In the aftermath of the highly successful 14th edition of the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards, as is expected, winning musicians and those who were nominated but failed to pick up any award in various categories have expressed their delight or disappointment on various platforms.

Gospel musician Nicholas Omane Acheampong believes that he deserved more than the lone Gospel Song of the Year award. He told Showbiz that the most Popular Song Of The Year category which went to R2Bees should have gone to him. 

Sounding rather bitter, Nicholas said he suspected he would be left out of the awards because he had earlier criticised the organisers over the way they were going about the awards.

D-Black who lost out on all his six nominations was very cool about it. He said that whether win or lose the most important thing was that his fans enjoyed his music. 

Afriyie (of Wutah fame) won the Best Highlife Artiste and in a post-VGMA interview on radio he said “I felt sad that I wasn’t there with my colleague” and expressed regret that they may not come together again any time soon.

On the part of Cwesi Oteng, who picked up the Best Gospel Artiste award, he said he was unperturbed by his loss. “The future is bright for me, I’m working hard and I’m not stopping at these award nominations”.

Cwesi Oteng also urged his colleague gospel artistes to double their efforts and raise the bar to churn out more creativity to advance God’s work.

Female dancehall artiste Kaakie seems to have taken the maternal health conversation to a bigger platform as she dedicated  the Best Reggae/Dancehall Song of the Year”  and “Best New Artiste Of The Year” awards she won to the nearly four thousand women that die annually from maternal health related causes. 

Earlier this year, Kaakie announced her decision to tackle maternal health issues through an awareness campaign that will run in five cities in the country.

Hiplife duo Keche also think the Most Popular Song Of The Year award should have gone to them because their song Aluguntugui was very popular during the year under review. They however congratulated R2Bees for picking six awards on the night.

With six nominations, Asem who did not win anything on the night said his fans and Ghanaians were expecting that he would grab the  Best Collaboration award with his Bye Bye song but that did not happen. Asem however congratulated musicians who won awards on the night.

Hiplife trio 4X4 who had four nominations said any musician that won an award on the night deserved it. Although the group were in contention with R2Bees for Hip Life Song Of The Year, Hip Life Hip Hop Song Of The Year, Best Group Of The Year,  4X4 said R2Bees deserved it all because they really worked hard last year.

Sound engineer Appietus congratulated Killbeatz for winning Producer Of The Year award. According to Appietus, all songs Killbeatz produced were very nice so there was no better person who deserved the award than him.

By Kofi Duah

View original:

Sweet and sour grapes after VGMA

Don Jazzy

Some selected award winning musicians from Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa have been invited to perform at the launch of Big Brother Africa show on Sunday May 26.

The big night will also see 28 new housemates being revealed to audiences in over 50 African countries for season 8 of Big Brother Africa, The Chase.

Multi award-winning record producer, singer, songwriter and musician Don Jazzy, D’ Prince and Wande Coal will be on stage for their collaborative performance.

Audiences can look forward to sassy and upbeat tunes from Kenya’s very own award winner STL, who promises to deliver an unforgettable and lasting performance with her distinct pop, soul and rap sound.

One of South Africa’s leading Afro Pop music groups, Mafikizolo will also serenade audiences with their soulful and rhythmic tunes on the big launch night.

The continent can expect a sensational performance that will ignite the Big Brother live show stage.

The line-up will also include a slot for some comic relief from Kenyan stand-up comedian Daniel Ndambuki, popularly known as Churchill.

The highly talented entertainer has also become a household name with his TV show called ‘Churchill Live’.

View the original here:

Top Stars To Perform @ Big Brother Africa Launch

EL

E.L, the versatile singer, songwriter, and producer, will on Saturday June 1, stage a live musical concert at the Alliance Française in Accra.

E.L, who has promised to perform his favourite hit songs to satisfy patrons who will attend the show, is expected to surprise the audience with a blend of different varieties of music inspired from various sources.

The event, which is expected to attract a large number of music fans, as well as stakeholders in the music industry, will kick off at 8:00pm.

This would be his first public performance after his ‘Something Else’ won the overall best ‘Album of the Year’ over the weekend at the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMAs).

