CypressGH.COM: June 2017

Friday, June 30, 2017

GHAMRO Calls On The Ghanaian Media To Help Build Robust Music Industry

The Ghana Music Rights Organisation (GHAMRO) has urged the media to partner it's operations to help build a vibrant music industry.

According to the board chairman, Mr.Rex Owusu Marfo, when the media is assisted to play it's integral role, most of the challenges bedevilling the organisation would be addressed through education.

He made these remarks on Thursday during a day Media Workshop organised by his outfit to build the capacity of the media on issues regarding the operations of GHAMRO.

Mr.Marfo said, building the capacity of the media would open them up to the operations of a Collective Management Organisation (CMO), adding that it would help educate commercial users of music to pay for the use.

He posited that considering GHAMRO's quest to reposition and market it's corporate brand, the media's contribution could not be underestimated.

The World’s Biggest Afrobeats Fest Returns to New York, Taking Over Brooklyn’s AmpiTheater On Saturday, August 19! #TheReturnNYC

Fresh off the back of its epic sold out concert at London’s prestigious SSE Wembley Arena in May 2017 headlined by the likes of Davido, Tekno, Tiwa Savage, Alikaba, Banky W and P-Square; and building on its two sold out show in New York’s Barclays Centre and Houston’s Toyota Center last year, One Africa Music Fest, the world’s biggest Afrobeats festival, is back to where it all started for the biggest New York City ''The Return'' takeover for African music!

Already confirmed to be headlining One Africa Music Fest New York include Sony Music’s Nigerian Pop stars Davido and Tekno, Africa’s biggest Pop duo P-Square, veteran Dancehall musician Timaya, South African rap star Cassper Nyovest, show-stopping Kenyan songstress Victoria Kimani,

FORBES WOMAN AFRICA, Africa’s leading business, finance and lifestyle magazine for women, has gained international recognition at the 2017 Tabbie Awards in Cleveland.

The awards featured more than 400 entries, with nominations coming from the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Singapore and South Africa.

FORBES WOMAN AFRICA has won a Silver Award in the Best Feature category (for its story on refugees in South Africa), and was placed 7th in the Top 25 Best Single Issue category for the overall content of its August/September 2016 edition that featured Africa’s Blue Economy on the cover.

Are you aged 18-29, from a Commonwealth country and changing the community you live in? Applications are now open for the final ever Queen's Young Leaders.

Last night the Queen's Young Leaders of 2017 collected their Awards from Her Majesty The Queen at Buckingham Palace, before launching the search for next year's winners.

Queen's Young Leaders receive a unique package of training and mentoring, as well as a one-week residential programme in the UK, to help support and develop the amazing work they are already doing in their communities.

Influential Afrobeats aficionado DJ Abrantee extolled the godMC M.anifest on his popular Afrobeats show on Capital Xtra.

Abrantee, who has championed Afrobeats for several years said, “The future I believe and I’ll say this and you can quote me on that, The future is M.anifest.”

M.anifest was stopping over in London to promote his latest single, ‘Do My Own’ ft. bigBen which he premiered a couple of weeks ago.

The interview touched on M.anifest’s beginnings and plans for the future as well as his controversial song ‘godMC’ and how it shook up the music scene.

In the wide-ranging interview full of friendly banter, M.anifest also set the record straight on several issues.

On the entertainment scene and how Ghanaian music can elevate itself, M.anifest said, “We should really embrace the challenges we have instead of pretending.” He added that “we shouldn’t be out here pretending that we are playing on levels we’re not. There are so many levels to scale so we should be real about it, get our hands dirty and get to the grind.”

In a brand new eight-part series, renowned BBC World News presenter, Zeinab Badawi, travels to the land of her birth to discover some of Africa’s most treasured history.

The continent of Africa has a long, complex history, and its people built civilizations which rivalled those which existed anywhere else in the world. However, much of the continent’s history is not widely known, and the little that is known often projects a distorted, partial picture.

Sudan-born Zeinab travels to all four corners of Africa, interviewing historians, archaeologists, and citizens whose stories paint a vivid picture of their continent’s past and how it informs their present lives.

Zeinab Badawi said: “There is so much breadth and depth to Africa’s history, but little of it is told by Africans. That’s why this series is so important and so unique – it shapes perceptions of the continent and paints a picture that is very different to people’s preconceived ideas in today’s world. After decades of turmoil and uncertainty, a new Africa is emerging.

The old stereotypes are being challenged and a new, compelling narrative is being written. It’s a privilege to present a programme that will provide solid coverage and analysis of Africa’s challenges and prospects.”

The 9th National Widows Alliance Conference (NAWAC-2017), an initiative of the Mama Zimbi Foundation (MZF) through its Widows Alliance Network (WANE) project for sustainable socio-economic development of widows in Ghana, hosted thousands of widows from across Ghana to commemorate the United Nation’s International Widows Day.

