CASTRO IS NOT DEAD, HE HAS BEEN KIDNAPPED – AKOO NANA CLAIMS

The story of the disappearance of hiplife musician Castro, born Theophilus Tagoe is getting weirder by the day, the latest being a claim by Akoo Nana that the musician is in captivity.

He believes some ritualists kidnapped Castro for ritual purposes but discovered that he is not an ordinary person and therefore do not know what to do now.

Rescue operations started Sunday, July 6, 2014 for Castro and his female companion, Janet Bandu, who went missing earlier while jet skiing in the waters of Ada.

Castro and Black Stars captain, Asamoah Gyan were at the Peace Holiday Resort, a beach resort in Ada, together with some friends, for recreation when the unfortunate incident occurred.

The Marine Division of the Ghana Police Service intensified search operations Monday but as at Friday, hopes of finding Castro and Janet alive, seemed to have been lost.

Some persons have alleged that the musician might have been taken away by a marine spirit but hiplife musician William Ankrah known on stage as Akoo Naa, says the musician is alive.
Speaking in an interview with Myjoyonline.com, Akoo Nana said he strongly believes that Castro has been kidnapped.

“I think Castro is not dead…I think he’s been kidnapped, not spiritually kidnaped but physically kidnapped, and the leader [has] realised it is him [and] they are scared to bring him out because they know if they bring him out they know they will be in trouble but I know Castro is going to come back to us,” the Kachina hit singer alleged.

He explained further that: “Castro was not supposed to be kidnapped. I think they were trying to kidnap some people for something. They kidnap people for rituals. I think they kidnapped them and later realised it was Castro by then they have him in their custody,” and the kidnappers are finding it difficult to release him.

According to him, people who are peddling rumours that he has been taken by a marine spirit are lying.

Akoo Nana, who is a Chief at Kasoa (Sarikyin Waasa), disclosed that he was supposed to attend a funeral with Castro in Kumasi on that faithful Sunday but unfortunately they could not make it to the funeral. Subsequently, he was supposed to join Castro and the others but “because of my business I couldn’t make it to the location [Ada] with them.”

He attributed the disappearance to traditional reasons, speculating that when chiefs and fetish priests die, their people kidnap especially strangers who are sacrificed to accompany them.

“May be one of these chiefs died in the nearby village and they needed some heads to escort this chief and they kidnapped them but later realised that it is Castro and they can’t touch him,” he said.

“Castro is a Christian, he prays a lot. We go to church together,” Akoo Nana disclosed and added that “Castro is alive, the girl is alive and Castro will surely come back.”

ARREST ASAMOAH GYAN, OPAMBOUR & OTHERS NOW!!! – LEGAL PRACTITIONER

President and Founder of the Legal Advocacy Foundation, Lawyer Maurice Ampaw, has called on the Ghana Police Service to arrest Black Stars Captain Asamoah Gyan and founder of the Ebenezer Miracle Worship Centre in Kumasi, Rev. Ebenezer Opambour Adarkwah Yiadom, for meddling in investigations to unravel the mystery behind missing hip life music luminary, Castro.

Lawyer Maurice Ampaw admonished the Police to apprehend the man of God also known as 'Prophet-One' and "Baby Jet" Gyan and subject to intense interrogation.

A week ago, Asamoah Gyan went to Ada for a weekend rendezvous with Castro and his friends, but unfortunately, was hit by news that Castro together with a female friend, Janet Bandu, had drowned in the river.

Castro and his female friend had gone jet skiing on the Volta river and up till date, there are still no traces of their bodies anywhere.

In the wake of the incident, sources in Ada and pictures available to Peacefmonline.com show the Black Stars striker and his friends taking a boat ride in search of their lost friend on the Volta River but their action ended in futility.

Though the Marine Police have been making frantic efforts to retrieve the two missing bodies alive or dead, Lawyer Ampaw is already pointing fingers at Asamoah Gyan as a prime "suspect" and from his legal perspective; Gyan should not be left off the hook. 

"Castro’s incident, the mystery surrounding his whereabouts and events thereafter all strengthen the case that the Police must arrest Asamoah Gyan and his brother (Baffour Gyan), and all those who actually went on that trip with Castro...so that they will give account of whatever took place and how Castro got missing. And then we can give them Police Inquiry Bill to assist in investigations because under our law, Castro is not dead.

“Under the criminal code or our law, a person dies only, when after seven years; that person is not heard again or cannot be found. So as at now, in law, we cannot pronounce Castro dead...and anybody involved in the unfortunate incident of Castro’s alleged drowning must be arrested by now by the Police."

He also called for the "arrest of Opambour and all those fetish Priests who are claiming that they know where Castro is. They should be invited for questioning so that they can also help in unraveling the truth."

Speaking in an interview with Peacefmonline.com, Lawyer Ampaw insisted that any serious country as Ghana should by now have pounced on the person or group of people privy to the whereabouts of the missing duo because they have the "criminal duty" to assist the Police.

