CypressGH.COM: November 2014

Saturday, November 29, 2014

2014 MTN SAMINIFEST KICKS OFF WITH MUSIC INDUSTRY WORKSHOP ON DECEMBER 3 AT DANCESTARDOM

Samini Music and GCEEI, in partnership with the Musicians Union of Ghana will present the MTN Saminifest Music Industry Workshop scheduled for the 3rd of December 2014 at Dancestardom, Sakaman from 10:00am to 2:00pm.

Under the theme: “Mastering Financial Planning for the Creative Professional”, the MIDLAND/STARLIFE Music Industry Workshop seeks to equip industry professionals on how to create an effective Financial Plan.

There will be an introductory training on creating a financial plan- profit and loss, cash flow and balance sheet, in relation to industry practices.

Also, an exposition on what banks require before granting loans and what financial products and Insurance/pension products exist for Creative Arts professionals. Speakers include:

SPEAKERS

The main Speaker for the workshop is Mr. Charles Mensa, an accomplished Accountant and Investment Professional. He is a graduate of Harvard University and the Manchester Business School, UK. Mr. Mensa is the former Director of Finance and Administration at the National Lotteries Authority, where he grew the business from US$15million per year to a US$160million dollar business within a period of 5 years.

Samini and his Manager, Anthony Daning (TonyPun) also came through to visit Kwaw Kese at the prison where he’s put in remand.

Samini was full of grief when he got there but after having a hearty conversation with Kwaw Kese over 20 minutes, the smiles resumed on his face as well as Kwaw. A brotherly conversation it was, fully of joy.

“We all are in to support on the best way we can. If there’s any help you think you need, please do communicate through authority and we will always be available. As the case is in court, we wait for positive results. We wish to see Kwaw come out soon, our main agenda,” Samini added.

Kwaw Kese was very happy to see the HighGradeFamily crew visit him. He almost jumped from his seat to hug Samini. According to Kwaw Kese,

“I am very happy to see my brother (Samini) and all of you come here all the way from Accra to see me. Samini has always been there for me over the years and he is still here with me in such challenging times. It means a lot to me. Sarkodie, Hammer and others also came through to see me here.

I am very honoured. I am healthy and doing good. I believe everything happens for a reason. I can only pray things get sorted so I come out. God has a will for everything, no fears at all. Again I want to thank everybody putting in their effort to see me out of here. The Swedru brothers and sisters who have been out to plead for my release, I am grateful but I want them to be calm.

Photos : (@PCA_GH) People’s Choice Awards Launched In Ghana

The much anticipated People’s Choice Awards Ghana 2015 was launched on Thursday, 27th November 2014, at a special stakeholder and media event at the Coconut Grove Regency Hotel in Accra.

In addition to industry professionals and members of the media, the event was attended by the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Hon. Dzifa Gomashie, the Deputy Minister for Local Government, Hon. Nii Lante Vanderpuye, representatives of the title sponsors of the awards, GN Bank (formerly 1st National Savings & Loans), executives from corporate Ghana as well as other personalities in the Ghanaian telecommunications industry.

The People’s Choice Awards Ghana is a scheme which seeks to award and celebrate individuals and organizations which have contributed as well as those that continue to excel in their various fields towards the development of the Ghanaian Arts and Entertainment industry.

Categories to be awarded in the annual cross-discipline event are People’s Choice Male Musician, People’s Choice Female Musician, People’s Choice Actor, People’s Choice Actress, People’s Choice Movie (Ghanaian language & English), People’s Choice Male Radio Presenter (Entertainment, Culture & Sports), People’s Choice Female Radio Presenter (Entertainment, Culture & Sports), People’s Choice Male TV Presenter (Entertainment, Culture & Sports), People’s Choice Female TV Presenter (Entertainment, Culture & Sports), People’s Choice Song (Ghanaian Song), People’s Choice Male Sports Personality, People’s Choice Female Sports Personality, People’s Choice Entertainment Journalist, People’s Choice Comedian, People’s Choice Child Star, People’s Choice Celebrity (Ultimate Prize), Lifetime Achievement Award (Individual) and Lifetime Achievement Award (Organization).

Hiplife group, Konfi makes a return to the music scene after their short hiatus.

The group which scored their breakthrough in 2009 with the smash hit, ‘Like Father Like Son’ went under the radar a bit after their last major release, ‘Mr DJ’ in 2011. Fans can now look forward to brand new material from Konfi including their latest single, ‘Woy3 Fake’ released Friday, November 28th.

With rather deep lyrics over a hard hitting hip-hop beat, 'Woy3 Fake' was inspired by some recent events that the group went through when they started plans for their comeback this year. It includes industry issues such as paying music video directors money for video and not getting videos done. The group further added: "There are also too much fake people around;pastors,politicians,police men and etc. In general, some friends too have been fake, they never show up when you are hustling"

Konfi will be looking forward to a new chapter under their new record label, Hillson Entertainment. Adding to the new direction is a new name for group member PJ (Pimp Juice), who is now known as Jidi. Together with rapper Jagoo, Jidi combines his new unique vocal styles smoothly into their new materials; and fans can expect a more diverse Konfi.

