Tabom Graffiti Project unveiled

By Bernard Yaw ASHIADEY

It was all about creativity at its best as the Embassy of Brazil in Ghana unveiled the Tabom Graffiti and Street Art Project at Jamestown in Accra.

The projects, which are graffiti and artistic paintings on the walls of Brazil House at Jametown opened to the public with a photographic exhibition, depicting several graffiti works done by Brazilian artists, mainly in deprived areas of some large Brazilian images.

The Project is part of the Embassy’s commitment to recovering the history of the Tabom Community in Accra, as well as their contribution to the development of the city. 

Furthermore, the project was conceived with the intention of strengthening Brazil-Ghana cultural ties.  Street art and graffiti were the selected tools to facilitate this dialogue between Brazilian and Ghanaian artists.

Brazilian Ambassador to Ghana, Madam Irene Vida Gala, said that through the various images,  one can see how art is used to foster interaction in poor communities in Brazil.  

Also, it shows the evolution and recognition of contemporary art as a means of expression, created mainly by the youth who are willing to break down barriers of prejudice and underdevelopment.

The objective of the project is also to bring art to the walls of the Brazil House dedicated to the Tabom community. This museum will incorporate the creation of the paintings through photographs and films, as well as interviews with members of the Tabom community.

Minister of Tourism, Akua Sena Dansua, said such art projects would help strengthen the relationship between the two countries.

“It means that the government and people of Brazil are interested in fostering the relationship between the two countries. They are telling Ghanaians that they mean well and are ready to attract more Brazilians to come visit and invest in the country.

Two well known Brazilian artists, Binho Ribeiro and Alexandre Keto, came to Accra last month to work with Ghanaian artists Ian Quhachi, Kwabena Danso, Mohammed Awudu, Kwabena Adjei, and Steven Zion.

They shared with the group their techniques and understanding regarding the importance of graffiti and street art in promoting development, particularly in poor neighbourhoods in Brazil as well as in Ghana.

Binho Ribeiro noted that a humane gesture does not solve problems but can make the local environment a little more cheerful and pleasant.

“When I was in Jamestown, the area of the Tabom community, people were watching me paint on the streets and I overheard something that made me proud and made this journey (to Ghana) very remarkable: ‘This is also Brazil, you’re at home!”

Daughters Back2Back set for January 6th

By Bernard Yaw ASHIADEY

It is going to be all joy, worship and praise to God come January 6^th at the Accra International Conference Centre as the evergreen Daughters of Glorious Jesus host the annual Back2Back concert.

The show which is dubbed ‘the new year praise’ is expected to bring together a throng of gospel music lovers to celebrate the dawning of a new year.

Daughters of Glorious Jesus have been the toast of Ghana gospel music for more than two decades and have arguably institutionalised themselves as one of the nation’s finest music group of all time.

The trio will be supported on the night by four gospel hit makers who will treat the audience with exclusive performances.

Seasoned gospel musicians such as Rev. Mrs. Hellen Yawson, Pastor Joe Bechem, the evergreen Tagoe Sisters, and youthful Cwesi Oteng will join the Daughters as they kickstart the year on a high note. Other high level personalities and celebrities are also expected to attend.

‘Daughters’ as they are affectionately called by fans will stage a two hour performance, playing tracks ranging from the debut album to the 10^th and current album (Trimude).

The trio, Cynthia, Edna and Monica started, as part of the choir of Resurrection Power and Living Bread Ministries, then headed by the late Rev. Akwasi Amoako, in 1986.

Later, the General Overseer of the Church, Bishop Akwasi Asare Bediako, saw the potential and encouraged them to form a group. They proceeded to minister through songs at various church crusades and conventions.

In 1990, Bishop Akwasi Asare Bediako took them to Europe to record their first album and since then they have never looked back.

With over 10 albums and still counting, the Daughters of Glorious Jesus have the most number of songs by a Ghanaian gospel group that is listed among the all-time favourites.

The group is known for its excellent three-part harmony whenever they perform on stage. They sing in Twi and English and are known for their funky style and ability to fuse highlife with the Western style of music very well.

