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Showing posts from May, 2019

Big Brother Naija: A Huge Contributor To Nigerian Brands, Businesses, Entertainment And Tourism

Big Brother Naija, the flagship reality TV show from MultiChoice returns to Nigeria (and our screens) for its fourth season. Billed to start in June, the show which was first launched in Nigeria in 2004, is already generating excitement. The Big Brother Naija franchise while focused primarily on entertainment, has a multiplier effect that resonates across industries and value chains with significant impact on the nation’s GDP. Its gains accrue in sectors ranging from entertainment and telecoms to fashion, hospitality, tourism, and media with significant opportunities for local and international brands to reach a continental-wide audience and a key demography. A huge show like Big Brother Naija requires an army of writers, producers, directors, cameramen and technicians, to be successful. Those crew members are quartered and catered to. Add to that number DJs, artists, and the media who are flown in to perform and cover the event especially the eviction weekends.

DJ Treasure Drops Biggest African Dancehall Mixtape Dubbed “African Dancehall Fixtape Volume 1”

DJ Treasure has been able to build a good name for himself with his well-thought out and crafted mixes in the genres of reggae, dancehall, and afro-dance. African Dancehall Fixtape Volume 1 by DJ Treasure & Xtreme Reggae Dancehall features DJ Treasure's favorite dancehall reggae songs from Ras Kuuku, Bastero, Field Marshall, Shiney Bwoy and many more representing Ghana, Benny Paladin and Osey Laa holding it down for Nigeria, Donteh and Menace flying the Kenyaian flag, Jah Link and Jah Link from South and King Solution from Sierra Leone. The African Dancehall Fixtape Volume 1 Mix has top trending songs from the whole of Africa. TRACKLIST FOR THE AFRICAN DANCE HALL UPPA CLASS FIX TAPE MIX VOL 1

MIMLIFE RECORDS Outdoors The Next Prince Of African Music - Kimilist

After reading this article or anytime you hear the name, you will understand the reason why he is on his way to becoming the prince of African sound. Born in Oseikrom, recording artiste Kimilist who is christened Osei Kwame Junior has followed his passion for music since his days in junior high school and has worked his way through the ranks to make a name for himself. He is a well-rounded artist with witty wordplay, melodic tones and captivating lyrics that puts the listener on a reflective musical journey and happy mood making his brand of music unique, unlike any artiste of today Kimilist who has worked with the likes of Apya and Mike Millz in the past has earned a deal that made him the newest addition to the family of Tema based record label, Mimlife Records.

WatsUp TV Partners 30MinitzLive For Ghana’s Biggest 2019 Sallah Carnival

As an emerging leader in hosting mega concerts, pan-African entertainment TV Show, WatsUp TV has announced a new partnership with 30 Minitz Live TV Show, to host the biggest Sallah carnival for 2019. The event which has been hosted for the past 5 years, will be hosted in New Fadama on the 15th June 2019, a suburb of Accra and will also be used to celebrate the 100th birthday of Ghana’s chief Imam. The show which has previously been hosted by Solid Multimedia will experience a new phase as this partnership is to push the event to another level and bring innovative entertainment and carnival activities to the teaming youths of Accra who will be thronging New Fadama to participate in the tall list of activities to be hosted. The 2019 Sallah carnival will be hosted by top MCs and DJs who would be joined by A-list artistes from and beyond Ghana.

Photos - Road to AMAA 2019: Africa Film Academy Holds Workshop In Enugu

The 2019 Africa Film Academy Workshop held on Thursday, May 23rd at the Lift Hall, Enugu with an attendance of over five hundred participants. The workshop achieved its aim which is to create a paradigm shift in the African film industry. With veterans like Patience Ozokwor (Mama G), the Aneke Twins, Ofiafuluagwu Mbaka , Steve Ebo Afam Okereke alongside rising stars from the various sectors of the industry, the well-attended workshop focused on key industry specialist areas that professionals should focus on to boost professionalism and increase investment. Different facilitators at the workshop offered subject-matter expert view to enhance creative output of the industry in general and professional credibility of practitioners from the ropes of movie-making, to the value chains of funding and distribution. While speaking on thriving in the film business, and indeed any other business, Jim Jermanok, an award- winning writer, director, producer, author and speaker based in New York w

Super Model Victoria Michaels Bags Two Awards On A Single Night

Victoria Michaels is still winning more laurels at home even as she travels round the globe from runways to photo shoots. The multiple award winning top model bagged two awards in one night on the 4th of May 2019 to add to her ever growing industry recognition. She was honored by Runway Ghana as a Fashion Icon  and for her great impact in the modeling & fashion industry and empowering  models to give their best. The international model also won Model/Brand Ambassador  of the year same day at Women Choice Awards Africa making it a duet for the dashing model in one one day. Speaking to a select members of the press, Victoria expressed her gratitude to the organizers of the award events and commended them for their commitment towards the growth of the fashion industry. She went on to encourage models to keep inspiring themselves regardless of the present state of the industry, stating that the fashion industry is evolving around the globe and that Ghana with the rest of Africa will

Okyeame Kwame Attends Digital Reading Summit In Kenya

Resolute in his quest to affect society through his personality and craft, Okyeame Kwame has been actively involved in encouraging reading habits in young people. As an ambassador of Worldreader, he was part of the delegation that attended the digital reading summit in Kenya a few weeks ago. The summit is organised by World Reader, an international NGO dedicated to sending digital reading books to children in deprived communities. They build solar panels for areas without electricity so they can get source of electricity and read through digital means. After the summit, they held their world board meeting with majority of the board members present.

