Saturday 31 December 2011

Fire Stone: Another Tema Rapper Ready For Mainstream Success + His Single ‘Golden Girl’ Featuring Castro!

By now Ghanaians have come to the realisation that, Tema is a hub for musical talent. It is a place where dreams of upcoming musicians are nursed for a smooth kick-off to stardom.

Fire Stone is the next artiste ready for mainstream success. He was one of the few guys who  slept in studios to get his act right. Like any other upcoming artiste, he says “Fire Stone is simply talented with music. God’s gifted.”

He is a budding hip life/dance hall artiste who hails from Adukrong Akuapem in the Eastern Region. Recollecting how his love for music started, he said “at the age of 12 years, I realised that music is part of me. I’m talented with music but then those times I didn’t know how to come out with my own music. But then when I hear music, I try to learn it and try to sing it and be like the musician.”

It appears that many established and upcoming musicians have something in common. They all seem to have started doing music at their various churches.

At that tender age, Fire Stone made it a point to go to church, “I was playing drums at church.” For him he goes to church because he got the opportunity to play the church drums during church service.

When I listened to his songs, I thought he was a Nigerian export because of his trade mark and voice which sound so much like a Nigerian. With words like “My name na fire, na this one no be Timaya, wey i dey come from Ghana, a go dey sing am nicer”, what do you expect?

It is amazing why a full Ghanaian will try to sing like a Nigeria but after my interaction with him, it became very obvious that, that was his voice. All of his songs have the above line which will make people question his originality when he gets to mainstream success.

Asked why he sings like a Nigerian. He said “Sometimes I don’t normally do it deliberately, it comes by itself. I’m not a Nigerian but anytime I try to do something concerning music, it comes by itself.”

Fire Stone is into Hip Life, Reggae, Dance and rap. He hopes to take his music far. His exposure party is still in its planning stages but already he has recorded some interesting tracks with the likes of Keche, Castro, Yaa Pono, Ofori Amponsah among others. He has also performed at numerous shows especially the TV3/Tigo Festival Trains.

Fire Stone is being managed and groomed by Ayisha Modi. Download his track with Castro and his Afrafra Mix.

Edem Says ‘I Have Made Ewes Proud Of Their Language’ + Launches ‘Mass Production’ Album!

There is always a feeling of satisfaction when one hears a song done in his local language. The song doesn’t necessarily need to be your personal favourite but the mere fact that it’s sang in your language makes you appreciate the song; be it good or bad.

The Twi or Akan language is the most spoken language in Ghana. Though it is not the only language spoken in Ghana, when it comes to music, it rules the other languages.

The Ga language follows next and Hausa is not doing bad at all, but one language which has been relegated to the background over the years [and still] is the Ewe language. The language has not enjoyed its fair share of the national music cake.

A Twi or Akan rapper/singer can afford to rap or sing in the Ga language and vice versa but to do the same in Ewe will be an uphill task. If the person is able to do that, it’s because the person has lived with Ewes or in the Volta Region for many years.

Only a few artistes have done songs in Ewe and it appears they couldn’t hold the fort to make the Voltarians happy anymore until the introduction of Edem formerly called Ayigbe Edem. When his songs started getting rotations on radio and TV with subsequent release his  of his maiden album ‘Volta Regime’, many doubted and wondered if he could break the jinx and get Ewe rappers to emulate him.

Few years after the album, not much has been heard from Ewe rappers but Edem has made the language proud and claims Ewes now take pride in being tagged as ‘Ewe’.

Unlike his previous album where all the compositions for the songs were done and produced by Hammer of the Last Two who also doubles as the Executive Producer, ‘Mass Production’ … “has been produced by diverse producers; EL, Red Eye of 2Toff, Sammy Blacc, Lil Shaker of Skillions, Hammer, Gideon and Xavier, a Ghanaian based producer in Canada.”

The album is called ‘Mass Production’ because, “It’s very diverse and mass produced by various beat makers. It also diverse because of the scope that I’m trying to reach with creativity, so if I flip part of the album where we have a reggae song, which is in Jamaican patois that is unusual of the Edem that everybody, knows. I have a song with EL, which is in entirely English, which is unusual of Edem.” Edem told the media.

Hammer who was the Executive Producer of his maiden album was conspicuously missing at the launch. Edem explained:

“Hammer is not here for various reasons. Everyone knows that Hammer managed for the last time on my ‘Volta Regime’ album but as you grow and as you move together as a team, you have to take decisions that are going to help the team. We sat before this album will kick off and realised that because of his hands on my day to day activities, it took him out of the studio, so he wasn’t able to open room for us to record another classic album together like ‘Volta Regime’ because he had to be on the road to manage me. So we decided that, he should be relegated to the background so that he can have time for the team in the studio, so that we can get another team that will run Edem on day to day affairs.”

Gambian Princess Shyngle To Star In A Ghanaian Movie ‘Miss Independence’ Alongside Helen Asante, Prince David Osei, Martha Ankomah & Nikki Samonas!

Gambian Actress, Model, Script Writer and Marketing Supervisor; Princess Shyngle is set to start shooting a movie in Ghana, GhanaCelebrities.Com has learnt.

The movie is set to bridge the gap between the two movie industries.

Princess Shyngle who took part in the Next Movie Star, a reality show in Nigeria to scout talents and nurture them will play the lead role in the movie titled ‘Miss Independence’.


Also starring in the movie are Ghana’s Best Favourite Actor and Actress of the Year at the just ended Ghana Movie Awards; Prince David Osei and Martha Ankomah as well as Nikki Samonas.

‘Miss Independence’ is a story of a young lady who in the bid to get the best for herself dated every rich man she comes across. More on the story would be revealed when shooting commences in January.

‘Miss Independence’ will be under the directorial-ship of Emmanuel Appiah of Top Media Kalls and will be produced by Danquah [Danquah Busia] for Danass Films.

‘Essien Is A Loser’ Says Funny Face After A Peck From Nadia Buari At The Nite Of 1013 Laughs & Music!

Funny Face as a comedian has improved. His improvement has been a speedy one considering the fact that, it took him only two years to establish himself for mainstream success.

People who saw him when he started will attest to the fact that, indeed Funny Face has proved himself and is currently unmatched.

Anyone who has been part of the ‘Nite of Laughs & Music’ since its inception many years ago would concur with me that Nigerian comedians always rule the night. Most of the jokes they crack are jokes that we have heard over and over again but how they deliver it or go about it makes the difference. The delivery is of much importance to them.

After a Nigerian comedian has crack a joke, if you are not careful you will reel in laughter before you will come to the realisation that, actually you have heard that joke before but then they [comedian] had achieved the reason why they were flown from Nigeria to Ghana.

