Manhyia rejects Afia Pokua’s apology

After hours of pleading at Manhyia Palace, Afia Pokua was asked to leave and never set foot there again.

Not even the faction of elders who advocated for her could persuade the Otumfuo’s representative to accept her apology.

One elder pleaded on Afia Pokua’s behalf, that she (Pokua), had been on her knees since her arrival and had brought an apology that should be considered.

However, the Otumfuo’s representative remained resolute, stating that in the palace, an apology isn’t always sufficient in such matters. He emphasised that there are times when offenders are left to face their consequences, and Afia Pokua’s situation was one of those.

“Who are you to disrespect the Otumfuo? If you’ve grown wings, don’t direct them towards Kumasi. You said you’re from Kwahu but the people of Kwahu even broke away from the Ashanti region. It is our language they speak. Take your cursed self and your troubles with you. Whatever you encounter in the future, face it alone. Never set foot here again,” he stated bluntly.

With those final words, the case was closed. Afia Pokua, Mona Gucci, and their delegation drove away in their vehicle.

Afia Pokua and Mona Gucci summoned

After apologising on their respective social media platforms for disrespecting the Asantehene and offering another apology on live TV, Afia Pokua and Mona Gucci honoured the invitation to Manhyia Palace to deliver a formal apology to Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.

They were accompanied by Prophet Kumchacha and a delegation from Onua TV, the media house where Afia Pokua made comments about the Asantehene.

Dressed in all black, Afia Pokua was seen kneeling in front of the Otumfuo’s representative almost throughout the proceedings.

Moderated by the Otumfuo’s Okyeame (Linguist), both parties addressed the issues, and the offenders presented their third apology to the delegation.

Background

The controversy began when Afia Pokua, a journalist at Agoo TV, criticised the Asantehene for his perceived silence amid ongoing conflicts involving his subjects and other tribes, including the Bonos.

On Onua FM’s ‘Bribi Gye Gye wo,’ hosted by Mona Gucci, Pokua expressed frustration with what she sees as Ashantis proving superiority over other tribes and the Asantehene’s refusal to act on it.

These statements have sparked massive outrage among the Ashantis, with many individuals, including sub-chiefs and queen mothers, openly voicing their criticism.

Also, the irate Asante youth staged a protest and held a press conference to address the situation.

Source: Ghanaweb

Nigerian music video budget can produce a Ghanaian film – Camidoh

Ghanaian musician and producer, Raphael Camidoh, has reemphasized the need for stakeholders in the Ghanaian music industry to invest heavily in quality music productions, especially in video creation.

He was responding to comments on how differently the Nigerian music industry was thriving ahead of Ghana’s music space.

In an interview with Melvin Da Enigma on Luv FM, Camidoh explained that players in the local industry invested less in their craft.

He noted that Ghanaian music investors are less inclined to invest in artistes, their music videos, and marketing publications.

“But in Nigeria, their budget for shooting a music video is massive, if one takes a look at their budget, it can be able to shoot a Ghanaian film,” he said.

Camidoh believes investors in the Nigerian industry have realized the potential and returns from the sector which is missing in the local industry.

Although the local space is seeing growth, he alludes that more could be done to ramp up activities by emulating their colleagues in Nigeria.

In the past weeks, Camidoh’s hit song, Sugarcane Remix has hit a hundred million views on YouTube – the highest obtained by any Ghanaian artiste, emphasizing on the benefits of injecting more resources into one’s craft.

He also shared that his love for music was inspired by Akon, recounting how he started his early music days selling Sobolo, Pure Water, and Asanaa on a table in Ola Girls SHS in the Volta region, where he sat to write his raps.

Extending gratitude to his fanbase and Ghanaians for their support by far, Camidoh also advised upcoming artistes and the populace to carve a niche for themselves to stay relevant.

“To find a spot, you need to find that unique thing that nobody else can do,” he said.

Source: myjoyonline.com

Moesha Bodoung: Half of my body is paralysed now

Nine months after it was reported that she had suffered a stroke, Ghanaian socialite and actress, Moesha Bodoung, has spoken about her current state of health.

In a recent phone interview with nkonkonsa.com, Moesha said she has not been able to walk or speak well for the past months.