This Thursday (November 27th), Ghana's sexiest and most consistent afrobeats female artist Eazzy drops her long-awaited new album, Against All Odds, exclusively on Deezer and Tigo Music.

#AAO is an 8-track collaborative album that sees Eazzy join forces with some of Ghana’s hottest male artists, including Stonebwoy B, EL & Kwaw Kese, to create some of her strongest material to date.

Eazzy has commented in many interviews that she doesn’t believe in overloading an album with too many tracks. In an interview with Showbiz newspaper, she said:

“I believe in quality and not quantity. I will prefer to rather put 5 solid songs on an album than putting 10 or more below standard songs which will not do well in people's ears. I would rather let my fans have a compilation of a few good songs than a mixture of good and not good ones.

My theme with this Album was to collaborate with most of Ghana's finest male artists and some international ones too."

The album is set for full worldwide release on December 1st, alongside two new videos.click on link to listen to all songs on Eazzys 2nd album http://www.deezer.com/album/9169983

Photos Form Tonto Dikeh's Foundation Press Conference Yesterday

Actress and singer Tonto Dikeh is launching her foundation, The Tonto Dikeh Foundation, soon and held a press conference yesterday to let people know what it's about.

According to what she said yesterday,Wednesday, November 26th, 2014 the non-governmental organization will partner with schools, hospitals, Motherless babies homes clinics, therapeutic counsellors, mosques, churches, government ministries, government agencies and well meaning Nigerians and other NGOs, Charity foundations who wants to make positive impact in our country.

Tonto said she's focusing on giving support to young girls who have been either raped, molested or assaulted and will also cater for pregnant and nursing mothers who have been displaced due to flood and insurgency in some areas in Nigeria.

See Pics From The Press Conference After The Cut...

Africa’s biggest youth event, The Future Awards Africa (TFAA) 2014 has announced the hosts for its 2014 edition: they are 2014 World Music Awards nominee Iyanya; 2013 BET International African Act of the Year, Ice Prince; lead actress on MNET’s Tinsel, Osas Ighodaro and Ugandan Channel O VJ, Flavia Tumisiime.

The hosts represent the brightest and best of young Africans in the arts from music to television, in the past year. They have been announced with an exclusive photo-shoot anchored by TCD Photography.

“Young Africans are no longer spectators in our collective fate and the awe-inspiring selection of them that The Future Awards Africa celebrates points to this,” said Flavia, who last year hosted the live premiere of the continent’s foremost reality show, Big Brother Star Game alongside its star host, IK. “Of course, I had to be part of the exclusive evening that rewards their creativity, innovation, enterprise. I know I will be inspired!”

The Future Awards Africa 2014 will be broadcast live, primetime, on perennially award-winning TV station, Channels Television – from 7.30 – 9.30pm.

MiPROMO Company Limited has presented cheques to a number of Ghanaian artists as royalties YouTube channel and online music stores such as iTunes, Deezer, Google Play, Spinlet, Amazon MP3 and more.

According to Nana Kissi of MiPROMO, they were ready to pay over GHC 30,000 in royalties to other artistes at the press confab but some artistes couldn’t come through so they would have to schedule their payments to them later or they can come through their office and receive their money too.

“We are in modern times now where we have moved from analogue to digital. We don’t have to wait to get our music and videos selling in Europe or USA. Musicians and labels can directly get paid the same quantum of royalties they would be receiving elsewhere. Musicians keep lamenting about not getting paid for their music and it is about time we all start a campaign against free downloads.

Musicians should also stop giving out their music for free; they should come to us so we can sell their music for them. Very soon we will evolve into a complete music store; this is just a start up process to achieving that dream. We monetize the YouTube channels of various musicians as well as handle their social media content on other varied platforms. Musicians should not die poor. We only split percentages and give the artiste what they are due.

November 19th, Tamale Stadium, Ghana. The shrill sound of the referee’s whistle, tapered off into the sky, and with it, Togo’s qualification too. Ghana’s Black Stars had just beaten the Hawks 3-1 to secure a spot at next year’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to be held in Equatorial Guinea.

Rooted on solid ground, the Hawks failed to fly; the Stars didn’t shine either, though the barest of illuminations looked adequate for the players. The spring in their steps, as they jigged away on the tracks, accentuated that feeling.

However, thousands of miles in other cities; Accra, Ho, Kumasi and even across borders, Black Stars’ fans, weren’t exactly feeding off similar adrenaline.

You would think that, five odd months should have been enough, to heal the wound inflicted by the Stars’ disgraceful outing at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. But Like a jilted lover, that deep wound, festers and a measly win over featherless Togo, was just bandage.

Ahead of the game, the apathy was palpable on the streets, offices and on social media. Some fans even wanted the Stars to lose. Unfortunate you would say, but fans have interesting ways of communicating their displeasure.