There is also one thing that makes Nigerian comedians the toast of everyone. It is their unique way of playing around things around us [you and I] without noticing it. They joke about every day events to make us laugh.
Funny Face’s phenomenal rise is noticeable by everyone. At least I know he’s not one of the Ghanaian comedians who read 100 pages books before a show. Funny has resulted in using people he sees to make people laugh like he did few days ago at the ‘1013 Laughs and Music’.

I was one of the patrons who thought Funny was spontaneous on the night yet he managed to get everyone laughing at his utterances. For instance after noticing the presence of actress Nadia Buari, he started talking and professing his love for her. He blew a kiss to her and she reciprocated.

“Nadia did you just do that?” asked Funny Face. Nadia answered in affirmative. In excitement Funny Face fainted drawing laughter, clapping and cheers from the patrons. At this venture, it appears his ‘fooling’ seems to have taken a toll on the patrons as people reeled in loud laughter.

After being helped on his feet by his co-MC, Funny then asked Nadia to make his night a memorable one with a real kiss. People were still reeling in laughter as the latter pretended not to have heard that request. Funny was then compelled to ask for help from the patrons. He asked them to shout ‘Nadia Nadia’ to force her to succumb to his request.

Like a joke, the patrons gave in to his request. Nadia was obliged, got up from her seat, hugged and pecked him. He shouted “Nadia don’t mind [Michael] Essien, he is a loser”. The patrons shouted ‘Oh’ followed by wild laughter. Interestingly, it appeared he was blasting Essien for his failed relationship with Nadia.

In a nutshell, Funny Face was superb on the night. Nigerian contingent of Ajebo, Funny Bone, Buchi, Elenu and Seyi Law were outstanding on the night as they dished out rib-cracking jokes that had the patrons reeling in laughter.

Jocelyn Dumas Donates GHC 1000 To Korle-Bu Hospital Children’s Ward + Talks About Proliferation Of Celebrity ‘Foundations’!

Actress and host of Visat1 ‘One Show’ on Boxing Day, December 26 donated GHC 1000 to the Children’s Block of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra.

After the donation, excited Jocelyn she told GhanaCelebrities.Com, “The reason why I’m doing [donating] this is, I think because Christmas is a time of giving and giving selflessly. I thought about what to do this time around. Yes I did the partying and everything else but I realized that, I need to be able to impact certain lives or do something to put a smile on someone else’s face. I was blasting on my twitter that make sure that this Christmas, make sure you put a smile on some else’s face and I thought why not the children.”

“There are lots of charities out there… I mean I could definitely start my own charity but I’d rather donate into existing charities because it’s the same thing – it’s a good cause. So why not the children?”

She continued that instead of her to go to the beach on 26 December to have fun, she decided to celebrate the day with the children. According to her, the look on the faces of the children as she toured the wards confirms that indeed they appreciate what she has done for them. That was rewarding for her, she said.

When asked about her take on the proliferation of ‘Foundations’ and the act of giving, where every Ghanaian celebrity wants to have a foundation of their own, Jocelyn said she doesn’t hate that idea but then advised that since all the foundations serve the same purpose, it will make sense if other celebrities will rather help and donate to those foundations than setting up their own foundations.

“I wouldn’t say I don’t support [proliferation of foundations] but I think that when we all decide to do foundations and everything else then who pays into what -- really? There are so many foundations out there but then there are so many people still in need. So I would rather choose different things every year or every time or every season or maybe every two –three weeks or every two – three months and donate into that. I don’t have to wait for a particular day or a particular season or a particular period to do that. It’s a good thing. Korle-Bu Children’s ward, they need help. So why don’t I pay into that rather than set up a foundation and tackling just one cause when you can donate into all other causes because all these celebrities [and everybody else] is doing that so I can still donate to their cause.

She however hinted GhanaCelebrities.Com that she would want to set up her own foundation to donate funds to support different causes. “I would want to set up a foundation not for one thing in particular but I will set up foundation to have enough funds to be able to give to different causes; HIV, Cancer, Children’s Wards. I would like to have something there where I can always dig in and donate when I have to.
Jocelyn Dumas and her team will be donating to charity every Easter and Christmas. They are also nursing the idea of building a block for one of the children hospital in Ghana.

The donation was part of Citi FM’s ‘Help Christmas Child Project’ where the station organized a party for the children. Also present was Miss Universe Ghana 2011-Yayra Nego.

Listen To The Audio Below

Photos + Selorm Galley Wins ‘Miss Goldenwood Beauty Pageant & Talent Hunt’ 2011 Hosted By Mr. Ibu & Amanda Jissih!

Last Friday Selorm Gallery won the maiden edition of the ‘Miss Goldenwood Beauty Pageant & Talent Hunt’ which took place at the National Theatre and hosted by Nollywood actor cum comedian John Okafor also known as Mr. Ibu with assistance from Amanda Jissih.

Selorm beat her fellow 9 contestants to be crowned the winner of the pageant aimed at discovering raw acting talents and nurturing it.

The finals opened with 10 contestants who by their sheer acting dexterity made it to the finals and ready to battle each other for the coveted crown. The 10 finalists were Abigail Budu, Connie Nartey, Doreen Kumanytum, Esmerald Naana Arthur, Ida Seidu, Juliet Osei, Manuela Scheppelmann, Nana Adwoa Twumwaa Baafi, Selorm Galley and Sylvia Aboagye Kesewaa.

Earlier on in the competition, 5 of the contestants were evicted for their inability to convince the judges so far as their acting was concerned. On the night, the ladies went through several tasks given to them by their coaches as well as answering questions pertaining to the Movie Industry.

At the end of the day, Selorm Gallery came on top as the winner. The first runner-up and the second runner-up was won by Sylvia Kesewaa Aboagye and Esmiralda Arthur respectively.

For her prize, Selorm gets a sleek Kia Picanto from Rana Motors, a one-year leading role in movie production and a one-year supply of products from Accra Brewery Limited (ABL).

The finals saw in attendance Ghanaian movie stars such as Martha Ankomah, Juliet Ibrahim, Emelia Brobbey, Yvonne Nelson, Adjetey Anang, Kofi Adjorlolo, Ekow Freeman, Prince David Osei, James Gardner as well as some actors from Nollywood. Also present was singer Irene Logan and the president of Ghana Actors’ Guild, Samuel Odoi Mensah who gave a solidarity message.

Below is breakdown of the prizes for each of the three winners.

Winner: Selorm Gallery
*A Brand new car [Kia Picanto]
*Lead roles in movies
*A Trip to Nigeria for a Film Festival
*1 Year bragging right
*Modelling jobs
*Managing contracts

1st Runner Up: Sylvia Kesewaa Aboagye
*Plasma TV
*Sub-lead roles in movies
*A Trip to Nigeria for a Film Festival
*1 Year bragging right
*Modelling jobs
*Managing contracts

2nd Runner Up: Esmiralda Arthur
*Home Theatre
*Sub-lead roles in movies
*A Trip to Nigeria for a Film Festival
*1 Year bragging right
*Modelling jobs
*Managing contracts

The Miss Goldenwood Talent Hunt was organized by West Coast Entertainment.

