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Sunday, October 31, 2010

FROM THE ARCHIVES : SEXIEST MALE ACTS IN GH.................who makes the list?

I wrote this article for the JIVE newspaper [after sampling the views of 200 young and middle aged women on facebook and elsewhere] last year and it caused loads of controversy......just thought i would bring it back because i've got the 2010 edition coming out real soon........... do not hesitate to lemme kno who you think should join this year's list................enjoy

 Sex sells and we all know that. It sells even more when you are adored by female fans and don’t have to try too hard to get them screaming sexy! Haven’t you ever wondered though; which artistes have got the female masses under wraps; and is sure to get them wide eyed and bodies tingling any day? Besides, what goes into being considered a sex symbol?

To most ladies I spoke to, the criteria is really yet to be defined when it comes to determining which GH act gets them going. There’s always existed a train of thought that, being a star is the automatic qualification to being a ladies man but in recent times it looks as if the womenfolk are upping the scale on their pick of the sexiest male celebrities. Nowadays before female fans buy into a male artiste as sexy, it is their prerequisite that he must be cute [a very tricky one!], muscular [Notwistanding that he may just be slim], his fashion sense and more practically, how good he is as an artiste.

Well, now that the criterion has been laid down, who are those lucky male acts in the industry who top the list in the exclusive club of the absolutely gorgeous sex symbols for our ladies? Out of the over 200 ladies sampled, this is how the list goes;

TINNY: They nicknamed him, “sexy Tinny,” and with good reason too. It may be his obvious good looks - topped up by his customary short dreads - or his chic wardrobe, but either ways, it seems GH girls can’t get enough of him. For most it has to do with his looks and what they refer to as his confidence and ‘swag.’ Of course the fact that he makes good music is definitely an added attraction.


 ASEM: He calls himself the ‘manager’ and ‘boss player’ and has been known to go on and on about girls of different shapes and sizes; and even though the young ‘prince of hip-hop’ may have found himself in a bit of trouble for using suggestive lines in his music, it looks like the women folk are not in the least bothered by it. Matter of fact, as it turns out, his daring knack for the controversial, is a plus for his sex appeal. His boyish looks and ‘sweet lyrics’ plus some ‘swag’ to boost, are enough reason to love him. One lady put it ever so candidly-“he’s so damn cute!”- His numerous female admirers would definitely agree.

 OKEAME KWAME: GH’s ‘rap doctor’ may have quit bachelorhood quite recently but it sure hasn’t stopped his female admirers from sticking to their favorite pastime. Okyeame Kwame is sleek and has a chic though matured sense of style that apparently goes down well with the womenfolk. In the past he’s been linked with the beautiful actress Nana Ama McBrown and seems to be a favorite of older female fans though he does have quite a number of younger ones feeling him as well, a fact his beautiful bride Annika, would definitely attest to.




 SAMINI:
He once stated in an interview that he had many ladies after him, and it looks as if he might have been honest after all. The dreadlocked baritone singer has got the ladies tingling to his deep voice and rugged features, it seems. Those who’ve been in closer contact with him, say he’s got his way with the women and has a bit of a sweet tongue to boost as well. The self professed African dancehall king might just be a king in the hearts of his many female admirers as well.
KWAKU T: There’s little doubt in most female minds that GH’s BBA 2 representative is a stunner. He’s also got the cherished boyish good looks plus a definite swag in his step that’s been evident since his days in GIS. His accent may cause a few problems for him with some ladies but for the most part they confess to being totally rattled by him.
 ABORTION (4X4): His crew may have been on the quiet until recently but 4X4’s raga man is definitely still very much on most ladies’ list of GH’s sexiest acts. They say his smile is dynamite, and so is his sharp looks and chic clothing. His artistic abilities aside, the young man has long been considered by many a female, as an absolutely sweet, eye candy!

RICHIE: Last year’s producer of the year is not only cooking up chart topping hits but looks, [unconsciously, I suspect] to be aiding his numerous female admirers in cooking up wild sexual fantasies about him in their minds. According to most ladies, it is his voice that does the trick and perhaps the fact that he comes across as a squeaky clean hot boy!


O.K folks so there you have, the list GH’s hottest sex symbols as determined by the 200 women I sampled in 2009…now the 2010 edition is coming up and so i need you to tell me who’s your pick for the 'SEXIEST MALE ARTISTE IN GH 2010?