As it is custom with the challenge, The Challengers battle it out weekly in a series of tasks that is aimed at putting their intelligence and wit to the test.

Having been grouped into teams of M2ROK, Archers and Tyyga. Their task this week, a sales task, as simple. Sell 50 plain white T-shirts on the streets of the Accra.

This task was designed to test the sales, marketing and communication skills of the challengers. To ensure that the challengers were fully equipped to execute the task at hand, they received sales and marketing tips from Mr. Samuel Denkyi Boateng, Sales and Marketing Manager for Vitamilk.

What sets the challenge apart from the other reality show is that it’s a purely intellectual affair, and a battle of brains and ideas.

In a bid to come up tops and obtain immunity from eviction, the three teams set out to execute their tasks. Each team had a carefully written strategic plan on how to sell their 50 plain white T-shirts.

Eventguide Newspaper, the number one event coverage platform has outdoored its newest edition for Carmudi Ghana on their one year of existence.

Eventguide Newspaper Magazine which has been in existence for some time now and has outdoored other editions this time around launched their 12th edition in a grand style at the Rockstones Office on Wednesday.

The front cover of the magazine Newspaper this time has the Managing Director of Carmudi Ghana, Kobina Amoo as a corporate entity in the selling and buying of cars in Ghana.

The occasion was used mainly to launch the company’s website to all and sundry who would be in search of all types of brand new cars in Ghana and abroad for either their company’s or for personal use.

The idea for the launch is to bring to fore the easiest ways to which car dealers, car buyers, companies and individuals to be able to acquire luxurious cars on line.

The company website would also help aggregate thousands of new, used and certified second-hand vehicles from dealers and private sellers. Carmudi provides buyers with organized information on vehicle reviews, shopping advice and other automotive-related topics.

Eventguide newspaper Magazine’s CEO, Kelvin Kenneth, said the outdoor of Carmudi’s edition was said to help make it easier for Ghanaians in their search for cars and also to make known newspaper Magazine as a trusted brand.

The Chairperson of the Ghana Women’s League Board, Leanier Addy has hailed the managerial quality of ex-FA Emergency Committee member Randy Abbey, stating that the Heart of Lions President will excel as the new Chairman of the Black Queens management committee.

“I think he’s been with the Black Meteors before and I believe he has a lot of qualities and he is coming to put his expertise to bear to help us make an impact in Africa. I trust his management style,” Miss Addy told Campionesport.com in an exclusive interview.

Randy Abbey, a former FA spokesperson, replaces Adam Munkaila, who has held the Black Queens managerial post since 2012.

Author: Dennis Mirpuri

SPORTS : George Afriyie Named New Black Stars Chairman, Randy Abbey Is Black Queens Boss

The Ghana FA’s Executive Committee has agreed to promote George Afriyie to the position of the Black Stars management committee chairman.

The Liberty Professionals official replaces FA Boss President Kwesi Nyantakyi, who is supposed to remain as the Black Stars management committee chairman based on an article in the GFA’s statutes.

Mr. Afriyie previously held the position of Black Satellites management committee chairman in 2012 following the demise of ex-FA Vice President Jordan Anagblah.

Most members of the sports media were left in shock as ex-Emergency Committee member Randy Abbey was handed the role of Black Queens management committee chairman while Tema Youth Sporting Director Wilfred Osei Kwaku Palmer, an Executive Committee member, was also promoted to the position of the Black Satellites management chairman.

Author: Dennis Mirpuri

Thursday, November 27, 2014

EAZZY (@Eazzyfirstlady) ARRIVES IN UK FOR ULTIMATE BOAT CONCERT

The first lady EAZZY, is currently in UK gearing up for her performance on the Joanna teresa boat for the Uk ultimate boat party, other artistes on the bill are Guru and many Uk based artists.

The show is organised by Alordia promotions.

Born Mildred Ashong in August, 1986, Eazzy shot to fame in 2009 under Lynxx Entertainment and a few years later, she made a jump from the record label.

She attended St Anthony’s Junior High School, Mfantsiman Senior High School and the Institute of Professional Studies in Accra.

Check Below For More Photos After The Cut…

Shatta Wale was full of smiles after receiving a cheque of over GHC 16,000 in online royalties with MiPromo, Ghana's biggest Showbiz online hub.

While receiving the money, Shatta Wale said "it is time all musicians stand up and get serious with such viable marketing platforms to sell their music and videos and get paid for their intellectual property.

For a long time Ghanaian musicians have been hustling and most don't even get any return on their phonographs.

For the first time I am really happy that I am receiving royalty for my music. I can remember 10 years ago when I put out my first record, Nii Atakora Mensah of MiPromo approached me to get me on the online market but I had little faith until he later approached me again; with what I have earned now I can proudly say it is a very positive platform which I urge all musicians to also join."

Royalties were also paid to Kwabena Kwabena, Ruff n Smooth and Pope Skinny.

According to Nana Kissi of MiPromo, they were ready to pay over GHC 30,000 in royalties to other artistes at the press confab but some artistes couldn't come through so they would have to schedule their payments to them later or they can come through their office and receive their money too. "We are in modern times now where we have moved from analogue to digital. We don't have to wait to get our music and videos selling in Europe or USA.

