The Department Of Homeland Security (USCIS) Approves Visas For The ‘The Spirited Actor’ – The Search For Africa’s Next Hollywood Star Contestants!

Information available to GhanaCelebrities.Com has it that, the Department of Homeland Security has approved for VISAs for the 12 contestants of the ‘The Spirited Actor’ – The Search For Africa’s Next Hollywood Star Reality Show which is scheduled to take place in New York.

‘The Spirited Actor’ – The Search For Africa’s Next Hollywood Star is a reality show to recruit acting talents in Africa [Ghana and Nigeria] for the fame and glitz in Hollywood. The winner gets the opportunity to co-star in an America movie with Morris Chestnut as well as “A” list actors and actresses from Hollywood. The winner is going to get his/her own personal Hollywood agent. The person gets training from Celebrity Acting Coach, Tracey Moore.

‘The Spirited Actor’ – The Search For Africa’s Next Hollywood Star is a Tracey Moore, Paradise Entertainment & Davis Media Group initiative. It’s sponsored by Ghana Commercial Bank [GCB] and VIasat1.

A press conference would be arranged to convey the good news to the media shortly.

The final 6 from Ghana are EMMA, KING JO, MARIE, OBI, SEMIRA and JOAN.

GhanaCelebrities.Com can confirm that one of the female contestants has been replaced.

Below are the pictures of the finalists from Ghana. Pictures of the 6 from Nigeria will be published soon.

Praye Tiatia At War With Selorm Galley, Winner Of ‘Miss Goldenwood’ 2011 & Talent Hunt!

Praye Tiatia, the shortest member of the Praye group also known as Steven Fiawoo a.k.a. BIG J has turned a new leaf and changed overnight to spend enough quality time with his girlfriend for the fear of losing her to a rich man.

What triggered such a decision?

Many musicians don’t share the idea of revealing who they are dating to the general public. Though the public is aware who some of them are dating, many believe due to the womanizing attitude of some male musicians, it would be unreasonable for any of them to publicly name who he’s dating.Praye started their musical journey as a trio. Now they are a duo as one member according to report was ‘forcefully’ pushed out of the group.

The group is left with Eugene Baah [Praye Ho Ne Ho] and Steven Fiawoo [Praye tiatia].

The former is dating Ghanaian actress Beverly Afaglo whiles the latter is kicking it with the newly crowned queen Miss Selorm Galley according to GhanaCelebrities.Com investigations.

According to our investigations, ever seen Selorm Galley beat nine others to win the maiden edition of the ‘Miss Goldenwood Beauty Pageant & Talent Hunt’ organised by West Coast Entertainment Ghana Limited, life has been tough for her.

After winning the pageant put together to scout for young ladies with the passion for acting and nurture them for the fame and glitz, Selorm’s independent and privacy has been curtailed. Winning the crown has not only brought happiness to her life, it has also increased her fiancée’s jealously and suspicion about her.

According to GhanaCelebrities.Com’s investigations, for the fear of losing his girlfriend because of the attention she is gaining, Praye Titia has been putting excessive pressure on Selorm to have and spend quality time with him.

Before she became ‘Miss Goldenwood’, people hardly knew who she is dating because they were never seen together but it appears her current status has changed everything.

“Now they are always together. They spend more time together as well as see each other every day. Something which was not on their cards before then. It is also interesting to note that, her whereabouts must be communicated to him” GhanaCelebrities.Com was told.

As part of her prize for winning the competition, she received a brand new Kia Picanto car. A trip to Nigeria for a Film Festival, modelling jobs, managing contracts, one year bragging right and lead roles in movies.
Our investigations reveal that, recently Praye Tiatia travelled, upon returning from their trip, his girlfriend was nowhere to be found.

Praye Tiatia was set to have gone to the offices of the organisers, for which he was told the girl has travelled to Nigeria for a discussion with a movie producing company. He nearly created a scene when he was refused details of the deal and venue of the meeting in Lagos.

A worker at the company who pleaded anonymity said the turns of events are frustrating the girl as well as the company in executing the plans the company has for her. Asked if the company will go the way of TV3 by taking the crown from the winner and hand it over to the first-runner up as was done in Ghana’s Most Beautiful when Lamisi was given the crown in the midst of Nasara’s phone theft allegations.

The source was tight-lipped. However, her demeanour suggests that, the company will not to go that road. When Selorm eventually returned to Ghana, Praye Tiatia was said to have picked a quarrel with her for not alerting him when travelling to Nigeria.

Selorm will be going to South Africa few weeks time and Praye Tiatia has promised to do everything possible to be included on the trip. He was quoted as saying that, if the organisers refuse to put him on, he will be obliged to acquire a visa for himself and join the trip by force.

All attempts to get Big J and Selorm to confirm or deny the above has proved unsuccessful. The organisers however have promised to release statement soon.

D-Flex Releases Debut Album ‘Paradise’!

The Ghana Music Industry has seen many changes and it still continues to change. The number of artistes keeps increasing.

The name D-Flex is a showbiz name of a young fine Hausa singer. He describes himself as a ‘hip life singer’ [whatever that is]. He is relatively a new artiste though he’s been around for some time now. Many wouldn’t readily make him out when his name is mentioned but face-wise he is fairly popular.

Real name, Abubakar Alhassan has couple of collaborations with some of the country’s mainstream musicians under his belt; talk of featuring on K.K. Fosu’s ‘Number 1’. He did a beautiful verse in Hausa on the song to make it more appealing and soothing to the ears.

D-Flex addressing the media

He also featured on Ofori Amponsah’s ‘Nothing But Love’. He’s featured on VIP’s ‘Yaayi’ track as well as others. D-Flex has also released singles over the years featuring the likes of Mohammed, Sherifa Gunu, M.O.B, Kwabena Kwabena and Bright of Buk Bak fame.

Now, he believes he’s ready enough to release his individual album ‘Paradise’. He has released the 14-track album to the media with the hope that, Ghana is ready to accept him.

He has signed unto Eastern World entertainment for GHC50.000.

Nadia Buari & Chris Attoh’s First Movie Together ‘Be My Guest’!

 Light-skin actress Nadia Buari is twice Ghana’s ‘Best Supporting Actress’. Chris Attoh has also in the past received ‘Best Actor’ and the ‘Best Supporting Actor’ nominations -- together they are two of Ghana’s best.

The former is one of the leading actresses in Ghana currently whiles the latter’s acting abilities has not been ever questioned. Yet the two have not featured in the same movie.

For the first time, courtesy the writer of the hit television serial ‘Things We Do For Love’ the two have featured in a movie titled ‘Be My Guest’ together. The movie is written by Eddie Seddoh Jnr. and directed by Selassie Tetteh, co-writer of award winning movie ‘Checkmate’ from the stables of Shirley Frimpong-Manso’s Sparrow Production.

‘Be My Guest’ in all indication is a suspense filled movie with interesting and shocking twist and turns.

Coming from the same head that created arguably the best television series ever in Ghana, the movie is sure to spark curiosity, apart from the intrigue and uniqueness of the storyline, the audiences are going to be in for a real treat as they watch Nadia Buari and Chris Attoh act together for the first time.

Looking at the writer’s previous classy works which includes ‘Things We Do For Love’, ‘Buddy Language’, a radio serial which was a hit on Joy FM and was adapted on TV and ‘L&G’, ‘Be My Guest’ is definitely  a must watch.

Another reason which will whet viewers’ attitude for the movie is the concept behind the artwork [poster]. It is not your normal movie poster with virtually all the cast in the movie. The poster itself confirms that the movie is filled with suspense.

Crew behind the movie includes Yaw Ladzekpo, his good and quality shots confirm why he is considered as a top Director of Photography [D.O.P] inGhana. Another name is Tony Tormeti, award winning Production Designer. His set designing or building sets have won him honours with multiple-award winning movie ‘Sinking Sands’ and ‘Ties That Bind’.

Former Nigeria’s Most Beautiful Omotu Bissong was introduced in the movie. Also featuring in the movie are Timothy Bentum, Fred Amugi, Zapp Mallet, Lious McCarthy, David Bangura. It also has two of Ghana’s showbiz icons making their debut screen appearances; TV & radio personality Eddy Blay Jnr. & ace musician Ben Brako amongst other new entrants.