The theme for this special event which was held on Saturday 17th June at the Ghana International Trade Fair Center was ‘Empowering Women for Greater Achievements’. This annual event is meant for Ghana and Africa at large to appreciate the roles widows play as ambassadors of change in their communities. It also served as the ideal dialogue platform for the advocacy of a comprehensive policy and legal direction for elevating the standards of widows in the country as well as.

It’s another wonderful trip planned for Ghanaian and Nigerian Celebs to explore Durban the largest city in the South African province of KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga a province in eastern South Africa.

On this trip are Ghanaian actor and actress John Dumelo and Jackie Appiah as well as multi award winning singer/songwriter Seyi Shay, Singer Orezi, Ex Mr Nigeria, TV host and actor, Emmanuel Ikubese, Ebonylife TV’s Moments show presenter, Smart Money Woman author, Arese.

The guests have now arrived Johannesburg, South Africa on a 6 hour flight from Lagos/Accra on South African Airlines flight and would be connecting to Durban where they will transfer to Wild Coast Sun Resort.

Official Kwame And Chris Kata Unveiled As Hosts Of 3 Music Flava

Official Kwame and Chris Kata have been selected from a pool of distinguished presenters who vied to host 3Music Flava by Music and Lifestyle Channel, 3Music network.

The dynamic duo who share a lot of media experience will join an enterprising team tasked with anchoring and delivering the most entertaining urban show to a teaming Ghanaian millennial.

3Music Flava which is a block in the networks programming content will bring to viewers exciting exclusive one-on-one interviews with celebrities, musicians and industry players.

“We are super excited to introduce 3 Music Flava to our viewers. As a relatively new music media platform, our intent is to undoubtedly capture the large audience interested in urban music, entertainment and lifestyle content,” said Sadiq Abdulai Abu, Managing Director-3 Music Networks.

“The choice of Official Kwame and Chris Kata was based squarely on pedigree. They bring on-board a whole new dynamism to on-air-content and presentation. Their record and experience cuts across Africa and mind you 3 Music Flava airs on DSTV too” he added.

VVIP's yearly sallah-fest, a yearly devour and musical festival celebration fell off this year on Monday the 26th of June. The festival which is sorted out each year to climax Eid-al-Fitr fell off successfully at the NIMA Highway.

The occasion which is in two faces were,in the morning about 10,000 people are fed by VVIP and in the evening the concert is projected in celebration of the sallah is broadly acknowledged by all in the zongo communities is noted for bringing all Muslims together on one stage to celebrate the occasion.

In an era where boundaries do not cut businesses, organizations and firms are taking advantage of global connections to make their products and businesses useful and relevant in all spheres.

It`s in the wake of this business opportunities that MenzGold, a Gold dealership entity in Ghana partnered with BET in a way that added color to this year`s awards.

MenzGold, a sister company of Zylofon Media- a record label in Ghana with their interest in the creative arts industry the world over sponsored a 24-carat gold coins which had images of all the nominees of the international category (Africa) in this year`s event.

The presentation of the 24 carat gold coins with embossed images of the nominees were presented by Rebecca Acheampong aka Becca who is the communications director of MenzGold and doubles as a signed artiste for Zylofon Media.

In an interview with the CEO of MenzGold who also doubles as the CEO of Zylofon Media and other businesses, he revealed that the creative arts industry is the future of the world therefore his interest to support this year`s BET with pure gold coins with images of the International category (African) nominees.

Today, GOtv Ghana Limited announced a massive 50% reduction in prices for its decoders. Speaking at a press briefing in Accra, Kingsley Afful, General Manager, GOtv Ghana, said “GOtv’ s mission is to deliver value to our customers by making great entertainment more accessible and affordable at the new decoder price of Ghs99.”

Adding that this new decoder price of Ghs 99, still comes with one month viewing of the GOtv Plus package and a standard GOtv antennae starting from the 1st of July.

GOtv has three packages namely GOtv Lite, GOtv Value and GOtv Plus from which subscribers can choose; with monthly subscription set at Ghs 9, Ghs 18 and Ghs 45 a respectively.

Whether its local telenovelas, the excitement of world class sport or the latest global blockbusters, our investment in leading-edge content and technology systems deliver the shows that people love into their living rooms at the most affordable prices.

Mr. Afful said we are reshaping our business to improve our customers’ experience, whenever and wherever they engage with us. Adding that GOtv listens to its customers to understand their changing lives, the pressures they face and what matters most to them and we are committed to using these insights to put customers at the heart of all the decisions that we make every day.

Ghanaian actor, Kofi Agyiri, of Efiewura fame has passed on at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital Thursday morning.

Colleague actor, Seth Kwabena Kyere Karikari popularly known as Koo Fori confirmed his demise.

According to Koo Fori, the late actor has been indisposed for some time due to kidney related ailment.