MTF Networking Portal Introduces Instant Messaging Feature

MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) has announced that the recently-launched MTF Networking Portal will now include a real-time messaging component that will enable connected members to network and interact directly with each other. This new feature forms part of the MTF initiative’s commitment to ignite Africa’s creative industries. Launched in March, the portal is a pan-African, film and television digital marketplace for information about all aspects of this creative industry. The portal offers open, cost-free access to film creatives across Africa to showcase their talent, access opportunities, stay up to date with industry news and expand their industry network. To date, the portal has over 15,000 registered profiles. The new messaging component will allow anyone with a registered profile to connect with any other creative within the portal’s network in real-time. Femi Odugbemi, the Academy Director of MultiChoice Talent Factory AcademyWest Africa, says that this added function ma

Game of Thrones: The Last Watch Documentary Is On M-Net This Monday!

A week after its epic conclusion, the multi-award winning drama Game of Thrones continues to enthrall and excite: with an exclusive behind-the-scenes documentary that’s a must-watch for fans of the global television sensation. Game of Thrones : The Last Watch will air simultaneously with the US on Monday 27 May at 1am and then in prime time on that evening at 9pm on M-Net channel 101on DStv. This original HBO production explores the creation of the final season, and delves deep to reveal the tears and triumphs involved in the challenge of bringing the fantasy world of Westeros to life in the very real studios, fields and car-parks of Northern Ireland. Acclaimed British filmmaker Jeanie Finlay directs the piece, and was embedded on the set of the hit HBO series, chronicling the creation of the show’s most ambitious and complicated season. Made with unprecedented access, Game of Throne s: The Last Watch is an up-close and personal report from the trenches of production

All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA Joins The Continent In Celebrating World Africa Day 2019

Africa Day is intended to celebrate and acknowledge the successes of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), now known as African Union (AU) from its creation in May 25, 1963 in the fight against colonialism and apartheid, as well as the progress that Africa has made, while reflecting upon the common challenges that the continent face in a global environment. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ AFRIMA is poised to promoting the positive narratives of Africa to the world through the richness of our arts & culture, showcasing its myriad of African artistes from the old to the new generation. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Our portal for entry submission for the Sixth All Africa Music Awards is open and entries are already flooding in from African artistes and musicians across the globe. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ This is a big opportunity for dedicated African artistes, producers, video directors, record label owners, Dj's and choreographers.

Relebogile Mabotja To Produce TV Broadcast For Africa Day

Multi award-winning media personality, Relebogile Mabotja, is set to produce the TV broadcast for the Baseline Fest taking place at Constitutional Hill this Africa Day. Relebogile Mabotja will be working with Black Swan Media, the producers of The Voice SA, to bring the show live on SABC 2 from 8pm to 11pm on Saturday, 25 May 2019. “I worked on the project last year and it’s an honour to have been invited to join the team again to bring the country a phenomenal Africa Day production. This year we are elevating things and it’s definitely not a festival to be missed,” shares Relebogile Mabotja. Relebogile Mabotja further adds: “As a proud African, Africa Day is always a special reminder that we are part of a larger community on the continent and have so many similarities that unify us, music being one of them. I look forward to spending my Africa Day surrounded by the unifying force of music from some of Africa’s biggest musical acts.”

Pastor Mike Nwanegbo In Belgium To Reveal Hidden Things

Pastor Mike Chuks Nwanegbo, a Pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church of God, ended his Heaven conference in Accra some weeks ago and He is presently in Belguim for another conference to reveal hidden things. Pastor Mike Nwanegbo is the host of the popular television program "Just Before You Go To Bed" - preparing souls for heaven. The two day conference on the 10th and 11th of May 2019 left a lot of testimonies from Ghanaians about the blessings they were left with. Pastor Mike Chuks Nwanegbo is one of the only preachers who is teaching about heaven in the end time. He is positive that souls won’t miss heaven if he can impact individuals with the knowledge faith and attitude involved in making heaven. Solution hour in Belgium is happening on Friday 31st May at 7pm prompt. Venue is 149 Statiesntraat 2600 Berchem. Theme is revealing the hidden things.. Quote from Pastor Nwanegbo “ Heaven at all cost” .

Wendy Shay Crowned New Artiste Of The Year At 2019 VGMA

RuffTown Records signed act Wendy Shay over the weekend won the New Artiste of the Year at the VGMA 2019.  The female artiste who is barely a year in the Ghanaian music industry has achieved this feat which comes as a surprise to all and sundry. In that same category were KelvynBoy, Eddie Khae, La Meme Gang, DopeNation and Quamina MP. Being the only female in that category, it was going to be a tough competition for her to win that award. Thanks to hit such as Uber Driver, Bedroom Commando, Astalavista and Shay On You, gunning for the attention and making sure things go as planned was in motion for the RuffTown Records signed act. During her speech of appreciation, she expressed thanks for all who had supported her music career and made things go successful for her.  A message of encouragement was given out to all those living abroad as well to come to Ghana and will be able to live their dreams.