“We are very excited about this concert since it will give us the opportunity to thrill our fans to nonstop hit after hit. We hardly get such opportunities when we are invited to other events so this platform will bring out the best in us,” says Cynthia, a member of the trio.

Monica added, “This is a platform that will bring out the best in us. It has always been our aim to give our fans one night filled with our praise and worship tunes and the Back2Back stage will do just that.”

“After an activity filled year including an election, the Back2Back concert will give us the best stage to thank God for seeing us through the previous year and helping us see yet another one,” Edna stated.

The Daughters are very much excited about the second concert and are feverishly preparing towards it with rehearsals underway.

Tickets are available for GHC50 at Koala, Silverbird, Baatsona total, ICGC Christ Temple and Calvary Temple.

:0� a g � � : 12.0pt;margin-left:0in;line-height:150%'>Tickets are available for GHC50 at Koala, Silverbird, Baatsona total, ICGC Christ Temple and Calvary Temple.

Helen Paul & Co to rock 1015 laughs

By Bernard Yaw ASHIADEY

The countdown to the Night of 1015 Laughs and Music is on as the cities of Accra and Kumasi both come alive with advertisement of the upcoming event that promised to end the year on a light-hearted note.

The popular comedy series will be making its debut in Kumasi on December 29^th at Georgia Hotel while in Accra, the series will stage its 15^th edition to its cult followers on December 26^th at the Dome of the AICC.

The comedians who will be performing in Accra include Helen Paul, Emeka Smith, Elenu, Pencil and MC Shakara while Kumasi will play host to Emeka Smith, Bash, Pencil and Ghana’s own Funny Face.

Below is a brief on the comedians

To start with there is Helen Paul Bamisile, a comedian, singer and actress from Nigeria.  She is best known as a stand-up comedian and popularly known as Tatafo.

Her style is quirky and spontaneous, and her petite stature and voice range make her childlike yet very hilarious when she performs her popular scenarios of how children see the world through their eyes.

Then there is Ghana’s own Benson Nana Yaw Oduro Boateng popularly known as Funny Face. He has slowly risen to become the stars of Ghanaian comedy. Funny Face was doing comedy underground, long before his big break on the 1000 Laughs stage a couple of years ago.

His rise to fame started with a reality show called the Hottest Host, although he was evicted, he got a leading role in a TV series called Chorkor Trotro and from there he has risen to greater heights.

Another comedian to look out for will be Emeka Smith. He is one standup comedian who has performed in majority of the elite shows in Nigeria and abroad.

 He has won the City People new comedian of the year 2010,won the base 2020 comedian of the year 2011,was nominated for the future awards comedian of the year in 2011, nominated for the mode men award in 2011,was nominated for dynamix awards in 2009,2010,2011,2012.

The award winning comedian has promised Ghanaian fans nothing but the best, an outstanding performance and one that would leave them cracking their ribs.

The 1015 Laughs and Music in both Kumasi and Accra will feature some of the best musical acts in Ghana. Samini, Rex Omar and Becca will perform in Accra while Okyeane Kwame will be in Kumasi.

A real December to remember

Citi 97.3FM together with RLG has returned with a power hit list lined up for this years’ official Christmas party popularly known as Decemba 2 Rememba. This is an entertainment package that is guaranteed to excite Ghanaians this yuletide.

The concert which is otherwise codenamed ‘D2R’ has consistently lived up to its billing since it was conceived six years ago and has generated a massive crowd of avid followers.

The list includes 2012 chart-toppers like: D-Black, R2Bees, E.L, Kaakie, Dr Slim and Dobble, Lousika, Sister Deborah, Asem, Keitta, Criss waddle, Akatakyie, Bisa KDei Al’Ova, Cwesi Oteng, D2 and many others.

Paris born female rapper, Boss Chick Lousika has revealed to Citi FM that her fans who look forward to seeing her perform at the ‘Decemba 2 Rememba’ concert, should “Expect a great, crazy, amazing, surprising performance.”

In an interview on Citi FM’s mid-morning music program, Brunch in the Citi she pointed out that she was going to “rip the stage apart” on the night.

