KUMAWOOD MOVIE MAKERS NEED TRAINING - DAVID DONTOH

Veteran actor and host of TV show "Agroo" has made a clarion call on all amateur film sundries to undergo training to activate their skills. He made this call last Thursday when was invited on the spotlight's show on TV3.

When one has the talent, he must be trained to sharpen his skill in dispensating it, that is what we call professionalism, David Dontoh had opined.

As for him, good movies are not determined by the language spoken but the highest sense of its delivery.

The film itself has a "language", that is why we don't understand Chinese but we enjoy their movies yet in Chinese.

A movie should even be understood by a deaf person when watching. It's not just the mere expressions of words but the body gestures; facial expression.etc makes the movie a reality.

He again stated that the Kumawood movie-makers should not limit themselves by using poor equipment, locations, costumes and others just because it's a local movie. They should resort to making their movies in the cities and big towns using good film-making items.

He did also state that Kumawood producers try to cut down cost, hence resort to use cheap labor rendering shoddy results. There are instances where Kumawood stars like Lil Wayne and Kwaku Manu are old men and in other times are school boys.

It doesn't make meaning at all, if it's good works they want; two or more producers can come together and produce one good movie either than those independently bad produced ones.

On a end note David Dontoh says; he is around and ready for any production but "don't bring me Ghs 200 cedis and say, this is your first time".

KWAKU MANU ACCUSES LIL WIN OF USING 'JUJU'

There is simmering tension between two renowned Kumasi based actors Kwaku Manu and Kwadjo Nkansah a.k.a Lil Win.

The two, who used to be close friends and starred in several movies together, seem to be fighting for supremacy and relevance on the silver screen. Kwaku Manu also known as “Wo ye me taste!” who just returned from a long trip abroad, has granted a number of interviews throwing several accusations at funny actor Lil Win.

According to Kwaku Manu, his colleague Lil Win’s attitude has changed towards him on his return from abroad. He claims Lil Win as distanced himself from him and that he is definitely not the Kwadjo Nkansah he knew some years back.

Kwaku alleged that for some time now, he had observed that Lil Win has refused to star in any movie in which he Kwaku Manu is involved in citing that as the reason why Ghanaian movie lovers do not see them together in movies anymore.

Kwaku made a shocking revelation that Lil Win is being ill-advised that he (Kwaku Manu) is using ‘juju’ on Lil Win so he should stay away from him, and he believes that is the reason why Lil Win has decided not to star in the same movie with him.

In an interview with Peacefmonline.com, he denied using any ‘juju’ on Lil Win stating however, that Lil Win is making it difficult for him to communicate with him because for some time now, he (Lil Win) has refused to answer his calls.

“I don’t have any problem with Lil Win or anybody in this industry. He is my junior bother and I played a major part in the beginning when he started acting and we have been in so many movies together. I think some people are corrupting his mind with false information about me but I wonder where those people advising him against me now were in the beginning, when he started acting”.

Lil Win reacts...

Reacting to these allegations for the first time, Lil Win, in an exclusive interview on Neat 100.9 FM’s “Entertainment Ghana show”, dismissed all those allegations, stating that it’s all attempts by some people to destroy his hard-earned reputation and his friendship with Kwaku Manu.

Lil Win laughed off the allegations, saying “I have no problem at all with my brother Kwaku Manu. I don’t know if he has a problem with me. It will be very sad for our fans to hear that Lil Win and Kwaku Manu are not on talking terms, but that will never happen. In this world, when you want to listen to what people are saying, you may end up not talking to your own friends and even your family members”.

On the issue of ‘juju’, Lil Win said he also heard that Kwaku Manu was going round saying he (Lil Win) was using ‘juju’ against him, that is the reason why he is not being cast in movies anymore.

“I don’t use juju. It is God who has made me who I am now, and I depend on God in all things. I have no problem whatsoever with Kwaku Manu.”

Lil Win said he confronted Kwaku Manu when he mentioned the issue of ‘juju’, and he accepted and apologized. “When I heard the rumors that he (Kwaku Manu) claims I was using juju on him, I asked him why he said that and he apologized and admitted that he said that, out of anger and frustration because we don't seem to be as close a unit as before, and that he wanted us to be back together again as good friends”.