“It is a sad moment for us as we mourn Kofi Agyiri who was always committed to the Efiewura series. Sometimes when we are financially challenged, he uses his own resources to finance some parts of the project.

“I know he is married with kids but will not want to divulge further details. I will make funeral arrangements and others public when the time is due”, he revealed.

Zylofon Media, one of the fastest growing and yet to be the largest record labels in Ghana has signed two artistes namely, gospel musician Obibini and Joyce Blessing yesterday 29th June, 2017 at its head office in Accra.

This announcement will sound like a good news to many who have followed that career of Obibini and those hearing the name for the first time, will be a bit amazed as to why a record label will sign on an “underground” artiste.

Sammy Flex a member of the Public Relation department of the label addressing the media stated that, signing on Obibini is a strategic move to diversify and have a little bit of every talent in their record label. He also added that Obibini is one of the talented musician the music industry is yet to experience, so investing in him is not a bad idea.

The contract is expect to last for four years, during this period Zylofon will see to the welfare of the artistes aside their good will money. Both Obibini and Joyce Blessing will receive a Hyundai Sonata each and accommodation.

As many in the world prepare for the warm summer months, Discovery will use its global reach to focus the world’s attention on the single greatest agent of death in modern human history: the mosquito.

The global crisis is highlighted in the worldwide premiere of the upcoming Discovery Impact film MOSQUITO, Thursday, July 6th at 7pm, on Discovery Channel and Discovery networks around the world.

Recent news coverage around the globe has highlighted individual outbreaks of diseases such as Zika, malaria, West Nile virus, yellow fever, chikungunya, and dengue. But there is a bigger story to be told; one that connects the dots between these diseases and reveals how a single force is driving them all: the unceasing, accelerating expansion of the mosquito around the globe, driven by factors such as increasing global travel and trade, and a warmer world that is more hospitable to mosquitos.

Award winning Media queen and Women's advocate, Anita Erskine, has been added an influential list of leaders, and innovators in the public and private sectors, at a High Level conference on Women’s Empowerment and Leadership” being held at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris, France on June 30th, 2017.

The one - day conference, serves as the official launch of a series thematic conferences, on the theme UNESCO’s Soft Power Today.

“Along the years, UNESCO has provided women and girls with role models for their participation in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Design, Mathematics (STEAM fields), it has developed gender-sensitive media indicators, it has promoted young women’s leadership in culture, and it has worked to ensure equal opportunities for boys and girls in education, among many other fields.

One of the expected outcomes of the Conference is a set of specific recommendations for policies and actions that UNESCO can take forward to promote gender equality and girl’s / women’s empowerment.” Says, Ms. S. Gulser Corat, Director, Division of Gender Equality, UNESCO.

GHAMRO, Police And Media To Enforce Copyright Act To Fight Piracy

The Ghana Music Rights Organisation (GHAMRO) has organised a one day copyright workshop for selected members of the police, Copyright Monitoring Team and GHAMRO Enforcement Team.

The copyright workshop, which was held at the Miklin Hotel in Kumasi, was under the theme “Promotion and Protection of Copyright and Related rights”.

The one day workshop was part of the series of measures adopted by the newly elected GHAMRO Board led by Rex Omar to ensure the enforcement of the Copyright Act and music piracy.

GHAMRO noted that workshop is essential because of the music piracy menace that has engulfed the country through illegal music downloads on pen drives, MP3 and other storage devices without the authorisation of the music right owners.

The music rights body noted that that these illegal acts have denied music right owners of the economic benefits of their works because of low patronage of legitimate music sales.

Zylofon Music, the record label owned by Zylofon Media has announced the signing of Ghanaian gospel musician Joyce Blessing and rapper Obinini.

The unveiling ceremony for the new signees was held at the company’s premises in East Legon on Wednesday.

The two (2) acts join Kumi Guitar, Becca as well as BET Awards 2017 nominee Stonebwoy on Ghana’s hottest artiste management firm – bringing the number to five (5).

Obinini who is noted for songs like “Odo (Love)”, “Bae”, “Wrong Card” was also featured on Kumi Guitar‘s “Brown Sugar” song.

Joyce Blessing, an award-winning musician and former Media Excel Productions artiste is also noted for “The Lord’s Prayer”, “Agyebum”, “Heavy Price”, “Boot 4 Boot” and many more.

Nigeria Goodwill Ambassador Awards organization President: Amb. Chris Odey finally replies to the news which has been trending lately that Nigerians are unhappy over Ghanaian Actress, Juliet Ibrahim been nominated as an awardee of the 2017 Nigeria Goodwill Ambassador Awards.

While Speaking to the newsmen in Abuja, Amb Chris Odey disclosed that the NGAA Organization will be honouring the Juliet Ibrahim Foundation not Juliet Ibrahim herself, We are celebrating Juliet Ibrahim Foundation for the foundation awareness campaigns which include Cancer and Kidney awareness campaign.

