FASHION NIGHT OUT, GHANA 2012...is coming soon in May

GHANAIAN CELEBRITIES TALES VERSUS MEDIA PALAVA Case study of ‘Wengeze Wengeze’ Eazzy against the online media

In recent times worldwide, I have seen cases where celebrities have punched, slapped and even kicked the butts of media practitioners and no one has ever given a hoot over incidence like those. Recently a wave making fair young man who does Twi Pop slapped a Journalist at the National Theatre and no heaven fell, even if it will fall, who cares?

Haven’t I seen the case of a star fair actress in Ghana threaten to beat the living daylight out of the body of a dark Journalist who is just doing his work.  Haven’t I seen the case where a man of God drove to a radio station with a weapon to kill a Presenter for releasing a story of his mago-mago with a church sister? Is it news when those we see as men of God turn to be gods of men and rather get the full support of their spiritual papas? Who cares?

I have seen and not mere hear say, but it is happening without anyone blinking at the sight of the media man to ask, ‘how e take happen sef’?

But if it is with the celebrities, every Tom, Dick, and Harry will like to put that eye-saw attitude into play.

Recently I read online on the statement issued by one online media stating that Eazzy was leaving her current Record Label. I may be somewhat wondering if the story was true or not but certainly what we know is that if the artist wants to leave then why will it be news? Okay, I see the gist clearer now, she probably wanted a secret exist or maybe the online media let the cat out of the bag as early as proposed. Which is which? This is a new year where everything is possible.

What happens when a ‘celebrity’ attacks or assaults a media practitioner? What happens like that of D’Cryme who backstage attacked Nana Yaw of 18.com? Who will defend the young boy who probably spoke the truth, even if na lie sef wey the boy talk, se ‘celebrity suppose rain brimstone ni? Who will defend that radio Presenter who almost lost his life when that Pastor stormed the radio station with a weapon, even if the Presenter lie nko, se na Pastor for dey fight him own battle ni? What happened to that Holy book’s passage that said, ‘the battle is the Lord’s’?

No sides taking but when ‘wengeze wengeze’ Eazzy heard or read of her departure from Lynx Entertainment, she broke heaven with her quickly debunking the news and asked for an apology letter to be dropped on her table. In fact the front desk of her house. No be small thing. She called the report as ‘falsehood’, but in every lie there is an iota of truth. She said she remains with the Lynx Entertainment label and also called for a retraction from the publishers of the falsehood.

As part of her right, she thinks that the story may or would destroy her image and then must be retracted. Quoting her she said, ‘I would normally keep quiet about rumors and false news, but this particular story I find infuriating because it not only tells lies, but attempts to destroy my image and that of my management team.’ She went on to say that, ‘This story is completely false, factually inaccurate and unprofessional. I am disappointed that the website can release such a story without any facts. To clear the air, I am still very much on Lynx Entertainment, and contrary to what the article implied, not only does my team remain the same, but an A&R department has been added on, which is making the team even more efficient. Presently I am getting ready to start a lot of projects to continue building myself as an artist, such as my upcoming ‘Go Go Wind Video Tour’ and I am upset that such immature journalism may coincide with my plans.’ Finally, she sounded a word of warning to the online media that, ‘I publicly demand a retraction and an apology from the online media, and I believe they will do so, if they believe themselves to be decent journalists.’

I also believe that decency must be at work in all aspects of our lives and this must not be devoid of the fact that we live in a small world. I also must be decent enough never to play the ‘bad role’ in every image soiling.

LYDIA, ADJETEY, SENANU SPICE UP ‘MASQUERADES’ NIGHT

The much-awaited premiere of ‘Masquerades’ took place at the Silverbird Cinema in Accra on Friday night. The premiere attracted a lot of movie fans who came to enjoy the movie from the Silverbird giant screens.

The main cast, Lydia Forson, Adjetey Anang and Senanu Gbedawo, were there to take pictures with their fans and also grant interviews with the press.

Though Desmond was promised to be there, he did not show up. Katawere was also missing in action. 

‘Masquerades’, directed by Belgian Xavier Arijs, was the last movie Ghana’s late cinematographer, Bob J, worked on before his untimely death.

It is a 70-minute comedy produced by Zedec Entertainment and sponsored by rLG communications.

The story was by Lydia Forson and Habiba Nelson, CEO of Zedec Entertainment, while screenplay was by David Ammah.

Everything about the movie is unique movie, especially the cast.  The movie is a hilarious family comedy that explores today’s contemporary family life during Christmas.

It tells the story of family members who are forced to come home, as a result of the death of their uncle, for their first Christmas together after several years apart.