“I went off completely and I was in bed for several months. I couldn’t walk, I couldn’t talk, and couldn’t do anything. I thank God I am better now. As you can see, I talk now even though I am still struggling to speak properly. Half of my body is paralyzed now. One of my legs and one of my hands are not functioning now. So I can’t type on the phone now, I can only talk on the phone,” Moesha told the blog.

That notwithstanding, Moesha believes that God will fully heal her.  “I know God will heal me, and I will become a global superstar,” she said.

Earlier this year, after it was reported that she had suffered a stroke, her brother, Ebito Boduong, set up a GoFundMe account to raise $10,000 to cater for her medical bills.

At present, about $5,158 has been raised, and according to nkonkonsa.com, Moesha has acknowledged receipt of the money, saying it is being used for the purpose for which it was intended.

Source: myjoyonline.com

Gospel artistes bid KODA farewell

The gospel music community gathered in solemn unity to bid a final farewell to Kofi Owusu Dua-Anto, widely known as KODA, at his burial service held in Accra at the Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC) Dominion Centre on Spintex Road in Accra on Friday, September 20, 2024, followed by a private burial..

The solemn all-white funeral saw gospel artists, family members, and friends came together to honour the legacy of the celebrated musician and producer.

The atmosphere was filled with emotion as tributes poured in from those who had worked closely with KODA. Gospel stars Joe Mettle, Nii Okai, and Eugene Zuta were among the many who attended to pay their respects.

In addition to a massive turnout from the gospel fraternity, KODA’s funeral drew attendees from various sectors.

Notable figures spotted at the ceremony included former Minister of Finance Mr. Kwabena Duffuor and former Chairperson of the National Development Planning Commission, Professor Stephen Adei, the CEO of NHIA, Dr. Dacosta Aboagye, among others.

KODA’s colleagues in the music industry were also present, including Joe Mettle, Uncle Ato, Ceccy Twum, Mary Ghansah, Sonnie Badu, Daughters of Glorious Jesus, Eugene Zuta, Francis Amo, Diana Hamilton, Nii Okine, Akese Brempong, and Elder Mireku, among others.

Maame Dokono celebrates 80th birthday in grand style and launches a book

Veteran Ghanaian actress, Grace Omaboe, known widely in the entertainment industry as Maame Dokono, has marked her 80th birthday in a lavish and star-studded style.

Although Maame Dokono turned 80 in June this year, she threw a party to celebrate being an octogenarian with the launch of a book called “Unforgettable Maame Dokono.”

The party reeked of class as celebrities and important dignitaries trooped in to celebrate with her.

Maame Dokono was draped a lush blue gown, simple make-up as she beamed with smiles from ear to ear. She interacted with her former colleague actors, chiefs and other celebrities in different industries.

To join her cut the cake were David Dontoh who has been a key player in Maame Dokono’s life and career, Koku Anyidoho and some members of royalty.

Also spotted at the party were Nana Ama McBrown, Prophet Kofi Oduro, Adwoa Smart, Fred Amugi, Christine Doe Tetteh, Abeiku Santana. The party was hosted by comedian, DKB.

Maame Dokono is a household name in Ghana with over 5 decades of acting experience in movies and theatre arts. She is most famous for her storytelling television program ‘By the Fireside’. She was also the lead actress of the Obra Drama Group and the African drama television series, Akan Drama.

She starred in so many movies and has three music albums to her name. She continues to work by hosting radio and talk shows and also address socio-economic problems in the country.

Selena Gomez joins Bloomberg’s billionaire list

American pop star, Selena Gomez is now a billionaire, according to Bloomberg’s Billionaires Index.

The actress, singer, and entrepreneur amassed an estimated $1.3 billion fortune from her Rare Beauty brand to music and hit shows.

According to the publication, more than 80% of Gomez’s net worth derives from her stake in Rare Beauty Brand Inc.

Brand partnerships, acting deals, and mental health startups also contributed to her wealth.

Gomez came into the spotlight as a child star in the 2000s. She reportedly made around $3 million for her role as Alex Russo in the Disney Channel’s Wizards of Waverly Place from 2007 to 2012.

She then launched a music career, first with the pop-rock band Selena Gomez & the Scene and then as a solo artist.

With 424 million followers, Gomez is behind only football icons Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi as the most popular person on Instagram.

Music tours only accounted for less than 5% of Gomez’s wealth, with album and record sales less than 2%. She hasn’t toured since 2016.

Most of Gomez’s fortune — roughly $1.1 billion — comes from her stake in Rare Beauty.