Reigning Ghana Music Awards Artiste of the Year and Best New Entertainer at this year’s International Reggae and World Music Awards, Shatta Wale, known in real life as Charles Nii Armah Mensah Junior, is scheduled to be the headline performer at this year’s Bass Awards 2014.

According to organizers, a crack list of other Ghanaian performers have been confirmed to perform at the 2014 Bass Awards which is scheduled to take place at the Accra Sports Stadium on Saturday November 29th 2014.

The artistes are Shatta Wale, MzVee, AK Songtress, Episode, RudeBoy Ranknig, Luther, Queen Adjoba and Rashid Metal.

Tickets to the awards are currently selling: VIP (GH20cedis), Ordinary (GH10cedis), and available at Pluzz FM (Sowutuom), the offices of Solid Multimedia (Adabraka), Rackus Productions (Osu) and 4Syte Studios (Laterbiokorshi). Alternatively, members of the general public can call the ticket hotline, 0275 569215, for ticket delivery.

Voting for the nominees in the five voting categories; Reggae Artiste of the Year, Dancehall Artiste of the Year, Best Reggae Collaboration, Best Dancehall Collaboration and Alternative Reggae Song of the Year ends on Friday 28th November 2014 at 12 noon.

Big Brother’s biggest-ever prank was revealed on Sunday night’s (23 November) Big Brother Hotshots show, as he summoned the former housemates from the house and revealed his plan to the extremely-relieved Hotshots housemates. Nobody was evicted from the game – but with two weeks left before the winner of that USD300 000 prize is announced, its time to get serious.

Last Sunday, Big Brother introduced ten former housemates into the game, telling the Hotshots housemates that they would be competing against their countrymen for viewer votes during the course of this week, to see who viewers would prefer to keep in the game.

In went Feza, Sulu, Miss P, Natasha, Uti, Vimbai, Elikem, Denzel, Leonel and Luclay, with a brief to cause as much drama as possible. Their presence really rattled the Hotshots, and the returning housemates delivered some serious action with arguments, fake drunk acting and even, on Denzel’s part, a naked dive-bomb into the Jacuzzi.

After a taxing week on Big Brother Hotshots which saw Biggie prank the housemates with the help of ten former housemates, nominations resumed as usual on Sunday evening – and after Head of House Macky2 made his ‘add’ decision on Monday night - eight housemates are in danger of eviction this coming Sunday.

With Trezagah automatically nominated after moving during a ‘freeze’ task, the other housemates who found themselves in danger were Tayo (four nominations); Sipe; Sheillah; Idris and Goitse with three each and JJ with two. Macky2 also picked up four nominations, but was luckily immune, thanks to his Head of House win earlier in the day. Macky2 added Ellah to the list – unlucky for the Ugandan as she never received a single nomination from her housemates.

Voting opened immediately after Macky2’s Head of House decision, and runs until next Sunday. Voters must now choose who of Ellah, Goitse, Idris, JJ, Sheillah, Sipe, Tayo and Trezagah they want to keep in the game for the final week.

The more you vote for your favourite nominated housemate, the better their chance of staying in the house and being named as the winner.

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Emma Nyra To Co-host The Channel O Africa Music Video Awards Red Carpet

Nigerian songstress Emma Nyra has been announced as the co-host for the Red Carpet 2014 Channel O Africa Music Video Awards this Saturday, November 29th.

Scheduled to hold in Nasrec Expo Centre in Soweto, Johannesburg. Which will be broadcast live as it is to be one of the biggest awards for the African music industry.

"At this point in my career as a female artiste, I feel blessed to be embarking upon such a great opportunity. Despite the fact that I'm an artist and my passion is singing, I've already hosted numerous awards shows, red carpets, and major events across the globe.

"This experience will leave a lasting mark because Channel O has always been and will continue to be, one of the major music platforms in Africa.

I'm looking forward to doing my best, interacting with my colleagues on the carpet, and brining my A game! I'm excited to once again experience the rich culture of South Africa, and to also have fun and enjoy every moment with my fellow African Artistes". -Emma Nyra

Majid Michel Testifies Against FAKE Majid Michel In Court

Ghanaian actor Majid Michel appeared in court Tuesday to testify against a 37-year-old Nigerian who was arrested by the La Police for impersonating him.

The Nigerian, Kelvin Ogodogu, was arrested on Saturday, November 15 through the help of some of his neigbours in Kosoa in the Central region for trying to defraud a US-based Ghanaian lady.

The Nigerian, posing as Majid Michel on Facebook, solicited funds from unsuspecting persons, including the US-based Ghanaian lady, Ikay, to bury his mum.

Kelvin Ogodogu was arraigned before the La Dadekotopon Municipal Assembly (LaDMA) Magistrates’ Court in La on Thursday, November 20 where he pleaded not guilty to the charges of impersonation and attempted fraud.