The talented songstress who hit the limelight with the assistance of 2131 RECORDS and has two hit tracks; ‘Take over’ and “Hands up”, said  “it’s gonna be fire so be there.”

Though some have argued that the dance craze is getting old, others maintain they have the potion to put the life right back into it.

Just when everyone was wondering where azonto was going next, hiplife duo, D2, show up and promise that they are ready to take the dance style to a whole new level at the festive season's biggest party ‘Decemba to Rememba’.

According to the group made up of Duke Thompson and George Ocansey, they will steal the show with their energetic performance and creative dance moves.

“We are revved up for a fantastic performance. Come and learn the latest azonto,” they stated.

One of the groups that will be taking the stage is Hiplife duo, ‘Akatakyie’ who have been missing in action for a while.

In an interview on Citi FM’s mid morning show Brunch in the Citi, with Jessica Opare-Saforo, the group promised to give patrons value for their money with a performance befitting a worthy comeback.

Akatakyie is a group made up of two brothers, Prince Kwabena Budu Asumaning aka Kobby Culture and Ebenezer Kwasi Okyere Asumaning aka King Pharoah.

Their debut album, Ghana mbaa, was a sensational sell-out in the Ghana in 1999. It was hard to classify them a hiplife or highlife group as ‘Odo esisi me’ ruled various charts and gained them nominations at the Ghana Music Awards including the best Hiplife song. They followed this up with Odo Esikyire, Yede aba and Esi.

The group has dazzled Ghanaian music lovers with hits like Ghana mmaa, Agoo, Odo esikyire, Sinsima, Esi, Meyare, Masan aba, Oman baapa, Odo ye musu anaa, among others and will be taking patrons on a throwback journey on the night.

E.L will also on the night charm music lovers with his back to back hit songs, Kaalu, Obuu mo and his latest, Halleluyah!

D-Black with his Vera and R2Bees with Wallahi!

The annual official Christmas party, Decemba 2 Rememba, is set to over shadow all other events on Christmas eve at the Accra International Conference Centre.

Grab your tickets for just GHC 49 from the Silverbird Lifestyle store inside the Accra mall and Citi FM behind the Adabraka Police station. Tickets are also available at Hotel Joe Carl in Tema.

The official dress code for the party, as has been the case for all the 6 years this event has been running, is white top and jeans.

Several of Ghana's most sensational hiplife artistes will keep patrons on their feet straight into Christmas day.

Rememba, if it’s not a hit, it’s not on our list!

Home of Entertainment!: C-REAL DROPS ‘HEWALE’& ‘OPEIMU’ OFF EM.CEO

Home of Entertainment!: C-REAL DROPS ‘HEWALE’& ‘OPEIMU’ OFF EM.CEO

C-REAL DROPS ‘HEWALE’& ‘OPEIMU’ OFF EM.CEO

Award winning Hiphop Em’cee, Cyril-Alex Gockel with the claim to fame, C-Real, steps up the game at an unstoppable pace dropping his long awaited debut Album EMCEO. The Album put Ghana’s Hiphop at another stage as it present a combination of the entire rudiment that makes up a good album.

EMCEO features M.anifestive, EL, Efya, M.anifest, Zeus, Lyanna and Channel O's J-Town doing what they do best on the M.I.C.

The name C-Real can be pronounced as “See Real” thus telling people to have a critical look at things happening around them. C-Real was derived from the rappers birth name, Cyril (that’s creativity for you).  It popped up years ago and made waves after the rapper in 2009 won the Channel O Emcee in Ghana and runner up in Africa.

C-Real drops two(2) hot tracks off EMCEO album; ‘Hawale’ (Strength) which features the #1 Azonto beat maker in Ghana, E.L and ‘Opeimu’ featuring M.anifest.