‘Young artistes have reduced quality of music’- Korede Bello

Nigerian singer Korede Bello has said that young artistes have reduced the quality of music coming out of the country.

The 28-year-old spoke in a recent episode of Hip TV’s programme Trending, hosted by reality star KimOprah.

According to him, young artists lack the experience to make quality music. He claimed that the younger an artist attains stardom, the more the quality of their music declines.

Bello said, “When you start to have young artists blowing up, the quality of the music starts to reduce because they don’t have quality experiences.

“They don’t know how to live yet. Young people don’t yet know how to live, they just know that they are living. They want to live large, so that’s what they’re going to sing about.

“If you listen to an African China, where he’s coming from, he has seen things. Timaya, Fela—all have experiences. Their songs are expressions of reality. We should not blame these young artists; you can only give what you have.”

Source: dailypost.com

Chale Wote Street Art Festival 2024 opens in Accra

The 14th edition of the Chale Wote Street Art Festival opened in Accra on Monday with a silent procession through the Osu township, with participants clad in all-white attires.

There was a declaration by the team at the Christiansborg castle and the opening of the Shika Shika Art Fair in the Garden.

Other activities during the first day of the Chale Wote Street Art Festival were a royal music performance by the Osu Klottey School of African Music, Dagara Music Centre performance, Nyonmo Y3 Jen Cultural Group dance performance, a film screening, and conversations.

Themed ‘And Now An End To The Empire Of Horrors,’ it draws inspiration from some of Africa’s deepest history that lies in the Gulf of Guinea. Chale Wote seeks to artistically focus on the tales of the fantastic and mortal gods from the Gulf of Guinea, which can be understood as allegories that illustrate the social conditions created by genocidal squatter colonialism.

Chale Wote 2024 explores the history of the place through its origins and an examination of it in relation to its death and the current rebirth of its sacred sciences, long forgotten and buried with the giants. The event will curate a multiplicity of counterhegemonic narratives about this rebirth in their most spectacular form through art and entertainment.

The one-week-long festival will be held from Monday, August 19, to Sunday, August 25, 2024. Therefore, selected artists will be expected to release the works from August 10 to 18, 2024, and have them ready for display from the beginning to the climax of the festival.

Source: myjoyonline.com

Diana Hamilton wins ‘Best Gospel Artiste’ at GMA-USA

Popular Gospel musician Diana Hamilton has taken to social media to express her gratitude for winning the Best Gospel Music Artiste award at the 2024 Ghana Music Awards USA.

The prestigious event, which marked the 5th anniversary of the annual award scheme, took place on Saturday, August 17, 2024, in New Jersey.

Diana Hamilton, who was nominated alongside artistes including Nacee, Joe Mettle, MOG, and Sonnie Badu took to her Instagram account to express her gratitude for the win.

“Thank you to the organizers of GMAUSA, we are grateful for awarding us the Gospel Artiste of the Year at this year’s 5th Anniversary Landmark event. Thanks to God and all of you for your support. I don’t take this for granted!” she posted.

The GMA USA is renowned for celebrating excellence and hard work among musicians within the United States, Ghana, and beyond, and this year’s edition was no exception.

Other artistes who also clinched awards include Nacee, Kofi Kinaata, Strongman, and others.

Destiny Etiko denies alleged car gift from Omotola Jalade’s husband

Famous Nigerian actress Destiny Etiko has dismissed rumours that Captain Matthew Ekeinde, husband of Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, bought her a car.

In a video, Destiny Etiko proudly declared herself self-made and vowed not to let anyone bring her down.

The famous Nollywood actress clarified that the photo of her with Captain Ekeinde was taken four years ago on a flight where he was the pilot. She greeted him respectfully and took a selfie, but they had not met since.

Addressing her critics, the celebrated Nollywood actress accused them of being bitter and attempting to tarnish her reputation. She also urged them to stop dragging Omotola, her husband, and her son into the baseless rumours.

“The last I checked, 99.9 percent of what I’ve achieved in my life I freaking did it myself with my full chest.

“I don’t know why some people are bitter. Most of my birthdays I love to buy a car because I love to change cars every year. Some bitter people…sat down and brought pictures of Omotola’s husband that I took with him over four years ago.” She said

“And how did it happen? I was on a flight and he was the pilot, so some people were snapping pictures with me. He asked what was happening and they told him I was an actress.”She added.