THE DOME ILLEGAL...STRUCTURE TO BE REMOVED

The Dome at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC), noted for hosting top-notch entertainment events and conferences, has been officially declared an illegal structure on a government premises.
Owner of the tent structure, Creator Digital Company, according to 2012 Auditor-General’s report, has never paid rent to any authority for occupying the AICC car park.

Records at the AICC examined by the Auditor-General showed that a Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs in a letter dated July 7, 2009 directed the company to remove the structures from the Conference Centre.

The matter has, therefore, been referred to the appropriate security agency to assist with the immediate removal of the structure from the Accra International Conference Centre.

The report stated: “During our physical inspection of the premises of the International Conference Centre, we noted that Creator Digital Company, a private limited liability company, without any authority from the AICC, had erected a tent structure for hosting seminars, conferences, entertainment events, etc. We also observed that the Creator Digital Company does not pay rent to AICC for use of the premises.”

It stated further that Creator Digital Company competes with AICC for the same business, thereby reducing the revenue earnings of the centre and also depriving AICC of the use of its car park.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which is in charge of the conference facility, stated in the report that they were impressing upon the company to remove the tent structures from the AICC premises.

However, the ministry and the management of AICC have been urged to determine and charge Creator Digital Company the appropriate rent over the period of their illegal occupation of the AICC car park.
The report also charged Heads of Departments to have a sense of responsibility to safeguard and secure the economic use of all government properties, including lands.

Last year, The Weekend Globe newspaper reported of a looming disaster at the facility, describing its deteriorating conditions.

Later, on Peace FM’s Entertainment Review programme, Fennec Okyere (deceased), Project Manager of the Dome, said renovation of the venue was in the offing, which will lead to an improved sitting arrangement, sound system and security detail.

The Dome is a major venue for most of Ghana’s entertainment-related events, particularly music concerts. The structure was built temporarily for the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD XII) in 2008, and was expected to have been demolished after the conference.

"THE WHOLE GHANA NEEDS TO CHANGE”- TRIGMATIC

Ghanaian music star, Trigmatic says he seeks to propel change in the Ghanaian society through his music. To this end, he is consciously shifting from the very youthful music he is known for towards more mature lyrics.

The award winning musician told solid FM’s Kwame Poku who is also known as Kwame Scientific he feels the need for change. He believes his lyrical orientation has changed because he is growing and naturally thinking a lot about making his songs stand the test of time.

He says “It has gotten to a point where you are unable to wear the things you used to wear or visit the places you hitherto frequented. I feel everything must change. It means a change in lyrics; more live performances…every part of the art must grow. The whole Ghana needs to change.”

He thanked his fans for remaining loyal despite the changes he is exhibiting.

Trigmatic’s song “wo sika nti” has received three (3) nominations at the forthcoming Ghana Music Awards and the young musician says the nominations excite him and makes him feel appreciated.

He has been nominated for the Song writer of the year, Record of the year and Collaboration of the year.

He also expressed surprise his song ‘Miss Julie’ featuring Shatta Wale is now catching on with fans. He says the song has been around for quite some time.

"GHANA MEETS NAIJA" 2014 SET FOR MAY 24

It is no secret the rivalry between Ghana and Nigeria in various facets especially that of entertainment and sports.

The competition between these two nations of West Africa is nothing but fierce; yet in it lays the rich brew of talents of exceptional excellence.

Music that has flooded these two countries one from the other has in many ways influenced the trend and flavour of tracks that have made the top charts of either side thus the taste buds of both Ghanaians and Nigerians alike.

Now imagine a time and a place where the best of both sides [Ghana and Nigeria] come together in a competitive merge; a “battle” to treat you to a nonstop array of their hit tracks.

This is what the nation’s entertainment powerhouse Empire Entertainment brings you; a finely packaged and sealed aurora of artistes and tunes that would cause your feet to tap, hands to wave and clap, your head nodding and your body moving as it presents a list of some of the biggest names in both Ghanaian and Nigerian music in a concert only fit for the gods of music.

This is hottest mega concert to have ever hit the entertainment scenes of Ghana, it presents a list of top notch artistes from the two heaviest entertainment zones in West Africa; Ghana and Nigeria and it is dubbed Ghana meets Naija!