Meanwhile NGAA has also recognised the Mandela Foundation and South African Embassy in Nigeria for the on waving support for the IDP camps in Nigeria and also the Cuba embassy for their cultural support to Nigerians, he added.

Juliet Ibrahim Foundation alongside Tonto Dikeh, Kogi state First lady, Kano State Governor, First Lady of Sokoto State, Maryam Mairo Tambuwal, Louisiana Iwule, Senator Kwankwaso, Maryam Booth, Alex Okoroji, Mrs Tosin Dokpesi and many others.

DAHLIN GAGE WINS OVER SALLAH 2017 WITH "COME TAKE" SMASH

Black Avenue Muzik continues its penchant for outdooring some of the best musical talents from Ghana as the first of their new signees "Dahlin Gage" takes the world by storm with the release of a hot banger titled "Come Take".

The track which was released on Friday 24th June via a viral dance video has been hyped all over the world as it portrayed the euphoria surrounding the Ramadan festivities via the dance.

The song which becomes his breakthrough hit was produced by Tubhani Music .

A spokesperson for Black Avenue Muzik revealed there is lots more to come from the label's 6 artists guaranteeing hit records for the rest of 2017.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting to commemorate the first revelation of the Quran to Muhammad according to Islamic belief.

The month lasts 29–30 days based on the visual sightings of the crescent moon and this year's lasted from May 26th to June 24th.

Sallah-fest, an annual feast and musical festival aimed at bringing together Muslim communities in Accra hosted by Ghanaian music group VVIP and supported by various musicians in the music industry.

Year after year Sena Huks has made it a point not to stray away from his true music calling with respect to genre.

His smooth voice and unique song writing skills has given him a growing audience from France, Japan, and London and of course back home in Ghana.

His recent ‘We are going’ cover has fast caught on in the digital space as well as national platforms like this year’s Vodafone Ghana Music Awards. There’s no doubt there’s an ear for Sena’s unique talent.

Sena is known for dropping new songs on Wednesday being his born day, but this time around it’s a bit more special. His new song ‘No More’ released the day before his birthday (29th June) comes with a classic RnB type video directed by Mikey Johnson.

The track produced by Kayso, is a love song that expresses the pain of letting go of a some one you love so much. With video premieres on 4syte, GH One & Metro TV the new song is the beginning of a string of singles coming out this year.

No More is available on YouTube & music streaming service aftown.

Ziba Beko hit maker, Piesie Esther has officially released her most talked about ‘Okuraseni’ music video which is on her fourth album ‘Agye Won Nsem’.

‘Agye Won Nsam’ album , which was launched late last year, has seven solid heartwarming tracks including Waye Mistake, Mennyae Yesu Din Bo Da, Okuraseni Mobroni, Yewor Yesu, Osagyefo Nyame and the worship version of Mennyae Yesu Din Bo Da.

‘Okuraseni’ music video is the second music video on her just released album, after receiving a successful airplay of Agye Won Nsem - 2016 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards Gospel Song Nominee.

The gospel diva was in the same year nominated for Vodafone Ghana Music Awards Gospel Artiste category, for her consistent ministration to winning souls for Christ and her immense support and contribution to the gospel industry.

Piesie Esther in ‘Okuraseni’ talks about the life of a ‘villager’ who had travelled to seek greener pastures in the city, but had to go through hardship, torture and maltreatment to survive. But through God’s intervention, miracles manifested into the life of the ‘villager’.

The music video was shot and directed by Skyweb, and the songstress played the role of the ‘villager’ in the video.

#KweseBeyondTv : Discover The Unlimited Tv Channels On Kwese Tv Now

There's nothing better than snuggling up in bed for a good thriller. Get Kwesé now for a collection of thrillers good enough to jolt the hearts of even the toughest cookies.

Idris Alba (Derek) and Beyoncé Knowles (Sharon) star as a happily married husband and wife, until a bombshell intern at Derek's firm threatens to tear their world apart. She sees Derek's friendly gestures as sexual advances and turns into a deadly stalker who will stop at nothing for a place in his bed. Discover how far she'll go to get the guy in Obsessed on Tuesday, 27 June at 20:00 CAT on Kwesé Movies 1 (Ch 115).

Ghana/UK – based FK Records in collaboration with FK Media House happily announce the exclusive worldwide signing of singer, songwriter, and live performer, Kelvin Brown (artiste name: Kelvyn).

Kelvyn will be joining inspiring singer/songwriter, RC, as part of FK Record’s outstanding team of artists.

FK Records has just inked a five-album deal with Kelvyn and is set to release his debut single titled ‘Me and U’ in the next few days.

With vocals that “cut through to the soul” and his ever vibrant flow, combining raw talent and amazing stage craft, Kelvyn is set to take Africa and the world by storm. FK Records will handle all distribution, sales and label services for Kelyvn.