As the funeral expenses pile up and in pursuit of social status, each family member is determined to maintain a lifestyle that will complement how rich they claim to be. Movie enthusiasts had the opportunity to uncover the entire story recently.

For those who didn’t see it, it will continue screening for a few more days.

FAMILIAR FRIENDS SUPPORT LUCKIE’S ‘FAMILIAR STRANGERS’

Star actress Luckie Lawson made history for herself with a successful executive premiere of her second produced movie, FAMILIAR STRANGERS, on Saturday evening at the plush Maya Cova restaurant, behind Omanye Home Art Gallery in La.    

It was an exciting event which brought together the corporate world and kings and queens of Ghana and Nigeria’s movie industries together. Among movie stars were Yvonne Nelson, Juliet Ibrahim, Nikki Samonas, Zynnell Lydia Zuh and Kobi Rana. Nollywood’s Halima Abubakar and Scott Robert were also present, even though Chika Ike and Yemi Blaq could not make it.

Nana Ama McBrown, Prince David Osei, Roselyn Ngissah and others who formed the cast were also there. However, John Dumelo, who played the lead, was missing in action.  Other celebrities were Wutah Kobby, Nigerian singer Riya, Rana and Nasara of Ghana’s Most Beautiful.  Hon. Nana Akomea, the MP for Okaikoi South, and international soccer star Samuel Inkoom also graced the event with their presence.             

This is the second time Lawson has organized an executive premiere for her movie. The first was for ‘Silence is Golden’, starring Ramsey Nouah and Chika Ike. During the ceremony, exercise books with the actress’s pictures on the cover pages were auctioned to raise funds for her foundation.

The new movie was directed by Pascal Amanfo and was shot at locations in Spintex. Guests enjoyed the movie which is about the unusual tale of three sisters, played by Luckie, Nana Ama and Roslyn, who are caught in a world of deceit, strange living and betrayal.  

Luckie Lawson played ‘Wande’, a doctor with no child, even though she loved kids. On other hand, her sister, (Nana Ama McBrown) who prioritizes sex over her kid, has no time for her own child.

Wande takes up the responsibility of taking care of her sister’s child and that of Roslyn’s. One of the two irresponsible mothers decides to kill one of the kids and it was at this same time that Wande finds out that her sisters’ kids are rather her step-children.

After the movie ended, the audience could not help clapping for a job well done.

The night wasn't all about movie as Nigerian singer Riya thrilled guests with some performances

233CONNECT STATEMENT AFTER FABULOUS AND REDCAFE LIVE IN GHANA CONCERT, MARIO AND SHONTELLE LIVE IN GHANA CONCERT, T-PAIN LIVE IN GHANA CONCERT 2011: A GOOD YEAR IT’S BEEN

The early months of 2011 marked our grand entry into Ghana’s entertainment industry. The ‘events management and production sector’ saw the birth of a new, innovative, young company christened 233Connect. Never has a new entrant made such an impressive statement when so little was expected of it, than what we offered last year. To those who kept faith, and walked with us throughout last year, we offer our sincerest gratitude.

233 Connect started the first quarter of last year in grand style, with the Fabulous and Redcafe Live in Ghana concert. We proved to the industry our firm desire to break into a territory that, for a very long time, had been monopolized. The Fabulous and Redcafe concert, which also hosted Nigeria’s sensational Ice Prince, Brymo and Wiz Kid, alongside a top core of Ghana’s finest acts including Sarkodie, VIP, 4X4 and Kelvin Beats, went down in history as one of the biggest and best foreign act concerts ever to be staged in Ghana.

Thanks to you, our numerous patrons, 233Connect is now associated with star quality, style and precision. Today, stakeholders are aware of the existence of our brand and what we are able to offer. Throughout all three concerts this year, you have been there, supporting us every step of the way.

The consistent support of our hardworking production team including: Master Mix, Big Ideaz, Controlite Gh and our security detail Events Security, was enough to see us through a very challenging but equally exciting year. To the dozens of companies who partnered us, including the Multimedia Group, Global Media Alliance and other media houses, supermarkets, ticketing, travel and tours, airlines, hotels, rentals and managers of the DOME among others, we are most grateful.

The plaudits after our first concert were enough to spur us on to the Mario and Shontelle Live in Ghana concert, our second event of the year. After appealing extensively to hardcore music lovers, with a heavy music policy (rap) on our first concert, 233 Connect displayed versatility in our mild offering of Mario and Shontelle, to the Ghanaian people. The support we enjoyed from the huge number of people who trooped to the Dome of the Accra International Conference Centre was indicative of the level of appreciation the Ghanaian people have for us; and we are glad we did not disappoint.