“SELLY DIDN’T CAUSE PRAYE’S BREAK UP” - CHOIRMASTER

After Selorm Ghalley aka Selly had returned from Big Brother Africa, it had been rumoured that she could instigate a break-up of the Praye group.

Selly who is the girlfriend of Big J, a member of the praye group was seriously attacked by Ghanaians and some Africans for having slept with Nando at the Big Brother Africa house.

Most people who believed she really slept with Nando said that Big J should leave her and it was even reported that there was pressure from Big J’s counterpart Prayer Honeho aka Choirmaster and her wife actress Bervely Afaglo on him to jilt Selly.

Even though the Choirmaster denied any such thing or rift, there were still speculations that the two couples were not on good terms.
In fact, many had predicted that it was possible the group would die after Praye Tintin aka Kente left the group about 4 years ago for reasons best known to them.

In an interview with Choirmaster on Koforidua-based Vision 90.9 FM last Sunday on ‘Arts and People’ hosted by Kwame Dadzie, he said that there was no way Selly could have caused the break-up of the Praye group.
“We started Praye before Selly came and we’ve always been together so I don’t see why anybody will link our break-up to Selly. We broke up as a group on a good note. We both decided to part ways and try our individual projects and we are still friends. Selly has nothing to do with the separation,” he revealed.

Choirmaster added that his new single ‘Ghana’s Most Beautiful’ which has been adopted as a the theme song for TV3’s Ghana Most Beautiful pageant, is doing well and would be releasing some more singles at his birthday bash in the Rockstone’s office on 26th July, 2014.

Meanwhile, the question most people are asking is whether or not Choirmaster would be able to stand alone and work successfully as a solo artiste. From all indications, ‘Ghana Most Beautiful’ which features Dadie Opanka is doing well and only time will tell its fate for the future.

REGGIE ROCKSTONE SEEKS GOD’S FACE OVER MUSIGA PRESIDENCY

Guess what Hiplife’s Grandpapa Reggie Rockstone would tackle first if he is to become MUSIGA President… “the royalty system and the payment of Payola to DJs”.

The renowned Ghanaian musician in an interview with Solid FM’s Kwame Poku said the country’s royalty system especially within the music industry left much to be desired. He says many musicians died poor with nothing left behind for their dependants because issues of royalties are not taken seriously.

Reggie Rockstone has been tipped by many in the industry as a potential Head of Ghana’s music body; MUSIGA.

He however tells Entertainment radio host Kwame Poku that, though he is honoured, he is seeking the face of God regarding the matter and “until God endorses it, he would remain a VVIP”.

He said he would address issues of royalty payments to musicians as well as payment of payola to DJs should he become the leader of the umbrella body for Ghanaian musicians. He believes strongly payola “translates into other variations of corruption”.

“You have people who have no talent whatsoever taking up the airwaves because they have money”, he lamented adding that “musicians are not paid monthly like the DJs”.

On his latest song as a member of the VVIPs, Reggie Rockstone expressed excitement about the success of the Selfie song. “It’s huge…it’s a little bit more than just a song, it’s one of those songs where the fans get to be a part of the story.”

He believes it is the first interactive hit song with some ninety-eight thousand views on youtube and counting.

“It’s getting bigger with the Hollywood award winning actor Idris Elba featuring in the remix…thanks to Jah”.

“Selfie” featuring Prodigal and Lazy has gained recognition among music fans and has been on the chats for several weeks running.

POLICE EXPLAIN “CASTRO FOUND IN TOGO” DRAMA

The Ghana Police Service is investigating the circumstances under which a restricted police wireless message indicating that hip-life musician, Castro, has been found alive and on admission at a hospital in Togo, was leaked to the public.

Castro was reported to have drowned in the Volta River on July 6.

The Acting Director of the Police Public Affairs, DSP Cephas Arthur, in an interview with NEWS-ONE on Wednesday evening said the wireless message was not meant for public consumption and that whoever leaked it acted unprofessionally.

He would however not state categorically whether Castro had been found at the said hospital or not: “It is not as if Castro has been found or not been found. It is a lead we had and we are working on it. What we are doing now is to work on the lead and also investigate how the restricted police wireless message leaked.

“We issued an internal communication and this was not for public communication. We are only clarifying because it has come out to the public. The restricted internal communication was sent to the Regional Commander in the Volta Region to follow up on the hint we have heard because they are nearer to Togo. Unfortunately someone leaked it to the public and caused some rumour mongering,” Cephas Arthur added.

In a separate interview with Sammi Anim Addo, Asamoah Gyan’s manager, he said, “We were praying it would be true so we were ready to move to Togo immediately when we were told to hold on and that some further checks had to be done. But we first believed it and were excited,” Mr. Addo explained.

The police wireless message was categorical that the name of the person on admission at the said Togo hospital was “Theophilus Tagoe aka Castro”.

It however did not make mention of Janet Bandu’s whereabouts.

Though it did not state how Castro got to the hospital, it sparked speculations that he was found by a Good Samaritan at Lome, while lying hapless and half dead on the Lome beach after he was supposedly washed ashore.

