Tuesday, 25 December 2012

Ghana Movie Awards 2012 will be a man-know-man affair

Awards season is one of the most exciting times of the year, especially for those who make it their business to the entertainment culture.

Each year, the Ghana Movie Awards trots out its most significant productions and its biggest stars to celebrate the movies that made the biggest critical and commercial impact over the preceding twelve months.

Let’s make this short and simple, today the 25th of December 2012, is the Ghana Movie Awards, at the Accra International Conference Centre.

The organizers have thoroughly done best to come out with thirty-one (31) inept categories, maybe they are saving the best for the last. At least they have previously fumbled and this year’s will not be any case study to deal with.

With our gathered information, the Kumawood team has decided to snub the awards and therefore we once again feel it will be an all-Accra festival.

This year’s awards have no jury and if there is then why were we not hinted at the soiree?

The popular parlance which says, se agro be so a, efiri anopa, seems not to be in the dictionary of the organizers who would as well have taken their money to either delve into a pool party show since they want to do something.

Organizers have described the nominations as ‘fair and devoid’ of the controversies, yet let’s get into the whole pending sarcasm because we smell that it may be dashed on the basis of man-know-man as Single & Married topped the list with 10 nominations. Followed closely is Grooms Bride with 8 nominations. Kobi Rana’s Hotel Babylon obtained the third highest nominations with 6. ‘Queen Latifa’, ‘Secret Burden’ and ‘Wanna Be’ got 4 nominations each.

Joni Waka also obtained two other nominations in the Best Cinematography and Best Picture categories. Son of the former Ghana President, Edward Agyekum Kufuor who has become an actor now grabbed a nomination in the Best Actor in a Support Role with his role in ‘Tears of a smile’.

We wonder how events are shabbily organized by those we have faith in and thus, they lead us astray all in the name of trying to prove a point.

But the issue before us isn’t a ‘trying to prove a point’ matter, but GHANA MOVIE AWARDS. The name ‘Ghana’ is in context here and thus, we smell a rat knowing very well that this year’s event maybe a ‘Mr. Bean’ show.

We may be wrong with our opinion, but we shall all wait and see the outcome after tonight’s show.

It is in our own interest that media guys must critically say it as it is, less they pretend that all is well and in that case lead the organizers astray.

What is worth doing is worth doing well. Albeit, our candid advice to the organizers is that for an awards show of this magnitude, it only requires effective advance planning and some creativity.

Below are full list of nominations:

BEST ACTOR IN A LEAD ROLE – ENGLISH LANGUAGE Van Vicker – Joni Waka John Dumelo – Queen Latifa Prince David Osei – Off The Hook Kofi Adjorlolo – Wipe My Tears Ekow Blankson – Secret Burden

BEST ACTRESS IN A LEAD ROLE – ENGLISH LANGUAGE Yvonne Nelson – Single & Married Martha Ankomah – Tears Of A Smile Jackie Appiah – Grooms Bride Nana Akua Addo – Wanna Be Yvonne Okoro – 3 Some Nadia Buari – Rain

BEST ACTOR IN A LEAD ROLE – LOCAL LANGUAGE Akwesi Boadi – Osofa Mafia Farida Mohammed – Gobana Kofi Adu – Agya Koo Trotro Driver Isaac Amoako – Saman Mogya Kwaku Manu – Area Boys

BEST ACTRESS IN A LEAD ROLE – LOCAL LANGUAGE Nana Ama Mcbrown - Nyankonton Vivian Jill – My Story Linda Abbey – Saman Mogya Tracy Boakye – Oh Vera Mercy Asiedu – Baby Face

BEST ACTOR IN A SUPPORT ROLE – ENGLISH LANGUAGE Adjetey Annan – Rain Majid Michel – Grooms Bride Rahim Banda – Wipe My Tears Edward Agyekum Kufuor – Tears Of A Smile Frank Artus – The Game Chris Attoh – Single & Married

BEST ACTRESS IN THE SUPPORT ROLE – ENGLISH LANGUAGE Kalsum Sinare – 3 Some Anita Erskine – Single & Married Linda Awuku – Wanna Be Lydia Forson – In The Cupboard Christabel Ekeh – Wrong Target Nikki Samonas – Queen Latifa

BEST ACTOR IN A SUPPORT ROLE – LOCAL LANGUAGE Apostle John Prah – Osofo Mafia Kojo Nkansah – Kweku Saman Samuel Ofori – Oh Vera Bernard Opoku – Police Officer Ebenezer Donkoh – B14

