R2Bees crowned best 'artistes of the year' at the 2013 VGMAs

The much talked about 2013 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards has come and it is no longer news that the Tema fraternity have once again swept the prestigious Artiste of the Year accolade. R2bees were crowned with the biggest award on the night amidst five additional ones that they scooped home. As a surprise package, the group received a brand new MG Rover vehicle and Samsung Galaxy S4 phones from Vodafone as part of the awards. M.anifest, Herty Borngreat and Kaakie were also among the big winners on the night. Performances from Steve Bedi, Efya, Fuse ODG, 4x4, M.anifest, Amandziba, Akatakyie, Kontinhene, EL, Criss Waddle, Keche, Asem & Kwabena Kwabena, Kwaw Kese, VIP, Sarkodie and R2bees, were enough to warm the cold night that was emceed by KOD and Eazzy.

 



Story by Adeyemi Adebayo Victor

Dancehall Artiste Goes On 'F*cking Spree'...F**ks Kaakie, Charter House et al

Dancehall artiste, Bandana has descended heavily on Charter House, organizers of the annual Ghana Music Awards accusing the outfit of illegally awarding the Reggae Dance Hall Song of the Year award to Kaakie. Just some few minutes after Kaakie was announced winner of that category which also had Bandana, Blakk Rasta, Eazzy, Knii Lante and Samini as contenders, the artiste popularly known for the hit song Bandana From Ghana took to social media platform, Twitter to vent his anger at the organizers. This year’s awards came off at the Accra International Conference Centre Saturday night and while many have praised organizers for a good show, Bandana thinks otherwise. He tweeted that: “Fc*k Ghana music industry, Fc*k charter house and I mean this from my heart .i don't need them in any way ..big up to all Shatta wale fans.” “Fc*king hypocrites,liars,sons and daughters of satan,I hope they sleep and don't wake up.. Charter hose should be used for a public toilet .....I don't need any award in Gh or any nomination..fc*k Gh music industry..” he added. Bandana did not spare Kaakie, who walked away with two awards on the night. He said: “Fc*k khakie who cant even write her own music and fc*k her smelling p*s*y...I know how they did this...but trus mi we kno how to handle dis.” Shatta City hit singer added that: “I pray all those who mis judge me here face the wrath of the almighty that has given me the talent and mankind is not appreciating. This time I will direct people to the nearest public toilet..charter house hahahaha ha..” According to Bandana, known in real life as Charles Nii Armah Mensah Jnr, “I don't need awards cuz I got my own money 3cars and a house ..fc*k you all hates ...foolish villagers on twitter..awards my foot. Dem no have money like me ...I've award ago chop...all I want talk be say dem for no waste my time..fools.” “Ano chop dis money saf finish..kwasia fuor.....no much charter house go fit pay me.. My dear God, As the rain fall and thunder strikes ...I want to see all who want me fall dead by morning.Amen..if u be man try me..,” Bandana concluded.

Story by Ernest Dela Aglanu (Twitter: @de

Open Letter To BET Awards…Can Africa Receive This Year’s Award On Your Main Stage Too?

Africa is once again excited about the fact that you have decided to maintain our only slot in your numerous award categories—Best International Act (Africa).

Though we wish we had more than one category as we have far number of black people on our continent than America or Europe, we still think half a loaf is better than none.

I am not sure if the meaning of BET-Black Entertainment Television has changed yet. If it has not, won’t it be prudent to make sure you embrace the continent with the highest number of black people?

Oh no! I just remembered…You are business and you are more interested in profit than anything else…

Since African-Americans ‘pose’ to have greater purchasing power than those of us down here in Africa, I guess you will continue to fill them up in all the categories—and just sprinkle us over things so to create that sort of disproportionate sense of balance…Right?

Anyway, what will happen if you give the only category you have assigned to us a stage presentation during this year’s award ceremony?