The report also generated mixed feelings because a section of the Ghanaian public has expressed doubts about the authenticity of entire episode, describing it as publicity stunt.

THEY CALL ME CRAZY AND I'M COOL WITH IT - AFIA SCHWARZENEGGER

If one is asked to describe one unique thing about radio and TV presenter Afia Schwarzenegger, one is likely to say that she is one kind of a crazy woman. And she knows it!

“Many Ghanaians who listen to me on radio and watch me on television and in movies see me as crazy, and I’m cool with it," she told Showbiz last Monday.

“What they may not know is that really I’m a very quiet and private person.”

Afia hosts the Drive Time show on Happy FM and K?k??k? on UTV.

“When I am not on air, or acting; I am mostly with my children at home or on the prayer grounds inside the Achimota forest praying for my family and my country Ghana," she said.

Afia Schwarzenegger, real name Valentina Nana Agyiewaa, who graduated from Word of Faith Bible Institute last three years, said people judge her wrongly because of how loud she is.

“There have been a lot of negative stories about me since I started my career. For example, there have been reports that I am a prostitute and that I killed my late husband to be successful. I hear and read all those stuff, but I am not bothered because my family and my children know the real me."

Talking about her work, Afia Schwarzenegger said no one can stop her from speaking her mind when she knows what she is saying is the truth. To her, once she is addressing an issue which she feels would benefit the country; she does not bother whoever is involved.

“Politicians have tried bribing me from speaking the truth about them because they know their jobs are on the line. Sometimes, I take their money alright but still go ahead to say whatever I have to."

The 33-year-old actress who has featured in ten Kumawood movies said a lot of celebrities and politicians have problems with her because they know what she says is the truth.

Citing an example of some of the issues she discussed on her show that did not go well with some celebrities, Afia Schwarzenegger said, “I once criticized Shatta Wale on my show because I felt his behaviour was uncalled for. Shatta Wale insulted Charterhouse for not winning the Artiste of the year at the VGMA last year, and when he won it this year, he still went ahead to insult Charterhouse for awarding him the Artiste of the Year. Which ‘correct’ human being would do that?”

Asked whether she was not putting her life at risk by being so blunt, Afia Schwarzenegger, who is the lead character on Beauty, a television series on TV3, said she does not fear for her life because she knows her facts are true.

“I don’t just wake up and say things about people without doing my background checks, and because I speak the truth all the time, I fear not what anyone would do to me,” she said.

Married to Rev. Boakye last year, Afia Schwarzenegger said she is not biased on any issue she discusses on her show because she feels they are all important.

She asked that Ghanaians come close to her and find out who she really is before passing any comments about her.

SARKODIE RAPPERHOLIC SOLD ON AMAZON

Michael Owusu Addo, famously known by stage name Sarkodie, a Ghanaian hip pop and hip-life artist, has his popular album sold on the international market platform, amazon.com.

Sarkodie is widely known for his fluent fast twi raps moved to the international scene since 2012. He won the BET Awards for best International Act, Africa, Independent Music Awards for best song, and also nominated for World Music Awards for World's best album.

Sarkology, is the title of his thirdstudio album released by Duncwills Entertainment on January 2, 2014.

Amazon.com is the world's largest online retailer store. The shop started by selling books and CDs and now moved into selling many consumable products, selling DVDs, VHSs, CDs, Video games, Software and electronics, etc.

Amazon is an international electronic commerce company with its headquarters in Seattle, Washington, United States.

Sarkodie's Rapperholic album in audio format is placed at 8.99 dollars in shelves at the Amazon shop in the United State.

The Album featured tracks like: Intro - Word of God, Saa Okodie No Feat Obrafour, Warrior Song Ft KK Fosu, Onyame Ehyira Feat. Castro, Faces of Life, When I Grow Up ft Ikechukwu, Odo Menkoaa ft Kwabena Kwabena, Old school Love ft Mugeez, Where did go wrong ft Efya, Sherifa ft Sherifa, I am in Love with you ft Efya, Give it to Me, U Go Kill me ft EL, Luxury ft Jayso & Lighter, Mani Dawoso ft Kwaw Kesse, Ohemaa done ft Tinny, Winner ft Chidynma, Friends ft Rell & Jayso.

The Rapperholic album has great songs with Witty lines, clever wordplay, humor, delivery, braggadocio, and a pack of conversational storytelling.

The first track on the album 'Word of God' which opens with a hymnal praise shows his faith and reverence to God. He speaks of the hand of God as the pivot of his music career and openly asserts that he would not have made it without God.

Customer review from amazon.com

Most consumers who purchase the album, also bought other CDs like personally by P square. They voted Sarkodie ten over ten, whiles others wrote on amazon site: 'This is crazy Charlieeee!, February 27, 2012, and voted with 5 stars to show his love for the album.

This CDs is awesome, I have been waiting for a while and I must say it was worth the wait. Sarkodie is doing great stuff. by NickE.