KAAKIE, R2BEES, M.ANIFEST, FUSE ODG, OTHERS FOR CHANNEL O AWARDS

Dancehall artiste, Kaakie is eyeing the Most Gifted Ragga Dancehall Video award at this year’s Channel O Africa Music Video Awards with her ‘Too Much’ music video. The 10th Annual Channel O Africa Music Awards is scheduled to take place on November 30 in South Africa. Kaakie is in contention with Jesse Jagz from Nigeria, Buffalo Souljah, P-Unit and Radio & Weasel all from South Africa. According to Kaakie, real name Grace Kakie Awo Ocansey, she needs the support of Ghanaians to win this award. “I can’t win this award without the support of Ghanaians, my fans have been behind me when I began my music career and I know they are not going to let me down. To vote for me text 5b to +2783142100415 on all networks.” Kaakie’s greatest threat however, is from Jesse Jagz of Nigeria. She explained that, “Although I am very confident of winning the award, Jesse Jagz is a talented musician and my greatest threat. But I know with the help of Ghanaians victory will be mine” Other Ghanaian musicians nominated for the awards are D-Black and Joey B with Vera, R2Bees with ‘Walaahi’, E.L and M.anifest with ‘Hallelujah’, Chase with ‘Lonely’, Fuse ODG and Wyclef with ‘Antenna’, Jayso and Sarkodie with ‘Pizza and Burger.’ Kaakie is known for songs like ‘D.C. Tunup’, ‘Kumkumcha’, ‘Zuuchia’, ‘Body Flame’, ‘Toffee Pon Tongue’, ‘Top Time Girl’ and ‘Ewo’ on her album ‘Kaakit-Up’ which is ready for release ending of this month. Songs on the ‘Kaakit-Up’ album mentioned above has caught the attention of Ghanaians and the singer believes it is all due to her hard work and determination.

 

XCLUSIV FOTOS: A.B CRENTSIL UNVEILED AS LEGENDS AND LEGACY BALL 2013 HONOREE

Highlife musician A.B Crentsil has been unveiled as the headline act for this year’s Legends and Legacy Ball concert.

Imajin Advertising, organizers of the event, made it public at an impressive ceremony held at the Oak Plaza Hotel in Accra on Thursday.

The choice of Crentsil would come as a surprise to most people, after series of media speculations said it was going to be Kojo Antwi. The organizers opted for AB Crentsil after a deal with Antwi was not reached.

Accepting to be part of this year’s event, he told a gathering of media men and corporate heads present that he was delighted to have been chosen to lead the 2013 edition, adding “i feel honoured. It is a good thing that would help me.”

The organizers added that this year’s, would see an improvement, giving patrons value for their tickets worth. Legends and Legacy Ball 2013 takes place at the Conference Centre on November 30 2013 with other supporting artistes performing some of A.B Centsil’s hit songs in his presence.

Mr. Alfred Benjamin Crentsil was born on the 15th of January 1944 at Prestea, A gold mining area in the western region of Ghana. He is the son of Mr. Alfred Benjamin Crenstil ESQ and Madam Mary Yawson who hails from Awoya, Saltpong in the central region of Ghana. AB had his primary education at Takoradi Methodist primary in the early 1950s and completed at the reverend Cleland memorial middle school in 1966 also at Takoradi. He was employed at the electrical engineering department of the Ghana Railway Corporation, Takoradi in 1966 as electrical apprentice.

Along the line, he joined a group called the strollers dance band at Takoradi Amanful in 1967 under the management of the late Kwesi Donkor as a lead vocalist. Mr. AB. Crenstillater became a full time musician and was one of the pioneers who formed a band named the El-Dorados at Aboso glass factory in 1970 as a lead vocalist and a rhythm guitarist.

Mr. Crenstil then got married to miss Elizabeth Quansah now Mrs. Elizabeth Crenstil in 1970 and they are now blessed with seven children (three males and four females) namely Alfred Joseph, Alfred Ekow, Alfred Kwaku, Evelyn, Juliana, Irene and Alberta Crenstil.
Later AB. Crenstil and the rest of the group moved to the Harbour city of Takoradi to form a resident band known as the LANTICS band at Atlantic Hotel in 1972 and recorded ABU ROW KRUDUKRUDU and ALICE PACK AND GO which became an instant hit.

The group then left the LANTICS band of Atlantic hotel in 1974 to form another band known as SWEET TALKS INT. BAND at TALK OF THE TOWN HOTEL in Tema under the management of Mr. Jonathan Abraham. A.B. Crentsil ruled over Ghana's highlife scene in the '70s.