Against popular misconception that “soft, musical concerts don’t sell in Ghana”, and true to pre-event expectations, the Mario and Shontelle concert in July lived up to its billing, thanks to you, our cherished patron and partner. Both acts on the night were simply awesome, dishing out some of their favorite songs to a crowd that knew all too well about them. Also on the bill, were Nigeria’s KAS of ‘Femile’ fame and multiple award winning Angolan Kaduro-dance act, Cabo Snoop; amongst others included Ghana’s CHASE, Tiffany, Raquel and Atumpan.

Three months after putting together one of the best R&B concerts in recent times in Ghana; we staged a return with what is still being touted as the “best concert” after the Fabulous and Redcafe concert. Once again, you helped in making it a huge hit.

The T-Pain Live in Ghana concert by every extension is one event that will, for a very long time, stay fresh in the minds of all who patronized it. Just as we promised, the concert; which also featured Nigeria’s biggest selling rap act M.I; Ghana’s VIP, KWAW Kese, BUKBAK, and Keche; passed as the biggest event in Ghana around December 2011.

For a company that has barely chalked a year in the industry, the December 2011 concert offered us a good platform to showcase our potential as one of Ghana’s leading event companies. True to our word, we delivered. Every detail, from the technical arrangement to artistic delivery, was on point – a true indication that we have arrived, and ready to offer an alternative live musical experience – one that you (our patrons) deserve.

In all, it’s been a good year for us. Putting together three exciting shows in nine months – a feat that is rare for newcomers in Ghana, is something we are excited about and we know thousands of you identify with us in this accomplishment. We consider our success, a collective victory.

As we move into another gear this year; looking towards celebrating a year in the Ghanaian events industry; we promise a better, efficient, effective and more improved 233Connect.

Long live Ghana’s entertainment industry, long live 233Connect.

THAT 233 CONNECT NIGHT, NAPPY & CHOC PERFORMED BUT GHANAIAN ACTS STOLE THE SHOW

Two names that dragged my feet from my home to the Dome of the Accra International Conference Center were T-Pain and M.I., yet I was just much impressed with the beautiful displays from Keche to Kwaw Kese to Buk Bak to V.I.P., and that night was gbam!

I knew that if anyone was going to steal the night, it should be either the guest from Nappy USA or that from Choc Nigeria, but sincerely I have never despised the prowess of Keche, the madness of the Kwaw Kese, the glittering swag of Buk Bak and the glamorous display of Vision In Progress boys who did come clad in their ‘Nima University’ representing outfits. I m a true fan of all these lads and they never disappointed me.

For the benefit of those who weren’t there that 24^th night in the Dome (which I feel has be dis virgin by numerous organizers who will not use any other venue than the place I feel if it had mouth, it will cry), lots happened with the MC being the UK based Ghanaian boy, DJ Abrantie who was sharing CDs from zone to zone. Ask me if he did impress me? I can’t tell because I don’t understand gibberish. The DJ for that night almost made me rain Armageddon on him but when tunes started rolling in, I intended to forget his flaws jooor.

The crowd yes did turn out and who wouldn’t want to when all the television promotions ran like never before. I must say here that I wondered how the organizers spilt the people with another event that was going on inside the same venue hosted by another popular radio station in the land. From my stand, dem fit wash put ooo; well without much this or that, get this first hand that the show did go on well.

Keche were the first to perform and trust me that everyone in that crowd knows them with their latest hit that drags your Azonto spirit to react to their beat. The duo never went low in their performance and I must beat my chest to it that Ghanaian acts have grown into a matured stage now.

Next was the man insane, call him whatever with his bag of tricks of entertaining the crowd, that’s your own cup of tea because Kwaw knows his onions. He came in on stage with a bicycle (one wonders what he will bring on stage next time). He really carried the crowd long and they also followed. He has stepped up his game and I saw a new lad inside the old man who was almost flopping years ago immediately after picking numerous awards in Ghana. Kwaw Kese did show me that you sometimes cannot write off some acts because of their absence from their own game. He omens did play an impact in that night.

When the sleek voice of Bright stuns you and Ronny response with his base-like voice and the two connect with one word and that’s kolom! Then you are in for real good dance. Buk Bak have long written their names in the good books of the music industry in Ghana and even with their split as a group before the Lord touched them to come back together, they have been great acts. After couple of years of absence, their comeback has been beautifully coined. One thing people love about these dudes is their sense of hitting the shelves and coming out with unique outfits. Well this night wasn’t a different tune with their swag.