‘Be My Guest’ is a Wide Angle Entertainment Production with Bernice Agyemang and Ruby Kyeme as Associate Producers. The movie is set to premiere, Friday, February 10^th at the National Theatre.
 GhanaCelebrities.Com will be giving out free tickets to the premiere – so watch this space.

Photos: ‘Miss Goldenwood Beauty Pageant & Talent Hunt’ 2011 Winners Bears It All!

The three winners of the maiden edition of the ‘Miss Goldenwood Beauty Pageant & Talent Hunt’ were recently captured looking fabulous.

Winners Selorm Gallery, first runner-up Sylvia Kesewaa Aboagye and the second runner-up Esmeralda Arthur bears it all.

Check out the photos below…

Video: Akesifour [AKC4] Talks About Their New Music Video ‘Angel’!

 

Hip Life/Reggae/Raglife Akesifour [AKC4] released the video for their track ‘Angel’ on their current album ‘Magic’ last December.

They explained the concept for the song and the video to GhanaCelebrities.Com in a chit chat.

 

Akesifour [AKC4] on their new music video!

Photos: Singer Efya Shoots Music Video For ‘A Moment’s Notice’

Singer Efya was on location 2 days ago to shoot her first music video. She is shooting a video for her single ‘A Moment’s Notice’, which promises to be different, exciting and appealing to the eyes when completed.

‘A Moment’s Notice’ is one of her numerous songs which have given her the tagline-Best Female Vocal Performer in the country.

The concept for the video centres around a young man in a pub who notices framed pictures; one of which happens to be that of Efya. He pauses and starts to hallucinate.

The element in the picture starts to move and comes to life as the camera zooms to a venue [Taverna Tropicana Pub] where Efya was performing. After the song, someone nudges him.

The rest of the story would be seen in the video when it’s done soon. According to James Davids, Efya’s manager, he hopes to raise the bar in music video production as well as win couple of awards with this video.

View more pictures here

Exclusive Photos: Actress Nana Akua Addo Shoots First Movie Of 2012 ‘Wanna Be’ Featuring Yvonne Nelson, Prince David Osei, Eddie Nartey Among Others!

 


There are not many movie stars in Ghana, most producers/directors have promised that 2012 will be different since they intend scouting for more acting talents for the industry to thwart the situation where a production house has to wait for close to three or more months to commence shooting because the other stars are on another movie set shooting.

The above situation they reckon is affecting the industry a lot. One of the upcoming movie stars in the industry who will be given more attention this year is Nana Akua Addo, GhanaCelebrities.Com has learnt.

The budding actress has started 2012 with many scripts under her pillow. Over the weekend she commenced the shooting of her first movie for 2012 with a working title ‘Wanna Be’.

The movie under the Shangai Productions featured Ghana Movie Awards Favourite Actress for 2010 Yvonne Nelson and Favourite Actor for 2011 Prince Osei David. Also in the movie includes Eddie Nartey, Zynel Linda Zuh among others.

Check out some of the pictures we captured on set. (more…)

 

Samini Begs Trade Fair Company Limited!

MTN brand icon and African Dance hall artiste Samini has begged the Ghana Trade Fair Company Limited to renovate and bring back the Children’s Park inside the Ghana International Trade Fair Centre.

Years ago, the Children’s Park at the Trade Fair served as a playing ground for children during events. Most parents preferred to leave their children at the venue as they get busy buying and selling. The Park had several children’s playing toys and objects such as merry-go-round, bouncing castles and the rest.
But several years down the line, all those have come to a halt. Most of these playing objects have been left to wreck.

Samini who penned down a recording and management deal worth Nine Hundred and Fifty Thousand Ghana Cedis with Phamous Music last December recollecting memories of growing up said “A lot of things shaped my life as a young boy growing up and one of the most memorable was programs organised by the Trade Fair Company such as Grand Sales and International Trade Fairs”.

He said as a young man, those shows were stuck in his mind as he reminisced those years when himself and couple of his friends always were at the Trade Fair to either listen to music or play at the Children’s Park.

As a matured artiste now, Samini feels “obliged and honoured to be part of this new face of the Ghana International Trade Fair Centre, which for me is part of our culture and identity as a people.”

The channel O award winner made the humble appeal to the officials of the Trade Fair Company at the launch of the 16^th Ghana International Trade Fair [GITF] last Thursday.

The GITF in its 16^th edition is an annual international trade exhibition for local and foreign companies. It is to promote international trade and make Ghana the trading hub through international trade fairs.

This year’s fair will strengthen partnership with corporate sponsors, the media and trading blocs across the globe. The theme for this year’s fair is “Harnessing Opportunities for Growth of the Trade industry”.

The registration for exhibitors in the 16^th Ghana International Fair is on-going and scheduled to end on February 20, 2012 while the fair opens on Thursday February 23^rd through to Saturday March 10, 2012.
Media Centre and Entertainment Village has been added to this year’s fair. Six top musicians will headline a concert on different dates. Whiles Samini will hold his personal solo concert on Ghana’s Independence Day, March 6, 2012.

900 exhibitors and 1 million visitors expected at the 16th Ghana International Fair.

Akesifour(AKC4) - ANGEL

New Music Video: ‘Angel’ By Akesifour (AKC4)!

New video from the duo Akesifour (AKC4). ‘Angel’  is a track on their current album ‘Magic’.

Mimi Divalish In Identity Crisis As She Changes Name To Habiba Andani!

Since most Ghanaian musicians have identity crisis, changing of names is always anticipated or welcomed.
The process where an artiste changes his/her name is not new. However, it appears that this phenomenon has caught up with modern Ghanaian artistes.

Let me run quickly through some artistes who have been involved in the name changing craze. Efya started her career with Jane Awindor. She swapped to Miss Jane, then to Jane and finally to her present name Efya.
High lifer Nat Brew also changed his name to Amandzeba. Most people call him Amandzeba Nat Brew.

Nananom Sidney changed his to Barima. Wutah Peevee also known as Afriyie.

Channel O award winner Samini started his career with Batman until he felt the need to change to the present name. Kojo Antwi is known to have been a culprit in the name changing craze. He started with Julius Kojo Antwi, shortly after he changed to Kojo Antwi to Quojo Quojo to Kojo.

Information reaching GhanaCelebrities.Com has it that, Ghanaian singer Miss Wilhelmina Abiba Abu-Andani also known as Mimi Divalish is effecting serious changes to her life.

According to our  source, the former Ghana housemate on MNET’s Big Brother Africa after rebranding herself would be known as Habiba Andani. There would be also a new image for the new brand.

What do you think of the rebranding of Mimi? What do you think that would add to her brand, her singing abilities and her image?

Final Trailer Of ‘Destiny’s Child’ Movie! What Do You Think?

Below is final trailer of the  ‘Destiny’s Child’ movie. The final trailer was released few months back.

The movie featured Nana Akua Addo, Helen Asante, Ghana Movie Awards 2010 co-winner of Best Actress, Roselyn Ngissah, Vivienne Achor, Eddie Watson, Sammy Forson, Chi-chi Neblett, Ciara Zita Galega and Eunice Asiedu alongside special guest artistes Mimi, Ephraim and Rough & Smooth!

And directed by Nollywood director Willie Ajenge.




What do you think of the final trailer … are you feeling it?

Destiny Child (GH) Trailer

Indecent Exposure: Nana Boroo’s Dancer Shows It All…

 
I believe if we [the media] are quick to shower praises on our celebrities if they win awards, when they launch their numerous foundations to donate to charities and other positive things they get involved in. I believe it is with the same manner, we need to criticize them dispassionately when they go wrong.

Humans are not perfect, yes we are all fallible but why should a ‘known’ person dress indecently to an outdoor event? Is it to get more sympathy or attention from people? Whatever their reasons are amaze me. A ‘known’ person here is someone who the general public can make out.

The Ghana Movie Awards 2011 came off on Christmas Day at the Accra International Conference Centre. Before the awards, there were directives from the organisers cautioning nominees and the media about their dressing. Initially I was against the directives but now I should say that I share that idea though I don’t fully support it.

Generally, the directives made people dress well. However, this picture below of Nana Boroo’s dancer caught my eye. There is actually nothing funny about that picture. Through no fault of hers, she revealed her G-String to the gathering as she danced.

Aside her G-Strings, even her beads were showing, something MUSIGA will term as ‘costume malfunction’. I’m not too sure if she was aware of the G-String and beads showing which attracted Kumasi based actor cum Kwaku Manu. The look on his face tells it all.

