Entertainment of Monday, 12 December 2016

Source: abrantepa.com

2016-12-12

BTM Afrika, a subsidiary of NY DJ Live, an urban, pop cultural platform has announced judges for the first ever GH Hottest MCs 2016.

Aimed at celebrating Ghanaian MCs who despite the challenging times and tight competition from other genres including Afrobeat (which seems to be the new sound of Africa) strive for excellence with rap music.

The judges appointed by BTM Afrika include a number of industry experts including talent manager and CEO of Last 2 Music Group Edward Nana Poku Osei also known as Hammer, multi award winning DJ and radio personality DJ Black, Ghana best finest female DJ with Accra based YFM, DJ Kess, impartial arts critic Francis Doku and music collector Joshua.

The judges in consultation with other partners will in the next announcement put together a list of Ghanaian MCs who performed excellently in 2016 which will eventually be trimmed down to 10 after further deliberations.

The criteria for consideration includes impact (year under review), lyrics, buzz, style and other ‘intangibles’ that make them stand out from the crowd.

The final list is expected to be released before the year ends.

BTM Afrika (Behind The Move) is a new webisode that seeks to cover and document the successes or otherwise of celebrities and personalities from Ghana and the rest of the world.

GH Hottest MCs 2016 is sponsored by Kaya Tours Ghana, a Ghanaian destination management organization that provides tour services, hospitality services, and supported by EOD Partners.

To stay updated on all BTM Afrika’s GH Hottest MCs, kindly follow all social media platforms.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BTMAfrika/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BTMAfrika

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/btmafrika/

Shatta Wale, Dj Kalid (M) and Samini

Entertainment of Tuesday, 13 December 2016

Source: Kobina Ansah

2016-12-13

Award-winning website, www.2eweboys.com, is making this Christmas season better with a comedy show dubbed the Kossi Akplah & Friends Live in Comedy Show.

Slated for December 24, 2016, at Kuku’s Nest (Industrial Area, Accra), the event is one that marries creative writing with comedy as the website will also launch its first book – an anthology entitled Growing Up.

At this much-anticipated event, patrons are expected to be entertained to a lively evening of pleasure through readings of excerpts from the book, music, spoken words and of course, comedy.

The event features astute Comedian OB Amponsah and first-timers, yet social media comedy sensations, Kwadwo Sheldon and Eugene HayFord. Of course, it is headlined by Kossi Akplah, a thrilling humour and comedy writer. It also offers patrons the opportunity to interact with all the contributors to the anthology book, Growing Up.

While many may find the combination of creative writing and comedy somewhat weird, if you are familiar with the works of the two main content developers (Kossi Akplah and Nana Elikem) to the 2eweboys.com website, you will find that they have the magic wand to serve a perfect blend of the two.

“We believe that one main vehicle by which funny thoughts are conveyed is through creative writing. This blunts the edge of potentially controversial topics we mostly write about, evokes feelings of mirth in the reader and contributes to increasing our readers’ health through laughter. Those are exactly what we want to do that the show; take what we provide in writing and bring it to life through standup comedy,” said Nana Elikem.

The event is sponsored by Kuku’s Nest, Wear Ghana, Poses Unlimited, CKO Pixels and Writers Project (Citi FM).

“We are extremely excited that though this is our first show, quite a number of companies have seen the need to support us. Our doors are still wide open for more people to come on board,’’ said Nana Elikem again.

About www.2eweboys.com

www.2eweboys.com was voted the Best New Blog in the 2016 Blogging Ghana and Social Media Awards.

The website provides quality content for the reading pleasure of its visitors. The blog also offers the best education, information and entertainment through articles, short stories and interviews.

Anybody who logs on this website will find something new to learn, something that inspires and something to laugh about. It’s their little contribution to life.

The two main content developers for the blog are Elikem M. Aflakpui (Nana Elikem) and Leslie “Kossi” Akplah.

Elikem studied Economics and Geography University of Cape Coast and currently working as Deputy National Programmes Coordinator with the Ghana Fellowship of Evangelical Students.

He is also a columnist for the Business and Financial Times Newspaper where he writes for the column named “Writing About Writing”. Kossi is a 5th year Pharm Ph.D. student at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology.

Other regular contributors are Able Delalie, Kay Agyemang-Duah, and Kwame Boye Acheampong. Behind the scenes are Perk Pomeyie, the graphic designer and Isaac Sesi, web designer and administrator.

Entertainment of Tuesday, 13 December 2016

Source: zionfelix.net

2016-12-13

Sarkodie days ago released his new single, Trumpet which features rappers Strongman, Teephlow, Medikal, Donzy, Pappy Kojo and Koo Ntakra.

The song after its release was well accepted by Ghanaians but information gathered shows that the beat for the “Trumpet” song was not produced by Defclef as he made Sarkodie believe.

According to checks by Zionfelix.net, the original beat was produced by music producer and sound designer, Superstar O and uploaded on Youtube in January 2016.

It is not clear if he downloaded the beat from YouTube or purchased it from the original producer.

Music producer Fortune Dane who mixed the Trumpet song has disclosed that Sarkodie is not happy about the development after the song was released.