OGILVY GHANA BAGS SIX PRESTIGIOUS WINS AT AFRICAN SABRE AWARDS

Ogilvy Ghana bagged six prestigious awards at the just ended SABRE Awards for the African region in Kigali, Rwanda. The SABRE Awards Africa is organised by The Holmes Group which curates the most prestigious awards and PR conferences in the world. In its fourth year, The SABRE Awards Africa is partnered by the African Public Relations Association (APRA). Ogilvy Ghana received two (2) trophies for Integrated Marketing, and Mining and Extractive industries, three (3) Certificates of Excellence and one (1) Platinum "Best in Show" Finalist: 1.    Integrated Marketing (Winner) - Ghanaians Against Child Abuse (GACA) for UNICEF and Government of Ghana 2.    Mining and Extractive Industries (Winner) – Kosmos Innovation Center (Global and Ghana) - for Kosmos Energy Ltd with Ogilvy Ghana

Game Of Thrones Season 8 Review: ‘Duty Is The Death Of Love’

DStv’ s favourite drama opens up to the final episode in dramatic fashion, as only the Game of Thornes franchise can, with some startling imagery as Tyrion Lannister and Jon Snow wander, almost aimlessly, through the ruins of King’s Landing, surrounded by piles of rubble and burnt corpses. It is at this point that we realise the true devastation of what Daenerys Targaryen has done as if it was not highlighted enough in the previous episode just how mad the ‘Queen of Dragons’ had gone when she burnt innocent children, women and men. Pain and sadness are evident on both the face of Tyrion and Jon as they try to internally rationalize what has occurred before the two operate. Tyrion off to the Red Keep dungeons where he finds the bodies of his brother and sister, Cersei and Jaime, crushed by the collapsing castle, and much like the building imploding so does Tyrion’s faith in his Queen as he weeps for his siblings. Jon goes in search of Daenerys and encounters Grey Worm, the leader of

Araba Sey Emphasizes On The Need For Branding In Career/Business Building

Branding is more than just the name or logo of your business. Besides that, good branding could as well all start from the name you give to your brand. The name you choose for your brand can help in inveigling people to your business. Branding helps you to distinct yourself from your competitors. It makes you stand out and makes you unique. Good branding can be fully achieved when you are well enlightened about your brand or business even before you start; knowing the value your brand is going to provide and the reason or purpose for creating that brand.It helps you to be able to position your brand well to the public knowing the nature or structure of the brand or business you are venturing into. In branding oneself you need to identify or determine your target market. You need to ensure your brand stands out and that your target market recognizes it and is aware of it. Your brand identity means revealing exactly or in detail what you do concerning your job and making your target m

More Children’s Entertainment Added To DStv And GOtv With The Launch Of PBS KIDS

In an effort to reach more children, PBS Distribution has partnered with MultiChoice Africa to bring PBS KIDS’ high-quality educational children’s content to the DStv and GOtv platforms available in all of sub-Saharan Africa. From Wednesday 22 May, all active DStv customers as well as GOtv MAX and Plus customers will enjoy PINKALICIOUS & PETERRIFIC, ARTHUR and other well-known PBS KIDS series available on their tv screens on DStv channel 313 and GOtv channel 156. “MultiChoice is always open to exploring ways to expand our customer offering, adding a children’s channel that is not only entertaining but also experiential and educational adds value to our DStv and GOtv packages,” Cecil Sunkwa-Mills, Managing Director, MultiChoice Ghana. Andrea Downing, Co-President of PBS Distribution, comments, “We are excited to offer this new audience the opportunities that PBS KIDS content offers.  PBS KIDS is the number one educational media brand for kids, offering children the

Read: Charter House Condemns Unruly Behavior Between Stonebwoy And Shatta Wale At 2019 VGMAs

Charterhouse Ghana Limited organizers of 2019 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA) has come out to condemn the act between Stonebwoy and Shatta Wale. Charter House in a press statement Cypress Ghana has received apologized to all stakeholders. The the release signed by the company’s PR, George Quaye, it stated that Charterhouse spent months in planing for the special edition of the awards and beer imagine which a misfortune to disgrace the 20th edition of the event. According to the statement, the organization has reported the matter to security agencies in the country to commence investigation. Shatta Wale and his entourage stormed stage after Stonebwoy has announced winner for the Reggae and Dancehall Artise of the year category at the event which happened at the AICC new Dome on 18th May 2019.

Vodafone Reacts To Scuffle At 20th Vodafone Ghana Music Awards

Vodafone, the headline sponsor for the annual Ghana Music Awards has broken silence over the brouhaha that happened at this year’s event. The company in a press statement forwarded to Cypress Ghana condemned the scuffle which occurred between Shatta Wale and Stonebwoy after the latter was announced winner of the Reggae and dancehall artiste of the year at the event which happened on May 18 The statement read: Incident at VGMA 2O19: Vodafone remains committed to the music industry We refer to the unfortunate incident that occurred during this year’s edition of the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA) on May 19, 2019. We wish to state as follows: The scuffle on stage during the VGMA is regrettable. However, we acknowledge that a large number of players in the industry do not subscribe to such conduct. Vodafone, as a responsible organization, is against all acts of violence and such conduct, no matter the circumstances.