Accompanied by guitarist Smart Nkansah, drummer J Y Thorty, keyboardist and drummer Max Cozy, frugal horns player Atta Kennedy, trumpeter Tommy King, Kelly Koomson, Saxophonist Mr Owusu, base players Atta kojo, Akwasi Cropper, Eugene Akuffo Cropper, and Eugenia Asabea Cropper, Joel Ackah and second vocalist Pope Flynn, Sweet Talks made its debut in December 1973. Their first hit came two years later with "Adam and Eve," the first of series of double entendre-laden tunes. A.B continued composing and recording songs with SWEET TALKS INT. BRAD. Some of the recorded songs were ADAM AND EVE, MBASIAFO NTO NSA, OSOODE, KUSUM BEAT, GYAE SU GYAE NKOMO(SPIRITUAL GHANA), OSOOKO, etc.

A.B. Crenstil then left SWEET TALKS INT. BAND in 1979 and formed his own band known as AHENFO band and continued to record more hits such as ADJOA, THE LORD'S PRAYER, ATIA, MOSES, TORONTO BY NIGHT, YOU DEVIL GO AWAY FROM ME, etc. He has serenaded Ghanaians with so many beautiful songs some of which have been afore mentioned.

But his controversial song Moses, which is one his most successful singles readily, comes to mind when A.B Crenstil's name is mentioned. The song was a massive hit during the time of its release and still a favorite of most fans of A. B Crenstil. About three years ago, he remixed some of his hit songs notably Angelina, Juliana, etc with Obour, who is currently the president of the Musicians union of Ghana (MUSIGA) and they were all instant hits.

He has over has 20 rollicking albums to his credit and has received several awards and recognitions both locally and internationally. With 25 years of experience in the music business Mr. Crentsil has won numerous Ghanaian Music Awards including the Fontomfrom Evergreen Award which is a special honor bestowed upon a musician with 15-20 years of continuous music experience.

ECRAG Flagstar awards in 86, 87, the Leisure concert group of the year 1988, leisure song of the year 1988, with the cassette album dubbed "Devil". He was also the winner of Flagstar in 1988 for contributing to development of contemporary Ghanaian highlife music internationally, through live performances and regular record releases.

In 1990, the national commission of culture conferred on him, the highlife Nkosofoo award. Of the entire awards he has received, the one he holds most dear to his heart is the award he received from President Kufour in 2006. He was honored with a gold medal for distinguishing himself in music in Ghana and abroad.

He often mentions Adwoa Bomba on almost all his albums. The name happens to belong to his wife whose official name is Elizabeth Crenstil, without whose love, support and counseling, he admits he
wouldn't have come this far. He is indeed a gifted professor of music.
For your scintillating music over the years on the local and international scene, we say Ayekoo. 

TIC TAC FOR 4SYTE MUSIC VIDEO AWARDS

Tic Tac, the multiple award winning hip-life star, is out with his new hit single, ‘Pum Pum’,. Already, it has been nominated in two categories for this year’s MTN 4syte Music Video Awards.

The video, which was dropped a couple of weeks ago, has won the admiration of music lovers across the length and breadth of the country.

The video, directed by one of the nation’s finest, XBills Ebenezer of Xpress philms, blends modernity with the Ghanaian African tradition, among others.

The visuals of the video perfectly match its lyrics. The classic video touted by the industry players as one of the best of our time, flaunts high levels of synergy between sound, lightening, colour and superb graphics with spot-on transitions, leaving a lasting impression in the minds of viewers.

It has been nominated in two categories, Best Hiplife and Best Edited Video of the Year.

Tic Tac was the first Ghanaian music star to have his video top the Mtv base chart for weeks. The artiste over the years has distinguished his brand with classic music videos.

VAN VICKER FINALLY SPEAKS ABOUT HIS DEATH RUMOUR

Ghanaian actor Van Vicker was hit with a scary death rumour over the weekend.

The reports started spreading like wild fire on Sunday November 3, 2013 on several social media platforms that reigning Actor of the Year Van Vicker was involved in a life threatening accident on his way to church on Sunday which has claimed his life.

The rumour which came with a bloody picture of the actor and a confirmation from a supposed page of actress Nadia Buari and that of other Ghanaian and Nigerian celebrities almost substantiated this unfounded rumour until the actor himself came to speak that there is an imposter out there using his name and other celebrities to deceive the public.

Van issued a statement which has been published on every relevant website and social media platforms.

His statement reads:

“There is a post on an imposter’s page that I had an accident this morning on my way to church and I might die from bleeding. It is a rumour and a stunt to drive traffic to that page. I am well and in great health. Jehovah dey by my side. Stay Eeasy.”

After this the “Joni Waka” actor who said he was on set in Nigeria have seen the need to further make an audio visual statement for his lovers and fans all over the world to see and hear him in flesh and blood that he is indeed alive and kicking.

In the video Van denied all the rumours and gave the correct account names for all his personal social media platforms.

WHY WOULD ANYONE THINK I AM A HOMOSEXUAL? - ACTOR

His shaved eye brows, ear rings, painted nails dreadlocks attached with extensions and multiple facial piercings are perhaps the reason why 'Tornado' is regard as gay but the TV actor has vehemently refuted that perception.