The Fourth (4th) Edition of Ghana Meets Naija quakes the city of Accra on Saturday the 24th May, 2014 at the Accra International Conference Center.

Over the years, Ghana Meets Naija has been known as the platform for the biggest artistes in both Ghana and Nigeria to share one stage and thrill music lovers from both countries.

But this year’s story might be a battle for supremacy on the music stage coming in the wake of Nigeria losing to Ghana in the CHAN 2014 Quarter Finals.

Artists from Ghana would include the mighty unstoppable Sarkodie, Castro and Asamoah Gyan, Guru and Lil win. From the Nigerian front would be Davido, Kcee of Limpopo fame, Wizboy of Wizolingo fame.

You can reserve in advance your VIP or VVIP tickets which come with complimentary bottles of Champagne by calling 054 606 1118 or visit www.globaliconsagency.com/ticket to buy online. Advanced tickets attract a discount of 10% on www.globaliconsagency.com/ticket.

Main Sponsors- MTN with support from UniBank, Smirnoff - World’s no.1 Vodka, Africa World Airlines, Oak Plaza Hotel and Atlas Rent a Car.

This would therefore mean an equal platform to decide ‘WHO IS WHO’. Corporate Partners of Ghana Meets Naija have upped the ante on their support of the brand with more mouthwatering packages for attendees who will make it to the Accra International Conference Centre on that electrifying night as Ghana Meets Naija rocks GH and Naija once again.

NOLLYWOOD ACTOR JIM IYKE LOSES MOTHER

Nigeriafilms.com can authoritatively report that the mother of Nollywood's 'bad boy' actor, Jim Iyke, has died. This news was confirmed to us by a source close to the prolific actor.

"Yes, Jim Iyke's mother is dead, but she didn't die on April 1 as it is being widely reported. The old woman died last Monday in Abuja," the source informedsaid.

The source further divulged that the actor's mum gave up the ghost at the Garki Hospital [Abuja] after she was rushed there by her family. "She died of stroke. The woman has been sick for some time now and has been staying with Jim Iyke in Abuja," the source disclosed.

From further information revealed to nigeriafilms.com, Jim Iyke flew into Nigeria from Ghana last week after he received the shocking news of his mother's death and has reportedly returned to Ghana again. We were told that he returned to Ghana some hours ago.

IF YOU DO, I’LL QUIT - AGYA KOO THREATENS

Agya Koo may be considering quitting acting soon to concentrate on his music career.

The popular actor told Showbiz last Monday, “It is said that you don’t live at a place for long if that place is likely to bring you disgrace. That is why I have planned to quit acting and concentrate on my music career if the producers continue to sideline me.”

He said that it had become necessary for him to take that step because some producers of Akan speaking movies have ganged up against him seeking to forcefully oust him from the business.

Until the emergence of actors Kwaku Manu and Lil Win on the Akan movie scene, popularly called Kumawood, Agya Koo enjoyed a huge following among movie enthusiasts.

But in recent times, the scales have turned and Agya Koo is barely featured although he still believes that he is the topmost actor as far as Akan movies go.

“It is quite interesting to hear people say that Agya Koo’s time has passed”, he said in last Monday’s interview. ” Do actors have expiry dates? How many of the old Nigerian actors and actresses don’t we continue to watch in Nollywood movies? If they are not that relevant, why are they featured in the movies?

“I know all the people championing this propaganda. It is a clique of people who have just conspired because they are probably envious of my progress in life.

They have warned their colleague producers not to feature me in their movies. As if that is not enough, they have also warned distributors not to sell my movies. Their excuse is that Agya Koo is too expensive.

“I wonder when they got that idea. For a long time, I have been charging the same fee so I get really surprised when I hear statements like that. Besides, the same producers employ the services of Nigerian actors and even pay them up to six times the fee I charge.

“They would rather appreciate a foreigner to come to the country to make money and take back to their own country than a Ghanaian because they hate to see a local actor drive in big cars and live in big houses. My only crime is that I tell them my piece of mind when things are not done right and when that happens, I am tagged as the arrogant one.” he said.

Does Agya Koo concede that his popularity has waned? “I don’t have any challenger in this industry. My talent is unique. I don’t know if there has been any research conducted to test my popularity but this is the challenge I am throwing to them, they can give it a shot.