If you have watched V.I.P., acted on stage before then you will never underestimate what the Nima boys are capable of. To me it seems like they have some kind of persons that they try to piss off with their sounds by making a living on their flare. Whatever..! The performed like they were just coming out of the oven and hot were they.

It will be very wrong for anyone on that night to write off the connectivity prowess that was yet to be established because one short black boy hadn’t done his own turn yet. Then came in the Choc Boiz headmaster – M.I. He came in with a slight problem of his voice disappearing into the thin air but, who cares? When he started rhyming, t was only a matter of time to see more of what the incredibly Mr. Incredible was going to punch out. A lady at the right hand side of the audience was dancing as if she had met the lottery king who had promised her whatever, na you sabi that one. Jude Abaga never failed on his duty to dish out the right tunes with or without his voice. At the end of his performance, the entire crowd knew that even if the special guest didn’t turn up, they had gotten over dose of what they bargained for.

I am a critic but am I not here to talk on the fun that happened on the night? Yes, but let me send some clear advice to event organizers; let’s keep the bravery and tempo when events are going on because the sound system almost embarrassed the night. With the Nappy boy bringing his own sound boy, then he prepared for the worst, abi? Nappy T-pain imagined the worst so he brought in his own sound engineers to produce his section.

The boy sang, rapped, danced, beat-boxed as DJ, and pulled every stunt to delight the crowd; and backed by his dancers, he was able to do just that.  He presented some of his hit tunes like ‘Buy You A Drink’, ‘Bartender’, ‘5 O’clock’, ‘All Of The Above’, ‘Get Low’ and several others.

Chaiii!, My people will always be Oliver Twist just as that boy from West Africa is, they asked for more until the Nappy son saw that he would collapse on the stage, if na you nko wetin you go do? But the fun needed to come to an end.

Nappy Pain did not disappoint me either did Choc Mr. Incredible too. But the dudes that stole my heart were the GH reps; they stood the pressure of dwindling and gave their ass out. Probably just as that rapperholic will always say, big things are happening now in GH music.

When I met Grace Sarfo Kantanka, Ghana’s Model of the Year 2011...

Grace Sarfo Kantanka is currently the Model of the Year in Ghana. She is that young lady who at her status has tried to put off the shackles of seclusion behind her and forge ahead with what life is tolling her way. She has had to battle inferiority complex among her pairs, both in the changing room, on the runway and amongst all, among those she sometimes feels she had put her trust in their hands.

At just 21, Grace Sarfo Kantanka, a native of Kumawu Bodumasi in Kumasi, Ashanti region is living her life just as she dreamt few years back. She spoke to passionately to me on her award at the maiden edition of the Ghana Fashion Awards that was held at the plush M Plaza Hotel in Accra, she couldn’t hold back the lack of respect she faced and yet many more coming models still face same. There are privileges and setbacks and thus, Grace opened all to me without holding anything back.

Recently she won a deal to appear on the front cover of an international magazine and hell has since broken loose because she came out nude. ‘Professionalism was at play out there’, she told me.

Having come into the modeling scene in 2008 after watching and getting inspired by her mentor, Berlinda Baidoo, she has since never looked back and thus three years later, in 2011 she bagged the Model of the Year Award at the maiden edition of the Ghana Fashion Awards. A big boost to her passion and the dark sleek beauty told me different issues that have built her steadfastness and zeal to push further. She was very comfortable with the whole give and take section, trust me na.

Where you expecting to win that award that night, or were there any hint on you possibly taking that award?

YemmeY that night for me was just like every night but a bit different because I felt that I had one treat and that was my other female pal who was on the bill alongside the other two guys. I wasn’t hinted on any possible winner but I just felt that I deserved it all the same just as I thought that anyone that picks it also deserves it.

Congratulations on your award as the model of the year at the last Ghana Fashion Awards 2011. How has the feelings been so far?

The feelings have been great and appreciated on every passing day. I have been so grateful to God and the organizers for the entire concept.

The gist is that you had to give in your body to win that accolade, how true is that?

Why should I if I may ask? Rumors will never cease to run around. Why would I want to do such because I want to win an award?

Why would you want to do that? But I am asking based on what I gathered.

But if you really want to get an answer, then I will tell you the truth that I didn’t. Until I got the mail in my inbox that I was on the nomination list, I still didn’t know who the organizers were. I may do a semi nude photo shoot as the one I did for an international magazine but I will not for anything or any price go nude to get an award.

Why did you leave your sit at the Ghana Fashion Awards before your name was mentioned? Was it fear of losing out?