According to Tornado, real name Emil Gerald Wood anyone who has the impression he is a gay is very wrong.

Tornado, 26, who has been featuring in TV series Afia Schwarzenegger for the past three years told Showbiz last Monday at his Tema Community 9 residence that Ghanaians should get close to him before passing comments about him.

“I don’t know why anyone would think I am a gay. Why should people judge me just by my looks? I have never been gay and will never be one.

“I used to get offended and even picked quarrels with a lot of people because they called me gay. I even reported some people to the police but I don’t do that anymore because I have come to realize I cannot please everyone.

“I just love fashion. I have been like this for the past eight years. I love body piecing because it makes me feel good. I am afraid but I cant help the people who have a problem with my looks. This is me” Tornado explained.

Tornado who said he gets his body piecing done when he travels abroad particularly to the Philippines has about 18 visible piecing and wouldn’t disclose if he has more on other parts of his body. He however said he might piece his body some more but that will depend on his mood.

“I may decide tomorrow to remove all of them or add more depending on my mood. There was a time I removed all the ornaments and cut my hair very low. A lot of people liked my new look and even asked that I maintain it but I went back because those people don’t put food on my table,” he said.

However, Tornado bemoaned the fact he is shunned most of the time by colleague actors. The father of a six-year-old girl, Francine said some actors don’t want to get close to him and even those who do are always in a hurry to get away from him.

“I have met a couple of actors at places like the Accra Mall and while talking to them, I realized they felt uncomfortable around me and were in a hurry to leave. It was obvious they didn’t want to be seen in my company. This used to worry me at first but it doesn’t anymore,” he pointed out.

Tornado was born in James Town. He attended Benkum Secondary School and is currently into interior decorating. 

I’M HAPPY: EAZZY SAYS OF SPLIT FROM KEITTA

While most girls would be crying their hearts out after a break up, sultry singer, Eazzy, has revealed she doesn’t feel downhearted at all after splitting up with her model boyfriend of two years, Keitta Ossei.

In fact, the Wengeze hitmaker confirmed to Graphic Showbiz last Tuesday that the once blossoming romance which was in the public eye was over but contrary to what people thought, she was happy being single again.

“Yes, Keitta and I are no more an item,” she stated emphatically.

“However, I am not down because I enjoy being single and I am enjoying that right now. Before I met Keitta, I had been single for a long time and so being single is nothing new to me. I also have no intention to go into any relationship now. I am cool being single like that.

“Of course, it is every woman’s dream to settle down with the man she loves and that was what I sincerely wished for but since that didn’t happen, I just have to accept that in good faith.”

Eazzy took to Twitter to announce the split last week saying, “Hi guys thanks for your concern. yep. Keitta and I are not a couple anymore. Details are private. No more questions. Wink”.

Defending why she took to Twitter to announce her split from Keitta, Eazzy said, “I had no ill intentions when I used Twitter to announce our break-up. Our relationship was a public one and most people knew about it so it was only fair for such people to also know that we are no more together.

“Most of them kept asking me about our relationship status and I couldn’t lie to them. I know that if Keitta were in my shoes, he would also have done same.”

The diva declined to disclose to Showbiz exactly why the relationship fell on the rocks.

“We had our differences and decided to go our separate ways and move on with our lives. I appreciate all the concerns that my fans have shown me but I will appreciate it more if people do not read their own meanings into this break up,” she said.

“It is rather unfortunate that people would fabricate all sorts of stories about the cause of our break-up. I have never said anywhere that Keitta cheated on me or was cheating on me. I don’t know where people got their information. They are mere speculations.”

The One Gal singer also told Showbiz that even though she had not heard from Keitta after their break-up, she was sure he was doing fine and wished him well.

Eazzy and Keitta’s relationship went public when the two of them represented Ghana at Big Brother Africa (BBA) two years ago.

Keitta could not be reached for comment at the time Showbiz went to press.

MTN 4SYTE TV MVAS ACCRA NOMINEES JAM SET FOR 9TH NOVEMBER

The 5th annual MTN 4syte TV music video awards which is set to happen on the 16th of November 2013 at the Accra International conference center has announced the tickets outlets, prices and its Accra nominees jam.

Organizers say this year’s event cost GHS 100 for lower deck and Ghs 150 upper deck.

Tickets are available at Y107.9 FM (inside Accra Mall), Krew Men Grooming inside Dansoman, 2131 Tarven Osu and 4syte TV studios (Laterbiokoshie).

Meanwhile the biggest music awards on the Ghanaian entertainment calendar will host its nominees jam for Accra on the 9th of November 2013 at the Osu Oxford Street.

The show will highlight the best of the best performances ahead of the main event.

Kumasi was shut down when the nominees jam went down and now it’s time for Accra be there concluded the jam before the main awards night.
The music video awards is sponsored by MTN and refreshed by Club Beer.