And to those who said the era of good music and the sales of CDs is done and dusted, they should run a quick review of their scripts. C-Real re-write history being the first Ghanaian artiste to make his debut album available on all online shops, talk of itunes [https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/em-c.e.o./id580314667 ] , Amazon [http://www.amazon.com/Em-C-E-O-Explicit/dp/B00AAWGAHA/ref=sr_shvl_album_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1354322146&sr=301-1#mp3TrackPlayer ], Spotify [http://open.spotify.com/album/5NXawVKZPpoJmOSf2XiiqA ], Deezer [ http://www.deezer.com/en/album/6125364 ], MySpace Music [ http://uk.myspace.com/crealspace/music/albums/em-c-e-o-explicit-18819671 ] MediaNet:
 [ http://www.mndigital.com/content-experience/music_content/albums/77120345/C_Real/Em_C_E_O/ ]

The Album is also on sale at East Legon Shell Station, Silverbird Stores, Arlecchino (Osu) & A&C Mall.

Y FM’s All Stars hits the capital

After weeks of anticipation and fervent preparations, Yfm is set to take the capital by storm this weekend with the much-anticipated three-day All Stars weekend event.

The fun begins today with live band music at the foyer of the Accra International Conference Centre, followed by the Loud in GH concert and awards tomorrow at the Dome; the three-day fun galore will be climaxed with a beach party Sunday at the La Pleasure beach hotel. 

Already, speculations are running wild on which artistes will pick up the coveted Loud in GH awards for the various categories.

Up for grabs are the Comeback Artistes of the Year, New Artiste of the Year, Female Act of the Year, Best Group, Male Act, and Best GH Act Abroad, all for the year 2012.

“This year, we have outdone ourselves in order to bring unmatched entertainment to our fans; the hottest artistes in Ghana will be rocking the Loud in GH concert.

On the bill are Samini, Okyeame Kwame, VIP, R2Bees Ketche, EL, Lousika, Kakie, D3 and others.

“We are extending the star-studded experience to the beach party where the Yfm hot squad in partnership  with Lovebox, is bringing artistes like Atumpan, 4x4, D2, Asaase aban, and others to give fans a memorable experience. We would also give surprise giveaways to the public,” noted Nana Kwame Sarpong, Station Manager of Yfm.

GHANA ROCKS with Lethal Bizzle

By Bernard Yaw ASHIADEY

It all about great music and nothing less as Ghana’s official end of year party, Ghana Rocks, is set to rock the Dome of the Accra International Conference Centre on December 29th with UK based act Lethal Bizzle.

This end of year party has a roll call of Ghana and UK based -International artistes who will send patrons dancing all night long.

UK features Fuse ODG, Kwamz & Flava, Mr Silva and 2012 biggest comeback act – Lethal Bizzle. From Ghana will be the party poppers; VIP, 4x4, Kwaw Kesse, EL, Eazzy, Stay Jay, D Black, Lousika and a host of others.

This time round, the show is featuring award winning Ghanaian-born UK-based artiste Maxwell Ansah better known as Lethal Bizzle.

Lethal Bizzle mixes a variety of urban music styles and has, over the years, earned a huge fan base in the UK.

This is the second time Bizzle is headlining the annual concert; he first rocked the show in 2009.

All these artistes from the UK, Ghana and Nigeria will definitely bring down the roof of the Dome with endless music. 

Nigeria’s Davido is also set to bring his talent on the stage. Music lovers in Ghana or holiday makers will have a double portion of the Christmas holiday. There are few concerts that can hold a candle to GH Rocks this Christmas.

Interestingly last year, there were few seats provided for patrons however those who began the show sitting soon abandoned their seats to join the many who stood dancing throughout the artistes’ performances. There is very little reason to sit at the Ghana Rocks concert.

There could not be a better way to spend end 2012 than to ensure that you are at the Dome of AICC on Thursday December 27^th. 

All set for tomorrow’s Saturday Night Live

By Bernard Yaw ASHIADEY

All is set and ready for Saturday Night Live, as the most talented and popular musicians will be thrilling patrons at this weekend’s most exclusive affair at the plush Golden Tulip Hotel tomorrow night.

The star studded line up of artistes include highlife living legend, Gyedu Blay Ambulley; local dancehall’s undisputed queen, Kaakie as well as sultry songstress Racquel  and finally topped off by, the enigmatic and chart-topping duo from Tema, R2Bees.

As has become synonymous with the Saturday Night Live GH event, all musical performances will be backed by the turbo-charged Peaceful Melodies live band assemble. 