Look, we may not have electricity all the time to watch television down here in Africa but last year, most of us rushed to the homes of the few people who could afford generators in order to be able to watch our Africa brothers walk up your stage to collect their plaques. But you failed to even mention their names on stage, let alone walk up there.

Even though we couldn’t understand the ‘fast English’ your people kept speaking, we endured the pain, hoping the sight of our brothers who travelled all the way to your far-away country would be worth the hustle.

Can you imagine how disappointed some of us were when we could not see our brothers on TV after walking nearly 2 miles just to have access to a television?

Come on, you couldn’t give the whole ‘continent of Africa’ just 2 minutes of your air time?

As I intentionally mentioned above, Africa is a continent and we will appreciate if you treat Africa as such. The last time I ‘confused’ a Ghanaian for Nigerian, I nearly got a slap…

We are not enemies but we are all unique in our own ways. Why do you continue to give two of our brothers the same award? Even if you wanted to do this with us, why didn’t you use Lil Kim and Nicki Minaj for the pilot project?

Despite the fact that 10 of our beautiful women can peacefully share one ‘ugly’ man, we like elitism and we would be grateful if you appreciate our talents independently.

We love to brag and you are not making this happen. How can Ghanaians ‘show off’ and make Nigerians ‘feel small’ when you gave Sarkodie and Wizkid the same award?

Did you think they were twins? One likes Eba and the other loves Kenkey…

If you do not give our talents the respect and recognition they deserve on your main stage this year, count us out of your subsequent events.

We will just speak to our ‘Chinese brothers’ who are exploiting us down here to help us start our own version of BET Awards, and we will call it rBET Awards…The ‘r’ means REAL!

And you know how good these guys are!

I hope I will not have to write to you again next year…All the best and remember Africa is one big continent, not a country.

Thank You. 



Story by Chris-Vincent Agyapong Febiri

Talented rapper EL confirmed as new host for BBC Radio 1 Xtra's “Xtra Talent” Show

Ghana's top rapper and producer EL has been announced as the new presenter for the BBC Radio 1xtra “Xtra Talent” show, which will see the artist hijack the airwaves of the popular radio station throughout May 2013.

The hottest rapper currently with 5 nominations at the upcoming Vodafone Ghana Music awards is set to takeover the last hour of DJ Edu's highly rated show, Destination Africa with Xtra Talent, playing a selection of the hottest Afrobeats.

Just a week after being verified on Twitter, EL becomes the first Ghanaian based artist to be on such platform to play his favourite Afrobeat tracks and also to interact with his fans in the UK and around the world.

Previous talents on the show include UK based Afrobeats artists Fuse ODG, Mista Silva and DJ Sef Kombo. E.L will be taking over the show every Sunday night from 0100-0200 BST (12am – 1am GMT).

The show will be available to listen again for the next seven days after broadcast on BBC iplayer or via www.bbc.co.uk/1xtra where it will be available for 30 days after transmission. Story by Rickie Davise

Sarkodie Does Not Deserve Big Brother Africa At all

Although Ghana’s representatives have not been mention yet, information reaching www.GhanaSuperstars.Com has it that, it is possible Sarkodie might be representing Ghana in the Big Brother Africa Season 8. Not confirmed yet, Ghana’s revered graphic designer and entertainment analyst, Patrick Narh in America has revealed to www.GhanaSuperStars.Com that it will be a big mistake for Sarkodie to enter the Big Brother Africa reality TV show. He stated that “Obedeponbede” Sarkodie who is also known in real life as Michael Kwesi Owusu Addo does not have a good human relationship to attend a program like Big Brother Africa.