His stagecraft and creative performance on stage during the Vodafone Ghana music Awards held last Saturday earned him the credential as one of the most thrilling hip-life artistes in the country.

E.L is noted for his unparalleled and irresistible stage presence that gets his audience asking for more anytime he performs.

E.L says he is ready to unleash an extraordinary performance on the night; one that his fans have never witnessed before.

E.L. is an enterprising young music icon who has appeared on many musical concerts held in the country and performed with music stars like Sarkodie, J. Martins, 9ice, Fabulous and Rick Ross.

A natural performer with good stagecraft, any time he grabs the microphone on stage, music fans see him as a real music icon whose presence will boost the image of Ghanaian music on the international scene.

Unarguably, one of the biggest producers cum rappers, he has lent his blend of hip-hop/afro beat sounds and voice to major hits for the likes of  Sarkodie’s ‘You Go Kill Me’, ‘Dangerous’, D-Black’s ‘Get on the Dance Floor’, Reggie Rockstone’s ‘Rockstone’s Office’, Asem’s ‘Check Your Weight’ and many more.

This event is powered by The 12 with support from BBNZ, Heel the World, Bob Pixel Photography, George Britton and Edge 53, BuzzGH, HypeNation, Lynx TV and YFM.

By George Clifford Owusu

Read this article –

E.L To Thrill Fans @ Alliance Francaise On June 1

The Award Winning Leading Change through the Art of Narrative Management Programme is expected to rock the La Palm Hotel, Accra on June 10, 2013, and Golden Tulip Hotel, Kumasi on June 12, 2013, respectively.

The main objective of the Art of Narrative Management Programme is to use story telling as an enabler to the transformation of organisations and enhance performance and productivity.

The Art of Narrative Management Programme is a joint collaboration between Quality Life Company of South Africa, MacTay Consulting of Nigeria and Learning Organisation.

A statement jointly signed by Dunne Edelstein CEO of Quality Life Company of South Africa, Tayo Rotimi CEO of MacTay Consulting of Nigeria and Isaac Sackey CEO of Learning Organisation, stated that the programme will equip participants with powerful intervention and individual processing tools that will positively transform their organisations.

The training programme will be facilitated by the renowned story teller, writer and professor of English Literature Professor Dorian Haarhoff. He has a range of publications to his name and brings with him a deep belief in a passion for and a keen understanding of the power of stories in professional and personal life. Through his skills, experience and insights, Dorian uses story telling as a catalyst for the transformation of organisations and enhancement of performance and productivity.

The Art of Narrative Management Training is designed for Chief Executives, Chief Directors, Directors, Managing Directors, General Managers, Functional Heads, Managers, Decision-Makers and Strategic Planners.

Read the article:

Arts Training For CEOs Soon

To her many admirers on TV3’s very popular Music Music weekend programme, Stacy may have taken a short break as hostess of the programme and was going to return soon. The month of June crept into July, then August and through to December and still there was no sign of Stacy on TV. That was when rumours started to fly that the petite lady had had a fight with the management of TV3 and as a result, she had quit the programme.

Last week, for the first time, Stacy went public and recounted what went on when she went “awol”. She told Showbiz that she was totally immobilised by ill-health which got her bed ridden for almost one year.

“I have kissed death and I’m back”, she told Showbiz. “I saw death face to face. From June last year to February this year has been the toughest time in my life because I did not know what the future had for me. There were times I slept and did not even know I will see the next day, it was a difficult time for me, for my kids and for my husband”.

She  said that, she was bed ridden, could not eat and  was fed only on  water melon and water. During this time, her husband Okyeame Quophi of TV Africa’s Sound Splash was with her through it all and used every opportunity to encourage her to hold on and that she will pull through.

“Life they say is a teacher so one thing that I learnt since my recovery is that, there is a God somewhere, my faith in Him has increased and I know He is a prayer answering person, I’m now a refreshed person and very spiritual” she added.

She used the opportunity of the Showbiz interview to acknowledge Becca, Nana Ama Mcbrown, Emelia Brobbey, Prophet Osei, Prophet Owusu Bempah , Mr. Arnold Asante C.E.O of Imajin Advertising and all others who supported her when she fell ill.