On a night where, music is expected to meet fashion and comedy in an assorted mix amidst the most stirring ambiance; fast rising international fashion designer, Art Michael, will also be showcasing his latest exotic afro-centric line of couture to patrons whiles one of Nigeria’s most hilarious comedians, MC Akpororo, brings in his most rib-cracking material to bare on the night.

Amidst the great music performances and other attractions, guests will be treated to a select range of continental and European culinary options to choose from whiles savoring a wide variety of tongue tingling cocktails on the menu.

The show is set for tomorrow at the plush Golden Tulip hotel, is easily one of the most anticipated events on the Christmas rave calendar this year for the crème de la crème of the city’s high end socialites and the corporate community.

Organizers of the show, Exclusive Vista Entertainment, have also revealed that RLG will be handing over phones to all VIP ticket holders on the night. The VIP tickets to the show also come with complimentary cocktails as well as various food options. 

It has consistently built a study audience to become a landmark event that gives the Accra’s most revered socialites a good reason to go out, network and have a great entertainment experience.

Saturday Night Live on Dec 22

By Bernard Yaw ASHIADEY

It is only one night that can provide rib-cracking comedy, dance, poetry, trendsetting fashion and turbo-charged live contemporary musical performances. That night is Saturday Live Night.

Come December 22^nd all roads will lead to Accra’s premier hospitality destination, Golden Tulip Hotel, as Saturday Night Live (SNL) brings together all forms of art in an electrifying ambiance graced by the capital’s most distinguished and high-end audience of socialites and the crème de la crème of corporate executives.

The once-monthly event is now set to be held on a quarterly basis and the December edition is expected to be the one of biggest events this year.

The Christmas edition of the show will be nothing short of impressive and entertaining. According to the organisers, every effort has been made to enhance the experience at the showcase, with a host of top-notch music and comedy performers including highlife legend Gyedu Blay Ambulley.

Saturday Night Live will also feature an eclectic fashion show by one of the continent’s most recognised coutoure trendsetters, Art Micheal, plus a great venue that has gained repute for its endearing and lush ambiance for all to savour.

Other acts include the hilarious Akpororo from Nigeria, the silky voice of Afropop singer Becca, and Raquel. Tema based R2Bees will also share the stage with Ragga princess Kaakie.

Saturday Night Live GH has consistently built a study audience to become a landmark event that gives the city’s socialites a good reason to go out, network and have a great entertainment experience.

Versatile Show Finally Here!

After months of  preparations, the Okyeame Kwame’s Versatile Show finally plays at the National Theatre this Friday. 

The Show which seeks to combine music, dance and theatre, started with a weekly reality series countdown , which kept fans informed of every development along the way until the show finally hits the stage.

This week marked the final rehearsal with the ex-megastar band. All artistes performing came over to have their sessions albeit in stages. There was Raquel, Samini, Kofi B, Vera of D3, Edem, Kesse, Bradez, to mention a few.

One thing certain about all the artistes on the bill was their zeal and preparedness to interact with their fans on stage again. They all made it clear that, it was fun working with the band but for a musician, the real joy is when you are up on stage and you can feel the energy with the crowd in their response.

Roverman Production is well noted for bringing the stage alive  by telling everyday stories which people can relate to. On the Okyeame Kwame Versatile Show, they promise it won’t be anything short of what they are noted for with theatre.

The versatile man himself, Okyeame Kwame, said for him it has been a journey. “I thank God Almighty that this dream has also been realized. With the support I have from my fellow artiste, I am raring to go out there and make this a big success.”

Okyeame Kwame confessed it has been very difficult, but he would do this again despite the challenges, “coordinating this whole event has not been easy but am grateful to my staff who put their shoulders to the wheel to make it all a reality. I would urge all people out there to come to the National Theatre in their numbers to support this cause. For me that is my motivation.”

For accomplished choreographer, Professor Nii Yartey, this is yet another opportunity to show his versatile side by fusing modernity with tradition when it comes to dancing. The Noyam Dance Group, well noted for winning international award for their dance choreographer are enthusiastic about showcasing Ghanaian dance fusion to make a statement. The Street Dancers who went through auditions are ripe to show patrons their talents and skills.

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