Lil Win further stated that its possible he might have failed to respond to Kwaku Manu's calls because he (Lil Win) did not know his (Kwaku Manu's) new number, but he is not deliberately avoiding him as being alleged.

“Maybe when he called me, I didn’t know it was his number. I have not said anywhere that I will not act with him. It is the producers who decide who they want to cast in their movies”.

Asked if he would star in the same movie with Kwaku Manu, Lil Win said “If a producer casts me and my brother Kwaku Manu in the same movie even today, I am ready, for all those who think we are fighting to know that there is no problem between us.

Lil Win said, nothing would make him disrespect his senior brothers Agya Koo and Kwaku Manu, or anybody in the movie industry.

I CAN WIN POWER FOR ANY POLITICAL PARTY - AGYA KOO

Popular Ghanaian Actor, Kofi Adu has reacted to a cheeky comment by a New Patriotic Party Youth Organiser suggesting the comedian is a better presidential candidate for the party than the seasoned economist, Dr. Kofi Konadu Apraku.

Brong Ahafo Regional Youth Organizer of the NPP, Mr. Kwame Baffoe aka ‘Abronye’, told Suyani-based Ark FM, he prefers Agya Koo to Dr. Kofi Konadu Apraku as the flagbearer of NPP.

He also lambasted Dr. Apraku for making derogatory comments about Nana Akuffo Addo.

Speaking to Adom News Wednesday, Kofi Adu also known as Agya Koo understood the NPP man's comparison as a joke.

"He knows I would not wish to be a flagbearer", Agya Koo said and continued jokingly,"I would rather wish to be a Member of Parliament than to be a flagbearer of a party".

But indulging himself for a moment, Agya Koo fantasized, even if NPP decides to choose him as their flagbearer, he would avail himself for the position only if all other candidates step down for him.

He stated, he can win power for any political party in Ghana including the NPP if elected as the flagbearer for the party.

Agya Koo explained, he has spent the past decade entertaining people through movies and stage concerts and has bonded so well with Ghanaians.

He believes Ghanaians especially the youth will rally their support behind him should he compete for the presidency. His marketability and popularity can be converted into votes when given the opportunity, he continued.

The award winning actor and comedian however made it clear that he would not like to meddle in politics.

'It could jeopardise my career', he said.

WE DON’T KNOW PAEDAE OR R2BEES

This might sound a bit funny as I believe you don’t respond to ‘ghostly’ accusations. I use ghostly since the union believes they know not of such a character as Paedae neither do they know of a group such as R2Bees but check out what Zionfelix reports;

“The Musician Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) has taken a swipe at Paedae, a member of hiplife duo R2bees for saying the union lacks common sense.

According to MUSIGA, its outfit is unaware of any musician or a group called R2bees.

Last week, Paedae, half of the multiple award-winning hiplife duo, R2bees went on a Twitter spree to rant about Ghana music industry describing it as an industry where leaders do nothing for its members.

Faisal Hakeem, as he is called in real life took to twitter to pour out his frustration (MUSIGA Has Big Brains But Not Common Sense – Paedae Laments) calling for better remuneration, effective institution for revenue collection and a working structure to support and promote Ghanaian music to reach its deserving heights.

He likened the music industry to the Black Stars without a Ghana Football Association (GFA) and pointed out that the industry lacked common sense since the leaders employed to run the industry had “big brains” but lacked “common sense”.

Reacting to the comment, the National Welfare Officer of the Union, Mr. J. V. Owusu rubbished the claims and denied knowing any artist by name Paedae.

Mr. J. V. Owusu in an interview with Ashh fm entertainment zone last Sunday, said Paedae and his group has no locus to criticize Musiga.

“In the first place who is Paedae or R2bees? Musiga as a union doesn’t know them, they are not card bearing members, they don’t pay dues, and they don’t come to our meetings. What is he talking about?” He said.

He said card bearing members of the union were aware of the hardworking of the current executives. “We are doing our best to upgrade the welfare of our members, so this people must come again.”

“If Paedae and his R2bees or whatever they call themselves have a problem they should come to the office and deliberate with us and stop the media gimmick.”

Mr. Owusu however condemned Paedae and stated emphatically that the union will not condone such utterances from any musician or industry player.