According to him, Obidi and other rappers on the song had no idea the beat was not produced by Defclef.

He added that they were all surprised to hear that beat for the project was produced by Superstar O after releasing the song and music video.

“I NEVER took credit for this production. Did you hear dope music? Did you hear Fortune? NO. All I did was add a few drums and percussions on my part only, mix, master and put my voice on it because Sark’s management asked me to.Sark and the rest of us on the track had no idea what DefClef had done till today. Really unprofessional and I’ve started to question Revenge Of The Spartans.when I was about telling him my piece of mind he deactivated his twitter account. Sark and the rest of us were shocked by this but charle, we do the track, we shoot video, we drop am, everyone’s happy and so are we. But DefClef no force!”

Listen to Sarkodie’s trumpet below:

Entertainment of Tuesday, 13 December 2016

Source: Ghanaweb

2016-12-13

Abraham Nartey popularly known as “Kilo Wonder” hails from Ningo Prampram in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana.

Born on the 2nd of December 1993 to Patience Adjei and dad Benjamin Addo, Kilo had his elementary education at South La Estate Primary school in the late 90’s and moved on to Salem Junior High school in 2006.

In 2010, Kilo then had to further his schooling at Aburi Secondary Technical School in the Eastern Region of Ghana, and that was where his music life started officially. With a three man clique, Shiami and Styloo Rapsyde Energy (RsE), he became one of the best rappers the school had ever had over a couple of years.

His squad became well known in the Eastern schools because of unique and captivating flow of their rap styles.

In 2012 Kilo represented his Senior High School at the National Theatre in a rap competition, out of 12 equally good rappers, Kilo placed 4th which also boosted his life after school.

He went to a broadcasting school(Rabodef media institute) in 2015 where he became well trained to be a news broadcaster and a presenter aside his God-given talent.

With a couple of sounds he has released so far his fan base keeps increasing on all social media platforms daily.

Kilo was the only musician from Osu who performed at the just ended S.Concert peace show at the Accra Sports Stadium.

With a couple of successful shows to his credit and his ability to piece rhymes and melodies together, Kilo is set to become one of the wonders of 2017.

Entertainment of Tuesday, 13 December 2016

Source: Nii Ogbamey Tetteh

2016-12-13

Hiplife music group, VVIP is billed to perform alongside a host of other artistes at this year’s edition of YFM’s Loud in GH.

This year, the annual event, which has been considered as the official Christmas party in Ghana is slated for December 17 at the Labadi Beach, Accra dubbed the ‘Beach Mashup’.

According to organizers, VVIP has confirmed to put up a show stopping performance for music lovers from all walks of life that will flood the venue on Saturday, December 17.

The group, made up of Zeal, Reggie Rockstone and Prodigal, are known for their various award winning hits like ‘Alhaji’, ‘Dogo Yaro’, ‘Skolom’ and ‘Selfie’ among others. They have vowed to treat patrons of the event with all of their hits back to back on the said day.

Commenting on the event, Ms Naa, General Manager of YFM, said, “YFM is all about entertainment, innovation and turning it up with the best parties. Due to the great feedback we got from our listeners and the public after last year’s event, we have decided to once again move ‘Loud in GH’ to the beach, prolonging the fun to last throughout the day and giving our patrons a truly memorable experience”.

Other great musicians like Trigmatic, Guru, Mr. Eazi, Medikal, Epixode, Joey B and Mz Vee among others are all fired up to perform at the much anticipated show.

However, there will also be great music from YFM’s best DJ’s from Accra, Kumasi and Takoradi as well as other interesting activities to give a great kick-start to the Christmas celebrations.

Stay tuned for more on YFM 107.9 in Accra, 102.5 in Kumasi and 97.9 in Takoradi or check out www.yfmghana.com

Entertainment of Tuesday, 13 December 2016

Source: Martin Asare-Amankwa

2016-12-13

In 2014, Chivas Regal Launched the Venture, a $1 million annual fund and global search to reward those who are using business to create positive change.

Over the past two years, the fund has invested $2 million in a new generation of extraordinary startups that do well by doing good, because we believe generosity and success go hand in hand.

The 2015/2016 edition of The Venture got more than 2,500 applications, but only 27 startups were selected. This year, Chivas Regal is looking for social enterprises from around the world that are using business to help create a better future.

The final pitch session will take place at an exclusive event in front of a live audience of business experts, influencers and change makers between the 14th and 15th of December 2016.

The qualifying startups will have the opportunity to pitch to The Venture’s global panel of judges, chaired by Audu Maikori who will decide where the remaining share of the $1 million fund will be awarded.

Joining the prestigious panel is Forbes Africa correspondent and founder of Aim Higher Africa, Peace Hyde.

“There is increasing focus on social entrepreneurs mainly due to the positive value they add to our society. It is no longer just about turning a profit but rather how much of an impact the business makes in the lives of the wider community. The Venture is a very important platform to accelerate support for social entrepreneurs across Africa”, says Peace Hyde.