Saturday, October 30, 2010

BANGIN HOT TUNES : BRAND NU ZIGI - U SEY WETIN / ASEM - 2010 FYLLA / CASTRO FT BABY JET - AFRICAN GIRLS






 


WATCHOUT FOR MORE OF THE HOTTEST TUNES IN GH ON THIS SITE..........or better still leave your comment on which video or joint you want to see and i'll bring it to you....Enjoy!!!

Friday, October 22, 2010

CHASE, GURU & RUFF N SMOOTH TO ROCK MENSAH SARBAH BEACH JAM ON SUNDAY

Chase will be looking to leave up to the high expectations after a phenomenal showing@ the Miss Ghana Fashion Night
On Sunday Afternoon at the AB Beach Resort in Kokrobite, all hell will threaten to break lose when, GH's latest musical sensation Chase, as well as Ruff n Smooth and Guru share the stage at the Mensah Sarbah Jubilee Beach Jam. Rated as unarguably the most anticipated and leading campus beach jam, the Mensah Sarbah Beach jam party has over the years become a very popular staple on the university calendar.  In the past, it has been noted that the annual rave has been known to attract thousands of students from across all university campuses in the city and from all indications the 2010 edition is set to be even bigger and more exciting.
This year’s event also marks the Golden Jubilee celebration of the Hall and as such, there is sure to be more than enough surprises for all university rave heads come Sunday.  The 2010 Sarbah Hall Jubilee Beach Party is powered by Empire Entertainment and is to take place at the AB’s Beach Resort, Kokrobite.
Ruff n Smooth
Already there is growing anticipation on the various campuses with the Vikings (Voice should be loud), are promising to keep their reputation of throwing the most entertaining beach party on campus. Empire entertainment on the other hand are looking to bring university rave heads another mega beach jam after the success of  the 10PARTY which unarguably turned out to be the biggest rave held do far this year. Perhaps buoyed by the phenomenal success of the Empire crew, the guys at Mensah Sarbah are already laying claim to the bragging rights that this year’s edition is definitely going down in the books as the best beach party ever.
 Activities on the day would include beach soccer, table tennis, virtual soccer gaming, Dj competition, rap competition and dance competition.
the Untouchable DJ Mensa will heating things up on the turntable

Churning out absorbing mixes of hip-hop, Naija flavor and hip life tunes on the turntables, will be GH’s finest Disk jockeys; DJ Black, DJ Mensa and DJ Nii Ayi.
With the high anticipation and loaded entertainment package on offer, it is not surprising that tickets are already in high demand and at GHs 10, all university party folks are sure of being able to partake in the official “brag rights” campus beach jam of the year.






Tuesday, October 19, 2010

RESTAURANT REVIEW : EATING OUT @ Rhapsody's

Set in the Food court of the Accra mall, Rhapsody’s means different things to different people.   For the city's affluent yuppies, it is a haven for high class fun and excitement , especially on Friday and Saturday nights when the boom boxes blast a little louder and a DJ stands above party folks getting them to gyrate to mixes of house, funk and hip-hop music.
To the older businessman/woman, or expat in search of a familiar setting, the lush and comfortable interior with semicircular sofa-banquettes covered in embossed tan leather is the perfect scene for relaxation after a hard day’s work.
For the regular middle class visitor to the mall, who may only know Rhapsody’s as “that expensive spot” inside the Accra; this hotspot remains just that, “that expensive spot” they may never venture to enter.  No matter what group you prefer to place yourself; have you ever wondered if the experience is really worth the hype?
Rhapsody’s restaurant isn’t as basic -- or as inexpensive -- as most of the other places. The cooking is therefore more polished and the physical space more curetted. It isn't as loud either, which means you can have a conversation with friends instead of yelling at them. The relaxed eatery can seat about 100 people comfortably at the counter and half a dozen tables, allowing clients to see the busy parking lot and the yard around the entrance. Walking in, one is sure to catch a whiff of the exotic cuisines from no less than six countries, prepared in the kitchen adjoining the lounge to Rhapsody’s.