I MISS MY HUSBAND’S LOVE - ACTRESS PATIENCE OZOKWOR

Popular actress, Patience Ozokwor who is known for her very tough roles in movies showed a softer side in this new interview with 'Sun'.

The 56-year old actress...(who doesn't look 56 even for a second!) shared the story of her husband, her in-laws and her love for kids which drove her to adopt 5 more children in addition to her own biological 3 kids.

The interview showed that Mama G, as she is popularly called, is an entirely different person from the roles she portrays in movies.

Read the interview below:

*How did you feel when you received the Centenary award?

I felt very elated to have received the award, because it is a sign that Nigerians appreciate my good work. It is indeed a dream come through for me as a thespian, and I promise to always make Nigeria and Africa proud with my work.


*How do you feel about all your achievements as an actress?

Stardom has taken me to so many countries in the world. I have been able to meet presidents of different nations - and I appreciate the fact that people commend and appreciate my acting skills whenever they meet me anywhere in Nigeria and outside the country, which gives me a great pleasure and ability to work harder. Knowing that I have fans all over the world is worth celebrating.

*How has Nollywood helped to transform Nigeria?

Our movies have been able to affect people’s lives as well as make them happy. In fact, Nollywood has transformed Nigeria’s image abroad positively and I am delighted to be part of this achievement.

*Has your profession affected your life positively?

I have been able to assist my family financially through my work, my children were able to go to school and they are living a comfortable life with their families as graduates by the special grace of God. In fact, the movie industry has affected my life positively in every ramification and I don’t have any regret being an actress and I give God all the glory.

*Have you achieved all that you set out to achieve?

I have not yet achieved everything, personally there are things that I have in mind to do in the industry, but when I look back there is nobody yet qualified to take over the mantle from me. And I pray that God will raise someone that will be better than me, which will be a great achievement to have someone who will replace me, when I finally leave the industry.

*Would you support any of your children to go into entertainment?

My second son is already into entertainment, he has a music record label. While my daughter ended up in the church drama. Though, my son acted in few movies before he left for the United Kingdom, hopefully he may do more in acting or movie directing in the future. And I will give him every encouragement if he decides to go into acting professionally, because he is passionate about entertainment.

* While growing up did you ever think of becoming a movie star?
I have always been an entertainer from childhood, so getting to the level I have attained in the industry is by the grace of God, consistency and hard work.

*Could you share some of the experiences you had in your early days as an actress that almost discouraged you?

During my early days, sometimes when I get to location with a script, they would tell me someone has taken my place, which was so disappointing. But I endured and believed God for mine, and He gave me what belongs to me. Today, God has celebrated me as an icon and I give God all the glory.

*Your husband died in 2000, precisely 14 years ago, how is life as a widow?

God has always been on my side because without Him there is nothing we can do. Again, I lived in the village, maybe if I were living in the city, things would be happening to me and nobody will know what I was passing through. And my people in the village know that I am always on location working either in the eastern part of the country or Lagos and Abuja. But when I am not working you will see me in the comfort of my home in the village. I appreciate my people for all their love and peaceful co-existence which I am enjoying. My husband’s family loves me so much, even before I became a star; we were so attached to each other. Everyone in the family calls me Patia; they are fond of me.

*Are you saying you still live in the village?
I don’t live in the city; I still live in my village. It is nice to live in the countryside where everyone is everybody’s business. (Laughter).

*Not minding the fact that you are a celebrity?
If you see the way people appreciate me in my village, whenever I go to the market to shop everyone will be calling me ‘Mama G’, ‘Gee’ for general, in fact, you will appreciate me more. But my office is located in Enugu town. So, I enjoy living in the village, my hometown. I still live my life of simplicity regardless of fame.

*How do you manage to shuttle from the village to other parts of the country?

I have a guesthouse in Lagos where some of my jobs are concentrated like soaps, endorsements, commercials and shooting of movies. I have a three bedroom flat in Asaba. Because I am tired of staying in public hostels, some are sub-standard; and sometimes you run into small girls that you know. So, I decided to rent an apartment each in Lagos and Asaba for comfort. I have adopted children who I take on holidays, so because I would not like them to grow up in the village without being exposed to city life, when they are on long vocation and I am in Nigeria, I take them to Lagos or Asaba for a change of environment.