The winner will join the other 32 participants across the world in an Accelerator Week programme in Oxford, UK and will represent Nigeria at The Venture final event in the USA, July 2017.

Entertainment of Wednesday, 14 December 2016

Source: ghanafuo.com

2016-12-14

Musician, David Aja, has said he wasn’t paid for his hit campaign song Onaapo.According to him, he was not approached by the National Democratic Congress but he did the song for the love of the party he has supported for some time now.

David Aja who was speaking to pulse.com.gh in Accra said:”I was not approached at all. I started following the party when Prof. Mills was the candidate so I did a song for him but God called him and another attractive man came and I did a song for him. People are appreciating me for the song because they think I have done a good job. But no one has paid me because I did it to support my party and whatever anybody gives me or didn’t give me will not stop me from doing a song for my party”.

On why the choice of Onaapo, David Aja indicated that the candidate for the NDC, John Dramani Mahama is an attractive and very marketable material hence the choice of Onaapo in the music adding that he started the dream and his tea.

“You see when you have something that is so beautiful in Ga you have no other explanation but just to say Onaapo. So Onaapo is just a term to say Mahama is too much, he is too much,” Aja told Pulse.com.gh.

Aja disclosed that reports that he did the song with Nacee was true because he recorded the song in his studio and he did some finishing touches to make the song a great hit.

Although Barima Sydney did not approach Aja before the remix of the song, he expressed his delight at the fact that Barima Sydney rode on his song and beat to produce a remix of his song adding that if he jumps onto his beat or song in the coming days, he should also not complain.

He expressed his joy at the fact that his song is bringing Ghanaians together to tell the international community that we are peace loving people and have a bond that binds us.

Onaapo, an election banger has been the favourite of Ghanaians mostly NPP sympathisers after their flagbearer was declared the winner in the just ended election.

Entertainment of Wednesday, 14 December 2016

Source: Otec FM

2016-12-14

Kumasi-based Ghanaian actress Matilda Asare has said that she had no doubt about Nana Addo winning the 2016 presidential elections.

The actress who is one of the celebrities who campaigned for Nana Addo during the December 7 election said, “I never had second thoughts or doubts endorsing Nana Addo because I knew from the first day that Ghanaians were going to vote for him, considering the mess created by President Mahama and the NDC.”

According to her, though she and her colleagues could not secure the 57 percent of votes they promised Nana Addo, they are happy to be a part of the success story of Nana Addo and the NPP.

Speaking on Otec FM’s Anokyekrom, she explained that her decision to join the campaign for change came after she realised that the country was heading towards the wrong direction and needed a change in leadership.

Touching on the vilification that characterised the campaign of celebrities who endorsed political parties, she denied ever casting any aspersions on political opponents, but recounted many hurtful things that were said about her.

“A colleague who endorsed and campaigned for the NDC called me empty-headed because I followed Nana’s campaign trail with my pregnancy,” she said.

She, however, entreated her colleagues in the creative arts industry who have been attacked, threatened, cursed, vilified and called all sorts of names to forgive, forget and focus on the future of the creative arts industry.

She implored her colleagues to make their arguments devoid of insults and focus on issues that will bring progress into the industry and country at large.

Entertainment of Wednesday, 14 December 2016

Source: enewsgh.com

2016-12-14

Enewsgh reports that talented Nigerian Afro-soul singer Brymo (born Olawale Ashimi), will grace this year’s edition of rapper M.anifest’s annual end of year concert M.anifestivities.

Slated for the Sandbox – Osu, on December 16, the show, which has been running since 2012, is a traditional gesture of appreciation to M.anifest’s fans for their unwavering support, and will also witness performances from other esteemed industry colleagues including Cina Soul, Keyzus, and Worlasi.

Brymo features on two songs: Sugar ( his first feature in three years), and Goodbye off the album, which has already been touted as the best album for 2016 by fans and critics alike.

Formerly signed to top Nigerian music label Chocolate City, the singer, 30, has has six albums to his credit. They include Brymstone (2007), TheSonOfaKapenta (2012), Merchants, Dealers & Slaves (2013), Tabula Rasa (2014), Trance (2015), and Kl?tôr?s (2016).

He has received praise for his expert fusion of fuji, R&B, pop and rock in his craft.

Recurring themes in his music include love and social injustice.

This year, like many others, M.anifest has been among the most spoken-about rappers in the country, dominating headlines and being named among the top emcees in the country; notably by international music channel MTV Base Africa.

He also released his fifth project: Nowhere Cool to significant commercial and critical acclaim, including from Damon Albarn, Rocky Dawuni, and Spoek Mathambo.

M.anifest’s other works include Apae: the price of free EP (2013), Immigrant Chronicles: Coming to America (2011), The Birds and the Beats (Free Mixtape, 2009), and Manifestations (2007).

In a remarkable career, he has won Best Rapper of the year (2013) – Ghana Music Award, Hip-Hop Song of the Year (2013) – Ghana Music Awards, Best Hip-Hop Video – 4syte Music Video Awards, Minnesota Emerging composer Award (MECA) (2010) – American Composers Forum, Songwriter of the Year (2008) – City Pages, among others.