During the second hearing on Tuesday, November 25, presided over by Judge Charles Yaw Boateng, State Prosecutor, Chief Inspector Ophelia Denteh led the award winning actor to give his evidence.

There seem to be no closure to the brouhaha surrounding the Adebayor Family.

First it was said the Tottenham Hotspur star, Emmanuel Sheyi Adebayor, sacked his mother from the house; then the accusation that he was not taking care of his family.

Consequently, Adebayor debunked those claims and accused his family members of ‘using juju on him’ and asked them to stop and accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and personal Saviour.

However, the mother and the siblings of Sheyi denied going for Juju.

In all of these back and forth arguments, no one heard from the Mallam who was performing the ‘juju’ for the Adebayor Family.

On Tuesday, Mallam Suleman Raji, the ‘jujuman’ who has been working for 25 years, came to PEACE FM to confess that Adebayor’s mother came to him for ‘juju’ (charm) to ‘protect’ her son, Sheyi.

Hello and welcome to A PIECE OF PEACE. This week, I would like to share on the topic ‘OPINIONS ARE NOT FACTS, YOUR SUCCESS IS!’ The world is full of so many perspectives and opinions about everything. We are bombarded with differing views everyday.

The Internet is literally a cluster of truths, lies, exaggerations or fiction. At any point in time, any one of these views is either taken as gospel or regarded as false information but no matter what way you look at it, people will either have one emotional reaction to something they hear, read or even see.

The general acceptance of an opinion does not mean it is true. It is important to always establish your own standard of evaluation when it comes to popular opinion based on sound facts and reasoning. In a world where misconceptions are usually used as the fuel to drive entertainment, it is important to not judge someone by the opinion of others.

If you fuel your journey on the opinions of others, you are going to run out of gas. It doesn’t matter what other people think. If you make the choice to create positive changes for yourself, that is all that matters. You don’t need anyone’s approval, validation or support and a lot of time, you really should avoid it especially when that validation is based on popular opinion.

Most peoples perspectives are based on other people; their thoughts are someone else’s opinions and their passions based on different experiences. If you do not have a mind of your own, someone else’s opinion will eventually become what you think. Don’t let the opinions of the average man sway you. Dream, and he thinks your crazy. Succeed, and he thinks you’re lucky. Acquire wealth, and he thinks you’re greedy.

Musician, Kwaw Kese, who is in prison custody for a drug related offence, has called on his fans and industry colleagues to remain calm as he sees through his two weeks remand term ahead of the next court date.

In a hearty conversation with producer Hammer of the Last two (who together with Sarkodie visited him yesterday), he asked for calm, adding he has been made aware of the ongoing campaign on social media pushing for his release.

“It is well… i am okay,” Hammer quotes him as saying. “I want all my fans to keep calm…God is control. I have been told of the campaign going on online for my release; i appreciate it.”

Guess what? Information gathered for some time now has revealed the newest secret couple in Accra – the “Dancehall King” has found his Dancehall Queen or is it?

Other than his new song release, looks like he also has a new outlook on life when it comes to love and relationships.

His earlier rumoured lifestyle as a polygamist obviously didn’t work out but in present day, it looks like a blissful relationship is in the making and secretly he is sticking to one woman even though since his stardom girls throw themselves at him 24/7 and as humans we love “sweet-mistakes.”

“Oh, what a sweet mistake, she say she wanna do it again ei!, what a sweet mistake, she say she want it everyday…”some lines in his “Sweet Mistake” song goes.

Amidst the cry and call by many to free Kwaw Kese after he was arrested on Saturday November 22nd, 2014 for allegedly smoking “Indian Hemp”, respected dancehall act Samini has penned down a hearty message on instagram worth sharing with all who wish Kwaw Kese well.

“It’s really not the right time of the year for anybody to be going through what my brother and fellow artiste @kwawkese is going through at the moment.

It’s Sad and unfortunate that he was caught slipping and has been made a scapegoat in this situation. As a people we all break the law directly and indirectly at some point and usually get away with it. It is only when you come into contact with the law head-on that you get the wake up call.

I’m sure my brother has regretted his actions already with the Kind of humiliation he’s been through in the past few days behind bars. We live in a society where hypocrisy and ignorance are normal ways. People litter the streets to give us cholera and are left to roam about doing it everyday.

Others run red lights and pay bribes in traffic constantly. Just to mention a few we realise how many times we commit petty crimes and walk freely. This is a case of the abuse of a substance and we need to draw the line between being a criminal and an addict on a substance. What happened to fines and rehabs for patients ?

Are we going to rather lock up and destroy a victim to a societal substance abuse rather than reform and rehab them to return and contribute to society. He’s an entertainer and a Dad.

Popular Ghanaian lawyer, Maurice Kwabena Ampaw, has said some Pastors and Judges in the country are in the habit of smoking marijuana, although smoking or possessing the substance is a criminal and non-bailable offence under Ghana’s laws.

Mr Ampaw did not mention the names of specific Pastors or Judges but said he has information that they hide to smoke the illegal substance, also known as ‘ganja’ or ‘weed’, behind closed doors.