See More Photos After The Cut.....

Ghanaian socialite and entrepreneur, Hajia4Real, is celebrating her birthday today, Monday 26th June 2016, a day which coincides with the Eid Mubarak celebrations by Muslims around the world!

Being a dedicated Muslim herself, Hajia4Real describes it as “a double blessing for myself, my family, and everyone connected to me from Allah, the giver of life and of everything in this world. We are destined for greatness and we will definitely get there.”

Born Mona Faiz Montrage, she is the Chief Executive Office of LVC Entertainment, a New York based event management company with operations in Ghana. LVC Entertainment organized the successful “Global Wave Party”, the official end of year party at the Soho Bar in December 2016.

The Hague Summer and The Hague African Festival (THAF) belong together. For the ninth time in a row, enthusiasts of African and related sounds can enjoy the festival. On July 16th, THAF will go back to the roots to The Hague Zuiderpark!

THAF moves from the Spuiplein to the place where it all began nine years ago. The atmospheric Zuiderpark Theater is the place to be for the festival this year. The beautiful, green forest and watery surroundings of the Zuiderpark serve as natural picture frame for an ideal experience for young and old.

As in the past, this year The Hague African Festival will feature a special program with musical talents, with old, known and exciting new bands from all over the world:

** Ebou Gaye Mada is a sabar player and rapper from Gambia. As a member of the well-known Gaye and Mbye family of Banjul, he combines traditional sabar music with his rich experience with world music: from mbalax to kaseko, and from reggae to jazz. Together with his band Boka Halat, Ebou performs vibrant performances full of positive energy.

The BBC’s global beats program caught up with rapper M.anifest in the French Riviera to find out how his participation in the international music market Midem could help him scale up and gain a global following.

Asked on how much backing is available to local artists, M.anifest amusingly quizzed, ‘What is that? Money? Backing? Ghana Music?’

M.anifest also spoke about the importance of the internet throughout his career in helping him build a loyal Ghanaian following and how crucial it might be in his expanding his reach.

The National Service Scheme (NSS) is collaborating with the Africa Internship Academy (AIA), Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and Google Ghana through its Digital Skills Training Partner Wineloya, to organize a 3-day 'Work Integrated Learning Program’ for national service personnel in all ten (10) regions of the country. It is under the sponsorship of Vodafone Ghana and Ecobank Ghana.

The 3-day programme is designed to offer participants the opportunity to learn through digital skills, interactive discussions and personal reflections on how to uncover the persons they are.

The Scheme aims at helping participants through the programme, to develop their understanding of what is possible with the use of digital tools in their businesses and/or their careers.

Patrick Kwabena Stephenson is an economic consultant with almost a decade of experience in economic, financial, and public policy analysis.

Having graduated as an Accounting major from the Bachelor of Science in Administration programme from the University of Ghana Business School - where he served as the President of the student body, he subsequently trained at the post-graduate level as a development economics and finance professional from the same institution and the Chartered Institute of Development Finance based in South Africa.

His interest in development of Ghana and Africa pushed him into the public policy circles, where he critically subjects policies to rigorous tests for consistency, value for money, sustainability and impact on beneficiaries.

With interests in private enterprise development, innovation, economic and public policy, civic engagement, youth development, empowerment of women and minority groups, he brings to bare the skill of critical inquiry in the major socio-economic developments.

His experience includes consulting for institutions in the financial industry, multilateral and bilateral development space, and multinational risk & research institutions, across a wide range of themes such as strategy, resource governance, policy evaluation, industry analysis, community development assessment, trade facilitation and regional integration among others.

The desire to see the youth properly engaged within the public policy and governance discourse, without losing sight of the experience other stakeholders bring to bare impelled him to actively contribute to public policy and governance debates and conversations, through which he has become an model to many.

The first annual Vinywaji Spirits & Cocktail festival, to be held at the Cencor Venue,Dzorwulu, on 2nd September 2017, is the largest Spirits & Cocktail festival in the country.

Samples of top shelf cocktails from both small batch and big name distillers, and tastes from local restaurants top chefs demonstrating their style and skill will be available for you to enjoy.

WHAT IS VINYWAJI?

“Vinywaji” is THE major spirits and cocktail extravaganza that annually celebrates African spirits, wine, beers, cocktails and bitters.The goal of the Vinywaji spirits and cocktail festival is to advance the industry and all that it encompasses via industry exposure, product innovation and a good time filled with entertainment and great fun.

All is set for the Rush Energy Ghana Dance Awards (REGDA) 2017 main event - as professionals in the country's dance industry girds up for possible honour(s) - in connection with their immense contribution, particularly, to the art.

In its first edition, the REGDA 2017 which will be graced by key players in Ghana's art & entertainment industry, will be held on Sunday, July 9, 2017 at the National Theatre in Accra.