Former Big Brother Africa House Mate Confidence Kick Starts Her ‘Project Smile’ Foundation As She Celebrates Christmas Eve With Children At Ridge, Korle-Bu, Children’s & 37 Military Hospitals!



Christmas is a day to remember and celebrate the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is also a day that many families have taken it upon themselves to gather around for merry making whiles others reflect on their lives during the past years.

However, not everyone gets the opportunity to be with their families on this special day to celebrate the man who died for the world. A cross section of the people who through no fault of theirs find themselves in unfortunate situations like being admitted at the hospital are unable to join in the merry making.

The above was the driving force for Confidence Haugen to arrange drinks and other Christmas items to donate to the children wards of four hospitals in Accra.

The owner of the biggest night club in Ghana and immediate past  rep of  Ghana to the Big Brother Africa house is running her foundation ‘Project Smile’ which will be launched soon. The sole aim of the foundation; she told GhanaCelebrities.Com is to bring smiles on the faces of the unfortunate in the society.

Assisted by her team and Santa Claus, Confidence yesterday December 24 celebrated the Christmas Eve with children who have been admitted in four of the hospitals in Accra.

The first hospital to welcome the ‘Project Smile’ team was the 37 Military Hospital, followed next was the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital. The team then proceeded to the children’s Hospital and climaxed the day at the Ridge Hospital.

Confidence fully clad in the ‘Project Smile’ t-shirt said, it wasn’t a donation as many people will perceive it. She prefers to call it “her Christmas celebration with them”. She said it is her way of celebrating Christmas with the children who had to be admitted because of bad health.

Most of the children were in bad shape that they had to result to smiling to show their appreciation. Their parents on the other thanked the ‘Project Smile’ team for putting smiles back on their faces in the festive season.

Like they say, there is blessing in giving than in accepting. It is always a great feeling that people who have enough to donate to less privileged in the society.

Check out some picture

Video + Pictures: Mr. Ibu In Ghana For The Grand Finale Of ‘Miss Goldenwood Beauty Pageant & Talent Hunt’

Ghanaians should prepare to have a laugh of a life time as the organisers of the maiden edition of the ‘Miss Goldenwood Beauty Pageant and Talent Hunt’ have flown one of the biggest Nollywood actors cum comedian, Mr. John Okafor aka Mr Ibu to Ghana.

In what seems like a ‘Mega Christmas Laugh’, Mr. Ibu who calls himself a ‘fool’ and ‘ugly’ is expected to subject Ghanaians to pure laughter and madness as he co-hosts the pageant, which seeks to “discover the next movie star” for the Ghana Movie Industry.

He is also in Ghana to help restore peace in Tamale in the Northern Region of Ghana after accepting the invitation by a former footballer who hails from Tamale, he met in Holland. More on this will be published later.

Few hours after touching, he visited many radio and TV stations to talk extensively about the two projects. After a running around, he visited the ‘Goldenwood House’ in East Legon to visit the remaining 10 contestants of the pageant.

He advised them to be serious and be grateful to the organisers for giving them the opportunity to notice their talent, reshape it for the fame and the glitz that awaits them. The contestants expressed their joy to him after advising and making them laugh out loud.

Mr. Ibu’s co-host for the finals slated for Thursday December 22 at the nation’s premiere entertainment centre, the National Theatre is not confirmed yet but rumours going have it that, it could be Akumaa Mama Zimbi of Adom FM.

After entering the house three weeks ago, the contestants had various players in the movie industry visit them in the house. They include Nollywood director based in Ghana Frank Raja, movie producer and CEO of Venus Films, Alhaji Sallam Mumuni and Fred Amugi.

They also visited ageing actor George Williams of Ultimate Paradise fame. They visited the Ghana Police Service Training School at Tesano and Sohin Security and Check. They also went to horse riding and other recreational activities.

Five contestants were evicted from the house. The remaining 10 finalists are Abigail Budu, Connie Nartey, Doreen Kumanytum, Esmerald Naana Arthur, Ida Seidu, Juliet Osei, Manuela Scheppelmann, Nana Adwoa Twumwaa Baafi, Selorm Galley and Sylvia Aboagye Kesewaa.

Artistes on the bill are Castro, R2bees, Dcryme, Atumpan, Stay Jay and DSP Kofi Sarpong. Ticket go for GHC 50 [VIP], GHC30 [REGULAR]. Tickets available at Koala, Airport Shell, YFM, Max Mart, Baatsona Total, Chibert Office at Spintex and at the gate.




pictures

Mr. Ibu meets Miss Goldenwood Beauty Pageant and Talent Hunt contestants

Photos From The Premiere Of Luckie Lawson’s ‘Familiar Strangers’ Featuring Nollywood Actors Halima Abubakar, Robert Scot, Juliet Ibrahim, Yvonne Nelson, Nana Ama Mcbrown, Luckie Lawson, Nikki Samonas, Samuel Inkoom, Nana Akomea, Nasara & Others!



Actress Luckie Lawson premiered her latest movie ‘Familiar Strangers’ over the weekend at the plush Maya Cova restaurant, behind Omanye Home Art Gallery in La.

The premiere recorded and brought together various movie personalities both from Nigeria and Ghana. The tall list includes Yvonne Nelson, Juliet Ibrahim, Nikki Samonas, Zynnell Lydia Zuh, Kobi Rana, Nana Ama McBrown, Prince David Osei and Roselyn Ngissah.

The rest were Nollywood’s Halima Abubakar and Scott Robert.

Other celebs were Wutah Kobby, Nigerian singer Riya, Rana and Nasara of Ghana’s Most Beautiful. Also Hon. Nana Akomea, the MP for Okaikoi South, and international soccer star Samuel Inkoom also graced the event with their presence.

Check the pictures out

Video + Photos At The ‘Celebrity Charity Bazaar’ Featuring Bola Ray, Nana Ama Anamoah, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, Lydia Forson, Stay Jay, Rough N Smooth, John Dumelo, Bino And Others!

Last Saturday at the lobby of the Silver Bird Cinema and Lifestyle Store inside the Accra Mall, Joy FM’s Drive Time host, Bola Ray paraded Ghanaian celebrities in a charity dubbed ‘Celebrity Charity Bazaar’ to raise funds to create awareness for autism.

The event was organized by the Bola Ray Foundation and powered by Empire Entertainment with support from Creative Minds Outreach Buzz GH and Silver Bird Cinema. It was also to contribute to the Zeozougo classroom project of the SOS Children’s Village in the Northern Region of Ghana.