The place is managed by South African, Mia, a pretty lady, whose imposing figure and savoir-faire seems to endear her to yuppie lot who frequent this place. I have heard though, of instances where visitors who do not buy anything from the bar or restaurant have been kindly asked to leave the restaurant on the instructions of the manager. No such occurrence here on this day though.
Being a restaurant cum cocktail bar, the ambiance of the dinner room is blended with the relaxed feel of the cocktail bar. I found though, that there is a little discomfort to be felt in eating at a place where numerous passerbies can quite easily look in and watch you gobble down your food!  One can however take comfort in the quality of the crowd in this diner; businessmen, couples and the likes with numerous glitzy folks swarming the waiters as they look for reservations. This place certainly does get busy, especially in the evenings.
The attraction of a place like Rhapsody’s is undoubtedly the buzz and to a certain extent the food does well to compliment it. The starters on this menu make for a mouth watering read; Garlic Escargots, Tempura Prawns, Lebanese Mezeh which is served with fattouch bread and Lebanese salad. Sticking with the familiar, I settled on my favorite Grilled Calamari served with aromatic jasmine rice and peri peri sauce.
For the main course, I ordered  three miniature burgers, the first, a beef classic, then one topped with melted mature cheddar and last of all the spicy Cajun chicken served with fries, which is fondly named “Mighty Bites” on the menu list; and  Mexican corn chips layered with mixed cheese, jalapenos guacamole and accompanied by a spicy salsa. The food took a while in coming amidst incessant apologies from the waitress, trying to save whatever was left of a possible tip.   The food however was quite a delight and seemed well worth the wait.  Then again at GHC41 [plus GHC1 for the tip], I would have felt cheated otherwise.
The food here is predictably expensive with ranges between GHC 12 and GHC 20 for a plate of yam sticks, crambed calamari, mozzarella sticks, Khebab duo, etc. The signature dishes are a bit more expensive with the Avocado & Brie Cheese Fillet, Mr. & Mrs. Smith and Beef Espetada among others costing between GHC25 and GHC36. House favorite; the Rhapsody’s Platter Divine goes for GHC42, for a plate of Chicken wings, mini cheese burgers, keftedes deep-fried calamari, mozzarella sticks, onion rings and potato wedges plus sauces to compliment [I have made mental note to get this on my next visit].
I found out however, that Sushi and cocktails go for half price from 10 am to 6pm each day; perhaps in an attempt to increase the midday traffic which apparently pales in comparison to the evenings.
Generally, eating out at Rhapsody’s can be quite a mouth watering experience, especially if you are one willing to tickle your taste buds with exotic cuisines amidst a posh ambiance and  literally prepared to pay the price for it . There is of course, the advantage of mingling with the city’s socialites and the networking opportunities it offers. The service could certainly be better, especially concerning delays in serving food. Credit to the waitresses though, they never fail to be polite about it and apologise.


                                                                                                                                                Rating: ****


Monday, October 18, 2010

HOW TRIGMATIC AND V.I.P RESCUED CHARTERHOUSE

This year’s Malaika finale can be described with a myriad of adjectives with few being positive. One that is certain to resonate with all who made it to the Dome would be that it was literally a “drag.” In typical fashion, the show got off to a slow start [which allowed the latecomers to settle in]. When the Malaika delegates matched on stage, the initial cheers were deafening.  As the show wore on however, all the initial anticipation seemed to have dissipated.
Dressed paradoxically in Arabic apparel, the ladies welcomed the crowd with a patchy choreography that merely served to show that the girls may not have had enough time to rehearse properly before the show[perhaps they may have still been jetlagged from their Egyptian holiday]. Amidst near falls and weird catwalk displays, the crowd  would continue to cheer  though  it would get conspicuously softer by the minute.