Let’s Go Beyond ‘Reggae Blues’ And Promote ‘ChaCha’ - Harrysong Pleads

Popular Nigerian singer Harrysong, who shot to fame in Ghana with his hit single ‘reggae blues’ is pleading with his Ghanaian fans to embrace his new music, and get off the ‘reggae Blues’ hook. He said he acknowledges the fact that they got to know him because of ‘reggae blues’, but he has new music which are equally as good as ‘reggae blues.’ The singer released reggae ‘blues’ in 2015 under five star music, and it featured Olamide Iyanya, Kcee, and Orezi. It became an instant hit hours after its official release. The alteplate music boss is currently in Ghana on a media run to promote his new imprint as well as his brand new single titled ‘chacha.’ ‘ChaCha’ in Nigerian slang means brand new, and talks about doing things brand new in whichever situation or area one finds him/herself in.

WATCH: Lerny Lomotey Wins Ghana Make Up Awards ‘Vlog Of The Year’ Award

Winning an award at the 2019 Ghana Make Up Awards is “the beginning of a lot more to come,” says Vlogger Lerny Lomotey. She won ‘Make Up Vlog of the Year’ award in recognition of her Youtube channel being “the most influential and impactful online video blog covering the makeup industry in Ghana across diverse content topics” in 2018. A delighted Lomotey also expressed her gratitude to organizers of the event and her supporters during her acceptance speech at the 3rd edition of the event held on Saturday, May 11, 2019 at the Movenpick Ambassador Hotel, Accra. Lomotey’s Youtube channel is the preferred online destination for both professionals and amateurs with interest in the Ghanaian beauty industry.

#VGMA20 : WHO ROCKS THE VGMA RED CARPET ON SATURDAY?

All too soon the time has come for guests, patrons and celebrities from all walks of life to make statements with their physical appearances on the sacred VGMA RED CARPET. The 20th edition of the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMAs) comes off on Saturday May 18th at the Accra International Conference Centre as Accra stands still with dazzling and breath-taking fashion lines ranging from shoes, bags, clutches, dresses suites and so many interesting accessories. Most often it’s a matter of fashion, class and obviously also a matter of finding various ways of making Fashion statements with one’s total appearance on the most talked about and coveted VGMA Red carpet. Over the years, the Red Carpet Experience has been an integral part of the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards ; The Glitz, the Glamour, the Look and the Feel, all add up to the ever anticipated  Music Awards Night. Count Down to the Awards Nigh has already started and I bet many are still combing through wardrobes, shops of all kind

Charterhouse Issues Disclaimer On Betyetu

Charterhouse Ghana, organisers of the annual Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMAs) says it has no partnership with Betyetu, a gaming company advertising a wagering opportunity on categories from the 20th VGMA. A statement released and signed by George Quaye, head of communications at Charterhouse reads: “It has come to the attention of the management of Charterhouse Ghana, organisers of the annual Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA), that a poster supposedly from Betyetu, a gaming company advertising a wagering opportunity on categories from the 20th VGMA is making the rounds on social media.

6TH AFRIMA: SUBMISSION OF SONGS AND VIDEOS BEGIN

The 6th All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) has officially opened its online portal for submission of songs and videos between the period of May 15 and August 2, 2019, during which music artistes and music professionals living in Africa and in the Diaspora will submit entries on www.afrima.org to be considered for honours at the 2019 All Africa Music Awards. Following the unveiling of the calendar of events for the 6th annual AFRIMA on Monday, May 13 at the African Union Headquarters, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the entry submission process enables African music artistes, managers, producers, record label owners, recording companies, video directors, disc jockeys (DeeJays) and choreographers/dancers a chance to vie for the possibility of emerging winner in any of the 36 AFRIMA awards categories comprising of 10 Regional and 26 Continental categories. Submitted artistic entries must be produced or released under the year in review i.e. August 1, 2018 to August 2, 2019.

Akosua Hanson Blasts Jay Foley For Citing The Bible In A Discussion

Akosua Hanson, co-host of Celebrity Fanzone on GH One TV couldn’t hide her disdain for the bible last Saturday when she sharply criticized colleague TV presenter Jay Foley for citing the bible as basis for his argument. The supposed feminist who is noted for her very nonconformist views sharply criticized Jay Foley after the latter attempted to use the bible as a “foundation” for his argument in the recent Caster Semanya controversy with the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF). The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in early May dismissed an appeal by the South African athlete to set aside controversial regulations designed to limit testosterone levels in female runners. Speaking to this issue last Saturday on Celebrity Fanzone, Jay Foley argued that, “religiously there is male and female.” He added, “My bible knowledge may be that bad but I am just making the bible the foundation for this discussion.”