He added that Sarkodie doesn’t deserve to be in Big Brother because he doesn’t need Big Brother to build his image but rather, Big Brother needs him. ‘Big Brother is about two things; money and fame.When it comes to money,Sarkodie claims ‘money no be problem’and when it comes to fame too, Sarkodie is famous and doesn’t need Big Brother to be more famous in Africa,’ he added.He advisedSarkodie that if he doesn’t want to end his music career, he should rather concentrate on different strategies in building his image in the world market than thinking Big Brother is the platform for him to introduce himself to the world. ‘Sarkodie should be fast and wise to learn from how Eazzy disgracedherself and now struggling to re-build her image after attending the Big Brother last year.Besides that, he needs to ask himself how many top Nigerian super stars have ever dreamt of going to Big Brother. It will be best for him to respect himself and not play with kids, because he’s a grown up and need to play with mature people.Big Brother is for amateurs who want fame, not people like Sarkodie‘he concluded. Do you agree with Patrick Narh? If yes, share your thought on Www.GhanaSuperStars.Com.

If not too, share your thoughts.Although Ghana’s representatives have not been mention yet, information reaching www.GhanaSuperstars.Com has it that, it is possible Sarkodie might be representing Ghana in the Big Brother Africa Season 8. Not confirmed yet, Ghana’s revered graphic designer and entertainment analyst, Patrick Narh in America has revealed to www.GhanaSuperStars.Com that it will be a big mistake for Sarkodie to enter the Big Brother Africa reality TV show. He stated that “Obedeponbede” Sarkodie who is also known in real life as Michael Kwesi Owusu Addo does not have a good human relationship to attend a program like Big Brother Africa.He added that Sarkodie doesn’t deserve to be in Big Brother because he doesn’t need Big Brother to build his image but rather, Big Brother needs him. ‘Big Brother is about two things; money and fame.When it comes to money,Sarkodie claims ‘money no be problem’and when it comes to fame too, Sarkodie is famous and doesn’t need Big Brother to be more famous in Africa,’ he added.He advisedSarkodie that if he doesn’t want to end his music career, he should rather concentrate on different strategies in building his image in the world market than thinking Big Brother is the platform for him to introduce himself to the world.

‘Sarkodie should be fast and wise to learn from how Eazzy disgracedherself and now struggling to re-build her image after attending the Big Brother last year.Besides that, he needs to ask himself how many top Nigerian super stars have ever dreamt of going to Big Brother. It will be best for him to respect himself and not play with kids, because he’s a grown up and need to play with mature people.Big Brother is for amateurs who want fame, not people like Sarkodie‘he concluded. Do you agree with Patrick Narh? If yes, share your thought on Www.GhanaSuperStars.Com. If not too, share your thoughts. Story by

Ghana’s leading female DJ, DJ Kess battles with the best of Africa!

After winning the Best Female DJ at the maiden edition of the Ghana DJ Awards in February, DJ Kess will be doing battle again for ‘Best Female DJ’ at the upcoming African Global DJ Awards  Scheduled for Johannesburg, South Africa on May 4. She was nominated alongside DJ Nana (Nigeria), Dj Pieces (Nigeria/USA), DJ Lambo (Nigeria), DJ Cndo (South Africa), and DJ Soupamodel (Nigeria/USA).

 

DJ Kess is currently DJ/Video DJ on Soundcity, a radio DJ on YFM (playing 7-10pm Mondays- Thursday and 9am-12noon on Saturdays) and an entertainment TV host on ETV Ghana. She discovered her talent at Archbishop Porters Girls, Takoradi where she was the schools official DJ.  She has been doing it professionally for the past 7 years. She is known for being a radio DJ on YFM 107.9 playing on the Y Lounge with Ace Radio Host Jeremie between 7 – 10pm, from Mondays to Thursdays. She also doubles as a club DJ as well at Bella Roma, a popular bar & night club in Accra. She has rocked live concerts with Mario & Shontelle, The Red Lipstick (All female) Concert etc.

 

DJ Kess is not only known back home in Ghana, she represented Ghana at the Big Brother Africa House in South Africa 2011, playing jams that had the housemates raving and begging for more. After rocking in South Africa she performed, amongst others in Benin (Etisalat, Concert 2012), Nigeria (Copa Coca Cola, 2012) and Liberia (DJ Kess LIVE at Club Dejavu, 2012).