Must we always blame poor dressing on ‘costume malfunction’? Click to check rest of the pictures

Congrats: Okyeame Kwame, Wife Celebrate Three Years Of Marriage As They Exchange Love On Facebook!

 
Kwame Nsiah-Apau otherwise known as Okyeame Kwame and wife Ohemaa Yaa Nsiah-Apau has clocked three years of marriage today. Their marriage has been blessed with two lovely children; a boy and a girl namely Sir Nsiah Botah II and Antwiwaa.

His ever smiling and dark looking wife also called Annica posted on her facebook status this morning: “It has been three blissful years of marriage and 7 glorious years of knowing you and u’d think I’d get used to the feeling of my heart beating faster every time you come close. You are warm. And it is a great feeling to know you are my ‘faithful’ man. ”The love grows every year. Happy anniversary to US. What will you do without me! (Wink) Kojo Antwi’s Anniversary song on repeat 4 you.”

In a reciprocal fashion, the rapper also poured out his heart for his lovely and expressed the ensuing years bring them more happiness and love. He wrote: “HAPPY ANNIVERSARY. 3 YRS IS STILL NURSERY BUT AS A STUDENT OFURLOVE I NEVER HOPE TO GRADUATE EVEN FROM THE FINEST UNIVERSITY. THANK YOU FOR NOT COUNTING THE YEARS BUT MAKING THE YEARS COUNTS. I LOVE YOU ANNICA!”

Okyeame Kwame is the current spokesperson for the Musicians Union of Ghana [MUSIGA]. He recently denied that ever being affected by the ‘azonto’ craze that has hit Ghana.

Join GhanaCelebrities.Com to wish the rap doctor and his wife a Happy Anniversary.

Okyeame Kwame Denies Saying ‘Azonto Killed My Music’, He Says He Was Misquoted!

One of Ghana’s finest rappers Okyeame Kwame who doubles as the C.E.O. of one of the youngest label in Ghana, One Mic Entertainment has denied ever saying that Azonto has killed his music.

The Rap Doctor as he is warmly called expressed shock at news that he said “Azonto has killed my music”. The rapper was quoted as saying that the recent dance turned music genre ‘azonto’ has killed his ‘Faithful’ and ‘Sika’ tunes.

The report further stated that whiles other artistes smiled to the bank during the festive season, the rapper was left to mourn because of his inability to break the ‘azonto’ craze with his songs which are on slow pace. He was also quoted as saying that his song ‘Sika’, he released before Christmas was thrown into the bin by Ghanaians because of the proliferation of ‘azonto’.

Kwame has denied the above, saying it was totally imaginary of the writer and misrepresentation of what he said. According to him, this is the conversation he had with a presenter in December.

“In December a presenter called me and asked me series of questions in connection with MUSIGA and the festivities. He asked me how my album is doing and I told him One Mic [Entertainment] made a mistake of releasing ‘Sika’ one week before Christmas because people are in festive mood, people do not want to go and listen to pensive and melancholic songs like ‘Sika’, they want to party, so common sense suggests that they listen to ‘azonto’ so they can do the current dance.”

He continued with laughter: “But in January when they run out of money, they will come and listen to my song ‘Sika’. That’s what I said and I don’t know why he [the writer] became so creative to say what I have not said but its good because I’m now getting an interview from you [GhanaCelebrities.Com].

Responding to the claims, the MTN brand icon said, “It’s so not true. I don’t know which journalist came up with that idea but I’m happy that I have the opportunity to say that, it’s not true”.

“It is not true at two levels. One, ‘azonto has not killed my music and two, I didn’t say that”. He told GhanaCelebrities.Com in an exclusive interview.

When asked if he shares the opinion that ‘azonto’ has killed Ghana music, he answered in negative. He said God created music to take away boredom, so when one type of music stays on too long then that purpose of music taking away boredom is going away.

“Music is to eradicate boredom, so if one music becomes boring and doesn’t change itself then God’s purpose has been defeated, so music will change, it will keep changing plus ‘azonto’ is not a musical genre. It’s a type of dance that you can do on Dance Hall, you can on High Life, you can do on Jama, you can do on anything. So the ‘azonto’ dance doesn’t kill a genre of music”, he said reiterating the fact that ‘azonto’ is not a type of music, rather a type of dance. A dance which originates from Ga dance [Kpanlogo]. “How can a type of dance kill a genre of music”? He asked.

As a creative artiste, most people expected him to have shown his creativity with an ‘azonto’ song. He said though he doesn’t necessarily feel the ‘azonto’ craze, people who thinks he can’t do ‘azonto’ song should wait till they get to feel all the songs on his album.

He said there are three songs on his album ‘Clinic’ that he believes people would love to dance ‘azonto’ with. He mentioned tracks like ‘Holla’, ‘One In A Million’ and ‘Fly Away’.

He said when music lovers listens to those songs which are predominately African Hip Hop house music, they can confidently do the ‘azonto’ dance to, so if they ask why Okyeame Kwame is not doing ‘azonto’, it’s because they have not listened to all the songs on his album.

Adding his voice to the outbreak of ‘azonto’ dance which surprisingly is referred to as a genre of music by a section of the public, the Rap Doctor said the ‘azonto’ rhythm has given opportunities to upcoming artistes to be heard.

“I think it’s beautiful, I like it. I like the fact that it has given opportunity to most upcoming artistes to be heard because since it’s their time. It has helped them to be heard and get attention.”

“However, what I think is that, the producers of the music must put in more music, the musicality of that type of rhythm is too low; it’s just drum and bass and very basic chord. I think what they can do to help Ghana music right now in connection with the ‘azonto’ style is that, the producers must put in more effort to make the music beautiful.” He advised.

When challenged by GhanaCelebrities.Com that, it is not only upcoming artistes who have enjoyed and still enjoying the ‘azonto’ but mainstream artistes have churned out hits ‘azonto’ songs too. He defended himself by saying that though Sarkodie has done ‘azonto’, the ‘azonto’ has also given a new act like Stay Jay the opportunity to be heard.

“What I said is not in totality, somebody like Sarkodie [You Go Kill Me featuring EL] has done ‘azonto’ but I think ‘azonto’ has also given somebody like [new act] Stay Jay [Sha Shee Wowo] the opportunity to be heard.”

“Sarkodie is a mainstream Hip Life/Hip Hop artiste. He is actually one of the artistes who made ‘azonto’ very popular but it doesn’t clean off the fact that people like Stay Jay and …. [the rest], have had attention because of azonto. What I’m saying is that, the sound engineers [Kaywa, Appietus and the rest], they must put in more music; they know what I’m talking about.”

He advised sound engineers to keep the music involving because he believes the ‘azonto’ dance is a very beautiful syncopated dance which can go with any fast paced music. He said the music, the chords, the melodies, the harmonies must be felt in ‘azonto’ tunes.

Though Kwame feels ‘azonto’ is beautiful, he thinks it’s one of the easiest types of songs that will go international but blames the producers for failing to make the ‘azonto’ music rich.
Okyeame Kwame is the current spokesperson for the Musicians Union of Ghana [MUSIGA].

Vodafone Ghana Music Awards 2012: The General Public To Determine Who Wins The ‘Most Popular Song’ Of The Year!

The 2012 edition of the prestigious Ghana Music Awards Festival was launched yesterday at the GHOne Studios in Accra. The festival which is the biggest event on the Ghana entertainment calendar aims at recognizing and celebrating the hard work and dedication of the various players in the Ghanaian music industry.

With new sponsors Vodafone on board, the awards is now known as Vodafone Ghana Music Awards and VGMAs for short. The entire and various committees of the awards were dissolved with new members brought on to review the entire process and the organization of the awards.

A Technical Review made up Musicians, Music Producers, Music Directors, Sound Engineers, DJs and Journalists reviewed the entire scheme resulting in few changes for the betterment of the awards.
The general public for the first time will have the opportunity to choose who wins the ‘Most Popular Song’ of the year category. Previously the public contributes only 30% of in that category.

The Selection Committee has been replaced with Vodafone Music Awards [VGMA] Academy with Vodafone Music Awards [VGMA] Board replacing the Planning Committee. Members of both bodies will have 30% each in the decision of winners for the awards in the Public Voting Categories and 50% in the Industry Voting Categories.