“When a pastor smokes weed before preaching to his congregation, that is between the pastor and God, if the weed is his source of inspiration. Some do it in secret. There are some pastors who smoke before preaching.

They go into their bedrooms to hide and inhale one or two puffs of weed. So when he (the pastor) stands before his congregation to preach, he does not get tired. Some of them do it but they do not do it openly,” Lawyer Ampaw told Okay FM Tuesday morning.

Dear Cypress Ghana Blog Readers,

Working in an office (or anywhere else) has a lot to do with relationships – how you relate to your customers, clients and colleagues. The best relationships are healthy, effective and based on honesty, respect and trust among other things.

As part of the trust factor, information about and between customer, clients and colleagues would often need to be shared and some of this information will require it being held confidentially! This issue needs to be given the attention it deserves.

There is no quicker way to break trust than causing another to lose confidence in you and or your practices regarding making certain information available only to a specific group as opposed to everyone.

In today’s competitive environment, Confidentiality in the office is more important than ever, as, if business critical information gets in the wrong hands, it can lead to loss of business clients among other things. Due to increased use of smart phones, recording gadgets and the internet, the extent and fast rate at which a lapse can cause damage is huge.

Imagine if the financial records of a bank’s clients get into or medical records of patients are left around to any and everyone to peruse. What would details of a new product or service from your company being prematurely leaked mean in terms of months worth of resources being wasted or personal, sensitive information held by Human Resource department getting into the wrong hands do to a good reputation?

Who Wins MTN Hitmakers? Finale Set For November 29th

All is set for this Friday’s grand finale of the MTN Hitmaker music reality show at the National Theatre. On November 29th, all eyes will be focused on the five contestants who will take to stage to thrill for the last time as contestants.

For the first time in the three year-old competition, there will be five finalists due to the difficulty in selecting a final four.

“They are too good. We didn’t know who to evict to have a final four. So we decided to let all five go to the final and battle it out,” Bessa Simons, a judge, said.

Rappers Mac M, and Torgbe will be battling it out with singer, Snow B; Naba, the only lady; and the wildcard who has proven to be really wild, Emperor.

They will take to the stage and do whatever they can in order to win over the judges and voters for the GH¢100,000 recording grand prize.

Sad news just hit Nigeria, the father of international artist, P Square has sadly passed away, shy of 2 years after his mother's burial.

His father, Mr. Okoye, passed away yesterday, Monday, November 24th, 2014.

Sources say his death may have had something to do with a successful knee surgery followed by a fall.

Cypress Ghana says We are very saddened to hear of your recent loss. May his soul rest in peace... Amen.

Photo : Sarkodie and Hammer Visit Kwaw Kese At The Central Prisons In Kumasi

Today, I'm sure King of the Streets, Kwaw Kesse got the surprise of his life.

He recieved surprise vsits from BET Award winner Sarkodie and Legendary producer and talent discoverer Hammer of Last 2 Music Group , this afternoon, at the Kumasi Central Prisions where he is being kept till he reappears in court on December 8th.

Ater Hammer's visit, he disclosed that Kwaw Kese was been treated very well and was in high spirit. Kwaw Kese was arrested on Saturday November 22nd, 2014 in Kumasi for allegedly smoking “Indian hemp”.

A plea by Kwaw Kese’s lawyer to grant him bail was rejected by the court presided over by Judge William Boampong after persecutors argued that they were still investigating the matter.

Photos : 9ice Rides A Horse To APC Secretariat To Submit Nomination Form #LetsGoNigeria

Abolore '9ice' Akande rode on a horse to submit his nomination form for House of Representatives at All Progressives Congress Secretariat, Yemetu, Ibadan yesterday, Monday 24th November.

See More Photos After The Cut...

Ghana’s representative at this year’s Miss World pageant, Nadia Ntanu, has paid a courtesy call on Ghana’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, H.E Excellency Victor Smith.

The visit was part of pre-Miss World camping activities put together for her by Exclusive Events Ghana, organizers of the Miss Ghana pageant.

She interacted with staff at the embassy as well as a section of the Ghanaian community, who were present.

They pledged their support for her participation and tasked her to make Ghana and Africa proud once again. Ntanu assured them she would do her possible best to bring honour and glory to Ghana.

H.E Victor Emmanuel Smith encouraged Nadia to be a worthy representative for Ghana at the finals, a challenge she gladly accepted.

Some other officials present included, Damptey B. Asare, Minister Head of Chancery, Zuwera Mohammed Ibrahimah, Minister Consular (Head of Information), and George A.B Blankson Minister Head Consular Affairs.

See More Pictures After The Cut...

Ghanaian actress and TV personality has been in the news for a couple of days now after she showed her boobs during the ending of MTN 4Syte TV Music Video Awards.

Deputy Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie has taken actress and television personality, Nikki Samonas to the cleaners for revealing her boobs in public at the recently held MTN 4Syte TV Music Video Awards 2014.