 

The African Global DJ Awards winners will be decided by a panel of judges (along with popular votes on the website) likely to be headed by Nigeria’s legendary DJ Jimmy Jatt. The event will be hosted by Barbz of Big Brother Africa fame, Denrele of Channel O, Lerato, Ugandan rapper Navio, DJ Jam Jam from the United Kingdom and Adams Ibrahim of Nigeria’s Soundcity.

Story by http://www.ameyawdebrah.com

Ghana Music Week Takes Off

The maiden edition of the Ghana Music Week took off yesterday March 4, at the National Theatre.

It is being held under the theme: “Engaging MUSIC as a catalyst for Unity and National Growth”, and will feature three main branches namely: training/Workshops/Seminars; Film/Theater& Comedy and Musical Concerts.

Some 20,000 are expected to attend the week-long festivities. “Our key goal is to create the industry’s biggest platform to bring together and encourage participation of artistes, stakeholders, the media, decision/policy makers and music users; and to recognize, promote & underscore the importance and value of Ghanaian music forms”, says MUSIGA President, Bice Osei Kuffour.

The week-long event will end on March 10.
Highlight of events for the GMW include:

*Ghana Music Day on-the-air, in association with the Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA) on Saturday, March 2, 2013

*Sales & Exhibition- display of general goods and services all week at both the exterior and foyer of the National Theater.

*Training and Seminars for musicians/ creative arts people

*Symposiums, workshops, stakeholders’ dialogue

*National Music Essay & Poetry Contest – for students

*Food Court & Chill Zone- including bars, a resident Nightclub
Highlife, Gospel Concerts and Comedy Shows

*Ghana Unity Concert (56Hitzdependence Concert) – Wednesday March 6, 2013

Musiga All-Star and Awards Night – Saturday March 6, 2013
The GMW is powered by the Musicians Union of Ghana, with support from RLG, Airtel and Smirnoff (Ice & Vodka.
Story by peacefmonline.com

Sarkodie’s Management To React To His GMAs Artiste of The Year Snub

The organizers of the annual Ghana Music Awards sponsored by telecom giants Vodafone have officially released the nominations for this year’s awards at a short ceremony at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel in Accra on Saturday.

Ghana’s hottest artiste and last year’s VGMA artiste of the year, Sarkodie, failed to get the nod at this year’s Vodafone Ghana Music Awards. However, he has been nominated for best rapper and finds his name in three other categories.

Sarkodie has not publicly reacted to his omission from the artiste of the year category but Totalshowbiz.com can confirm that his management is preparing to release an official statement on that by Monday.

In an interview with Sammy Forson, he told Totalshowbiz that management of Sarkodie has been receiving lots of questions on the subject matter and they’d release a formal statement by Monday to address whatever issues are there.

Sarkodie’s omission has attracted some public disaffection for the Ghana Music Awards. YFM presenter, Giovanni Caleb, has expressed his misgivings about the whole issue.

“..As expected the debate is on for the VGMA nominee list for the year. Hmmm nsem pii.. Sad at how its looking like. Sarkodie (bEt award winner) missing in Artiste of the year list. How?”

“.Unless a nomination for him means picking up the award to u. Not nominating him means he’s not improved/played any show at all or was literally sitting at home all these while ( year under review). It’s simply not fair. It’s not fair to deprive him of that category while artistes like D-black and Kwaw… Make it on there. I’m not saying he should be in there because he’s taken BET – NO!!!! Let’s just make our only award system which appreciates our own more credible. Period.” he said.



Story by peacefmonline.com

Breaking News – Upcoming Singer,Damoche Shot Dead At LASU By Suspected Cultists

Reports reaching us have it that up and coming Nigerian singer, Damino Demola Damoche, has been shot dead by suspected cultists.

He was reported to have been shot at the main gate of the Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo by the suspected cult members this evening.