Out of the over 25 celebrities announced to make an appearance, a great chunk of them failed to woefully turn up. With flimsy excuses flying here and there, the autistic patients remained disappointed as they waited patiently for their ‘celebrities’ friends to show up and celebrate the day with them.

However,  KOD, TV3 Newscaster Nana Aba Anamoah, Joy FM’s Morning Show host, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, hip life duo Rough N Smooth, actors John Dumelo and Lydia Forson, Stay Jay, new entrants into the music industry and dancer Bino as well as Nadjat of TV3 Mentor fame showed up.

The celebrities joined Bola Ray and family as they gave fans and autistic patients a day to remember. The celebrities sold movies tickets, popcorns, drinks, ice cream and a host of other services at the Silver Bird Lifestyle Store and Cinema. After, a basket was taken around as each celebrity put money in as their support for the project.

Fans also had photo opportunities with their favourite celebrities. The most interesting part of the event was when GhanaCelebrities.Com requested that, the celebrities and the autism patients should dance together. And what dance do they have in mind if not the ever loving and popular azonto?

The fierce ‘azonto’ competition was simply splendid. I know each of them picked up some ‘azonto’ lessons from each other.

As the fun went on, special sale of MAKSI Clothing went on with a percentage of sales going to the cause. Also there were special Kente and Christmas cards exhibition by the kids from the New Horizon Special School and the SOS Children’s Village.

After the event, one thing was certain; none of the celebrities who failed to turn up were missed and that was a fact. Below are pictures GhanaCelebrities.Com captured at the event. In case you see same people in the pictures, it’s because those people you call celebrities failed to shamefully turn up.

When they organize their own charity events and don’t get the support from their colleagues, I hope they won’t come out to play the ‘they don’t like me, they jealous me’ song else …



Check the pictures


Source:
 

Ghana celebrities vrs autism patients in an azonto competition at the 'C...

GC Exclusive-HOT SHOTS: Nadia Buari Unleashes The ‘Bad Girl’ In Her.


I have a confession, don’t take it personal. Laughs! There is something about dark looking ladies that drives me nuts. Simply put, they turn me on – you can’t blame me. But then fair complexion beauty queens like Nadia Buari sends me super crazy!


I got these pictures of actress Nadia Buari in her ‘bad’ girl pose. I’m loving and feeling home girl. What do you think of her ‘bad’ girl pose? Sharing they say is caring so I have decided to share with our valued GhanaCelebrities.Com readers especially the Nadia Buari ‘stans’. Looking super fabulous right?

Check out the hot photos by clicking on the link

Actor Eddie Watson Donates To New Life Orphanage Home At Nungua!


Actor Eddie Watson last weekend donated mixed items to the New Life Orphanage Home at Nungua.
Being touched by the hustle of their education, he sponsored Emily, the only orphan in a Senior High School by signing a cash cheque to pay her fee for an academic year.

Eddie joined the orphans in their bus in what was known as “Pre – X’mas Tour” to the Sajuna Beach Club where the kids were exposed to nature and a luxurious way of living.

The orphans and press experienced the cruising under the Adomi breach.

Check out some of the pictures captured.

Saturday 17 December 2011

Video: ‘Original ‘Afia’ Schwarzenegger’ TV Series Coming Soon + Real Afia Schwarzenegger Mocks Fake Afia Schwarzenegger!

For now, viewers of the popular hit TV series ‘Afia Schwarzenegger’ have come to terms that Valentina Nana Agyeiwaa, the lead character in the series has been swapped with Emmeleine Nanahemaa Acheampong, the co-host of Adom FM’s Entertainment Program; Adom Billboard.

Though, immediate reasons for her expulsion are currently unknown, people believe that, her fracas with producer of the show, Delay was the reason, GhanaCelebrities.Com has learnt.

The former Afia Schwarzenegger recently spoke with Rashida, host of Awake on ETV Ghana about her copycat [the new Afia Schwarzenegger]. She mocks her during the entire duration of the interview. I thought it was funny.

She talked to Rashida about the acrimony surrounding the TV series of the same name and why she’s parted with the production team that made Afia Schwarzenegger a household name. She also reveals that she is “physically single” when asked about her relationship status.

It appears she is busy after her removal from the show; she currently hosts ‘Berma Nkwan’ on Multi TV. Also recording ‘Amanmra Fie, to be aired on the same station. She also hinted that, she is coming out with a new TV series ‘Original ‘Afia’ Schwarzenegger’. Hmmm!

She also displaced the two awards she won at the Kumawood Film Festival and Akoben Movie Awards. I find this awkward, how can the spokesperson of an award be nominated in the first place and go ahead to win two awards? And guess what, she said, she knew she was going to win it.

Watch the videobelow…What do you think?

Real Afia Schwarzenegger Mocks Fake Afia Schwarzenegger!

Ghana Gets First Mobile Music Streaming Service; ‘Streemio’!

On December 23, Ghanaians will be introduced to the country’s first mobile music streaming service; ‘Streemio’, a music streaming service delivered to mobile phones. Most music lovers can attest to the fact that in Europe or in the Americas, there are several music sharing and streaming apps; most of which are on mobile devices.

Whereas, one main source of music to the average Ghanaian is radio, when these politicians invade the airwaves with their political talks and unnecessary attacks on each other; one is left to find solace by playing the pirated or downloaded songs.

A downloaded and a pirated song don’t get money into the pockets of their original composers but with the introduction of the country’s first music streaming service, musicians can take a sigh of relief as it provides a new revenue generation model for GAMRO.

What this means is that, musicians who gets more hits on Streemio will get more revenue in return.

With this reason and more, two young Ghanaians, Francis Ahose and Samuel Owusu Darko have founded the ‘Streemio’, service to revolutionize the way music is enjoyed and shared in the country.

With Streemio, its unlimited music you can enjoy freely. All one needs to do is just download the Streemio app on their mobile devices, register and start listening to their favourite songs.

‘Streemio’ will not only provide a platform for music fans to legally enjoy and share the works of their favourite musicians but will also provide Ghanaian musicians the opportunity to interact with their fans and track information on which of their songs their fans are listening to most.

Streemio will delight its users with a personalised medium to choose what songs they listen to at any time. It allows everyone to be their own DJ, without the hassle of owning the music collection to play from.

‘Streemio’ tagline ‘Music On The Go’, captures the essence of the brand which refers to the fact that, in as far as one is connected to the internet and has downloaded the Streemio application on his/her ‘mobile’ device, one can not only create a playlist but can also enjoy music, anytime, anywhere and anyhow and the good thing is, it’s free.

‘Streemio’ is from Streemio Technologies with funding from funding from the Meltwater Foundation.