The VGMA Board will have 100% stake for the 3 Honorary Categories. The re-introduce categories include ‘Gospel Album of the Year’, ‘Group of the Year’ and ‘Sound Engineer of the Year’. The ‘Music Producer of the Year’, ‘Music Video of the Year’ and ‘Sound Engineer of the Year’ would be decided by the VGMA Board and their own peers with each carrying 50%.

Another big change to the system is the number of votes that a mobile phone is allotted. The system has been restructured to allow only 20 texts per a mobile number. Even though GhanaCelebrities.Com believes each mobile number should be allowed only a vote, we think this is far better than the previous practice where a mobile numbers votes as many as they can.

Aside voting on mobile phone via Vodafone Short Codes, new voting system has been included to the voting scheme. The awards website: www.ghanamusicawards.com will be another avenue for voting with one IP address one vote.

The term ‘Commercial Release’ was redefined to take cognizance of new digital channels of music distribution e.g. Facebook, Twitter, RBT/CRBT as such, the word ‘Commercial’ was dropped because some of the channels are non commercial e.g. Twitter, YouTube etc.

According to the review, a release refers to any musical work that can be obtained officially through Digital web or Mobile downloads, CD, VCD, DVD and Cassette purchases.

There will be 15 Public Voting Categories, 12 Industry Voting Categories and 3 Honorary Categories. To be eligible for a VGMA 2012 the work should have been released from 1^st December 2010 – 31^st December 2011.

Below are the categories and description for Vodafone Ghana Music Awards 2012:

Public Voting Awards Categories:

Best Group Of The Year:
The Best Group of the Year is  adjudged by the Academy, Board and the General Public as the group with the highest audience appeal and popularity. They must comprise of at least 2 or more members and must have released a hit single/album during the year under review.

Reggae Song Of The Year:
The Reggae song of the Year is the song adjudged by the Academy, Board and the General Public as the most popular Reggae song released in the year under review. The song must have generated the most excitement during the year.

Gospel Song Of The Year:
The Gospel Song of the Year is the song adjudged by the Academy, Board and the General Public as the most popular Gospel Song released in the year under review. The song must have generated the most excitement during the year.

Hip Hop Song Of The Year:
The Hip Hop song of the Year is the song adjudged by the Academy, Board and the General Public as the most popular Hip Hop song released in the year under review. The song must have generated the most excitement during the year.

Afro-Pop Song Of The Year:
The Afro-Pop Song of the Year is the song adjudged by the Academy, Board and the General Public as the most popular song that is a cross pollination of music genres. The song must have generated the most excitement during the year under review.

Most Popular Song Of The Year:
The Most Popular Song of the Year is the song adjudged 100% by the General Public as the most popular song released in the year under review, irrespective of genre. The song must have enjoyed a lot of patronage and generated the most excitement during the year.

Highlife Song Of The Year:
The Highlife song of the Year is the song adjudged by the Academy, Board and the General Public as the most popular Highlife song released in the year under review and generated the most excitement during the year.

Hiplife Song Of The Year:
The Hiplife Song of the Year is the song adjudged by the Academy, Board and the General Public as the most popular Hiplife song released in the year under review. The song must have generated the most excitement during the year.

African Artiste(S) Of The Year
The African Artiste(s) of the Year is the Artiste(s) (non-Ghanaian) whose music crossed borders and made the most impact in Ghana and on the continent at large during the year under review.

Best Collaboration Of The Year:
The Best Collaboration of the year is the song adjudged by the Academy, Board and the General Public as the song released through the collaboration/featuring of two or more Artistes. The song must have been released and generated the most excitement during the year under review.

New Artiste Of The Year:
The New Artiste of the Year is the Artiste(s) adjudged by the Academy, Board and the General Public as the most promising and talented new artiste(s). The award goes to the artiste(s) who made the most impact with his/her FIRST release (Single/Album) during the year under review.

Gospel Artiste(s) Of The Year
The Gospel Artiste(s) of the Year is the Artiste adjudged by the Academy, Board and the General Public as the Artiste(s) with the highest audience appeal and popularity in the Gospel genre. The Artiste(s) must have released a hit single/album during the year under review.

Highlife Artiste(s) Of the Year:
The Highlife Artiste(s) of the Year is the Artiste(s) adjudged by the Academy, Board and the General Public as the Artiste(s) with the highest audience appeal and popularity in the Highlife genre. The Artiste(s) must have released a hit single/album during the year under review.

 

Hiplife/Hip Hop Artiste(s) Of the Year:
The Hiplife/Hip Hop Artiste of the Year is the Artiste(s) adjudged by the Academy, Board and the General Public as having with the highest audience appeal and popularity in the Hiplife/Hip Hop Genre. They must have released a hit single/album during the year under review.

Artiste(s) of the Year
The Artiste of the Year is the Artiste(s) adjudged by the Academy, Board and the General Public as the Artiste(s) with the highest audience appeal and popularity. The Artiste(s) must have released a hit single/album during the year under review.

INDUSTRY VOTING AWARDS CATEGORIES:

Music for Development:
The Music for Development award goes to the best song with lyrics that promote social development. It is adjudged by the Board and the World Bank and must have been released during the year under review.

Gospel Album of the Year:
The Gospel Album of the Year is the Album adjudged by the Academy and Board as the most outstanding compilation of hit Gospel songs that was released during the year under review. It must have generated the most excitement during the year.

Instrumentalist of the Year:
The Instrumentalist of the Year is an honorary award presented to the Instrumentalist who performed creditably on a number of hit songs that were released during the year under review. It is adjudged by the Board and awarded to the Instrumentalist who had the most influence on the music.

Record of the Year:
The Record of the Year is adjudged by the Academy and Board as the most outstanding original song that was released during the year under review. It may not have enjoyed huge success, but has quality artistic value.

Traditional Artiste(s) of the Year:
The Traditional Artiste(s) of the year is adjudged by the Academy and Boards as the most popular Traditional or Folkloric Artiste(s) in the year under review.

Sound Engineer Of The Year:
The Sound Engineer of the Year award is adjudged by Peers and the Board to be the Sound Engineer directly responsible for the recording, mastering and technical treatment of a nominated song during the year under review.

Music Producer of the Year:
The Music Producer of the Year award is adjudged by Peers and the Board to be the Producer(s) directly responsible creatively for the best production of a song during the year under review. The song must have been nominated in the Most Popular Song of the Year category.

Songwriter of the Year:
The Song Writer of the Year is adjudged by the Academy and Board as the Song Writer(s) responsible for the song with the most meaningful original lyrics and compositions for any released song during the year under review.

Best Rapper of the Year:
The Best Rapper of the year is adjudged by the Academy, Board and the General Public as the rap Artiste with the best word compositions, rhymes and rap dexterity on a popular song released in the year under review.

Music Video of the Year:
The Music Video of the year is adjudged by the Academy and Board as the most creative and entertaining visual representation of any song released during the year under review. The award goes to both Director and Artiste

Best Female Vocal Artist of the Year:
The Best Female Act is adjudged by the Selection and Boards as the Female artiste (solo) with the best vocal delivery/Performance on any musical presentation which was released during the year under review.

Best Male Vocal Artiste of the Year:
The Best Male Vocal Artiste is adjudged by the Academy and Board as the Male artiste (solo) with the best vocal delivery/Performance on any musical presentation which was released during the year under review.

Album of the Year:
The Album of the Year is adjudged by the Academy and Board as the most outstanding compilation of hit songs on an album that was released during the year under review. It must have generated the most excitement during the year.

New Track: ‘Falling’ By D-Black Featuring Nigerian Act Mo Cheddah! Download It Here!

 

After Nigerian Channel O & MAMA Award winning act Mo Cheddah act performed at his ‘Yes Boss’ Concert in Accra, D-Black didn’t allow her to go. He cornered [not what you thinking] and dragged her to the studio for collaboration.

The Ghana – Nigeria collaboration has given birth to ‘Falling’ produced by Sammie Blacc with original composition from Gafacci.

Enjoy it here or click here to download your copy. It’s the second single from his upcoming sophomore album ‘The Revelation’.

Miss Malaika 2011 Winners Receives Their Prizes!

Yesterday at the GHOne Studios, the winners of the Miss Malaika 2011 were presented with their prizes.
Geraldine ‘Gerry’ Partington who controversially won the title received her new Kia Cerato car from Kia – Rana Motors. She also received products from the sponsors including one year supply of ATL Inspiration Fabrics, Hamper from UB Hair Products and a cash prize of GHC 6,000.00.