As to whether she will go back to do TV, she said yes, she is now ok and would be coming out soon but in a way that Ghanaians and the world have not seen before.

Turning the discussion to one of her pet subjects – dignity of womanhood – Stacy condemned all types of domestic violence.
She said that if any man did as little as raise his hand against her, she would not hesitate to have him locked up. “To me, any man that beats or lays his hands on a woman is a coward”.

In response to how she combines her business running a clothes and accesories business, event management, running her home as wife and mother of three, all Stacy said was that “life is fabulous, life is great and life is fantastic and that it takes great planning to combine all those responsibilities.

“I plan myself very well so I’m able to discharge my duties efficiently even though I would not say I’m a super woman and in addition, God’s grace is one major tool” she added.

She revealed that, if there was anything she would like to change about her husband, it was his workaholic nature. That notwithstanding, she described Okyeame Quophi as “the most amazing person on earth. With all the ladies who admire  him, I still do not have a problem because at the end of the day I know what I have, whom I am married to and I trust too”.

Stacy said that, if she is not at work then she is sleeping or watching TV.

By Delali Sika

See original article:

Stacy: I’ve kissed death

If anyone finds popular actor Omar Sheriff Captan preaching in a church, the one should not be too surprised  because the handsome actor is now a born-again and God is using him to bless other people. Omar, looking dapper as always, told Showbiz last Friday that he felt the special call of God six years ago but did not pay much attention to it until he miraculously prayed to heal his little sister who was suffering from convulsion.

Thereafter, he said, God has led him to do many wonderful things.  “It is not everything I can say but I thank God for making me see the light”.

Omar now wants to be called Evangelist Omar Sherriff Captan. “I have so far preached at a few churches including Ofori Amponsah’s church as well as the  International Central Gospel Church and the responses have been fantastic. I am mostly at Achimota forest doing some wonderful work of God and I believe God will take me far” Omar said.

Asked what he is currently doing, Omar Sheriff who has not been active in  movies since Tinsel, said he wants to do the work of God  full time with his new-found talent.

Known  for movies such as Outrage, Dark Sands, My Sweetie and television series Tentacles , Broadway, and Tinsel, Omar Sherriff said he doesn’t want anything to stand in his way now that he has seen God and serving Him whole heartedly

“I will not allow anything to come between God and I because I have gone through a lot. I thank God for bringing me this far and I advise anyone who hasn’t given him or herself to God to do so now because God is a sweet father” Omar pointed out.

Omar Sheriff who is a divorcee but taking things cool has just featured in a new movie Cheaters  which features actors Jackie Appiah, Adjetey Anang and others and will be premiered at the Silverbird May 24.

Talking about the movie, Omar said the movie throws more light on the assumption that marriage is the only war in which one sleeps with the enemy. “If the couple is inseparable, it usually takes five people to separate it and Cheaters reflects just that. In this film, love is portrayed as a mysterious adventure that takes one through many twists and turns.

Also in the African movie world, reports from Nollywood say popular actor Zack Orji has totally given his life to Christ. He has now been made a Pastor and for some time now he has been winning souls for Christ.

According to the reports, Zack had been on the corridors of evangelism in the past two years. He was proclaimed an evangelist by the President of Christian Central Chapel International (CCCI) Bishop Emma Isong.

The actor was said to have moved from one church to the other with the ministry, working hard and praying to get further official pastoral ordination. He had been preaching at engagements in various churches such as Shepherd House Assembly in Makurdi, Lafia, Abuja and the Diaspora.

The actor’s dreams of becoming a full minister of God became a reality a few weeks ago when he was officially ordained a pastor by Bishop Lawrence Osagie.

It was also gathered that Zack Orji will continue with his inspirational style of preaching which will open him to frequent travelling all over the world to preach the word of God.

By Kofi Duah

Source:

Omar Sheriff turns preacher

After wetting appetites with Don’t Delay Me and features alongside Banky W, L Marshall and BurnaBoy, EME’s 1stlady Niyola serves us two new singles; CRAZYand TOH BAD. Love is the central theme and Niyola shows us her romantic, playful and charming sides.