Check out Streemio’s website www.streemio.com for more information and updates. You can also follow Streemio on facebook and twitter via @streemio.

Mframa: From ‘Agya Koo Gbengbentus’ To ‘Rob Peter To Pay Paul’!

For whatever reason, Mframa, a Hip Life duo made up of Terry Asare Boamah [Dada Halfco] and Kenneth Osei Owusu [One Pesewa] has been on the quiet.

The duo, who appears jaded in the music fraternity, released their maiden album ‘Fiili Fiili’ in 2007. The title track of the ten songs album which featured Kwabena Kwabena became an instant hit.

Their second album ‘Uneasy’ which had the popular track like ‘Disco’ didn’t enjoy the popularity of their first album. Perhaps, that was the main reason for their sudden pause to reflect.

After Obrafour released his ‘Kaseibo’, a ‘supposed’ diss song to Okyeame Kwame, the duo with A-Plus came out with ‘Konkonsa Radio’ part 1 and 2, funny songs actually to mock the two rappers and also address some social issues.

Their ‘Ghana Lady’ track which didn’t get much publicity was also featured on Appietus’ Compilation. Their next song after that was a song for a movie titled ‘Agya Koo Gbengbentus’ produced and directed by Augustine ‘Idikoko’ Abbey.

The soundtrack has given them a nomination in the 2011 Ghana Movie Awards’
‘Best Music [Original Score]’ alongside Thomas Vanoosting [Ties That Bind], Anti Benny [Somewhere In Africa], Elorm Adablah & Ivan Ayitey [Adams Apple] and Ebenezer Bonsu [Emmanuel].

The duo has released a new single ‘Rob Peter To Pay Paul’, featuring Hip Life group Praye. Click here t

Bola Ray’s Date With 25 Ghanaian Celebrities To Raise Funds For Charity!

On Saturday, December 17, at the lobby of the Silver Bird Cinema and Lifestyle Store inside the Accra Mall, Joy FM’s Drive Time host, Bola Ray, real name Nathaniel Kwabena Anokye Adisi is set to lead over 25 Ghanaian celebrities in a charity event to raise funds for charity.

The event is aimed at raising funds to create awareness for autism and also contribute to the Zeozougo classroom project of the SOS Children’s village in the Northern Region of Ghana.

The celebrities will be made up of footballers, boxers, actors/actresses, radio, musicians and television personalities. Some names of the celebrities have been released; they include Joshua Clottey, Jon Germain, Prince David Osei, Yvonne Nelson and Yvonne Okoro.

The rest are Delay, 4×4, D-Cryme, Lydia Forson, Helen Asante, Ruff N Smooth, Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah and Nana Aba Anamoah. The identity of the rest of the celebrities will be announced late.

The celebrities will join Bola Ray in the charity event ‘Celebrity Charity Bazaar’, which is organized by the Bola Ray Foundation and powered by Empire Entertainment with support from Creative Minds Outreach, Buzz GH and Silver Bird Cinema.

The celebrities will be expected to give their fans a once in a lifetime opportunity to be served in celebrity style. These celebrities will sell them movie tickets, popcorns, drinks and a host other services at the Silverbird Lifestyle store and Cinema.

On the day, fans, aside getting to meet their favourite celebrities and getting photo opportunities and autographs signed for them, will also get the opportunity to buy autographed albums from selected artistes.

There will also be a special sale of MAKSI Clothing with a percentage of sales going to the cause.
Other activities lined up for the charity event include a special Kente and Christmas cards exhibition by the talented kids from the New Horizon Special School and the SOS Children’s Village.

Actress Nikki Samonas Blasts Ghana Movie Awards Jury! Says They Are Bias Towards Her + A Recent Job With Popular Jewellery Brand; Chris Aire!

Admittedly, the Ghana Movie Awards 2011 nominations had major flaws. Unpardonable flaws which should have been avoided. Considering the fact that the movie industry is growing steadily and the jury is made up of very experienced minds in the industry, one cannot comprehend the origin of these flaws.

Adding their voices, many major players in the Industry have openly shown their displeasure and strong aversions towards the nominations. Though some have shared the same opinion, they feared to bring it out for fear of being vilified.

Actress Nikoletta ‘Nikki’ Samonas has joined the league of industry people criticizing the awards jury for the flaws. The actress in an interview with City People Magazine, a Nigerian based newspaper blasted the jury for erring by not nominating her.

“If permitted to talk on this [Ghana Movie Awards nominations] issue, then I will clearly say that I feel that the organizers did err a bit though. Looking at the nominations, certain persons aside from me who should be there weren’t there.” She said when asked if she suspect any bias.

Continuing, she refused to mention names, when asked to mention names of the ‘certain’ people she felt didn’t deserve to be nominated yet got nominated. She said “You definitely know that I am not permitted to that. I wasn’t there when the organizers thought of this and then I am just an actress doing my job, so I leave that to them to do. All I am saying is that I am fine by the whole nominations and I wish whoever wins the best in all their endeavours.”

Nikki has featured in ‘Sinking Sands’, ‘Labour Of Love’, ‘Deadly Obsession’, ‘Divert Call’, ‘Wrong Line’, ‘Love & Bullets’ just to mention few. Aside acting, Nikki is also into commercial modelling. She recently did a job for the popular jewellery brand; Chris Aire.

She also hosts the ‘African Movie Review’, a weekly movie review program on DSTV. It also airs on TV3.

Sunday 11 December 2011

Sarkodie To Make History On Christmas Day, December 25 At The Dome With ‘Sarkodie Rapperholic – Live In Concert!


Ghana’s current fastest rapper, Sarkodie is set to rewrite and make history on Christmas day, December 25 at the Dome of the Accra International Conference Centre in a mega musical concert dubbed ‘Sarkodie Rapperholic – Live In Concert’.
I beg your pardon but the name Sarkodie now signifies ‘azonto’, a new dance, many believe he originated with his dance banger tune ‘You Go Kill Me’. From now till eternity, the argument will continue unabated as to who is the artiste that initiated the dance but no matter what, the name Sarkodie will continue to be on the lips of many.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i11Jl9rS_yk

He has only an album out, yet he’s done what many of his predecessors only dreams of. On Christmas day, Sarkodie will prove many wrong that, being considered as one of the greats in music is not about how many albums an artiste has to have but it’s about the ability to churn out hits after hits and entertain the patrons whenever one gets the opportunity to do so.

On Sunday, December 25th, Sarkodie will also launch his much awaited second album ‘Rapperholic’. His first album ‘Makye’ released in 2009 had tracks like ‘Baby’, ‘Push’, ‘Borga Borga’ which ruled the country’s music awards by grabbing 8 nominations and scooping 5 awards including the coveted ‘Artiste of the Year’, becoming the first artiste with maiden album to pick that award including the ‘Discovery of the Year’, ‘Album of the Year’, ‘Hip Hop/Hip Life Artiste of the Year’, as well as ‘Best Rapper of the Year’.