“You have no idea how people mob me when I get to town especially in Kejetia. I don’t think that if I have lost my public appeal I will get such reception from people when they see me” he said.

For now, Agya Koo is mostly into his own productions. “I have decided to produce my own movies and thankfully, I have got some producers on my side. I have made a couple of movies like Alhaji Grunsah, Tanker Driver and Oyonko Bi Di Owuo which are scheduled for release soon.

But as I said earlier, if things don’t work out well, I will quit acting and pursue my music career. Who knows, I might even end up being an evangelist” he said.

I MOVED TO GHANA TO GET CLOSER TO GOD AFTER MY DRUGS ORDEAL—HANKS ANUKU

Hardly would you see a movie released in Nigeria few years back without the stern-face of popular actor, Hanks Anuku adorning the jacket of the film. His face was like an Indian Talisman, who brings luck to movie producers in the country back then.

But that is no more the case as no one knows if the face of Hanks Anuku can still sell even a local community film this time around.

He was made the Special Adviser to Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State on Tourism and Entertainment in 2010, but he later left the job.

After that, he was in the news for being delivered from alcohol and mental illness by Prophet TB Joshua, he later moved to Ghana after the incident.

Some days ago, Nigeriafilms.com met him in Ghana and he had a short interview with us, where he explained the reason behind his relocation to the West African country.

Why did you leave Nigeria for Ghana

Yea, as you can see, I am in Ghana now. It was a decision I made to get a few things for myself and to get closer to God because so many things happened to me in Nigeria that I was not happy about.

Does that mean you wouldn’t have been closer to God if you were in Nigeria

I would always have time for anybody and appreciate the presence of a man or woman of substance.

What do you do here presently

Apart from filmmaking, I am into the development of grassroots’ talents in music and filmmaking.

How is that going

It has been very great.

Are Ghanaians embracing you

You know, love thy neighbour like thyself is my tool across the Nile unto Jericho. I think everybody loves me. I don’t know who the enemy is. So, whoever the enemy is, I am sorry, I forgive all haters. That is what it is.

Should your fans in Nigeria be expecting something from you soon

Well, everything depends on God. He is my provider. If God wants me to go to Nigeria, no problem, I mean, as long as you are serious with the job.

GUBA AWARDS 2014 OPEN FOR NOMINATIONS

Nominations for the 2014 GUBA awards are out!

GUBA is an organisation dedicated to highlighting and acknowledging the talents and efforts of hardworking individuals of Ghanaian descent.

Each year, GUBA, awards prestigious and influential individuals and organisations within the British – Ghanaian Community.

The awards have been endorsed by the likes of London Mayor-Boris Johnson, MP Dianne Abbott, Ghana’s High Commission to the UK and Ireland and several notable public figures within the UK and in Ghana.

The 2013 version of the awards which took place on the 16th of November 2013 at the Park Plaza Hotel saw a host of talents walking away with the coveted GUBA award. The winners on the night included: Afrobeat star: Fuse ODG, Media Mogul and CEO of MOBO awards, Kanya King.

Also present were dignitaries such as Cherie Blair, CEO of UniBank Felix Nyarko-Pong, CEO of UT Bank Prince Amoabeng, Herman Chinery-Hesse, founder and CEO of SoftTribe Ghana, GUBA patron Hugh Quarshie and several high profile guests.

GUBA 2014 is set to be monumental as we celebrate our 5th year of running as an organisation. In celebratory fashion, the focus will be on recognition. Our black awards will take precedence on the night as we look back and acknowledge achievers within the Ghanaian community. Nominations will however be available for only 5 categories. These tried and tested categories will seek to find the purest of Ghanaian talent across the globe.

GUBA awards will not be possible without your support. Please nominate deserving and trailblazing individuals from the GUBA website using the link; http://www.gubaawards.co.uk/2014-nominations/
The Categories are:
GUBA Best Student Achiever Award
GUBA Humanitarian Award
Young & Talented Award
GUBA International Recognition Award
Efie Ne Fie Award
Nominations end on Sunday 15th of June 2014

The GUBA Awards is a non-profit awards ceremony celebrating the excellent achievements of Ghanaians living in Britain and acknowledging the valuable services of UK based organizations to Ghanaians in the UK or Ghana. GUBA Awards is in its fifth year and aims at extending the awards to the wider African community in the UK.