Crazy produced by Masterkraft is a mid tempo ballad that tells the story of the intense emotions attached to loving that special someone. While the Oscar laced Toh Bad is the atypical love song, in it Niyola explains the depth of true love and how encompassing love is.

Editor’s Note:
Download Links
Crazy – http://www.hulkshare.com/xeqr3nbfjtog
Toh Bad – http://www.hulkshare.com/daadm62x2sqo

INFO
Record Label: Empire Mates Entertainment
Email: bookings@empirematesentertainment.com
Twitter: @iAmNiyola
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/niyola
Instagram: @Niyola
Website: www.empirematesentertainment.com

Continued here:

EME’s Leading Lady; NIYOLA Releases Hot New Singles

Bola Ray speaking at the launch

The third edition of the Ghana Meets Naija series is set to take centre stage on June 29.

Arguably the fiercest and biggest musical clash between two of West Africa’s dreaded rivals – Ghana and Nigeria – the concert will see top notch artistes from each country perform on one stage and on one night.

Set for the Accra International Conference Centre, organizers – Empire Entertainment – promises a fun-packed, adrenaline filled musical showdown between some of the biggest acts to have ever graced the African and world music stage.

This year, the concert will be introducing new breed of legends who have in their own rights carved a niche for themselves; a marked departure from the previous editions which saw old acts wow the audience in many significant respects.

In the Ghanaian corner is an impressive list of acts – R2Bees, who just won six awards including Artiste of the Year at the 2013 Ghana Music Awards; Edem, Okyeame Kwame, Raquel, E.L., Xo Senavoe, and Dobble while Africa’s hottest act Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Timaya, will seek to jointly repel the Ghanaian opposition for Nigeria.

Nathaniel Kwabena Anokye Adisi popularly known as Bola Ray, CEO of Empire Entertainment speaking at the launch at the Holiday Inn Hotel Wednesday said the concert was built on the solid foundation of harnessing the talents of both countries for unity.

“The concept of Ghana Meets Nigeria was built on celebrating, uniting and exploring the different, yet similar musical taste, cultures and artistes of both Nigeria and Ghana and this year I can assure you, I can tell you confidently that we bringing to you the most exciting and outstanding show that you will ever see in terms of shows right here in Ghana,” he said.

Last year’s show, Bola Ray noted, exceeded expectations and it has moved on to become “the biggest and most exciting musical concert [ever to be staged in Ghana]. We went on to win an award for that.” He acknowledged the support of patrons for being a part of its success.

Wizkid speaking at the launch also said, “I was actually supposed to do this show last year but we couldn’t make it possible because I was nominated for the BET Awards …this year I’m definitely going to be there giving one of the best performances of my life in Ghana.”

The Matter hit singer thanked fans in Ghana for their support over the years and stated that, “I wouldn’t be here without you guys.”

Other artistes on the bill also promised to give Ghanaians and Nigerians a concert of a lifetime.

This year’s concert is supported by MTN, rlg, Moet and Chandon, Hennessy, Holiday Inn, EuroStar Global Limousine Limited and Sky Airlines.

Excerpt from:

Ghana, Nigeria to renew fierce musical rivalry on June 29

Following the allegation by Gifty Ofori, 2012 winner of the Miss Universe Ghana beauty pageant that she is yet to receive prizes promised her after her crowning, Roberta Annan Consulting [RAC LLC], current organizers of the pageant has issued a statement to distance itself from the accusations.

Gifty’s prize package publicised by last year’s organizers, Insignia Experience and RAC Group comprised of an official car, accommodation for a year, participation in the 61st Miss Universe pageant in the US, a three-month internship at the United Nations (UN) in New York, and a presentation and modeling portfolio shot by celebrity photographer, Fadil Berisha in New York.

She was also to receive a Samsung Note 2 tablet, four pages editorial spread in an international magazine, personal celebrity stylists in New York, Los Angeles and Accra and also management and representation by the Insignia Experience/RAC Group as well as a year of incredible experience of celebrity status and adventure.