The first-runner up, Alexdra Ayirebi-Acquah also received a set of living room furniture from Simbim’s Furniture. A hamper from UB Hair Products and ATL Inspiration Fabrics and a cash prize of GHC 2,000.00.

Deborah Lomotey who picked the second-runner up was presented with a set of Dining Room Furniture from Simbim’s Furniture. A hamper from UB Hair Products and ATL Inspiration Fabrics. A Cash prize of GHC 1,500.00.

The 4^th to the 10^th contestants each received GHC1, 000.00 cash prize with Hampers form UB Hair Products and Fabrics form ATL Inspiration.

In addition to their prizes, all the final 10 delegates received a return ticket from AIR NAMIBIA to either  South Africa or Namibia.

View pictures

Vote Now: Azonto Killed Ghana Music-Yes Or No!

2011 was an ‘Azonto’ year. Hate it or love it, it has become a global phenomenon. Its introduction and immediate success opened the floodgate for the rest to follow.

There are many who thinks the introduction of ‘Azonto’ in Ghana has killed good music. I readily concur with them. But I belong to the group of people who thinks that the introduction of ‘Azonto’ has helped in the promotion of Ghana music over the world.

Unlike other form of dances, ‘Azonto’ has become contagious and caught up with everyone, even the white man on the streets of London to the old woman in Chorkor to the Pastor in my church to my little nephew.
Several years ago, Nigerian songs were the toast of Ghanaians. Songs from the most populous nation in Africa were preferred to songs produced in Ghana. For whatever reasons, some Ghanaian musicians started copying blindly the Nigerian accent.

But the introduction of ‘Azonto’ made sure artistes with creativity imbibed in them made hits. No need to sing or rap like a Nigerian to make it. An ‘Azonto’ song was the easiest of all compositions; just get a nice beat, meaningless lyrics with a catchy hook and you are there.

Some of the Azonto songs on the system are from Sarkodie’s ‘You Go Kill Me’ featuring EL to Keche’s ‘Sokode’ to Castro’s ‘Do The Do’ featuring Asamoah Gyan to Guru’s ‘Lapaz Toyota’ to Gasmilla’s ‘Aboodatoi’ to R2Bees’ ‘Agyeiii’ featuring Sarkodie & Nana Boroo to Stay Jay’s ‘Sha She Wowo’ to Eduworji’s ‘Yenko Nkoaa’ featuring Stay Jay to EL’s ‘Obuu Mo’ to 4X4’s ‘Yesi Yesi’ to Buk Bak’s ‘Kolom’
Azonto’s era will pass but do you think it has killed Ghana music? VOTE NOW!

Azonto Categories For Vodafone Ghana Music Awards [VGMAs]? What Do You Think?

The first edition of the Ghana Music Awards with the new sponsors Vodafone is set to be launched tomorrow Thursday January 12 at the Studios of GHOne.

One major setback that has bedevilled the awards since its inception many years ago has been the usual controversies in respect to the categorizations. However, with the new sponsors on board, new technical review team, Charter House is set to reduce the perhaps unnecessary controversies GhanaCelebrities.Com has learnt.

As we wait for the full outcome of the review exercises which will uplift and revamp the Music Awards scheme to be ready tomorrow pending the launch of the awards, we can say that there are deliberations for new categories with many of the team members calling for an ‘Azonto’ Category.

It is unconfirmed though but GhanaCelebrities.Com welcomes such a move because, 2011 was an ‘Azonto’ year…LOL

Would you welcome categories like ‘Azonto Song Of The Year’ and ‘Azonto Artiste Of The Year’?
Do you think ‘Azonto’ has killed Ghana Music? Click here to vote.

My Sincere Thoughts On Kwaw Ansah’s ‘The Good Old Days – Suffering To Lose’!

 
Kwaw Ansah earned great respect after releasing ‘Love Brewed In An African Port’ and ‘Heritage Africa’ in the early and late 80s respectively. He has won prestigious awards with both movies including the Pan-African Film Festival  award (FESPACO).

Last weekend at the National Theatre, movie enthusiasts saw the premiering of his third project ‘Suffering To Lose’ in ‘The Good Old Days’ serials. The first and second were ‘The Love of AA’ and ‘Papa Lasisi Bicycle’.

Kwaw Ansah by default has created a niche for himself and as a result has become a favourite of most movie lovers in and outside Ghana, hence why the premiere pulled a large crowd.

As I seat to watch the movie with many several others, I realised that Kwaw Ansah is loved. ‘Suffering to Lose’ set in the 1950s and 1960s is a compelling story of love, family and relationship which portrays the hallmark of a good African woman who suffers through thick and thin for her family.

One thing that would draw many to watch the movie I reckon would be the great casting. Great actors like Ekow Bingo Baiden, Akorfa Ejeani Asiedu, Agnes Dapaa and Emmary Brown featured in the movie makes me appreciate Kwaw Ansah. At least he is not blindfolded like the other directors who constantly use the same faces who many times don’t know how to get into character.

Acting generally was good. Portia Asare Boateng has transformed from starring in a ‘no script’ movie produced in Kumasi to a great actress in Kwaw Ansah’s movies.



Kwaw Ansah is a smart old man. Why? After the beginning credits of the movie rolled for the commencement of the movie, something interesting appeared on the screen. It was something that thrilled the patrons. Yes it did because it was hilarious and they responded.  Usually movies are dedicated to various personalities. Movie makers often dedicate their movies to a lost or departed family member. Others dedicate it to a departed soul who was a player in the Movie Industry.

Kwaw Ansah, unlike the rest dedicated the ‘Suffering to Lose’ movie to all the witches camp on the African continent. When the inscription appeared boldly on the screen, some patrons got reeled in laughter whiles others smiled their hearts out.

He was smart enough to employ humour to commence the movie. I felt he managed to tune the patrons’ minds well for a movie that was dragged needlessly. I can understand that as a legendary film maker, he pays and wanted to build his plot well but in doing so the movie was dragged. I felt for someone like Kwaw Ansah, all those dragging was totally avoidable at least owing to his previous award winning works.

For instance, from my perspective and that of many, the movie actually started when Paa Joe [played by Ekow Bingo Baiden] died in a motor accident. All that transpired before the accident was a bit dragged. It felt like Kwaw Ansah was trying to make time with the over-elaboration of Paa Joe’s visit to the Mensah’s house.

The humour which started with Kwaw Ansah dedicating the movie to the witches on the African continent continued throughout the movie, especially the scenes of the Mensah’s family.

Most movie lovers have fallen in love with the little girl from the Mensah family since the first movie. And again each of their scenes had something to laugh or smile about. From the moment the news of Paa Joe coming to their house, to when they were told of his death.

How the children responded to Paa Joe’s death was unbelievable because I would have behaved differently if I was told that “Paa Joe is gone”. I wouldn’t have reacted in the manner like they did after all “Paa Joe is gone” doesn’t necessarily mean “Paa Joe is dead”. As usual the little girl was dramatic.

I will give them the benefit of the doubt because I was born in 1982 whiles the movie is set in the 1950s and 1960s. Perhaps the mere fact that their mum was crying when she said “Paa Joe is gone” was a clearer enough to them.

People who have seen the previous two projects would attest that, the Mensah’s children have become favourites of many. But I’m not too sure if in the olden days, a parent with five or more children calls each child with their respective names when he/she wanted to talk or discuss something with them. There was more than one scene with the above. A situation that could have been avoided in the movie because it dragged the movie.

‘Suffering to Lose’ also touches on delicate pressing life issues. When a man dies, the woman is blamed. In this instance, no man dies a natural death. Every death is attributed to someone [woman]. The properties she might have helped her husband to acquire are then taken away from her.

Apart from the dragging, slow pace as well as comic tactics that was over-elaborated or over-used, I think the movie is good and a must watch. Some avoidable anomaly I discovered in the movie includes a screen that has to do with something I believe was a continuity setback.

A scene were Paa Joe was sleeping in a room appears to be the same room that Albert Jackson Davis was captured dressing up to go and meet Akorfa Ejeani Asiedu at the same time. Unless of course there were two separate rooms with similar designs. If so cool but if not, I thought that was also avoidable.

‘The Good Old Days – Suffering To Love’ is such a must watch movie from the stables of Film Africa Production under the tutelage of the legendary Kwaw Painstil Ansah.