*Your son had his wedding in the United Kingdom sometimes ago and your daughter also got married in Nigeria, how many children do you have?

I have three biological children. But because of my love for children, I adopted five other children who bear my name and I am very proud of them as my children. But I intend giving two among them to my younger sister to love as I have been doing. I am grateful to God for their lives, my son in-law and beautiful daughter-in-law, I love you all.

*Your late husband was supportive of your career, would you say you miss his presence now that you have hit stardom, especially being honoured with the Centenary award?

I wish my husband were alive to witness my Centenary award, because he was highly supportive of my career. Though, he was sick for a long time before he died, I wish he were still alive. But God knows the best. May his soul rest in perfect peace.

*What did you really miss about him?
I miss the togetherness, when two people work together trying to train the children, bringing them up in unity and love. And all the affection he showered on us. I miss the way he celebrated my children’s birthdays, he was a true father and husband when he was alive. I miss my husband’s companionship and love.

*Have you ever acted any role related with your experience as a widow?
Of course, one or two things that happened to you as a widow will definitely come up in the movies, but I have not acted any widowhood role that has to do with my experience as a widow negatively. My in-laws have been very supportive and caring; we have always lived like one big family. I always visit them in the United Kingdom, United States of America and those in Nigeria are united in love with me. When my husband was hospitalized, my sister-in-law and I were taking care of him; she stayed with him at nights while I took over from her in the morning before going to location. On that fateful day, I was on location when my husband died, before my sister in-law arrived at the hospital. Thereafter, they informed me about his death and they put him in the mortuary and asked me to continue with my job, because they understand my kind of job, but I blatantly refused. I took permission from the producer and stayed away for some days. I later came back to finish the production of the movie.

*Tell us about your parents?

My parents were loving and caring, I miss them so much. My mother was a popular trader. I never had it rough as a child, I only had it rough when my husband fell sick, but my in-laws did not leave me, they took care of my husband’s hospital bills. It’s just that you don’t have to wait for people to survive; instead you struggle to make life meaningful for yourself.

* You are looking younger and beautiful even at your age, are you thinking about remarrying?

It is not about my look but my age. I am not thinking about remarrying. Since my husband died, I have been rearing my children to the glory of God. And I decided to occupy my mind on my job and service to God to give my children the best in life.

How old are you now?

I was born on March 25,1958, so do the calculation.

*At 56, you are looking elegant. What is the secret behind your healthy look?

God is the secret behind my ageless look, and I also eat what my body needs, I take a lot of fruits and exercise when it’s necessary. And most imperatively, I don’t drink alcohol because I have realized that alcohol does a lot of damage to the body and makes you look older than your age.

*Nollywood producers have stereotyped you with roles that make you get bad remarks, how have these roles affected your life?

I don’t owe anybody any apology for the roles I play, because I get paid for them and it is my job. It is only people who don’t understand that acting is make belief that perceive an actor to be living his or her life the way she acts on set. If I could read my script and interpret the role to get the best production, it means I understand acting.

*Who is Patience Ozokwor outside the set?
I am a very loving mother, nice, caring, jovial, understanding, and above all God-fearing. But I don’t take nonsense because I am a disciplinarian.

*You attended teachers training college. Were you nursing the idea of becoming a teacher?

I attended teachers training college in Afikpo; and then I proceeded to IMT, Enugu where I studied Fine and Applied Arts, specializing in Graphics. But as you can see,I am a not a teacher today, because my interest is in acting where my passion also lies.

KWADEE’S MOTHER STILL AFTER HIM

Once regarded as one of the best acts in Ghanaian music, Okomfo Kwadee has seen so much turmoil in his life with his ever-inspiring career getting sludge to a point where he scaled from the best to the ignored.

One person who has been very instrumental in the life of the artiste, through grace and disgrace – is the mother. Some have tagged her as being part of Kwadee’s problems and others have supported her cause to protect her son. She has openly accused friends and managers of Kwadee for negatively influencing her son, introducing him to drugs and sinking his career.