BEST ACTRESS IN A SUPPORT ROLE – LOCAL LANGUAGE Naana Hayford – Odo Ntentan Fatima Osman – Gobana Rose Mensah – Fathia Fata Nkrumah Emelia Brobbey – My Story Matilda Asare – Ghana Police Ellen White – Saman Mogya

BEST ACTOR – AFRICAN COLLABORATION Kalu Keagwu – Shadow In The Dark Ramsey Nouah – Hotel Babylon Alex Usifo - Off The Hook Uti Nwachukwu – In The Cupboard Yemi Blaq – The Search Alex Ekubo – Lovelorn

BEST ACTRESS – AFRICAN COLLABORATION Ini Edo – In The Cupboard Patience Ozorkor – Untamed Rukky Sandra – The Search Nse Ikpe Etim – The Search Tonto Dikeh – Lovelorn Mercy Johnson – Wild Targer

BEST PICTURE – AFRICAN COLLABORATION Desmond Elliot & Caroline Danjuma – In The Cupboard Yvonne Nelson – Single & Married Abdul Sallam – Grooms Bride Andy Boyo – Untamed Kobi Rana – Hotel Babylon

BEST PICTURE Joni Waka – Van Vicker & Dr. Clarice Kulah-Ford Grooms Bride – Abdul Sallam Single & Married – Yvonne Nelson Trap In The Game – Frank Rajah Arase Ghana Police – Eugene Morrat Hotel Babylon – Kori Rana Secret Burden – Sellasie Ibrahim Wanna Be – Edmund Quarshie & Michael Odeka

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY Single & Married – Kwame Awuah Hotel Babylon – Kobi Rana Joni Waka – Van Vicker Area Boys – Kwame Agyeman Grooms Bride – Adams Umar

BEST EDITING Grooms Bride – Enoch Opoku Hotel Babylon – Kobi Rana Single & Married – Ebenezer Sowatey B14 – Ninja Wanna Be – Afra Marley

BEST CUSTOME AND WARDROBE Queen Latifa – Mabel Germain Ghana Police – Monica Agboli & Nicolas Nsiah Return Of The Bukom Lion – De She Collections Fathia Fata Nkrumah – George Atobrah Grooms Bride – Samira Yakubu Secret Burden – Smarttys Management

BEST ART DIRECTION

Return Of The Bukom Lion Production Design: SHE Quartey Set Decoration: Richard Quartey

Fathia Fata Nkrumah Production Design: Jude Odoh Set Decoration: Bismark Gyamera

Rain Production Design: DJ Varga Set Decoration: DJ Varga

Ghana Police Production Design: Jones Agyeman Set Decoration: James Akwasi Wiafe

Single & MarriedProduction Design: Pascal Amanfo Set Decoration: Bismark Nii Odoi

Secret BurdenProduction Design: John Izedonmi Set Decoration: Fusani Mamudu

BEST MUSIC ORIGINAL SONG Azonto Ghost – Bessa Destiny’s Child – Wilhelmina Abu Andani (Mimi) Single & Married – Abraham Affaine Wrong Target – Samuel Sarpong Fathia Fata Nkrumah – Adu Patrick

BEST DIRECTING – ENGLISH LANGUAGE Single & Married – Pascal Amanfo Grooms Bride – Frank Rajah Arase Queen Latifa – Kensteve Anuka In The Cupboard – Desmond Elliot Hotel Babylon – Kobi Rana

Video: Did you see what Becca & Trigmatic do?

If you were not at the Becca’s Girl Talk Concert on the 21st of December, 2012, then you may have to wait for another 365 days more to catch a glimpse of what Becca did with Trigmatic.

We are not going to tell you what you missed, but what we shall say you missed out is that even with the warning, ‘Men Don’t Dare’, that line fell on deaf ears as there were lots of them (Trigmatic inclusive) around.

But for what Trig as he is fondly called did with Becca, that you will have to CLICK on the video and see for yourself

Tuesday, 4 December 2012

Sarkodie represented GH well @ the ‘Top of the World’ Concert

Obidiponbidi
BET award winner Sarkodie on Saturday night proved why he is about the biggest act in Ghana currently, when he virtually stole the show at the Malta Guinness-sponsored Top of the World Concert.

After staging an entry with his latest single “Illuminati”, which surprisingly was popular among the crowd, he went deep into his rich portfolio of hit singles, and fed the teeming crowd with one song at a time.

For well over 50 minutes, he made good use of his flawless artistic delivery, generating loud cheers all throughout his stay on stage.

The free-ticketed event also featured performances from P Square and Samini, who was a last minute replacement for R2Bees.