Some reports say he was shot by rival cultist who were on a motorcycle popularly called okada
Story by www.mercyjohnson.com

DJ Abrantee ‘Afrobeats The Ultimate Collection’ [Mixtape]

DJ Abrantee was the main protagonist in that sideways Guardian article on “afrobeats” which, among many generalizations, mistakenly credited him with coming up with the genre tag (a claim Abrantee denied). While we can’t overlook the problem of lumping in several, fully separate genres under one vague “afrobeats” umbrella, we also can’t ignore the increasing popularity of these — mainly Nigerian and Ghanaian — dance jams in the UK. Basically, what we’re getting at is: ignore the tag, but enjoy this great mix of highly-addictive pop tunes from the likes of D’Banj, P-Square, Wande Coal, R2Bees, Atumpan, Naeto C and others mixed by UK selector DJ Abrantee. Grab it on iTunes.
Story by www.okayafrica.com

Samini And Efya Join D-Black, R2Bees And Sherifa On "Chris Brown Live In Ghana" Concert

“Expect show stopping surprises!” organizers of the rlg sponsored Hope City Launch Celebration concert to be headlined by international ‘A’ list performer, Chris Brown on Tuesday March 5 at the Accra Sports Stadium in Accra, assure fans, and urge them not to miss out on what is expected to be a fantastic concert from the man popularly known as Chris Breezy.

Preparations are ahead to commence the construction of a mega stage at the Accra Sports Stadium in readiness for the concert, which is expected to feature local supporting acts including R2Bees, Samini, Efya, D-Black and Sherifa Gunu.

People who are skeptical about attending such a huge outdoor concert at the stadium, fearing attacks by hoodlums, are being assured by the organizers to expect improved organizational technique and strategies which is aimed to give them a comfortable and secure ambiance to enjoy themselves.
The producers of the show promise that every patron, whether they were in the popular stand or in the VIP area set on the grounds in front of the stage, gets a great experience.

The show will be heavy on dancing and patrons are urged to come in comfortable shoes.

Proudly powered by Ghana’s No. 1 ICT company, rlg, the Hope City Launch Concert is in commemoration of the sod cutting for a new technology village – Hope City.

It is produced by leading events management company, Charterhouse, with support from Gh One Entertainment TV and Empire Entertainment.

Story by Peacefmonline.com

E.L Disappointed For Not Being Nominated For Artist of the Year

Rapper/producer E.L has expressed his disappointment for not being nominated for Artist of the Year in the 2013 Vodafone Ghana Music
Awards.

The rapper who received 5 nominations including Hiplife Song of The Year, Album of The Year, hiplife/hiphop Artist of the Year, Best Rapper and Producer of the Year, did not understand why in spite of these major nominations and the hard work he and his BBNZ label put in for the year under review, he wasn't nominated for the ‘Big One’.

He said: “It’s a little disappointing because this year has been a year that we have been swimming along, putting in a lot of work at BBNZ; and for not being considered for the Artist of The Year is a little disappointing because we have artists in there who weren’t nominated in any other category but the Artist of the Year.

It just baffles me how that works but it’s an organization which we have put our faith in to make the best judgment or selection and apparently that’s what they think works. So we would just go with it and hope that next time around, we will get there!”

E.L is however hopeful of picking up one of the biggest awards on the night, Album of The Year. He explained: “We released a very good album, if I may say so myself. ‘Something Else’ had classic songs from hip-hop to Kwaito to R&B. It’s a melting pot which when anybody picks up will find something they like. So I am looking forward to winning that one!”

He assured his fans of more exciting projects and concluded: “Just look out for bigger and better things. If observers say were aren't working hard enough it means that we are being a little modest and we have to go to hyper mode and take it to the next level. “


Story by Ameyawdebrah.com

P. Diddy and Mark Whalberg partner up.

Diddy continues to grow his business empire and this time he has added water to his list of business ventures. The Bad Boy rapper has teamed up with Mark Whalberg to oversee the business strategies for performance water brand, AQUAhydrate. Last year Diddy topped the Forbes list for wealthiest hip-hop moguls with a net worth of US$550 million.


Story by Aaron Addy