After a hiatus from the music scene, Okomfo Kwadee is back in the mix of a very competitive industry and this time, her mum is in his corner, not leaving him alone as the artiste released two new singles, ‘Fee Fee’ and ‘Di Kan Ko’ which features Kwaw Kesse.

In an interview with Fareed Yakubu, the CEO of Black Stars Production, the new label that signed the artiste; he said that the artiste is back for good and will be launching his full album in June 2014. He added that, they have plans of releasing about five different singles of Kwadee before the full album is officially launched.

“We have plans of releasing one single together with a video every month before the end of May; then in June, we shall do the full album launch,” he said.

On the relationship between the label and Kwadee’s mother, he said that, Kwadee’s mother doesn’t have any problem with Kwadee’s come back. He explained that, the problems that ensued between Kwadee and his former management was due to lack of understanding between Kwadee’s family and his management, but now, they are working in collaboration with Kwadee’s mother.

“Kwadee is a great talent who doesn't need to be neglected because of family and managerial issues, and although working with the family might be difficult, we believe that the best way to save the situation is to involve his mum and family fully in the management of the artiste,” Fareed explained. On Kwadee’s health status, Mr. Yakubu said that Kwadee is fit and strong enough for the music game and needs to be encouraged instead of spreading false tales about him; which could demoralize and demotivate him from actualizing his passion, which is music.

In a separate chat with Okomfo Kwadee, he disagreed with the perception held by many that he has mental problems. According to him, he wouldn't be able to do quality music if he had any mental challenges. However, he admitted to seeing the doctor for stress-related issues which he believes did not prevent him or affect his recording procedures.

SONNIE BADU IN TROUBLE!

UK-based Ghanaian gospel artiste, Sonnie Badu, is on the verge of having his song, ‘Wonder God’ being scrapped from the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards.

Sonnie Badu’s song ‘Wonder God’ was nominated for ‘Gospel Song of the Year’, and ‘Best Male Vocalist of the Year’ for Sonny’s vocal delivery on the song. Investigations reveal that the song was officially released online on 6th November 2012 and the video of the song was subsequently uploaded on YouTube on 11th October 2012.

The official dates under review for the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards is 1st January 2013 to 31st December 2013 – which means, ‘Wonder God’ does not qualify. The VGMA Board is expected to meet and deliberate on this evidence and is supposed to act on it as soon as possible.

In other bizarre news, Sonnie, who is said to have cast a slur on Ghanaian gospel music and its purveyors a couple of years ago; is being accused of maligning the importance of the VGMAs in connection with the local-based gospel artistes.

After attaining six nominations, including one in the topmost ‘Artiste of the Year’ category, Sonnie has been accused of vilifying Ghanaian gospel artistes and their involvement in the VGMAs in a recently-granted interview on Rainbow 87.5FM.

Sonnie Badu was said to have stated some weeks ago on the ‘Gh. Entertainment’ Show that the Ghana Music Awards is only meant for local artistes and since he’s an international artiste, he does not see himself as being part of the Awards.

When Sonnie Badu was contacted, he rebutted such claims being attributed to him. “I would not like to be misquoted again. It was a phone conversation on Rainbow Radio where the host asked me why I have not got any nominations thus far in the VGMAs, and I jokingly responded that , maybe, my not being nominated was due to the fact that I don’t reside in Ghana. It’s a joke I shared,” he explained.

Commenting on the news of his first-time nominations, Sonnie said he was informed by his manager and deemed it a great honour to be part of the Awards. “It’s always a great feeling when your works are recognized anywhere in the world, so all glory goes to God,” he articulated.

Sonnie Badu becomes only the third gospel artiste in 14 years to make an appearance in the category for the topmost prize of the Awards after the likes of Kwaku Gyasi and No Tribe made appearances but failed to win. “Being the only gospel artiste in the ‘Artiste of the Year’ category is such a great honour. It feels like I am representing my fellow brothers and sisters so it’s Team Gospel against the rest and once again, glory goes to God.”

Sonnie said that, even in the said interview, he tipped fellow gospel artiste Cwesi Oteng to annex some awards this year. “I am a big fan of Cwesi Oteng’s songwriting ability and his musical skills, plus he is a great friend so when the host asked who I wanted to win, I mentioned Cwesi Oteng,” he elucidated.