Trigmatic and VIP last night earned their payments as they dazzled and thrilled a mammoth crowd of Accra’s party folk at the Malaika finale. In a show that managed to produce very few sparks, the two acts did not have to work too hard to please.
Again, it was a case of perfect timing almost; just when the crowd needed some lighting up after enduring a heap of uneventful displays from the delegates, Trigmatic was on hand to deliver. His set kicked off with a jazz trumpet rendition of “My life” before he jumped into it. Once he started, they never stopped singing along. Ironically, the joint that got the loudest chants was his cover version of Gyptian’s “Hold yuh
Earlier, Praye rode on the excitement of the crowd and got some cheers, before one after the other, the crowd was made to sit through a series of awful performances from the delegates. D-Black only managed to get his shine when joined on stage at different times by D-Cryme and Kwabena Kwabena respectively.
For some reason, there seemed a conspicuous lack of microphones and more than once Chris Attoh had to request for an additional microphone to get his job done.  For some reason as well, Co-MC Naa Ashorkor almost looked and sounded nervous thus resulting in a host of slips in her pronouncements among others..
The jaded talent performances and presentations did little to alleviate the creeping boredom, and when Chris decided to make an event of each interview during the final round stage; most folks in the crowd had given up and begun dozing off.
, Banky W was a gamble that turned out well for Charterhouse though at some point his overly flirtatious antics got boring and his decision to use the Malaika stage to introduce his sidekicks was in bad taste.
However, not even Banky W and horde of newfound groupies, could do enough to rescue the boredom that would again settle in after his performance. Then came the final round where all much hyped grooming and training the ladies were purported to have been receiving came crashing down. One after the other, the very best Malaika delegates fumbled disgracefully on the question. Whiles we in the stands found it funny, the organizers may have been chiding themselves for a very poorly done grooming job that blew up in the faces.
As the night wore on it became apparent that, more than the crowning of the winner, the most anticipated part of the show as it drew closer to a slow climax, was the performance from VIP.
They could not afford to disappoint. In the space of a second, the auditorium transformed from an oddly quiet room to a concert arena, as the boys from Boogie Down Nima rode through their repertoire of hits both “old skul” and “new skul,” buoyed on by a relieved crowd yearning for  some excitement.
After all was said and done, it all came down to who would win the crown of Miss Malaika 2010. At least judges of a higher caliber; including John Dumelo, Mrs. Kay Bentsi Enchill, Paul Adom Otchere, Jackie Appiah and Anne Sakyi.  There’s no telling what their thoughts on the performance of the delegates may have been but they added a much needed charm to a lackluster night.
Right from the start, there were unarguably two front runners, the eloquent and talented Stephanie and the charming Ama; both seemed pretty popular with the crowd and out of the lot, they actually seemed worth watching.  Stephanie was considered to be slightly in the lead as she had won the prizes for both Miss Eloquent and Talent; On the other Ama had also been adjudged Miss Congeniality.
When it came to the crunch however, Stephanie as well fumbled on her answer could not answer to satisfaction the ultimate question and even though Ama was hardly different, the notion is that the judges may have felt she had scored higher points than her closest rival.
She emerged victorious as Miss Malaika 2010 with Stephanie coming in at 1st Runner up with Bella in 3rd place.  Reactions were mixed, with the verdict dividing the auditorium with a large section expressing disappointment at the decision to score Ama higher that Stephanie; whiles others celebrated Ama’s victory saying she deserved it.

some people think Ama Nettey should not have won.
Ironically, the mixed emotions that characterized reactions to the decision, was very much a reflection of what most of the crowd at the Dome had felt all evening; thrilling performances from guest artistes as against a poorly organized event and sub-standard performances from the Malaika delegates
 For the mammoth crowd of party folk who paid GHC30 to watch what they had anticipated would be an amazing event, the end of the show sparked two emotions; the first being joy at having survived through the boredom wasting and the anguish of having paid for and sat through a night of substandard performances from the delegates as well  bad organization from the organizer

THE C.E.O: CAN IT PASS THE TEST?

Ace actress Sellasi Ibrahim has resurfaced with a vengeance. This time as well, she is her own boss and plays the impressive role of producer and actress in her debut production “THE C.E.O.
Directed by John Inzedomi and Afam Okereke , the movie stars Desmond Elliot playing opposite Sellassie, Maleeha Mahama,Ekow Blankson, and Roselyn Ngissah
‘The CEO’, tells the story of Gloria Lee ( Selassie Ibrahim), uncompromising, meticulous, principled, demanding and unfriendly, she is out to prove that she can achieve beyond the public expectations of a woman. As is always the case, her actions and inactions in her quest have a dramatic and negative effect on her family and staff.
However, when her daughter is kidnapped by estranged former employees of hers’, she is faced with many difficult decisions to make.
The production on this flick is hardly outstanding and Sellassie could have done without playing the lead. However, the acting is generally very well executed and makes for quite a watch. Some scenes were a bit of a drag but were compensated for with some compelling dialogue.
The climax is hardly unpredictable and little bit more effort could have been put into making it a little more exciting. Nonetheless, it is neither raw nor uninteresting as some of the movies being released lately; and makes for quite a watch.
The movie is schedule to be premiere on the 23rd of October, 2010 at the Golden Tulip Hotel. The event is STRICTLY BY INVITATION.