The much-anticipated night will also have the red carpet event which will be hosted by the ever-gorgeous Dede Martey at 7.00pm before the main event starts at exactly 8.00pm.

There will be performances from the likes of Shidaa Cultural Troupe, 4 Bent, Kyses Studios, Black Code, Divinity Blazers, Allo Dancers, salsa duo Milord & LC and many more.

The main event will be hosted by ace Ghanaian TV presenter and a lover of dance Kwesi Dope of Spider Lee Entertainment (SET TV) while DJ Asante will take control of the turntables - to dish out some ideal songs to mark the ceremony.

Tickets are selling for Ghc30 (economy), Ghc50 (regular), Ghc80 (VIP) and Ghc100 (VVIP). Ticket sale points include the Silverbird Cinemas (in Accra Mall and Westhills Mall), Airport Shell, Baatsonaa Total, as well as Frankies and Koala in Osu.

Africa’s leading media personality and Forbes Africa correspondent, Peace Hyde was amongst a handful of special delegates to be given a personal tour of Africa’s largest oil refinery by Africa’s richest man Aliko Dangote.

The $12 billion Dangote Oil Refinery will be 40% larger than the current largest refinery which only has a capacity of 450, 000 barrels per day.

The plant will also house Africa’s largest urea plant with a capacity of 3 million tons per annum as well as 1,100kms of sub sea pipeline infrastructure to handle 3 billion SCF of gas per day which will be produced for commercial use.

The multiple award winning correspondent who also hosts the successful Forbes Africa My Worst Day show which has seen her sit down with Africa’s billionaires including Aliko Dangote and Africa’s richest woman Folorunsho Alakija, was part of a special group who were given a personal tour of the refinery by Dangote which is set to open in 2019.

GCGT SEASON 7 CROWNS ESTHER BENYEOGO AS WINNER

On Saturday 24th June 2017, Esther Benyeogo the 19 year-old singer was crowned Season 7 winner of God’s Children Great Talent during a live television broadcast of the grand finale at Eko Convention Centre. She received the show’s grand prize of a 250 million naira management contract, 10 million naira cash and a brand new Kia Rio.

The winner’s prize was presented by Senior Pastor at RCCG City of David Parish, Pastor Idowu Iluyomade, Chairperson, GCGT Board of Trustees, Pastor (Mrs) Siju Iluyomade, Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank and Founder of The How Foundation, Dr. Herbert Wigwe.

Esther Benyeogo beat 9 other finalists, Joseph Odi, Damilare Bafunso, Anderson Peter, Deborah Oladipupo, Olawonuola Kehinde, Sophia Albert, Goodluck Enoch, Nengi Jaja and Emmanuel Osahor in a keenly contested final that saw a display of exceptional showmanship on stage.

Ghanaian Highlife singer Ofori Amponsah has finally laid his late dad to rest at the Bompata in the Asante Akyim district in the Eastern Region.

The late Johnson Ofori aka Agya Amponsah, died at the age of 89 years after short illness.

A burial ceremony was organised at Ofori Amponsah’s Dad house on Saturday 26th June 2017.

Popularly known in showbiz as Pastor Alewa, the singer entertained present patrons at his dad funeral.

Present at the burial were legendary, Amakye Dede, Chief and Manager of Ofori Amponsah Ashes.

Mr. All4Real revealed that his fans should wait for something spectacular from him.

Saturday, June 24, 2017

USA Dancehall Act Jah Shanti In Ghana Ahead Of Album Release

Ghanaian born US based dancehall sensation Jah Shanti has finally arrived in Ghana with the aim of promoting his brand as a musician.

The young singer has been in the states for 5years, doing pro music since 2014. Jah Shanti's ability to introduce the realities of life into his lyrics is quite superb as he combines well with local language, english, pidgin and patoa.

The African music business in Chicago is on the rise, African americans and the caucasians are beginning to like my kind of music ": He Revealed.

Jah Shanti has unleashed a tally of 7singles to his credit and 4 features. The artiste unveiled in an interview in Ghana that he is working on a 6 song set EP dubbed " We Jamming" which is due for release soon .

The dancehall crooner's debut single featured the likes of Reezon, Risen and Mobeatz. He has rocked big shows like; Samini Live in Chicago, Mreazi Live in Chicago, BurnaBoy Live in Chicago and has headlined most college reggae concerts such as the university of Illinois annual reggae concert 2years in a row, Indiana University African Night 2017 and recently headlined his own concert "Koming to Amerika"

Jah Shanti says his love for good music is being influenced by legends like Bob Marley and that made him like people who started dancehall in Ghana like zap mallet, samini, yogi doggy, and terry bonchaka.

NOMINEES FOR 2017 GOLDEN MOVIE AWARDS AFRICA ANNOUNCED

NMJ Ghana, organisers of the Golden Movie Awards Africa (GMAA), have announced nominees for the 2017 edition of the awards at an event held at the Ibis Styles Hotel in Accra last Thursday June 22nd 2017.