Organizers Of Festival Of Films, Accra Gets Major Boost From Ghana Government!

The organizers of the maiden edition of the Festival Of Films, Africa (F.O.F.A) has received a major boost as the government of Ghana under the auspices of Ghana Tourist Authority has come on board to partner them to make the festival a success.  F.O.F.A. has selected Ghana for this festival as Ghana has been named one of the selected ten tourist destinations in the world for 2012.

The festival will bring together film makers across Africa and the diaspora under one umbrella in the beautiful city of Accra, and at the Silverbird Cinemas located at the plush Accra Mall in the capital of Ghana, to celebrate and showcase the beautiful works of Africans Film makers.

The main objective of F.O.F.A is to move the African film forward, create interaction among film makers across Africa, educate and inform African film makers about the new trends in film making, and bridge the distribution gap between African countries. The festival will have workshops and seminars facilitated by international and local experts for film makers and all those involved in movie making. The time is now for “TOP INTERNATIONAL QUALITY FILMS” to be produced in Ghana and Africa. F.O.F.A will make this a reality

From 1^st to 4^th March 2012, F.O.F.A will see to the organization of different events; there will be showing of selected African films at the Silverbird cinemas, exhibition of African films (Dvds/Vcds) to be purchased at 20% discount at the Accra mall, workshop/seminars, sponsored by Goethe institute which will take place at the institute, Professionals in film educating film makers in Africa on contemporary film production. The crowning event of FOFA will be a dinner gala night where renowned Film makers will be honored for distinguishing themselves in the movie industry.

F.O.F.A organizers will bring to Ghana a Hollywood and Bollywood stars to grace the festival. This is a way of strengthening the international relations between film makers across the world.  It will bring all stakeholders together and present to them, through the seminars, opportunities for collaboration and funding.
F.O.F.A has come to stay, LETS CELEBRATE THE AFRICAN FILM MAKER

Bola Ray, Family & Friends Donates To SOS Children Village!

Yesterday at the forecourt of the SOS Children’s Village in Tema, host of the most-listened to drive on radio in Ghana; Drive Talk on Joy FM, Bola Ray, real name Nathaniel Kwabena Anokye Adisi with family [made up of his beautiful wife and two sons] and friends donated varied items to the home.

The donation was part of Bola Ray’s contribution to the home after being made an ambassador last year in addition with TV3 News Anchor Nana Aba Anamoah and boxer Joshua Clottey.

The three were made ambassadors of the home and expected to be committed in solving the problems that has bedevilled the village, notably child abandonment, destitution and the orphaned in collaboration with SOS Children’s Villages Ghana.

He made the donation with support from his Empire Entertainment team, his wife Dorcas and two sons. Also present and helped with some items included the Bannerman-Quist family, Auntie Laing, Loretta Ayettey as well as comedian Funny Face.

Aside the donated items, Bola Ray presented a cash amount of Thousand Five Hundred Ghana Cedis [GHC1.500] to the home. Part of the money he said came from the event he organised late last year budded the ‘Celebrity Charity Bazaar’ at the Silver Bird Cinemas.

Accounting for the money, he told GhanaCelebrities.Com that, he raised GHC 420.00 as a result of selling Christmas Cards he bought from the home. According to him, the cards were designed by the children in the home.

Out of the GHC420.00, he said GHC200.00 went to the New Horizon School in Accra. “And the GHC220.000 that was left, I topped it up and we had GHC1.500” he continued.

The Anokye-Adisi family are looking at chalking another first as they plan on deducting Hundred Ghana Cedis [GHC100.00] each from their monthly salaries to be given to the SOS Village.

“I think we have to give back to the community, it helps all of us. We live in a large society; I believe it’s not all about us – our immediate family. I believe we have to go out there and reach out to the community that we live in hence this gesture”.

Narrating how the plan came into fruition, he said, “We had a discussion two nights ago that, why don’t we have something instituted that every month from source it would be deducted and given to SOS Village and she [his wife] bought the idea and embraced it” he told GhanaCelebrities.Com.

Depending on how it goes, they hope to increase the amount next year. On his expectation for 2012 he said, “I’m looking forward in God doing great stuff in our lives. Clearly, it has event started, businesswise it’s good, radio programming wise, new concepts are coming up, events wise with Empire [Entertainment], a whole lot we want to do because we have pencilled seven majors programs that we want to do”.

“Ghana meets Naija; they should watch out for this year, it’s going to be one big show. I think for 2011, it’s been rated as the biggest the best and well attended program per a research that was done. I just spoke to Basil of Ticketghana and say in terms of sales as well as attendance … we give God the glory. We believe in 2012, it’s going to be a big year. Unfortunately we were supposed to be in London, around that time that was when the riots happened. But this year we want to make it a reality, we will be in Nigeria as well”.

Click here for the pictures

Part 2: Celebrities Talk To GC About Their Expectations For 2012!

January is the month of the year where everyone arrange themselves with resolutions here and there. By default, most people won’t achieve their wishes because they will just fold their arms and expect a miracle from God.

GhanaCelebrities.Com continues to speak with Ghanaian celebrities for their expectation for this New Year 2012. We published part one last week, check it up if you missed it from HERE. This week we are bringing you the continuation.

Nikki Samonas [Actress, Model & Presenter]:
I hopefully expect Ghanago through a safe and peaceful period in electing a new president. I hope to see Ghanaians have a cordial and peaceful relationship in all the regions. No more tribal, ethnic disputes and fights.

I also hope to seeGhanaachieve her goals in all developmental projects through a stable economy. I expect that theGhanamovie industry will grow higher in excellence and perfect execution of movies.
Personally, I expect a breakthrough in my television show ‘African Movie Review’ and other international contracts in my modelling career like with Chris Aire.

I also expect a cordial working relationship in the movie industry and beyond. I am also hoping to achieve my goal in contributing my quota through my project ‘Help Them To Read’ in donating educational tools to the kids in all the districts in Ghana thereby helping Ghana achieve her aim of boosting education in the country.
I’m hopeful to experience the best in everything I do this year. I am busting out.

Finally may the Grace of God continually be with us in accordance to our purpose and the will of God in our lives. God bless us all, God bless Ghana.

Eddie Nartey [Actor]:
2011 for the movie industry was a bit rough. Banning people here and there and so many misunderstandings. But in the end, I must say that, we were able to produce great movies such as ‘Adams Apple’, ‘Somewhere In Africa’ and ‘Ties That Bind’.

Even though the industry dulled up a bit towards the end of the year, I hope things will be great in 2012. I hope we will have more movie producers and investors in the industry. I hope in 2012, creativity will be at its peak with directors and scriptwriters.

I hope that we will produce things of our own and do more of originality. I hope the trend changes in relation to casting as many audiences complain of the same people over and over again. Greater height is what I wished for the industry in 2012.

Kobi Rana [Musician, Actor & Movie Director]:
2011 was promising. I pray for more investors and talents. Not just popular actors but NATURAL actors. Wider and better market and more amazing scripts.AfehyiaPa!

Jackie Appiah [Actress]:
I want to see a Brighter, Greater Achievements, More development, more film makers and continue peace in Ghana and the world as a whole. To have more of the fear of God Almighty by becoming more sharing and helpful to people and help them find their purpose in life.

People should learn to leave behind Grudges, Sadness, Pain, Fear and Regrets, because God has made life beautiful.

I would like to conclude by saying that nothing is impossible and keep trying and success shall be yours by God’s Grace.

Luckie Lawson [Actress, Movie Producer & CEO of 7^th Art Production]:
My expectations is that we find better ways to market our movies other then shoot and put on DVD’s, VCD, the Net then 6 months later on TV. We need to promote the movies and the actors better, write good stories that hits home for every viewer.

We must also build more faces in our movie industry and the people behind the movies. The Crew; Camera men, light men, sound men, directors etc. We need to work on all this and most of all is Unity. We need to be UNITED we have to be United to build. 

Bola Ray [Radio Presenter & CEO of Empire Entertainment]: 
I’m looking forward in God doing great stuff in our lives. Clearly, it has event started, businesswise it’s good, radio programming wise, new concepts are coming up, events wise with Empire [Entertainment], a whole lot we want to do because we have pencilled seven majors programs that we want to do.

‘Ghanameets Naija’ they should watch out for this year, it’s going to be one big show. I think for 2011, it’s been rated as the biggest the best and well attended program per a research that was done.