Read it below:

Agoooo

Tin kon kon kon tin kon!

DEFINITION OF SHOW BUSINESS?

I grew up learning under the feet of Efua T. Sutherland, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, Grace Omaboe and Joyce Agyapong among others. My contemporaries are Gloria Ofori, Lys Hayfron Asare, Naana Dansoa, Kwame Sefa kayi, Edinam Atatsi and Mawuli Semevo.

Internationally Phylicia Rashad (Claire Hustible), Oprah Winfrey, Miriam Makeba, Angelique Kidjo, Anima Misa and many others were already in show business.

There was also Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Naomi Campbell and Madonna.

I have been in Show business for nearly 30 years. Most of the people listed here were also in show business.

You can tell who had grooming and cared about their image and what they stood for. There are also some who were “Edgier” than most.

Got TV Presenting Skills? Then Enter Pulse VJ Search Now!!!!

Are young, eloquent, and above all confident in front of the cameras? Pulse TV, an exciting new web-based TV for pulse.com.gh is looking for a presenter to anchor its flagship programs. Programming includes daily entertainment news, red carpet and event coverage among others.

Join Pulse Ghana’s team of journalist and professional production personnel on its journey of providing fun, fresh and crisp news with international standards. Pulse.com.gh is an all round news website which aims to inform and entertaining readers in Ghana and beyond.

If you think you have what it takes to be a VJ for Pulse TV, then send in your CV with a photo of yourself to info@pulse.com.gh. Short-listed applicants would be invited to Pulse Studios for auditioning.

Actress Stephanie Linus Addresses Allegations Against Her Brother, Prince Daniel Okereke

Nigerian actress and entrepreneur Stephanie Okereke Linus is speaking out about rape allegations being leveled against her brother.

The accused Prince Daniel Okereke was arrested after a female Unilag student he allegedly raped over the weekend reported the incident to the police.

Daniel is also said to be a serial rapist who is in the habit of luring young women into his home, getting them intoxicated and abusing them.

Speaking out about the allegations in a statement, Stephanie called on her fans and journalists to keep focused on getting justice for the victim and for her brother.

The actress and humanitarian has been working on several projects that are focused on combating violence against women across Africa and believes victims must be given priority.

Like any right thinking woman, Stephanie is devastated by this. See her statement below..

Africa’s biggest youth event, The Future Awards Africa (TFAA) has announced the Keynote Speakers for its 2014 edition: they are the governor of Africa’s largest city, Babatunde Raji Fashola, and Tanzania’s Dr. Frannie Leautier, who has been called ‘Africa’s queen of development’.

The event holds on Sunday, 7 December at the Intercontinental Hotels in Lagos, Nigeria.

“We are extremely excited to announce the confirming of these exemplary African leaders,” said Mohamed Diaby, from Abidjan, who is a member of the Central Working Committee for the awards. “They typify the theme for this year’s event, a call to action for Africa’s now generation to take charge and transform the continent. We are counting the days to the continent’s exclusive evening of inspiration.”

The Keynote Speaker for 2013 was Nigeria’s president, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan. Dr. Leautier is the Chief Executive Officer of Mkoba Private Equity, a fund created to support small and medium enterprises in Africa. She has served as Vice President of the World Bank and Head of the World Bank Institute. She was also co-chair of the World Economic Forum in 2013. She has also had a successful career in the private sector. In 2007, she founded the Fezembat Group, a company focused on risk management and leadership development, serving as its Managing Partner until 2009.

Dr. Leautier was recently listed among the 100 most influential people in Africa. She is a board member of the Nelson Mandela Institute for Science and Technology in Africa (founding member), the Africa Institute for Governing with Integrity (founding member) and of UONGOZI, a leadership institute in Tanzania.

The much publicized #DKBLIVE comedy tour train stopping at Ghana Technology University came on massively on the night of 22nd November.

The show started with upcoming acts and poets who serenaded the audience in their unique ways. Half way was when the ever hilarious Foster Romanus took his turn to split the sides of the audience, as if that wasn’t enough Sarkodie Acheampong doubled the damage with his rib cracking comic drama.

The energy in the auditorium was turned up with the sizzling performances from Luther, Gasmilla and Jupiter as they showed the audience what they were made of.

It was obviously time for the “Finest” comedian DKB to show his prowess which he didn’t spare the least to say, he took the audience on a comedy journey addressing issues from morality, music, ECG dumsor etc. He had the crowd in stitches coupled with recurrent applauses.

Just when the students thought the event was over, DKB surprised them by inviting the VRMG crooner Edem on stage to give the audience an experience. Edem did accapella renditions of his hit songs to the delight of the students.

Come Wednesday, the final five Vodafone Icons contestants will battle it out and trill music fans to their wonderful compositions to climax this year’s Remix Edition of Vodafone Icons at the National Theatre.

Ahead of the much anticipated finale of the competition, Alice, Cena, Chris, Titi and Ratty are in contention for the brand new Nissan Qashqai grand prize, a recording deal at Universal Music Studio, as well as cash prize and souvenirs worth over GH¢ 100,000.