NFIU CEO Lauds FIRS' Tax Reforms

Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), Modibbo Hamman Tukur, has credited the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) with revolutionizing tax administration in the country. Tukur made his view known during a courtesy visit to Mr. Tunde Fowler, FIRS Chairman, in Abuja, at the weekend. According to Tukur, FIRS’ contribution to the country’s revenue through tax is almost at par with oil revenue, adding that Fowler’s exploits, in addition to what he inherited, are revolutionary. The NFIU boss also promised that tax compliance will soon become a key constituent of every criminal investigation by NFIU. “The FIRS has been a partner of the NFIU. Our MoU with you underscores the importance of the relationship and how we all feel for this country. In our own record, there is no government agency that recorded so much transition and changes since the advent of this democracy like the Federal Inland Revenue Service. 

Accra Mall To Host Maybelline’s ‘It Girl’ – DJ Cuppy

Come Friday, May 17, Ghana’s biggest shopping mall, Accra Mall will host award wining DJ and producer, DJ Cuppy at an exclusive event at the Accra Mall Food Court to entertain shoppers and the general public. In Ghana, DJ Cuppy has been unveiled as the ‘It Girl’ for Maybelline New York, the number one colour cosmetics brand worldwide according to Euromonitor. Speaking ahead of the event, the Marketing Manager of Accra Mall, Denise Asare said; “Accra Mall is happy to support the retailers under our roof with collaborations that position all brands positively and develop the African retail industry.” The Marketing Manager said the lineup is part of activities to commemorate Accra Mall’s 10th anniversary as well as rewarding customers all-year long.

See Images : CBG Opens Two New Branches In Kumasi

The Consolidated Bank Ghana Limited (CBG) has opened two ultramodern branches at Asafo and Alabar suburbs of Kumasi in the Ashanti Region of Ghana to offer quality banking services to residents and beyond. The Kumasi-branch additions, following the Labone and Korle Bu branch openings, is part of strategic plans of making CBG widely accessible nationwide. Inaugurating the branches, the Board Chairman, Welbeck Abra- Appiah, stated that the opening of these branches is geared at bringing banking services to the doorstep of customers while widening financial inclusion in Kumasi and the country at large. According to Mr. Abra- Appiah, “At CBG, customers are at the heart of our business. Therefore, the bank is committed to providing real convenience and differentiated banking experience for our cherished customers in Kumasi and Ghana.”

Listen & Download : Victor AD Out With A New Song Titled “Emoji”

Nigerian afrobeats star, African Artiste of the Year for the 2019 3Music Awards in Ghana, Victor Adere aka Victor AD has released a new tune titled “Emoji”. This serves as Victor AD’s second official single of the year, its a follow-up to “Tire You” featuring Davido released in January. The foremost “Wetin We Gain” crooner has proved himself as not just a hit-maker but a talent with more to come. According to Victor AD, “Emojis” is for those that send fake emotions while chatting others. There is a large number of social media users who hide behind the emoji in their messages and captions making people believe the false reality they live in. Victor AD proffers a solution to this life of false pretense and you can’t help but agree when you listen. Listen and share the iTunes link: https://itunes.apple.com/ng/album/emoji-single/1463285413

Medikal’s Team Yearning For VGMA 2019 Success After Hard Work

Ghanaian rapper Medikal had a successful 2018, and he has kept it up till date, with regards to his music business. This positive result did not come by default; as a result, his management team ought to be lauded for their output. This year, his team is hoping to win in all the categories he was nominated in when the main event is held this Saturday, following their matchless hard work during the year under review. Nominated in four (4) categories of the VGMA 2019, the management team of the‘Father’ hitmaker is poised for victory, despite the disappointment from the past. Speaking with the team on Tuesday, they noted that they are longing to win all the categories Medikal has been nominated in.

AFRICAN UNION UNVEILS THE 6TH ALL AFRICA MUSIC AWARDS (AFRIMA) CALENDAR OF EVENTS

The African Union Commission, AUC, has formally unveiled the 2019 All Africa Music Awards, tagged; 6TH AFRIMA, calendar of events at the African Union Headquarters, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on Monday, May 13, 2019. In a press release signed by the Acting Director, Social Affairs Department, African Union Commission, Mr. Machacha Shepande, the first activity on the continental awards event calendar is submission of entries which open globally on www.afrima.org to African music professionals either living on the continent or in the diaspora from Wednesday, May 15 and closes on Friday, August 2, 2019. Further details on entry submission guidelines are available on the AFRIMA website. The submission of songs and videos must be produced or released under the year in review i.e. August 1, 2018 to August 2, 2019. African music artistes, managers, producers, record label owners, recording companies, video directors, Disc Jockeys, Choreographers/dancers, publicists and entertainment/music journ

SUPERSPORT’S CAROL TSHABALALA AND USHER KOMUGISHA HEAD TO ACCRA FOR AFRICA WOMEN’S SPORTS SUMMIT

SuperSport and Premier League TV’s Carol Tshabalala, as well as Uganda’s Usher Komugisha, will arrive in Accra tomorrow ahead of the Africa Women’s Sports Summit scheduled for Wednesday May 15. The two are part of six speakers for the maiden event, which takes place at the Swiss Spirit Alisa Hotel. Both Carol and Usher are dominant forces in the sports journalism field in Africa. While Carol will speak on surviving stereotypes that exist for women when starting out, Usher, a known name in East Africa and beyond, will speak on the subject of specializing in one area within the trade. The summit, which has received an overwhelming response in patronage, is the brainchild of international sports journalist Juliet Bawuah. It seeks to present a platform for mentorship and greater female inclusion in the African sports ecosystem while working towards creating conditions that go a long way to help the African woman in sports attain career goals.