Comedian Funny Face and Radio Presenter KOD, were MCs for the event.

Becca GIRL TALK Concert comes to town Dec. 21

Becca & Friends
Becca will once again bring the roofs of the National Theatre down, come December 21 in a grand style with her second edition of the Becca GIRL TALK Concert.

The maiden edition had the crème-de-la-crème in attendance from all spheres of life and one significant personality was Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings. The maiden edition encompassed thrills, fun, music, dance and many more. It possessed the true beauty of an event with respect to the fact that it was arguably the first all-girls show in the world.

The second edition cannot be anything less than to surpass the maiden, so the organizers have promised surprises embedded with allure from Ghana to the world. It is sure going to be an all girls night but trust the men to sneak their way through just as the likes of Funny Face, Majid, John Dumelo et al, all did. That’s the whole beautification of the night.

For her yearning fans who have missed the sensational afro-pop singer, we can confirm that she was recently away and just got back from this year’s edition of the Lagos Jazz Series held in Nigeria, where she performed alongside other celebrated music icons such as Grammy Award winner Roy Hargrove, Fourplay, Omawunmi, 9ice and Waje.

But in between time, she is getting ready to premiere the music video of her collaboration with Nigerian crooner Tuface Idibia on the 6th of December, 2012, at the Tantra Night Club, with dress code having a touch of purple.

Friday, 30 November 2012

Bee Arthur goes ‘Fierce & Feminine’ at FAFA 2012

B’Exotiq
Ghanaian-Russian designer and KORA Fashion Award winner Bee Arthur of “B’Exotiq by Bee Arthur” showcased her first ever combination collection dubbed, ” Fierce & Feminine” at this year’s edition of FAFA 2012, Fashion for Peace Gala dinner at the Ngong Racecourse, Nairobi, Kenya on Saturday 17th November 2012. 

The “Fierce & Feminine” collection constituted of 2 contrasting collections: 8 hand-painted short patchwork dresses in earth tones with Snake & Wildlife motifs -”Fierce and Funky”-, and 7 hand-painted White and Ivory tones dress in lace, chiffon, organza and feathers, with the predominant motifs being Floral – “Feminine and Fertile”.

The Fabrics for the ‘Feminine’ collection were sheer and fluid, whiles the ‘Fierce’ dresses were all constructed with opaque cloth. Although the 2 collections seemed not to have a connection, the concept was about portraying the contrasts and multi-facets of a Woman’s nature : her softness and sensuality on one hand and her funkiness and fierceness on the other.

The symbolism represented in the collection are the Snake ( phallic symbol) and the Flower ( the Female reproductive organ) which also allude to Conception and the continuation of Life.

Hence the need for understanding and tolerance for life to continue peacefully.

Although most fabrics used by the designer in her “F&F”collection were not necessarily traditional African fabrics, , Bee Arthur incorporated pieces of Malian Mudcloth as well as Cotton Wax print into her patchworks. In addition, she recycled a cocoa sack and her old bags in the spirit of “going green” and incorporated them into her “Fierce” dresses .

P-Square pick up their 4syte TV Music Video Award

P-Square @ GH one studios in Accra
Nigerian music super group, P-Square have picked up their 4syte TV Music Video Award for ‘Best African Video’ in Accra. The official presentation was made on Gh One Entertainment TV.

The duo of twins won the award, which was held on November 17 with their video, ‘Chop My Money’ featuring Akon.

P-square is currently in Ghana for the ‘Top of The World Celebrations’ to be held on December 1.

Thursday, 29 November 2012

Ghana Movie Awards Postponed to December 25

Van Vicker, Juliet Ibrahim, John Dumelo, Prince
Ghollywood Production (GP) Limited, organizers of the prestigious Ghana movie awards wishes to announce to the general public that this year’s award ceremony will come off at the Accra International Conference Centre on Christmas Day, December 25.

GP Limited had earlier announced to organize the award ceremony on December 2, ahead of the upcoming General Elections on December 7.

This was after it considered the unforeseen challenges that might affect the ceremony in a likely case of a run-off during the elections.

But upon further deliberations with partners after the award’s launch on Monday November 26, it had shifted the award’s date to the usual date, December 25.

Organizers apologize for the change and any inconveniences caused are deeply regretted.

This year’s event is being organized by Ghollywood Production Limited in collaboration with rLG and TV3, and supported by Vodafone and Travel Express International Hotel.

Juliet Ibrahim Debuts Short Natural Hair…Are You Feeling Her Look?