I just spoke to Basil of Ticketghana and say in terms of sales as well as attendance … we give God the glory. We believe in 2012, it’s going to be a big year. Unfortunately we were supposed to be in London, around that time that was when the riots happened. But this year we want to make it a reality, we will be in Nigeria as well

“I Wanted To Be A Gynaecologist, To Of Course Take Care Of Women” – John Dumelo!

John Dumelo on Glitz Africa Magazine Front Cover

Actor John Dumelo has disclosed that growing up; acting was not on his card. He said growing up, he wanted to be in a field to “deal with the health of the female reproductive system; uterus, vagina and ovaries” termed as a gynaecologist.

He told Glitz Africa Magazine, “I wanted to be a gynaecologist”, continuing that “to take care of women of course”. John has been linked with many ladies after his ‘surprise’ entry into the Ghana Movie Industry. So it is no surprise that he wanted to be a gynaecologist.

Though he studied Engineering at the university yet wanted to be a gynaecologist, John narrated how he ‘mistakenly’ re-entered the movie industry after he featured in ‘Baby Thief’ as Saka, a boy who found her kidnapped sister in a village through a birth mark.

“I think it all started one Sunday after church. I called a friend of mine to ask what she’s been up to and she said she was going for an audition for a TV show so my adventurous self said why not, let’s go! When I finally got there, the director dared me to take off my trousers and walk around the room in my boxers if I’m not shy and there were about 100 ladies in the room” He narrated.

He continued: “For a minute I was like is he crazy but again my sense of adventure made me say yes, so I did that. I was hired for my first TV job with TV3 which was a game show called ‘Caesars House’. I started doing a few TV series; one was ‘Sun City’”.

John’s first movie was ‘Kind Is Mine’.  He said that was his challenging role because he had to act like a King, very authoritative and regal.

John Dumelo is the cover face on the maiden edition of the ‘Glitz Africa Magazine’, a new lifestyle and celebrity magazine and he is described as the ‘modest sometime-shy good looking actor with the boy-door charm’.

John told GhanaCelebrities.Com his expectations for 2012 is to be “Closer to God, do very good movies, do more charity work and also make sure that J.Melo products are found in every shop around the world”.

HOT SHOTS: Actress Emelia Brobbey Looking All Fresh & Innocent!

 

Click to check more of her pictures:

What Is Wrong With These Pictures? Is Vicky Zugah Limited As An Actress Because Of Her Tattoo?

Vicky Zugah

I will say yes to the above question. Don’t get me wrong here; dark looking ladies turns me on for whatever reasons. But I admire actress Vicky Zugah even though she is fair, for her sheer fun loving nature. Aside that, she is one of the down-to -earth actresses in the country.

I’m not a fan of tattoos, yes but the tattoo on her left arm is beautiful. I don’t see why a dark looking person should go for a tattoo but for Vicky and her complexion, it’s just nice on her.

But how is the tattoo affecting her as an actress? Even though she is not necessarily a bad actress compared to some of the bad actresses in the industry, the tattoo has limited her to role certain roles; bad girl roles. She has become a typecast.

Now Vicky Zugah is not getting the roles. In GhanaCelebrities.Com’s chit chat with some producers and directors, they seem to share our sentiments. Hmmm what else is there to say?

Honestly do you also think Vicky is not getting many roles because her unhiddden tattoo gives her away easily?

Vicky Zugah

Praye’s Cock & Bull Story: Why Can’t Ghanaian Musicians Work Together?

 

Sometimes I wonder why Ghanaian musicians cannot work together. The news of Hip Life trio Praye’s break-up came as a surprise to many, myself included because I have been a staunch follower of them.

When it comes to the number of hits any group has had over the years since the introduction of Hip Life, aside Buk Bak and VIP, the next group that comes in mind with so many hit songs are Praye, made up of Praye Tenten, Praye Ho Ne Ho and Praye Tiatia; real names real name Nana Adu Koranteng, Eugene Baah and Steven Fiawoo.

After several months of the break up, Praye Tenten has come up to speak on the break up. In doing so he denied all the allegations levelled against him by former mates, that he has grown wings hence the reason why he went solo.

He told Graphic Showbiz that, Eugene, the leader of the group told him, he didn’t want to see him around the group again because of a supposed issue. It is not clear whether the issue has to be with their normal girls-chasing-spree or whether it has to do with money sharing.

He said “I feel very bad that the two are treating me this way. The three of us have suffered in bringing up the group this far and I don’t think this is what I deserve after my contribution to the group”.

Explaining what happened. He said someone insulted their leader [Eguene], after which he and Eugene went to deal with the fellow. He continued that later he was asked to apologise and after his apology, the same Eugene told him he can’t be part of the group again. How possible? Read more.

Eugene on the other hand denies the allegation with “I don’t know why he keeps saying I kicked him out of the group, I never did that and will never do that, we are a group who were doing so well so why would I do such a thing” Eugene explained.

Seriously what’s the logic in this? When Nigerian acts always get hits upon hits and take big money to perform in Ghana, what the Ghanaian artistes will do is to fight themselves huh? How pathetic, but seriously why can’t Ghanaian artistes work together?

New Music Video: ‘Kasa Low’ By Sala Featuring Puffy Tee!

Paradise Entertainment’s artiste Sala today released her new video for her track ‘Kasa Low’ featuring Puffy Tee. This year, Sala is bent on releasing more videos.

The video was Directed by Nana Kofi Asihene. Click on this link to download your copy of the song.

SALA FEAT PUFFY TEE - KASA LOW (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

Part 1: Celebrities Talk To GC About Their Expectations For 2012!

2011 has come and gone. It was a good year for most people whiles others continue to bemoan about the fact that they hardly made the needed impact as they got few success.

GhanaCelebrities.Com spoke with various personalities in the movie, music, comedy and fashion industry. Below are what some of your favourite celebrities had to say about their expectation for 2012.

Ama K. Abebrese [Actress]:
Better quality and better story lines that can crossover to different markets. I think the bar has been raised with some good movies in 2011, so we have to keep upgrading
However, I feel there is a market for local movies of lower quality and that will continue because they have their audience.

Shirley Frimpong Manso [Writer, Director  & Producer]:
My expectation is to see a more professional driven Movie Industry where actors will challenge themselves with meaningful roles and stronger performances and directors and writers inspired to write life changing stories for them.

John Dumelo [Actor]:
Closer to God, do very good movies, do more charity work and also make sure that J.Melo products  are found in every shop around the world.

Okyeame Quophi [Musician & Music Video Director]:
To me 2012 holds a lot for the Ghana Music Industry. 2011 introduced Azonto and replaced GH rap with its own kind of music. Up tempo Afro rhyme with infectious hooks and choruses. I see an extension of which 2011 started but I also foresee the spotlight on kids between 6 and 15 taking centre stage and drawing lots of crowds.

Considering that our industry is a total reflection of what happens in America, the success of Willow and Jayden Smith will definitely be repeated but in our Ghanaian terms. Don’t be surprised if I start the movement.
Given the track record of Bice Osei Kuffour [MUSIGA President] I have a strong feeling something major will happen that will shape and change the industry for better. At least Obour owes that to us who supported his vision and gave him power. Happy New Year comrades.

Roger Quartey [Actor, Production Manager & Producer] of Roger Q Production:
From the studios of Roger Q Productions, we say Happy New Year and a creative 2012. Our Movie Industry has seen great transformation in the last few years. We should not use our God given talent to compete among ourselves but rather bring collective ideas to enhance our artistic works for the international markets.

My expectation  this year is for us to expand our marketing scope. There are lot of distributing channels to exploit. We should not just release our movies but send them for world premieres and film festivals. I am also appealing to stakeholders of this esteem industry to sacrifice a little as far as their expertise contributes in sharpening our industry. Long live Ghana. Long live our Movie Industry.

James Gardiner [Actor]:
To become a movie icon that most people will look up to especially the youth.

Beverly Afaglo [Actress]:
To make more movies and make more money.

Juliet Ibrahim [Actress]:
I have so many great expectations but i will be a doer this year in order to achieve these expectations. One of them is to work on the successful awareness campaign of my kidney cancer foundation worldwide and the rest. I leave up to God because would be full of surprises.

Roselyn Ngissah [Actress]:
The Movie Industry has been growing over the years and in the right direction. My expectations this year is that every department that contributes to the making of a movie and the industry must as a matter of fact step up their game both technically and artistically.