Stonebwoy Commends Vodafone’s Support For Ghana Music

Ghanaian Afropop, dancehall and reggae artiste, Stonebwoy has commended Vodafone Ghana for its unprecedented commitment to the music industry in Ghana. Vodafone has been very active in its support of the music industry since it began operations in Ghana in 2008. The company's headline sponsorship of the Ghana Music Awards enters its ninth year on the 18th of this month and already artistes and producers are positioning themselves to grab several awards. Vodafone has also been instrumental in unearthing several musical talents through its flagship Vodafone Icons music reality show. Other musical platforms, including 020 - Live and the Africa Legends Night, all receive great support from the telecom company. Commenting during a courtesy call on the new Vodafone Chief Executive, Stonebwoy said the company's contribution has been tremendous over the years and it is testament to their love for Ghanaian music. He added that it is refreshing to see the appointment of a Ghanaian Chi

Illicit Financial Flows: Fowler, Onyema, ICPC Chair For Global UN Conference

Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Tunde Fowler; Minister for Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama; and Chairman, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) Professor Bolaji Owasanoye, will join other top officials from around the world at a global conference on how to contain Illicit Financial Flows (IFF) at the Trusteeship Council Chamber, UN Headquarters in New York. Maria Fernanda Espinosa, President of the United Nations General Assembly, who invited the trio to the event scheduled to kick off tomorrow, said the high-level meeting will focus on International Cooperation to Combat Illicit Financial Flows and Strengthen Good Practices on Asset Return. Fowler, who is also the first Vice Chairman of the United Nations Committee of Tax Experts, will also be sharing the African perspective on IFF, as he also the Chairman of the African Tax Administration’s Forum (ATAF).

Accra International Conference Centre To Host 2019 Ghana Meets Naija

The Accra International Conference Centre will host the 2019 edition of the Ghana Meets Naija concert. A traditional venue for the nearly a decade-old event, the ‘Pink Lady’ gets to one more time host what is Ghana’s biggest music concert on Saturday June 8, 2019. This year’s event is football-themed and features some of the biggest mainstream stars from Ghana and Nigeria, as well as some guest countries including the Barbados. R2Bees, Medikal, and Patapaa will lead Ghana’s contingent this year while Nigeria is ably represented by rising star Teni, as well as Wande Coal, and Victor AD. Main DJ for the night is the award-winning DJ Vyrusky while DJ Putin and DJ Big N will square off during the battle session.

There Is No Financial Security In Modeling – GTP Model Araba Sey

The modelling industry is not as financially secured as many assume, says Ghanaian model Araba Sey. Speaking during a recent interview in Nigeria, she dismissed the notion that professionals in the industry are financially stable because they often wonder when the next pay cheque will come from. “Modelling is not like being in an office where you work and then you know that at the end of the month you get your salary. You get money as and when contracts come your way,” explained Sey. “And it’s not something that comes on a daily basis, when you are lucky it falls through.” She also spoke about the challenges persons in the industry face. “At times you’ll be struggling with finances and all that so it’s one struggle, one challenge. To add to this, sometimes when you want to do something and you meet certain people who could be of help to you, unluckily for you, they might end up wanting to take advantage of you or want to have something to do with you before they

Otumfour Urges CBG To Help Grow The Agriculture Sector

The Asantehene, Otumfour Osei Tutu II has urged the leadership of Consolidated Bank Ghana (CBG) to roll out innovative products with the main target of growing the agriculture sector as a strategic way of boosting the national economy. He said as an indigenous bank wholly owned by government, it had a critical role to play in the growth of the sector which served as a source of livelihood for many Ghanaians and had been touted as the backbone of the economy over the years. The King was worried that most banks were reluctant to support the sector which he believed had a huge potential if proper mechanisms were put in place in the form of long-term investments by financial institutions. He was addressing the board and management of the bank at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi when they paid a courtesy call on him.