Juliet Ibrahim @ The Press Conference of the Ghana Movie Awards 2012

Juliet Ibrahim is now #TEAMNATURAL, it appears the Ghanaian actress has ditched the blonde wigs and 30 inch weaves for a more natural look.
The voluptuous actress showed off her new cropped natural hair at the launch for the Ghana Movie Awards in Accra, Ghana a few days back in Accra, Ghana.
She was also showing off a slimmer body…

Psquare reacts to awards schemes in Ghana

Psquare @ a Press Soiree in Accra
Psquare expressed their joy towards the award given to them by 4Syte TV during the recently concluded MTN 4Syte Music Video awards in Ghana.

According to them, they aren’t new to receiving accolades because they are now used to the feat. They jokingly insinuated that of all countries in the world where they have gotten recognized, it is only in their own country that some kind of ojoro shows its ugly head.

Representatives of 4Syte TV were unable to hand over the award to them, perhaps before the dancing duo leave, efforts would be made to hand over the gong to them. They were very grateful to the organizers for the recognition.

However they acknowledged that one of the awards received during their senior high school days still remains very significant to them, and so an award may seem small but still it is those small and simple ones that mean a lot to them.

They are in Ghana for a great performance, come December 1 at the Independence Square, on the bill of Malta Guinness.

Sunday, 25 November 2012

Winners emerge @ the Ghana Fashion Awards 2012

The Plaice Event Centre, La, Accra, brought the crème-de-la-crème to an atmosphere caressed with glitz and glamour, simple put, the ambiance on the 24th of November, 2012, was fabulous; it was the night were eleven winners went home with their names inscribed on the crystal plated award for hard work, determination and above all, the pat on the back to continue doing what they do best. It was the Ghana Fashion Awards 2012.

It was a night brilliantly organized as audience were thrilled to great performances by AJ Nelson and the veteran Nii Obi Addo who showed his prowess on the live band. The MC for the night was the ravishing Queenie Obeng. There was plenty to eat, drink and souvenirs to take home.

I am of the school of thought which says that once you are a nominee, you are a potential winner, though one person has to take the gong home. Congratulations to all the nominees and winners on the night. Below are the winners in the various categories they won:

POPULAR MAKE-UP ARTISTE OF THE YEAR: Juliet Ansu Yeboah

FASHION RETAILER OF THE YEAR: FC Beauty Klinik

CONTRIBUTION TO FASHION COMMUNICATION AND MEDIA: AGOO Magazine

FASHION CONTRIBUTOR TO EDUCATION & MENTORING: Vogue Style School of Fashion & Design

CONTRIBUTION TO FASHION PHOTOGRAPHY: Stephen Adusei

MODEL OF THE YEAR: Herty Twen

ACCESSORIES DESIGNER OF THE YEAR (JEWELLERY & BEADS OPTION): Wendy L’artisane

ACCESSORIES DESIGNER OF THE YEAR (BAGS, SHOES & HAIR OPTION): Sa4a Designs

EMERGING DESIGNER OF THE YEAR: Ophelia Crossland Designs

CELEBRITY FASHION ICON OF THE YEAR: Jon Germain

BEST DESIGNER OF THE YEAR: House of Eccentric

With shoulders high, Ghana can now boast of a fashion awards which has successfully ran for two consecutive years without any blip. Once again, congratulations to all the winners and Ayeeeekooo to the organizers.

Saturday, 24 November 2012

Sarkodie or Okyeame Kwame: Who is the Best Twi Rapper in Ghana?

Okyeame Kwame the Rap Doctor & Sarkodie the Obidiponbidi
Okyeame Kwame
Sarkodie
A lot of arguments have sprung up among lovers of good music as to who the best of Twi Rap in Ghana is.

The argument has taken centre stage of most ‘fights’ of students, particularly Tertiary students in Ghana.

Upon hearing barrage views from fans of the two rappers (Okyeame Kwame & Sarkodie) decided to bring the argument online for readers to share their voting thoughts on it.

Again, some further argued that, the phobia both rappers, Okyeame Kwame and Sarkodie have for each other prevent them to feature the other on their various songs as one could flawlessly ‘damage’ the other.

The only time fans heard a collaboration between the two was on KKD’s song which introduced him on stage during the 2011 Ghana Music Awards.

Aside that, there has not been any major song out from the collaboration voices of the two Twi rappers.

The question again goes, “who is the best Twi rapper in Ghana”? Let’s make this interactive…

Our Quest for Real Natural Beauty from our Celebrities

Becca in raw beauty
Imagine a world where there were no thick globs of makeup to obscure your inner radiance. No bleaching cream to strip the color from your beautiful dark skin. No Brazilian or Indian hair to hide away your vibrant curls.