No. I was just tensed, that’s all. This is my first major award for my hard work in the last four years and I guess you know how the feeling is like.

Will you do anything to meet your client’s requirement as a model?

Professionally yes. As I just told you that I have had to go on a photo shoot for a magazine without anything on. Well that is my job and after that nothing else. Luckily in my case, it was a lady who was the photographer.

[Cut in…]So will you have escaped if it were a male?

I am not saying that I would have ran out of the studio had it been a male but I am just pointing out that I have grown to understand what professionalism is and I apply it in my career.

Growing up in the last 21 years of your life, fun?

Growing up for me has been okay with me. I have never had to regret anything because I am contented with my whole surrounding. I am the last kid among the 8 children of my parents. I lost my dad few years ago and I have my mum who understands me and has been my rock. My siblings have been great and supportive as well as been there for me since I took up my modeling career. I am planning to go back to school as soon as possible.

You had to choose between your schooling and your modeling career, why did you take such a decision?

I love education a lot as well as I love my passion which is modeling. I just understand myself; I know that I may not be able to combine the two together. I may not be able to mingle the two so I decided to drop one for one then later get back with the other and the education has had to suffer in this case. This doesn’t stop the fact that I am going back to school this year.

Does it mean that you love modeling that much to your education?

Modeling has been inside of me since I was growing up education is very important as well as modeling. I am very passionate with my career and I cannot let anything take me away from my passion. Even if I am schooling today and then I have an exam as well as I have a show to do on the runway, my dear trust me that I will leave that paper and then zoom off to the location to do my show and then if there is time left, I write that paper but If not, then that’s it.

What led you into modeling?

I was watching the TV one day sometimes in 2008, then this young lady by name Berlinda Baidoo was just talking about modeling and how she has made it and how she has been relegated to the background because of her color and then she inspired me with the words of never giving up on your dreams and aspiration. I was triggered that day because earlier on when I decided to do this, my peers do tease me with m dark color and here I was watching Berlinda talking on the advantages of my color. Then soon I was introduced to her by a cousin and the rest they say is history now.

Will you say that Berlinda Baidoo is your role model?

Why wouldn’t I say that? She has been very supportive with all the encouragement and as well as introduction into what I am having fun at right now. She has been a positive image to me.

Some of the platforms and countries you have graced as a model?

I have been on over 25 runways and yet I still feel that there is more to do. I am just still starting my career but I have been on the FIMA in Niger and the late Gaddafi’s birthday celebration in Libya which was courtesy of the renowned Alphadi from Niger. I have also been on the Be Bold Fashion Show, Canoe 53 Sails, Ghana Fashion Train, the Launch of Glitz Magazine, and many more.

You were part of Black Secret and then you left, why?

I made it to the finals but had to leave because I had a commitment in Libya so I decided to leave.

Relationship wise, how does your boyfriend feel?

Feel as in how? My boyfriend met me in this industry and I know he understands me and then he went along with me so I don’t understand with your questions of ‘how does he feel’.

Do you want to say that no model has become ‘big’ from Ghana here?

Can you name anyone of them who have made it big on the world stage coming from Ghana? They all go outside Ghana and then make it there before coming back home. Ghanaians don’t respect models and it is high time we give some respect to the passion that has also put us on world map. We have great models that have done Ghana proud, from the likes of Berlinda Baidoo, Pearl Amoah, Selassie Shirley, Kate Mensah, Hamamat, etc.

Psychologically, has modeling affected any aspect of your life, family or relationship?

Yes it has. Modeling has brought me this far. I am very passionate about it when I talk about this and as well I cry when I get to say this that it almost marred my family relationship with my mum. She is a strict Pentecostal Deaconess and you can imagine the kind of looks she may probably get from people around when they get to know that I am the lady on the bill board posed semi nude. It has somehow hinted my mind on it but this is just professionalism and it is what I do as a career and I guess she understands as well as I have cautioned my approach to certain shoots I do now.

What are some of the challenges you have had to face as a model?

I have had to face a great deal of prejudice among some peers. My color has really brought me tears and smiles. When I was growing up, my peers do tease me with my dark color and even now that I am matured, I still face a lot of that even from those I feel should rather encourage me but that’s life though. Along all these challenges, I must confess that my dark color skin has brought me this far. I really thank God and appreciate his hand work in my life. Apart from my skin color, models aren’t respected here in Ghana and it hurts. I want to see a time that credence will be given to models.

Five years from now, where do you see Grace Sarfo Kantanka?

I want to see myself gracing the runways of top fashion shows all across the world. I also wish to become an international super model.