VGMA Experience Concert Live On DStv & GOtv

All is set for the highly anticipated Vodafone Ghana Music Awards eXperience concert scheduled for Saturday 11th may at the Black Star Square in Accra. The annual Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA) which is in its twentieth year promises loads of surprises this year. One of such activities is the VGMA eXperience Concert featuring Shatta Wale, Samini and Stone Bwoy to mention but a few on Saturday 11th May; this chochella styled concert will be aired live exclusively on DStv and GOtv across Africa on the Ghana events channel. Cecil Sunkwa Mills, Managing Director, MultiChoice Ghana confirming this broadcast explained “this partnership with the VGMA enters its third year and we are taking it a notch higher.” He adds “the biggest night in music in Ghana will be live in 48 countries across the continent.  Over 14 millions of homes in Africa will join in the excitement as we reward deserving Ghana musician for their outstanding works when the Ghana Events channel goes live at 9pm on

Top DJ’s Demand ‘Sex’ Before Rendering Help – DJ Prytty Laments

Fast-rising female Ghanaian Disc Jockey DJ Prytty is furious over the lack of support from established DJ’s in the industry. According to her, as a female, most of the DJ’s she has encountered and asked for support tend to make advances at her, and ultimately demand intimacy. She says the situation is worrying as it tends to demoralize young talents forcing them to consider giving up on the art. The DJ industry in Ghana is currently male dominated, as most of the talented females do not get the necessary exposure needed.  Just a few female DJ’s including DJ Kess, DJ Akuaa have been able to break through the seemingly narrow industry.

Taxpayers’ Money Not Missing From FIRS-Fowler

Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Mr. Tunde Fowler, has dismissed reports suggesting that money paid as taxes is missing from the agency’s coffers. Fowler made the clarification in an interview in his office in Abuja on Wednesday. The clarification came in the wake of media reports alleging that taxpayers’ money in the custody of the agency is missing. The FIRS Chairman explained that taxes collected by the FIRS are not paid into the coffers of the Service, but directly into the Federation Account, electronically, through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). The FIRS, he further explained, does not have access to taxpayers’ money, adding that its operations are funded by appropriation of the National Assembly through monthly remittances by the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC). Over the last few weeks, there have been media reports around alleged exploitation of the Service’s accounting system on Duty Tour Allowance (DTA) by some staff to collect cla

It’s Entertainment Overload This May On GOtv

GOtv has unveiled a schedule of exciting programmes for its subscribers for the month of May including the hottest telenovelas, movies, documentaries, kiddies’ shows and general entertainment. The drama continues this month on Lord of the Skies as Omar invites Rutila to dinner at his place. Meanwhile, Nicandro returns Aurelio’s money to him and begs for forgiveness. Watch the story unfold every week night at 10pm on Telemundo (channel 14). Then on Mehek, Norah and Kara’s relationship experiences a strain resulting in a whole lot of drama! Catch the exciting episodes of Mehek on Zee World (channel 25) daily at 8pm Quality local entertainment is adequately provided for subscribers all through the month, with new episodes of Gbajumo Osere airing every Friday at 10:30am on Africa Magic Yoruba. Gbajumo Osere is an exciting interview show that features current raves in music, acting and other celebrities, who provide glimpses into their professional careers and personal live

expressPay Launches Visa On Mobile To Drive Digital Payments In Ghana

expressPay, a leading financial technology service provider has launched Visa on mobile – an innovative Visa electronic payment service. This will allow thousands of consumers and merchants to make and accept digital payments more conveniently. The Visa on mobile solution will allow consumers to simply scan a merchant QR code to make a payment. The convenience of the service is enhanced through interoperability with other bank apps and USSD short codes. expressPay launched the service at the latest Accra Goods Market festival where merchants received digital payments via the new innovative feature. Merchants can sign up instantly and will benefit from the thousands of consumers who patronize the expressPay and bank apps. Curtis Vanderpuije, CEO of expressPay, said: “This service will accelerate digital commerce and combat some of the challenges small and micro merchants in Ghana face using traditional point of sale systems, including the cost of installation and requirement for elec

3FM’s Miriam Osei-Agyemang To Moderate Maiden Africa Women’s Sports Summit

Award-winning 3FM mid-morning show presenter Miriam Osei-Agyemang has been selected to moderate the maiden Africa Women’s Sports Summit to be held in Accra. The event, which will see the gathering of top sports journalists and icons from across the continent, will be held on Wednesday, May 15 at the Swiss Spirit Alisa Hotel. The Summit is a brainchild of international sports journalist Juliet Bawuah. The guest speakers, all female, have been drawn from across the continent. They include Ghana’s Nana Aba Anamoah and Eva Okyere, Uganda’s Usher Komugisha and South Africa’s Carol Tshabalala. The summit is themed: ‘Take Your Place’.

Artiste Managers Don’t Do Artistes Any ‘Favor’- Feli Nuna

Ghanaian songstress, Feli Nuna has strongly rejected the notion that artiste managers somehow do their artistes favors by investing in their music career. The beautiful songstress who made an appearance on Celebrity Fanzone last Saturday stressed that artistes are at the “center” of everything that happens. “If there is no music what are you going to enjoy. What are you going to market, what are you going to play on your radio. What are you going to talk about,” she quipped. Feli Nuna also insisted that artiste management is a two-way street with both sides pursuing their own dreams and passions. She stated: “Everybody makes it look like we are doing you a favor; we are helping you to build your dream. Please it is also your dream to be a manager; it is also your dream to be an executive producer. Passion isn’t only singing and dancing, passion isn’t just being in front of the camera. It is whatever job or field you are in. That’s your dream”.