Do you have the courage to embrace your authentic self? Do you have the faith to believe in your God-given beauty? Why would you want to hide the real you – beautiful and imperfect – from the world?

Becca, one of Ghana’s top songstresses, has long believed in the power of the natural beauty of the African woman. She made the choice to go natural – letting her inner light shine through to the surface.

In the photograph, without make-up, notice how her lovely skin and hair draw your gaze.

Without mincing words, we want to dare Ghanaian celebrities and Ghanaian women to try to go at least for a week without make-up.

Thursday, 22 November 2012

DKB kisses Zainab’s leg as a sign of “I’m sorry”


DKB kissing Zainab's leg


What happened between Zainab and DKB at the Big Brother House, might have been eating both of them since it caused them a lot and even a chance to change their lives, but as they say, the word ‘Sorry’ heals lots of wounds.

It was all joy yesterday on Viasat’s ‘The One Show’ with Joselyn Dumas and her co-host PY Addo as DKB and Zainab showed Ghanaians that they were finally together as friends.

Friends for life, DKB & Zaina...watched by PY and JD
DKB who last Friday on his ‘Friday Madness’ on Pravda Radio apologized to Zainab went ahead to do the same and continued it at the 4syte VMA on Saturday and finally ended it on Viasat One. The comedian when asked by the host to publicly apologize to the model went on his knees and begged her after which he raised her leg and kissed it.


For now DKB can walk around with no loads on his head since he was always buying credits to send apology messages to her. Zainab disclosed that, anytime she heard her phone peeped and realised it was a text message; she knew it would be from no other person than DKB.

She got bored at a time that she no longer wanted to even hear DKB’s name. She added that, she heard all the songs DKB composed because of her but she wasn’t ready to forgive him. Thanks now as all seems over and both can continue to live their lives in peace.

DKB swore that he will never slap a lady again.

Wednesday, 21 November 2012

Today is actress Nadia Buari’s Birthday

Today (November 21) is the birthday of popular actress, Nadia Buari. She was born in Takoradi to Alhaji Sidiku Buari and Hajia Buari.

She attended the University of Ghana, Legon, from where she graduated with a BFA degree.

The first movie in which she appeared was Mummy's Daughter.

Some of her other movies are Beyonce: The President’s Daughter, Chelsea, Beauty and the Beast, My Last Ambition, Beyonce & Rihanna, and Wicked Intentions.

She has twice been nominated for the AMAA award for Best Actress in a Leading Role.

We wish her a glorious day today.

D-Black questions the credibility of the 4Syte TV MVAs

D-Black @ Channel O Awards
D-Black made it known to Ghana Music.com that 4Syte TV Music Video Awards is a shame to our industry.

D-Black revealed that he didn’t want to be part of the award from the start but members of the 4Syte Awards organization convinced me on their behalf and promised that it will be organized well.

“Someone or some people called 4Syte TV sit in their homes and create an award show. This is not a national award, this is a privatized award show”, he said.

Before continuing D-Black made mention that from henceforth, 4Syte TV should not nominate him or any of his works at their award shows because Ghana deserves a much better award system.

D-Black also said 4Syte TV failed to bring out the time frame under which a music video falls in for nomination. “My video VERA is 2 months old and you nominate it? Really? EL's KAALU is 5 weeks old and you nominate it?”

D-Black asked back to back questions as to where is the transparency in voting also? What is the voting system? What percentage does the public receive via voting and the panel also? Why are all these not drawn out for us to know? Why would you use YFM's short code for your voting text line? Are you serious?

“Look at the Ghana Music Awards. These are all clearly defined. The 4Syte MVA categories don’t even have descriptions”, he said.

D-Black accepted that he won the Best Collaboration Music Video of the Year with Mo’ Cheddah for ‘Falling’ but still stands by his words that Ghana deserves a much better music video award scheme.

Tuesday, 20 November 2012

Bee's WILD FELIDION to rep @ Nigeria Fashion week 2012


Wild Felidion

Bee Arthur the Kora Fashion Awardee and Creative Director of Ghanian based label BEE EXOTIQ will be showcasing her exotiq designs at the Nigeria Fashion week 2012. The model's alias is Wild Felidion...#hmmm

BEE Arthur of B'ExotiQ with friends @ FAFA 2012


Gloria-Bee-Zek

@ FAFA 2012, BEE Arthur of B'ExotiQ is captured with friends (from Ugandan & Eritrean designers; they are Gloria and Zek), shopping @ the Junction Mall in the afternoon prior to show.