In an address before the announcement of the list, the Director of the Golden Movie Awards Africa, Mimi Andani commended the jury led by Ghanaian veteran actress Grace Omaboe for a great work done.

“The work given to the jury had been done and that it is time to let the public know which movies as well as actors and actresses will be nominated for which category,” she said.

“It has been almost a month of very careful and great well done by the jury and they have come out with a list of nominees that we would like to share with the public.”

Win a Home, South Africa’s favourite interior design reality TV competition is back for a fourth season brought to you by Private Property. Hosted by SABC3 talk show Afternoon Express viewers can watch Win a Home in its dedicated Friday timeslot between 4pm and 5pm starting in July 2017.

Danilo Acquisto has been named as the host of the show, alongside fellow hosts Jeannie D and Bonnie Mbuli. The Afternoon Express presenter and radio host is thrilled at the opportunity to host the iconic show.

''The home is a sanctuary. It's a place you want to come back to after a long day and know that you can kick back and be welcomed. Putting effort and time into your living spaces can be the difference between being rested and being drained, being happy and being sad.

Sometimes we're just unconscious of the impact spaces can have on us and hence why I'm so excited to be embarking on another season of Win a Home as the host - I get to inspire people and their homes ensuring that everyone has a beautifully safe space to recharge. I am also excited to explore all the biggest trends and to uncover some young talented designers as we go through the highs and lows of the project. I am honoured to be giving away the biggest prize on SA TV. I get to change a life forever. That excites me beyond measure'' Said Danilo

This year Win a Home will double the reality, double the fun and double the drama with the introduction of Design Duos! Contestants will be competing in pairs for the title of the country’s best emerging interior designers. Three perfect pairings were chosen from amongst dozens of entries: couples, siblings, best friends and families – who entered for the chance to decorate three homes on the Eye of Africa luxury golf and residential estate south of Johannesburg.

You might have seen a lot of talk shows focused on women, well there is a new game changer in town.

Trendsetters With Yaa Somuah is a brand new talk show set to be unveiled this July. The weekly online show will feature different phenomenal women who will share their secrets to success, their challenges, plus juicy details about their life.

Ghanaian content creator and entrepreneur Yaa Somuah (who is the host of the show), revealed... Trendsetters With Yaa Somuah, is a show that aims to inspire and empower not just young women but millennials.

The Vitamilk Girl Talk Monthly Birthday Hangout has been a remarkable event since its inception.

After numerous surprises, 12 solid months of fun and excitements, liked and loved female celebrities cum personalities have had their share of the cake.

Noted for innovation, Girl Talk has put unexpected but pleasant twists to the experience.

Randomly, regular ladies on their social media platforms are selected for the experience twice every month and male celebrities who deliver them a cake and other presents surprise them.

This initiative is such that, randomly selected ladies will be thrilled to hangout with male celebrities, hence the second edition of MAY hangout dubbed “Hangout With The Guys”.

On Saturday, 10th of June 2017, the Girl Talk team led by Kwabena Kwabena surprised Esinam Seade, the immediate past SRC president of the University of Ghana, Legon. She was all dressed up for a supposed breakfast with her friend who unknowingly to her was a Girl Talk accomplice.

Esinam’s first surprise was seeing and hearing family, friends and colleagues from the SRC she least expected to see, walk to her amidst shouts of ‘surprise’ just as she came out of the Limann Hall.

Just when she was trying to come to terms with what had happened, Kwabena Kwabena and the Girl Talk team emerged from a luxurious stretch limousine with a cake, Vitamilk products and a necklace from Aphia Sakyi Jewelry singing happy birthday.

For the second year in a row, Villa Monticello, Ghana's premier luxury boutique hotel is the only West African based hotel to be nominated in the Africa's Leading Boutique Hotel category for the 2017 World Travel Awards (WTA), considered the “Oscars” of the travel industry.

The WTA aims to celebrate travel and hospitality organizations who push the boundaries of industry excellence.

In addition to it's nomination as Africa's Leading Boutique Hotel, Villa Monticello has also been nominated for 3 other awards that include Ghana’s Leading Boutique Hotel, Ghana’s Leading Hotel and Ghana’s Leading Hotel Suite.

African music star, previous winners of prestigious All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), have urged their colleagues in the African music industry to enter for the ongoing 2017 AFRIMA for the opportunity to own one of the coveted 23.9karat gold-plated AFRIMA trophy.

The AFRIMA 2017 call for entries which opened on the AFRIMA website www.afrima.org on May 8 and ends on July 17 is for Artistes, Songwriters, Music/Entertainment Journalists, Video Directors, Music Producers, and DJs from across the African continent and Diaspora in the 33 categories across the five regions of Africa and various African music genres from contemporary to traditional forms.