Five singles released from the ‘Rapperholic’ album ‘Good Bye’, ‘One Time For Your Mind’, ‘You Go Kill Me’, ‘Living Legend’ and ‘Onyame Nhyira’ featured Muggees of R2Bees, EL, Kesse and Castro are getting rotation on both radio and television.

Other artistes expected to support the Tema General  on the night include Stay Jay, Efya, KK Fosu, Tinny, Obrafour, Raquel, Tiffany, Yaw Siki, Chemphe, D-Cryme, R2Bees, Kwabena Kwabena, Castro and many more.

The ‘Sarkodie Rapperholic – Live In Concert’ is powered by Event Factory & Duncwills Entertainment.

Audio: Helen Asante Admits,’I’m Scared Of Nadia Buari’!

When GhanaCelebrities.Com spoke with Nadia Buari after grabbing a nomination in the ‘Best Supporting Actress’ category for the upcoming Ghana Movie Awards, she said “…wow it’s good news. It makes me know that at least my works are appreciated. I just wasn’t looking forward to it. My mind was basically opened.”

Though the fast growing and outspoken actress, Helen Asante is excited about her nomination too, she is somehow pessimistic about winning the award on Christmas day.

Nadia was nominated for a hardcore-Police-Officer-role in the hugely successful movie ‘Who Owns The City’, produced by HM Films and directed by Nollywood big boy Ifeanyi Inyeabor.

Helen Asante on the other hand picked a slot in the next category in her role in Shirley Frimpong Manso’s ‘Adams Apple 3’.

Speaking with GhanaCelebrities.Com about her nominations, Helen thinks Nadia being in the category will make things difficult for her, “It’s very challenging. I’m tensed because the category is serious. I mean I’m there with Nadia Buari, please God. I was nominated ‘Best Actress In Supporting role’ for Adams Apple 3”, she screamed.

Responding on why she singled out Nadia Buari, probably a sign of being scared of her. She openly admitted to GhanaCelebrities.Com that “I’m scared”, continuing that, “I wish I can tell her, Nadia please let me have [award] this. She is my big sister, so hey it wouldn’t be bad if she let me have it. So yeah, I feel great [Aside the fears].”

Answering a question about whether she thinks Nadia Buari will worry her in the category. She answered in affirmative. “I think she is a force for me to reckon with. Seriously because, I mean come on Nadia Buari in capital letters. Roselyn Ngissah [Somewhere In Africa], [co-winner] Best Actress for last year. Martha Ankomah [Bed Of Roses] is there. This is serious challenge for me.” She ended.

As she centred her attention on Nadia Buari, Roselyn Ngissah and Martha Ankomah, Helen forgot that, Ghana’s current ‘Favourite Actress’ Yvonne Nelson [4 Play Reloaded] is also in the category and can cause a major surprise.

The second edition of the Ghana Movie Awards comes off on Sunday, December 25 at the Accra International Conference Centre.

Thursday 8 December 2011

Festival Of Films, Africa [F.O.F.A] Sets For March 2012!

From March 2012, the attention all over the world will be on Africa, preferably on Ghana as film makers on the continent will converge in Accra for the ‘Festival Of Films, Accra’ [F.O.F.A.].

The Festival of Films Africa [F.O.F.A.] is a film festival unlike any other on the African continent. The focus will be on ‘Class A’ movies produced in Africa and by Africans from around the world. The festival will have workshops and seminar facilitated by international and local experts for film makers and all those involved in movie making.

The festival will offer an opportunity for the Ghana Film Industry to reach its full potential as an emerging force in the world media.

The four-day film festival will commence on March 1st to the 4th. Silver Bird Cinemas, which is playing a major part in the festival, will screen selected movies for public viewing.

Other venues in Accra for the movie screening are the Accra Polo Grounds, the 441 Park in Nima and Obra Spot in Circle. The rest are Rawlings Park in Accra Central, Tema Community Centre and the main lorry park in Madina.

Seminars and workshops will also be held at and sponsored by the Goethe Institute. To climax the festival, honorary awards will be held to recognize various African film makers who have distinguished themselves in the make believe industry.

GhanaCelebrities.Com is proud to associate itself with the F.O.F.A. which is set to bring all stakeholders together for a common goal and present to them, through the seminars, opportunities for collaboration and funding.

Behind The Scene Pictures Of ‘Rain’ Movie From The Stables Of Silver Line Films!


Unlike me, most Ghanaians don’t have the patience to wait and read the end credits after watching a movie. If you get the chance to visit movie sets after movie sets like we do, you will understand that several work goes into making movies.

Also, there are several players who work vigorously behind the scenes to get the actors/actresses ready to record and even after wrapping up a shoot, other equally good professionals work on the recordings, edit it to make it a movie.

But unfortunately those professionals don’t get noticed or recognition because they are called ‘behind the scene’. GhanaCelebrities.Com believes those professionals are equally important and needs to be celebrated just as we celebrate the ‘on the scene’ professionals.

If a movie is great, the actors/actresses are great but when it’s a bad production, then of course the director and other behind the scene professionals are blamed. So why can’t we pause a while and acknowledge those professional?

Most of the people in the pictures below are unknown, yes unknown to the average movie enthusiasts. These are pictures captured on location during the recording of ‘Rain’, produced by Nabil Meizongo for Silver Line Productions under the able direction of Hajia Meizongo.

‘Rain’ stars Nadia Buari, Adjetey ‘Pusher’ Anang, Juliet Ibrahim, David Dontoh, Nana Akua Addo, J.O.T. Agyemang, Ekow Smith Asante, Frank Artus, Alexis Ntsiakoh as well as upcoming movie stars.

MTN Presents ‘Night Of 1013 Laughs & Music’ On Boxing Day!

Mobile Telecom giant, MTN might have been dropped as title sponsors for Charter House’s flagship event, the Ghana Movie Awards. Or they did really push the awards aside? Whoever dropped or shunned whoever is not important here as MTN and Charter House gears up for the annual ‘Night of Laughs and Music’ series.

This year’s edition is ‘1013’ and as usual promises to be exciting. If there is a show that people doesn’t miss in the year is the event scheduled for Boxing Day Monday 26th December, the Dome of the International Conference Centre.


Comedians on the night include Africa’s finest comedians: Nigeria’s Comedian of the year, Seyi Law, Elenu, Funny Bone, Buchi, Ajebo. Ghanaian’s Funny Face, the name with many aliases will also be representing.