Till date, May 22, 2013, the beauty queen had only received the Samsung Galaxy phablet, represented Ghana at Miss Universe pageant in the US and also benefited from a photo shoot.

According to Gifty, she has no idea as to when organizers will fulfill their promise to her especially when they do not answer her phone calls.

RAC LLC, in a statement released Wednesday and copied Myjoyonline.com said last year’s edition of the pageant was organized by INSIGNIA Experience with help from the RAC Group and based on their working agreement at the time; INSIGNIA was responsible for the event as well as providing the winner with the prizes she deservedly won.

The statement said: ‘RAC LLC however believes that Ms. Gifty Ofori deserves to receive all the full benefits that were promised her she won the crown last year; and as such is right to pursue the issue with last year’s organizers.’

RAC LLC assured this year’s pageant finalists and the general public that they are dedicated to ensuring that this year’s winner and contestants receive all prizes promised to them after the finale.

This year, ten Ghanaian beauty hopefuls will vie for the title of Miss Universe Ghana during what is expected to be a star-studded finale which marks the 11th edition of the pageant.

The ten finalists are; Akua, Albie, Ama, Emerald, Georgina, Hanniel, Helen, Mya, Olivia and Stacy.

Next Top Model’s Celebrity photographer, Jo Lance, according to organizers is currently in Ghana handling photography for this year’s pageant together with Ghanaian photographer Steven Adusei.

Miss Universe 2011, Angola’s Leila Lopez as well as former Victoria Secret model, Veronica Varekova will join Yvonne Nelson, TV/Radio host Benny Blanco, Brian D. Hogan, Founder and Partner of Paradigm Group Capital LLC on the judging panel for this year’s finale.

The prize package for this year’s winner includes, a New York Film Academy Scholarship, Management and Public Relations team for the year, and GH¢ 5,000 worth of wardrobe for appearances.

The winner will also participate in Miss Universe, gym membership and several other prizes that are aimed at empowering the winner to pursue an effective social economic growth agenda for the country.

The grand finale of Miss Universe Ghana 2013 comes off at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel on Friday May 24 and is strictly by invitation.

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Ernest Dela Aglanu (Twitter: @delaXdela / Instagram: citizendela)

View original:

We don’t owe you – RAC LLC tells Miss Universe 2012 winner

La villa boutique hotel, an Accra based luxury boutique hotel located at the heart of Osu is set to host the 60th edition of the 2011 ‘Miss Universe’ Pageant Winner, Miss Leila Lopez from Thursday 23rd May 2013.

Miss Lopez who is visiting Ghana for the second time after her tour of SOS Villages and Orphanages across the Sub-Saharan in 2012 is expected to be hosted in one of the hotel’s latest modern executive suites.

The Angolan beauty queen is visiting the country mainly to serve as one of the five judges in the 2013 Ghana’s edition of the ‘Miss Universe’ 2013 pageant slated for Saturday 25th May, 2013 in Accra.

Other members of the judging team include, Actress and one time ‘Miss Malaika’ icon Yvonne Nelson, Presenter Benny Blanco, Brain D. Hogan, founder of investment firm Paradigm Capital Group and Veronica Varekova, a model.

During her stay, she will have the opportunity to have a cocktail party with management of the hotel and some invited high profile personalities.

The Chief Executive Officer of La Villa Boutique Sander Neu indicated that his outfit is ready to host the ‘Global Queen’ throughout her stay in Ghana.

He added that all the needed arrangements mainly security have duly been beefed to enable the hotel host Miss Lopez and her entourage, adding that La Villa Boutique Hotel is very honored to serve as the official abode for the 2011 Miss Universe Winner.

Mr. Neu reiterated that the hotel since its inception in 2011 has hosted many distinguished personalities from all sector of the economy who hails from different parts of the continent.

La Villa Boutique Hotel is currently operating with 28 rooms, with some amenities such as restaurant, nightclub, spacious car park; it also provides quality services and a wireless high speed complimentary Internet facility etc.

Read More:

LA VILLA HOTEL To Host ‘Miss Universe’ 2011 Beauty Queen