Ghana’s breakout star, Wiyaala; Cameroon’s RnB crooner, WaxDey; Angola’s Rock band, M’Vula; 2015 AFRIMA Best Female Artiste in Southern Africa, Busiswa; Betty Akna from Equatorial Guinea and winner AFRIMA 2015 Best Female Artiste in Inspirational Music; Morocco’s super Disc Jockey and AFRIMA 2016 Best Male Artiste in Northern Africa, DJ Van; Gospel artiste Naomi Achu and Cameroon’s Hip Hop star, Stanley Enow, each affirmed that significant rise in their music career profile came after winning the AFRIMA in their various categories as contained in their recent individual statements made available to the International Committee of AFRIMA and on AFRIMA social media platforms,

In her statement, Wiyaala, winner of the AFRIMA 2014 award for Most Promising Artiste in Africa and Revelation of the African Continent applauded AFRIMA for changing her life. “If you are an ambitious African artiste of any genre, I strongly advise you to enter your work for AFRIMA 2017. It can change your life, it changed mine”.

Lunnettes optics and vintage makeup and perfumes are the newly added shops from choice group of companies.

The newly opened lunnettes optics on the Mensah Wood Street, deals in authentic contact lenses, sunglasses and frames.

You can also get your eyes examined by a licensed optician and get the best prescription spectacles and designer frames.

Lunettes optics are the beauty behind your eyes. Just above Lunnette Optics is Vintage Makeup and Perfumes, your one stop shop to get all your original makeup and designer perfumes.

There, you will get authentic maybelline products from the USA, Mary Kay among many others. Their perfumes such as Versace, Polo, Armani etc. are nothing short of authenticity.

In this era where there are lots fakes, this is your number one shop if you are after originality and quality. You can locate them at East Legon on the Mensah Wood streets. Step in there and come out with confidence and a smile on your face.

101 CLOTHING NOMINATED FOR 2017 INTERNATIONAL ACHIEVERS AWARDS

After being nominated in previous years, the Chief Executive Officer and Creative Director of Ghanaian fashion brand, 101 Clothing, finally won in the Best Male Fashion Design category at the eighth edition of the prestigious BEFFTA Awards held in the United Kingdom in October 2016.

A creative gem and a hardworking professional, Mr. Ludwig Henry Amponsah, seem to be doing something right with his collections. This week, he was part of the list of nominees announced for the 2017 International Achievers Awards, with the awards night scheduled to take place in London on 8th July 2017.

Nominated in the Best Male Designer category, Mr. Amponsah will be competing with some of the very talented designers around for the ultimate awards. Voting is currently opened on the voting portal (http://international-achievers-awards.co.uk/vote-here/) and ends on Monday 3rd July 2017.

NCIS season 14, currently broadcast on DStv’s M-Net every Saturday at 5:30pm has been lauded as the #1 drama series on U.S. television for the eighth consecutive year.

The series is the most watched drama TV series in the world, according to Eurodata TV Worldwide. On Tuesday 20 June at the 57th Monte-Carlo Television Festival the global powerhouse series received the prestigious 12th International Television Audience Award for a Drama TV Series. NCIS has now won the award three out of four years.

The annual International Audience Award is presented jointly by the Monte-Carlo Television Festival and Eurodata TV Worldwide. It rewards programs that delivered the highest ratings in 2016 worldwide across five continents in three categories: Drama TV Series, Comedy TV Series and Telenovelas/Soap Operas.

The KINGS' CREW Drops a banger titled 'DEM GO SHAME' the new breeze of Urban gospel has made their presence known on the entertainment scene with a banger which they call 'DEM GO SHAME' the inspiration of the song comes from Micah 7 verse 8.

The Trio got signed to GOSPEL TOWNAFRICA which is Ghana's leading urban gospel label 3 months ago and have since been going through grooming to take the industry by storm.

“As Ghana entertainment industry gains the attention of Africa and the world at large with the likes of Sarkodie, Stonebwoy, Samini, Mzvee, Shatta Wale and the likes, it's imperative that we contribute our quota in aiding budding talents - as well as established talents in reaching the climax of their career.”

Ebodili Chijiokwu Simeon, the Chief Executive Officer of Gra Gra Records & Entertainment made this statement to selected entertainment writers in Accra while unveiling his plans to invest into the already booming entertainment industry.

Ebodili who's popularly known in the entertainment circles as Skolary also made known his plan to sign three established artists to give other record labels a run for their money, as he's set to redefine how high valued artists are to be treated and nurtured into a world class status. He also reaffirm that part of his record label goals is to reduce the rate at which artists with raw talents are neglected.

“At Gra Gra Records, we are determined to fine tune and position them as a high valued talent, same way Wizkid, John Legend, Becca and the likes were spotted and nurtured by BankyW, Kanye West, Kiki Banson and the likes, respectively.” In their effort to test the waters and strategically position itself in the pool of sharks already in the industry.

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