Finest of Ghanaian musical heavyweights such as gospel crowd pullers ‘No Tribe’, Ghana’s rap doctor, Okyeame Kwame, budding artiste from Stars Of the Future reality show, Kaki as well as lots of other artistes will be performing on the night which will be a sold out concert.

Get your advance tickets from Xmen – East Legon and Charter House for GHC 50. For limited VIP tickets call ticket hotline on 054 354 9907.

The night of a ‘1011 Laughs & Music’ is brought to you by MTN, MTN-everywhere you go and supported by GTV, Media Partners, ROYAL RICHESTER, GH-ONE and powered by Charter House.

Lydia Forson Tries Her Hands On Writing! She Talks To GC About Her Latest Work ‘Masquerades’, A Hilarious Christmas Family Comedy Movie!

There is something special about dark looking ladies who are gifted with enough flesh. I call it ‘enough substance’, for better want of a word. Bubbly Ghanaian actress Lydia Forson is one of such ladies who is blessed with ‘enough substance’ coupled with a dark skin and still looks confident, sweet and outspoken.

But what many people didn’t know about the 2010 Best Actress in Africa co-winner is the fact that, she is a promising writer. Lydia Forson co-wrote the script for ‘Masquerades’, a hilarious Christmas family comedy movie.

Why has she veered off to writing instead of concentrating on her acting career? Listen to her: “I did writing in school. I did creative writing in school. Unfortunately people don’t know that part of me. I love to write. I have been doing some kind of writing behind the scenes for some time now. I do script revision”, she confessed to GhanaCelebrities.Com.

‘Masquerades’ is a hilarious family comedy that explores today’s contemporary family life during Christmas. It is a movie with few casts – not relatively a serious story as compared to what Lydia has done over the years.

It is a movie that dwells on to what extent people will go to achieve their selfish thoughts. When self-ordained king of deception, Uncle Asante [Kataware] connives with his lawyer friend Nicholas [Adjetey Anang] to fake his death, he didn’t think of the aftermath of his actions.

His death forces his niece Nana Yaa [Lydia Forson] to return home for the funeral meeting Tunde Adams [Desmond Elliot], a family friend who has also returned from the UK. Tunde borrows things from a friend to make Nana Yaa happy, whiles she lies to keep him.

Uncle Asante’s funeral expenses pile up and in pursuit of social status each of the family members are determined to maintain a lifestyle that will compliment how rich they “Claim” to be. However underneath all that is left unsaid, is a dysfunctional family struggling to keep up appearances, and as the story unfolds we are introduced to a family of secrets where everyone has something to hide.

Lydia told GhanaCelebrities.Com how the story came about. “When the ideas first came in, I called my [Habiba Nelson] manager up and we both stayed up all night and we develop the story. We wanted a family story. We wanted a story that people could just go with their whole family, kids, mom, dad, go and watch and just really bond and then have fun.”

“We chose the theme Christmas because I love Christmas, it’s one of my favourite time of the year, anybody who knows me know that I love Christmas but over the years I think that Christmas has lost its meaning.”

Talking about what makes Christmas fun to her, she said, “What makes it fun?  For me, growing up, Christmas was about family, about sitting down, eating food, watching a good movie. Just really bonding. Not doing anything bad because I was too young to do anything bad.”

The movie has been tagged as a comedy. Commenting on it as a co-writer, she said, “I don’t think I [we] dwell on comedy. I love comedy. As actress you only feature in productions that you get the opportunity to do, you hardly have the chance to pick the characters to be part of. If you get the script, you just pray that it’s the character you really want to play. I love comedy because I love when people laugh.

I mean no matter how bad day you are having, when you are able to laugh about, it’s just food for the soul.”
She concluded by saying that, “It’s just a great collaboration between me and my manager. It’s great to have someone who shares your vision and who is ready to push things. I called her up and we started talking. It was a great opportunity to bring out the other side of me that people don’t know.”

‘Masquerades’ is produced by Zedec Entertainment in association with rLG Communications and directed by Xavier Arijs. It stars Ebenezer Donkor known as Kataware, Lydia Forson, Desmond Elliot, Adjetey Anang and Senanu Gbedawo. Premiering of the movie is on December 16 at the Silver Bird Cinemas inside the Accra Mall.

Official Movie Trailer: 'Rain' [Ghanaian movie]

Movie Trailer: ‘Rain’ Starring Nadia Buari, Adjetey Anang, Juliet Ibrahim, David Dontoh, Nana Akua Addo, Ekow Smith Asante, J.O.T. Agyemang Among Others!

Earlier in the year, we published details of an upcoming  Ghanaian movie ‘Rain’ produced by Nabil Meizongo for Silver Line Films under the able leadership of Hajia Meizongo and directed by Nollywood export Willie Agenje. The movie which features crème de la crème of the Ghanaian movie industry has been finished.

It stars the likes of Nadia Buari, Adjetey ‘Pusher’ Anang, Juliet Ibrahim, David Dontoh, Nana Akua Addo, J.O.T. Agyemang, Ekow Smith Asante, Frank Artus, Alexis Ntsiakoh as well as upcoming movie stars.

Enjoy the trailer below as well as pictures from the set. More details coming soon…

Miss Goldenwood 2011: The Action Begins, Meet The 15 Contestants!


Last Sunday, the contestants of the maiden edition of the ‘Miss Goldenwood Beauty Pageant and Talent Hunt’ entered their plush house inside East Legon for the commencement of the game.

The 15 contestants are Abigail Ahema Agyenal, Abigail Budu, Connie Nartey, Doreen Kumanytum, Elizabeth Amoako Nkrumah, Esmerald Naana Arthur, Ida Seidu, Jessica Queen Avevor, Juliet Osei, Manuela Scheppelmann, Nana Adwoa Twumwaa Baafi, Perpetual Williams, Rosemary Sosu, Selorm Galley and Sylvia Aboagye Kesewaa.

They were picked out of over 150 girls who took part in the auditions in Accra and Kumasi. Each of them will be groomed and coached by Ghanaian movie stars in the house.

Also they will be given tasks, which will be judged by actor Ekow Smith and Vivian Achor. They will be groomed for the finals at the National Theatre on December 22.

The ‘Miss Goldenwood Beauty Pageant & Talent Hunt’ is organised by West Coast Entertainment Ghana Limited to discover and make new movie stars and celebrities. The company also specializes in Movie and Music Production, Modelling, Photo Studio, Artiste Management.

Below are the prizes for the three winners;

Winner:
*A Brand new car
*Lead roles in movies
*A Trip to Nigeria for a Film Festival
*1 Year bragging right
*Modelling jobs
*Managing contracts

1st Runner Up:
*Plasma TV
*Sub-lead roles in movies
*A Trip to Nigeria for a Film Festival

*1 Year bragging right
*Modelling jobs
*Managing contracts

2nd Runner Up:
*Home Theatre
*Sub-lead roles in movies
*A Trip to Nigeria for a Film Festival
*1 Year bragging right
*Modelling jobs
*Managing contracts

Click on the link to check out the photos of the faces..