Whether it be Make-Up, Costume, Directing, Acting, Production Management etc. We have done well over the years, from international nominations and awards. But there is still room for better performance.

Chichi [Actress]:
I want to believe that, 2012 is my year. I have been in the industry for so long but still no breakthrough but I have a strong feelings that God is about to change my story.

In 2012, nobody is going to suppress me. Enough of the suppression and all that. All those who have been suppressing me died in 2011, so it’s my time to shine; yes my set time is here.

God is going to use stringer to make it happen for me. I also blessed God for all friends who we all started together but became successful. I am also going to be successful this year. I am not jealous of anyone but rather happy for all my friends and hope as God is about to bless me through the eyes of faith. No one should envy me; yes I’m speaking through the eyes of faith.

Pascal Amanfo [Actor & Movie Director]:
A year of better opportunities, more challenging projects and a greater insistence of improved technicalities.

Adjetey ‘Pusher’ Anang [Actor]:
Hope that more Ghana actors/actresses will break into Movie Industries beyond Africa.
Now you know what they are expecting, are they achievable? We will bring you what the other celebrities are also expecting soon!

Exclusive Photo: Comedian Funny Face Wins Actress Nadia Buari’s Heart!

Finally we have the picture of the moment when Nadia Buari hugged and pecked comedian Funny Face at the ‘1013 Laughs & Music’ at the Dome of the Conference Centre on Boxing Day December 26.

Now we know why Funny Face thinks Ghana Black Star and Chelsea FC midfielder, Michael Essien is a loser. Pictures don’t lie huh?


Read the full story here.

2011 In Review: The Good, The Bad & The Ugly!

We are in the days when reviews upon reviews keep flying everywhere on the World Wide Web. And as you know GhanaCelebrities.Com is ahead of the game hence the reason why we are bringing you the reviews before the rest…

There is a line that is synonymous with reviews these days in Ghana. Every review seems to start with “this year has been a good year”. I will not hesitate to use the same line because 2011 indeed has been a good year, in fact a superb year.

It has been a great year for us at GhanaCelebrities.Com. It was a year that we created hundred enemies and made millions of friends, love ones and families. Unlike 2010 which was a tough year, 2011 was the direct opposite. It’s a great feeling when you do something in your corner and someone out there notices and acknowledges your effort.

If you didn’t know, when GhanaCelebrities.Com hit the World Wide Web, people started running their entire website with our stories. Our dominance in entertainment reportage in Ghana was acknowledged by several people in and outside Ghana. For instance we were one of the media houses in Ghana who were invited by the organisers of the Africa Movie Academy Awards [AMAA] in Nigeria in March.

We have stepped on lots of toes but what are toes if not meant to be stepped on.

Here is a little highlight of events that happened in 2011 in the Ghana Entertainment Industry tagged ‘the good’, ‘the bad’, and ‘the ugly’.

… The Good!

Ghana’s most influential radio personality, Nathaniel Kwabena Adisi a.k.a. Bola Ray, TV3 leading female anchor, Nana Aba Anamoah and Former IBF Welterweight champion, Joshua Clottey  were unveil as the ambassadors of SOS Children’s Villages Ghana. This was a wonderful thing to do because those three are influential and so far its paying dividends to the school.

Actress Ama K Abebrese was able to beat the likes of Nollywood actresses Genevieve Nnaji, Omoni Oboli and others to win ‘Best Actress’ In Africa in the movie Sinking Sands.

Fellow entertainment critic Francis Doku organised the Most Popular Entertainer Of Ghana (MPEG) to award personalities who have distinguished themselves in their chosen field of endeavour.
The idea behind the honours was great. At the end of the day the likes of Agya Koo, Asamoah Gyan, Funny Face and co were honoured.

Actor John Dumelo donated to the Wa Based School on his birthday and sets out to build for the School 5 Classrooms estimated to cost $40,000.

Hip life grand papa Reggie Rockstone joined the likes of Tic Tac to stage a musical festival to ‘Save A Heart’.

2011 was like the year for charity and foundation, the likes of Mimi Divalish launched her Charity Fashion School ‘Divalish Fashions’. She said proceeds will be donated to a charity. She brought to Ghana some former Big Brother Africa housemates.

Actress Yvonne Nelson was slapped with a year ban for failing to shoot because of waivers granted to her fellow actress Jackie Appiah. Even though some of us supported the ban initially, we concurred later that it was grievous. The ban was lifted after 9 months.

Finally, our own Confidence Haugen, the CEO of the biggest night club in Ghana went to the Big Brother Africa house. Her selection was melt with disapproval from Ghanaians yet she went ahead to became one of the country best house mates in the BBA series.

… The Bad!

Still on the needless noise about the Ghana Movie Awards cars, Jackie Appiah opted out the sharing of the car. Many felt she was being ‘too known’ for pulling out of the sharing of the cars.

Actress Ama K. Abebrese was rumoured to be dating Kwadwo Asamoah of Black Stars, she denied it. So how long will ladies denied guys? Yvonne Nelson is known for denying every man he is associated with and yet these women claim to be 100% single, and probably actively looking.

When Stephanie Karikari won Miss Ghana 2010, many lambasted the organisers and insulted her claiming she doesn’t have the beauty to be crown as such.

Kofi Adjorlolo and Ekow Smith were handed two years ban for their involvement in a movie production by a Nigerian outfit. The ban was however lifted after several months.

… And The Ugly!

It was indeed sad as the entertainment industry lost some of its best players. These include the likes of Bob J, a playwright Efo Kodjo Mawugbe and actor Gilbert Karikari of Kejetia TV series.

Juliet Ibrahim attacked a journalist for refusing to give her a front page prominence in their newspapers.

Multiple award winning writer cum director Leila Djansi threatens to sue GhanaCelebrities.Com for invading her privacy on facebook. For various reasons I will not talk more on this but I find it very laughable.

Lastly, promising female rapper Tiffany Hayden managed to get her naked photos leaked by failing to delete them after taking and sending them to her boyfriend in London…The photos were slapped with several insolent comments such as ‘her boobs no fine too’.

As a result of the above, GhanaCelebrities.Com crowns Tiffany Hayden the official “Dumb Ass Queen of 2011” for the naked photos leakage. Our  2010′s ‘Dumb Ass Queen’  Yvonne Nelson can now hand over the crown to our dear Tiffany Hayden…

Below are GC’s winners for 2011! You are free to disagree …

MUSIC

Best Group: VIP

Best Hip Life Song of the Year: You Go Kill Me by Sarkodie

Most Popular Song of the Year Yenko Nkoa by Eduwoji ft Stay Jay

Hip Life Artiste of the Year: Sarkodie

Music Video of the Year: Faithful by Okyeame Kwame

Female Artiste of the Year: Efya

Male Artiste of the Year: Samini

Best Performers: Samini and Sarkodie

Comeback of the Year: Buk Bak

Best Chorus Of The Year: Okyeame Kwame’s ‘Faithful’ featuring Bertha and Sarkodie’s ‘Onyame Eyhira’ featuring Castro.

Discovery: Stay Jay

Best Rapper: Sarkodie

Album of the Year: Rapperholic by Sarkodie

Annoying Song Of The Year: ‘Ajeei’ by R2Bees featuring Sarkodie & Nana Boroo.

Useless Song Of The Year: ‘Aboodatoi’ by Gasmilla

MOVIES

Best Actor: Kofi Adu a.k.a Agya Koo

Best Actresses: Jackie Appiah & RoselyNgissah

Best Story: Ties That Bind by Leila Djansi

Best Director: Shirley Frimpong Manso of Sparrow Productions

Best Picture: Ties That Bind by Leila Djansi

Best Costume: The Good Old Days

Best Make-Up: Adams Apple

Most Publicize Movie: Adams Apple by Shirley Frimpong Manso

Best Concerts: Legends & Legacy Ball with Daddy Lumba , Samini/Movado Live In Concert, Sarkodie Rapperholic – Live In Concert, Phamous Five, Ghana Rocks

Flop Show of the Year: Ghana Hip Hop Awards

Promising Events of the Year: Ghana Music & Food Festival

Personality of the Year: Funny Face

GhanaCelebrities.Com wishes you all a happy new year and thanks for riding with us safely throughout the year.

We are growing and the next year will be great so stick around…