With the return of the five from an all-expense paid tour in South Africa, they are in perfect form to showcase the wonderful music lessons they learnt from music legend Yvonne Chaka Chaka and other pros they met at Universal Music Studio and Neil Solomon’s Studio.

In an interview with the contestants, they spoke confidently of the enrichment of Vodafone Icons show, their chances of winning and what their fans should look out for at the event.

Ex-Black Stars Coach Kwasi Appiah will is set to pen a deal with Khartoum Watani and begin work at the club next week, according to reports in Sudan.

The former Asante Kotoko defender flew into Sudan to agree a deal with the club that will earn him $39,000.

By Dennis Mirpuri

Kwaw Kese Refused Bail And Reappears In Court On December 8th

Hopes of Ghanaian musician Kwaw Kese being granted bail has been dashed as the KMA circuit court in Kumasi refused him bail today November 24th, 2014 in the suit brought against him for smoking a substance alleged to be Indian hemp in an open place.

Kwaw Kese who appeared in court in a white shirt and a jeans looked down although he wore a smile. He was put before the court on a provisional charge of use of narcotic drug without lawful authority.

** A request by Kwaw Kese’s counsel led by Lawyer Nana Kwasi Boaitey to grant him bail was rejected by the court presided over by Judge William Boampong after persecutors argued that they were still investigating the matter.

** Kwaw Kese is therefore to reappear in court on Monday December 8 when the case would be heard after . He however remains in the custody of the Central Police Station.

Christ Attoh and engaged wife Damilola Adegbite have named their two months old son Brian.

The ceremony which was attended by close relations was held over the weekend.

Damilola recently returned home to Ghana with the baby after being in New York for months to give birth.

See photos from the naming ceremony below :

On this day 26 years ago, Ghana was blessed with a natural born actress, TV host, and Radio presenter, Naa Ashorkor.

This year has been an incredible one for her especially after adding to her accolades as a radio presenter and a married woman too..

And now she tops it all off with her birthday.

Naa we salute you and bless you with many more years to come!!!

Cypress Ghana says " May your birthday be filled with sunshine and smiles, laughter, love, and cheer."

If you can't catch her new film "Poisoned Bait" which is coming out soon, than you have a chance to catch her everyday on her program called, The Zone, everyday, Monday through Friday on Starr 103.5 FM .. Simply The Best !!!

Photos: Samini, Becca, M.anifest, Nacy & Others Perform At Kwabena Kwabena’s “Save A Life” Concert

Multiple award-winning highlife artiste Kwabena Kwabena again organised “Save A Life” concert to generate funds for hole in heart patients at the National Cardiothoracic Centre of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.

The “Asor” singer who aimed at generating funds at this year’s concert to save 20 victims of the disease through last year’s concert helped six heart patients to undergo free heart surgery.

The 2014 edition of the event which came off the the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel in Accra on Saturday, 22nd November 2014 saw artistes like Samini, M.anifest, Daughters of Glorious Jesus, Pat Thomas, Becca, Stella Seal, Tagoe Sisters, No tribe and others performing to generate cash for the Save A life Foundation.

Among the known faces at the concert hosted by KOD were Tsatsu Tsikata, Samuel Attah-Mensah CEO of Citi FM, Mark Okreku Mantey, Lawyer Nana Asante Bediatuo, Afia Schwarzenegger, Mzbel, Ahofe Patricia, Gina West and others.

Check Out Photos From The Event Below....

Kwaw Kese Arrested In Kumasi For Smoking Marijuana?

According to a report by nydjlive.com, Ghanaian hiphop artist and King of the streets, Kwaw Kese is in hot waters.

He has been arrested in Kumasi. The man “insane” according to the report was arrested for smoking a drug believed to be marijuana.

Kwaw who performed at Luv FM’s Old Sku Reunion on Saturday was arrested around 2:00 am Sunday morning at a popular open hangout called Plus 2 (Ahodwo) where he was smoking MARIJUANA with a group of friends.

As at filing this report at 13:45GMT, Kwaw Kese still remains behind bars at the Central Police station and has not been granted bail.

Stay tuned for more information and follow us on @CypressGH on Twitter to stay updated.

Photos: Mzvee Rocks Accra With ReVeeLaTion Concert Featuring Stonebwoy, Efya & More!!!

Dancehall sensation Queen, MzVee stepped out in style and shut down the Accra Mall car park with a packed concert on Friday night as she launched her Re-Vee-Lation album.

The performances lived up to expectation as artists such as Lil Shaker,Tinny and young talented Jayla set the tone for MzVee to get on stage and thrill the fans.

MzVee also rubbed shoulders with fellow artiste who seemed to have paved the way for the likes of herself – getting on stage with Efya for a soulful performance.

Others included Stonebwoy, Shatta Wale and VVIP. There were also a ton of other artiste that came by to show love, including Okyeame Kwame, Stephanie Benson and Gyedu Blay Ambolley

See More Pictures After The Cut ....

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