loves about Ghana she said, “I do all these for Ghana. I want to project Ghana and Africa for people to see what we are capable of doing.”

The former beauty queen, actress, film Producer and philanthropist said she would love to be the voice of the people in future, “I just want to be a voice for the people. I believe a lot of people in Ghana are not happy,” she conclude.

BBC BANS GHANAIAN MUSICIAN FOR “HATEFUL” COMMENT

Popular comedian, Hip-life musician and political satirist A-Plus real name Kwame Asare Obeng has been blackballed by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) AFRICA for a comment on their Facebook wall. Controversial A-Plus who is also an anti-gay campaigner stated categorically on the international platform that, Africans hates homosexuality’s despite the imposed by some foreigners leaders to make it legal. His comment came after Uganda’s leader has signed into law a bill toughening penalties for gay people but without a clause criminalizing those who do not report them. However, US President Barack Obama had cautioned that the bill would be a backward step. He described it as “more than an affront, and a danger to, Uganda's gay community. It will be a step backwards for all Ugandans” But A-Plus who seems upset with Mr. Obama’s statement posted on BBC AFRICA Facebook wall that “There is a one way mission to Mars. All gays can join. Fortunately you are not coming back to earth. Africa hates you. We hate gays.” In a sharp riposte, BBC AFRICA publicly banned the Ghanaian musician by saying “And fortunately you are not coming back here. You are hereby banned from posting on BBC AFRICA Facebook for your hateful message. We are also reporting you to Facebook. This is a space for healthy comment and debate but we reserve the right to delete comments which are racist, sexist, homophobic, sexually explicit, abusive or otherwise objectionable.” Adding that “BBC AFRICA also reserve the right to ban users whose posts promote hate speech or advocate violence of any kind” Kwame Asare Obeng (A-Plus) also known for his hit track “Mesuro mpo na merekeka yi o” further posted that “Tweaa! Come to Ghana and you will get what that means. Still no gays in Africa”