Where Is EveryBody? Vote Dede Ayew As BBC African Footballer Of The Year 2011 Now!

Oopss! I can’t believe I just stumbled on this on the BBC site. I know I’m late but all the same we can rally behind Dede Ayew and vote for him.

I’m going to be bias. Ghana is the best country in Africa. Don’t mind FIFA and CAF rankings, we are best when it comes to football also. Ghana’s footballer Dede Ayew, the son of the football maestro Abedi Ayew Pele has been nominated for the BBC African Footballer of the Year 2011.

He is nominated alongside four other African footballers. Don’t ask me the name of the other players. All I care about now is the Ghanaian. I have voted thousand times already and I urge you to do the same by clicking here.

Video: Ambassador Club Of Nigeria Ghana Donates To Akropong School Of T

Ambassador Club Of Nigeria [Ghana] Donates To Akropong School Of The Blind!

Members of the Ambassadors Club of Nigeria (Ghana) yesterday donated mixed items valued at several millions of  Ghana Cedis to the Akropong School of the Blind in Mampong Akuapem.

The group was led by the president of the club, who also doubles as the organiser of the maiden edition of the Miss Goldenwood Beauty Pageant & Talent Hunt.

The items donated includes bags of rice, boxes of indomie, tubers of yam, gallons of oil, cartons of biscuits, packets toilet rolls, bags of salts, cartons of soaps etc.

The ambassadors Club of Nigeria [Ghana] is a non profit governmental organization made up of  Nigerian businessmen in Ghana formed out “to strive to bridge the gap between the privileged and the less-privileged in the society by the provision of aids through the collective efforts of its members and affiliate associations.”

Their hallmark is to visit the S.O.S quarterly, visit the rural areas to seek if there is any project they might assist in or undertake totally and hold training in skills such as Tie and Dye and fashion designing etc., then empower a reasonable number of them to start their own business after the training.

Example of such project is the two classroom block with office and a modern computer laboratory complex at Lekponoguor Presby Primary A & B, Old Ningo in Ningo / Prampram – Greater Accra Region, being undertaking by the club which is nearing completion.


Fight Over ‘Ghallywood’: Miss Goldenwood Replaces Miss Ghallywood Beauty Pageant & Talent Hunt!

In September, West Coast Entertainment Ghana Limited launched a new pageant beauty and talent hunt event to cater for the needs of young budding actresses in Ghana. The sole aim of the event is discovering upcoming actresses and makes them movie stars and celebrities.

In a bid to show its seriousness to the world, the organisers who also specialises in Movie and Music Production, Modelling, Photo Studio, Artiste Management unveiled the prizes for winners [first, second and third positions] of the pageant setting the road for the commencement of the show.

Two separate auditions were held in the Southern and Northern sector in Kumasi and in Accra respectively. Just when the show is about to commence, the organisers have been forced to change the name of the event from ‘Miss Ghallywood Beauty Pageant & Talent Hunt’ to ‘Goldenwood Beauty Pageant & Talent Hunt’.

The change of name has been necessitated as a result of misunderstanding between organisers of the pageant and movie maker Mr. William Akuffo who has registered the name ‘Ghallywood’ Film Academy and claims it’s his bona-fide property.

According to West Coast Entertainment Ghana Limited, they have already submitted their application to the Registrar General Department for the register of the Trademark and have been issued with a letter pending their Certificate.

But Mr. Akuffo didn’t see the sense in that and asked them to stop using the name ‘Ghallywood’ or face his wrath [through whatever means if he fails in the court room] even though the Registrar General thinks otherwise.

After several meetings and consultations, the organisers have decided to salvage their investments by changing the name of the event to forestall any court injunctions.

In a press conference yesterday, the company spelt out reasons for the sudden change of name.
Listen to the audio below…

Below is the full text of the press release issued at the press conference.

Management of West Coast Entertainment Ghana Limited saw it appropriate to inform and consult the originator and pillar behind GHALLYWOOD, MR. WILLIAM AKUFFO of our good intentions and reasons for coming up with a pageant of such nature. This, we did by calling on him at Ghallywood Film Institute premises on the Accra – Dawhenya road after he called to enquire why we were using GHALLYWOOD without his knowledge or permission.

It was during our meeting that we were informed that the name “GHALLYWOOD” was actually his [Mr. Akuffo’s] private company and personal property but NOT A NAME ADAPTED FOR OR BY THE GHANA FILM INDUSTRY as perceived by majority of Ghanaians and foreigners at large. He is an individual owner and President of GHALLYWOOD as a FILM ACTING ACADEMY.

Thus, our notion or belief of GHALLYWOOD being an established and widely accepted name associated with the Ghana Film Industry was debunked.

We however, still decided to maintain the name with his permission and blessings being a pillar and owner in the industry with an official letter on the 10th October 2011, stating that the fact that WEST COAST ENTERTAINMENT GHANA LIMITED. “… West Coast Entertainment Ghana Limited promises to honour its allegiance to GHALLYWOOD and YOU in our bid to annually organise this pageant, thus protecting the registered Trademark of the Pageant from future encroachers…”.

While waiting for his reply we decided to launch our prize at the mall since time was not on our side for the event. Mr. Willie Akuffo finally decided to reply by advising WEST COAST ENTERTAINMENT GHANA LIMITED to withdraw our letter of registration of the trademark [MISS GHALLYWOOD PAGEANT] from the Registrar General before we could decide on what to do. This we thought was inconsistent on his part considering the fact that he had given us his blessings and advice to protect the Ghallywood name.

This case took different turn when Mr. Akuffo served us [West Coast Entertainment Ghana Limited] a letter his lawyers dated 14th November, 2011 on the UNAUTHORISED USE OF THE NAME “GHALLYWOOD”, that we had a seven [7] days ultimatum to stop the usage of the name else we will face a legal action.

Management of West Coast Entertainment Ghana Limited have decided after series of deliberations with share holders to avoid any court actions or injunctions and also to have a successful event hence, we have decided to withdraw our letter from the Registrar General.

We have therefore decided to name our pageant, MISS GOLDENWOOD BEAUTY & TALENT HUNT. This is because Ghana is blessed and associated with GOLD and the WOOD has been associated with the film industry all the way from America [HOLLYWOOD], India [BOLLYWOOD], and Nigeria [NOLLYWOOD]. It is only fair to belong to a bigger family with a common goal for international recognition.
Henceforth, the name of our pageant is MISS GOLDENWOOD TALENT HUNT.

Signed:
West Coast Entertainment Ghana Limited.