Sunday, October 17, 2010

ALL U NEED TO SEE IN "6HOURS 2 CHRISTMAS " : CHECK OUT THE TRAILER AND PICTURES FROM SET

CHEK OUT PICS FROM THE SET

 

hmmmm....Chris certainly looks happy shopping
is he attempting suicide?

ummmmmmmm...here we go Chris and Damilola

ooooooooohhh.....guess who Damilola is looking so sexy for....

......and then suddenly there was a gun to someone's head!

what ever happened to the kissing and smooching folks?!

someone looks pretty guilty here.....dont u think?

hmmmm..badboy Benny Blanco?.......whats he doing here and with who? why is she crying in the pool ?
Sena certainly looks like she's seen somethin she wasnt meant to seee!

CHECK OUT THE TRAILER 


DELECTIBLE EYE CANDY : MEET ACCRA'S HOTTEST VIDEO VIXENS - PART1

 OK, so we see them in all the hottest hiphop/hiplife music videos and meet them at every major industry gig partying with the stars; but one thing for sure, very few people[with the exception of industry players] know anything else about them except their pretty faces. As part of our research into the music video making in Gh in the weeks leading up to the 4SYTE Music video awards, NqADDAI brings to my wonderful readers[for the very first time] some of the foremost video vixens in the industry; just so that the next time you meet them, you wouldn't just be staring or pointing fingers[like we always do] but actually be able to walk over and say Hi..!
Edinam Ocansey


PRETTY RAINER TEDAM  HAS  FEATURED IN NUMEROUS LYNX ENT. VIDEOS & IN MZBEL'S "RUNWAY" VIDEO
LOVE EVA



CHARMING AND VIVACIOUS SAMIRA -  SHE FEATURED  PROMINENTLY IN QUATA'S   "PRETTY FACE" VIDEO

THIS PRETTY LADY HAS FEATURED IN MOST 4SYTE PRODUCED VIDEOS & HAS RECENTLY BEEN SEEN ACTING AS THE SHOW'S ANCHOR @ NUMEROUS EVENTS

A GROUP POSE BY THE PRETTY VIXENS WHILES ON SET FOR DA DONS NU MUSIC VIDEO
QUEEN OF THEM ALL : TAMARRA STARTED FEATURING IN TINNY'S MUSIC VIDEOS FROM THE GOOD OLD "MOKOLA KWAKWE" DAYS............AND OF COURSE SHE'S THE LOUD MOUTH WHO GOT INTO A FIGHT WITH CAPTAIN PLANET ON THE SET OF TINNY'S RINGTONE VIDEO
REMEMBER THIS FACE? LUCY AYEH IS ONE OF THE SURVIVING VETERANS IN THE INDUSTRY AND HAS FEATURED IN MOST OF TINNY'S MUSIC VIDEOS AS WELL AS FOR OTHER ARTISTES. DO YOU REMEMBER THIS SEXY BLACK NUMBER FROM  MAD-FISH'S  MUSIC VIDEO RELEASED EARLIER THIS YEAR?


WATCH OUT FOR THE REST OF THE LIST SOON!



picture credits: nana yaw boakye / sefa nkansah / clubaphro.com

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

A ROLLERCOASTER RIDE WITHIN “6 HOURS TO CHRISTMAS”

Perhaps the biggest strength of Shirley Frimpong Manso’s movie-making is her knack for experimenting with unique and unpredictable storylines.  In her latest flick, “6 Hours to Christmas,” she again sets viewers on the roller coaster ride of laughter, suspense,a fair amount of pain and an inevitable sympathy for its lead characters, on the road to [yes you guessed right!] an unpredictable finale.

It tells the story of a man, his decisions and perhaps fate.  The movie opens with Reggie [Chris Attoh] and his girlfriend, Akos [Marian Lempogo] in an intimate entanglement emanating from activities only left to the viewers’ imagination. This where we are introduced to the voice of Chris, as narrator, whose importance to the story becomes more apparent as the plot reaches a climax. With his help we come to realize that it is the morning of Christmas Eve, and that theirs is a healthy relationship with very little to offer in the way of excitement.

During their moment of bliss, erotic plans are made for later that night, with the girlfriend promising dinner and little more than just fireworks on the stroke of midnight.