MultiChoice Talent Factory Announces 2019 Call To Entry For MTF Academy

Does your passion for video entertainment know no bounds? Do your stories wildly stir the imagination of your audience? Is your creativity inspiring enough to make you Africa’s next big content creator? If so, then MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) Academy is looking for you! Launched in May 2018 as part of MultiChoice Africa’s ground-breaking corporate shared value (CSV) initiative aimed at igniting Africa’s creative industry through TV and filmmaking, today the MTF Academy officially announced the much-anticipated Call to Entry to all emerging filmmakers from 13 African countries with either some industry experience or a relevant post-school qualification in filmmaking to apply for this exciting opportunity to hone their television and film production skills under the guidance and mentorship of industry experts. Only 60 students will be selected to part of the sought-after year-long and fully-funded programme at three academy hubs located in Southern Africa (Lusaka,

All Set For 20th Vodafone Ghana Music Awards Experience Concert

It’s all systems GO for the biggest celebration of Music in Ghana, the 20th Vodafone Ghana Music Awards, starting this Saturday 11th May, 2019 with the most anticipated outdoor concert ever to hit the capital Accra; the 20th Vodafone Ghana Music Awards Experience Concert! Happening for the first time in the 20-year history of the scheme, the VGMA Experience Concert, unlike the Nominees Jam is designed to set the tone for GH Music’s Biggest Night on Saturday 18th May. The Concert, which holds at the Independence Square, this Saturday 11th May from 7pm boasts of some of the hottest names in GH Music and will feature for the first time together on one stage in one night, Ghana’s 4S; Sarkodie, Samini, Shatta Wale and Stonebwoy! Other acts scheduled to rock the big stage on the night include Adane Best, Adina, Akese Brempong, Kwesi Arthur, Tinny and a host of others. Having put in place adequate safety and security measures for the big night, organisers are convinced that the event which

Ghana’s Cinema Represented Through Four Of Its Key Films At The Tarifa-Tangier African Film Festival

The 16th Tarifa-Tangier African Film Festival (FCAT) pays tribute to Ghanaian cinema through a selection of four of the country’s key films. A first in Spain. “Ghana in four acts” is the name chosen for this non-competitive film section. This strand celebrates Ghana’s contribution to cinema by screening four of its most significant and acclaimed films. The monographic section was curated by Keith Shiri, programmer at the London Film Festival and long-time collaborator of the FCAT. The section begins with the veteran director Kwaw Ansah’s highly entertaining film Heritage Africa (1989). Winner of the Étalon de Yennenga at the Fespaco Panafrican film festival, the 110-minute tragedy follows the plight of Quincy Bosomfield in the dawn of Ghana’s independence from colonial rule. It is worth noting that Ansah is not just a filmmaker – he is considered a crusader for improved funding and distribution of African films within Africa.

Is Treason Afoot? - 7 May, Game Of Thrones Season 8, Episode 4 Review

Episode 4 of Season 8 of Game of Thrones, entitled ‘The Last of the Starks’, saw the aftermath of the epic battle between the living and the Army of the Dead, with our heroes now turning their focus on taking King’s Landing from Cersei Lannister. Catch all this action on DStv your home for all the GOT drama. We open at Winterfell, where Jon Snow leads a touching dedication to those killed in battle, before a feast follows in which Daenerys Targaryen legitimises Gendry as a Baratheon and makes him Lord of Storm's End. Gendry in turn proposes to Arya Stark, but she turns him down, while another love connection come to fruition when Jaime Lannister and Brienne finally get together. After agreeing to a course of action in regards to Cersei and King’s Landing, Jon sets off with Ser Davos down the Kingsroad (but not before revealing his true parentage to Sansa and Arya) and Daenerys, her dragons and the fleet sail to Dragonstone.

Kwesi Slay comes out with new term - ‘Mo Ma Menhyi Me Level’

Bernard Kwesi Appiah, popularly known as  Kwesi Slay is a Ghanaian hip hop recording artist and an entertainer. Kwesi Slay is continuously heard saying 'Mo Ma Menhyi Me Level', a term mostly used among the youth to mean 'Leave me or allow me to do what pleases me' in the music video.  The song centers on the theme 'public perception'. It basically talks about societal standards and how people are judged by their appearance and not what they are really made of. This clearly emphasizes on the popular quote 'Don't judge a book by its cover'. Many at times, society expects people especially the youth to behave in a certain kind of way which is regarded as societal norms. A good example is how people with 'dreadlocks' or what we usually call  'rasta' in Ghana, are being judged by their physical appearance and are mostly said to be drug abusers.

R2bees, Wande Coal, Patapaa, Teni, Victor AD And Medikal Headline Ghana Meets Naija 2019

The 2019 edition of the highly acclaimed ‘Ghana Meets Naija Mega Concert’ which draws the battle line between Ghanaian and Nigerian musicians annually has been launched in Accra at Tang Palace Hotel on Friday, May 03. The event which is a flagship concert of Empire Entertainment has themed this year’s edition ‘clash of the titans’, where musicians from both sides would battle out for the title, as footballers on a pitch. In this year’s edition, which is its 9th year running, Ghana’s Patapaa will face Teni, R2Bess will face Victor AD and AMG Medikal will face Wande Coal. Officially launching the concert, official for Empire Entertainment, Lailah Crystal Banda reiterated that the concept of Ghana Meets Naija was to promote unity between the two countries through music.