As it goes, very few things ever turn out as planned; and when the sexy but seemingly wily, Pebbles [Damilola Adegbite] makes him an offer few men can afford to refuse, the stage is set for an interesting 6hours to Christmas.

Viewers familiar with hit TV. Series, 24, would recognise the high octane action and adrenaline rush that comes with a plot that is time regulated. All the scenes in 6 Hours to Christmas occur within a period of 24 hours before Christmas Day, though, the plot becomes most intriguing when Reggie falls for Pebbles’ bait and takes her to her apartment. They arrived at 1800 hours; exactly 6 hours to Christmas.

Most of the scenes take place within Pebbles’ apartment playing between the living room to the bedroom and the bathroom.  This is where Shirley shows class as director; choosing to employ variations of camera angles as well as emotions in her characters. The scenes and rollercoaster ride of emotions are so surreal that before long viewers find themselves unconsciously sharing in these emotions.  It is overtly funny when Pebbles, tells Reggie in a bedroom scene, “I actually thought you would be bigger than this” to which he retorts, “Perhaps it is because you are too wide.”

However in a scene where death occurs and a “healthy” relationship is threatened by Reggie’s actions [or in-actions], the audience mourn with the lead characters.

The dialogue is humorous and an obvious attempt is made at not coming across as corny.  That, this plot is of the dark humor genre is hardly lost on the viewer.

With such a complex plot and very simple set, the onus was obviously on the lead characters to make the most of everything they had. They do not disappoint.

 In her first feature film, Damilola Adegbite, who plays “Telema” in hit MNET series “TINSEL,” plays opposite Tinsel cast mate, Chris Attoh.  The two exhibits a certain a on-screen chemistry that contributes immensely to the success of the plot.
 Chris also handles the stunts and music coordination for the movie. Nii Odoi Mensah, Benny Ashun and Marian Lempogo also feature notably in the movie.

Sena Tsikata makes a refreshing comeback after her impressive performances on the small screen as 'Marcia' in “Things we do for Love”.

Upcoming producer, EL’s performance on the music score is nothing short of remarkable. Reflecting the mood of characters at each particular time, he switches melodiously between, highlife Kwabena Kwabena, to slow jam, Jon Germain and many more wrapping up interestingly with “Yaaro” by Richie.

As for the finale?; Shirley pulls out another surprise from her bag of surprise endings and leaves audiences enthralled and wondering; .................. as always.






PHOTO GALLEY : PRESS PREVIEW OF "6HOURS TO CHRISTMAS"

 Check out pictures from the pictures as Gh's celebrity writers and actors meet up for the premier of Shirley's latest flick.

Ameyaw Debrah poses with Damilola and Chris

NewsOne/Daily Guide's Francis ADDO interviews Chris Attoh;  also in shot are from  L - R: Peacefm's Eugene Nkansah and Ebenezer Anangfio of Ghanacelebrities.com

Shirley Frimpong answers questions from the media

Damilola and Chris Attoh answer questions from the media

Suspicious chemistry: Chris and co- star Damilola share a moment

Nanaquame ADDAI and Damilola Adegbite

more pics from the Nanaquame and Damilola

why is Chris' mouth so wide open?!lol

isn't she stunning?!

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

GH CELEBRITIES AND ALL THE MEDIA CHAOS!

I once read somewhere that a celebrity is “someone who spends their whole life trying to get attention, and when they finally get it, spend the remainder of their lives running away from it.”  As ironic as it may seem, this definition resonates clearly with the current trends in the entertainment industry and attitudes of the people we hail as celebrities. 

John Dumelo and Fred Nuamah have managed to keep a very positive public relations record
The celebrity culture in Ghana until recently, was hardly evident. Few years ago, most “famous” showbiz persons hardly warranted a glance or recognition from passers by on the streets. However the current influx of corporate sponsorships and improvement in the quality of life of the GH celebrity has led to the emergence of a loved and admired celebrity community and culture in the country.

Despite the advent of a popular celebrity culture, Ghanaian celebrities are noted to be extremely timid and shy once the cameras are positioned on them.  Thus, despite the possibilities, the industry lacks the glitz, the glamour and wow factor of other industries elsewhere, even in nearby Nigeria.  As a result, I find it very paradoxical, therefore, that most local celebs are unable to deal with the limited exposure that the local industry showbiz scene holds.

It is interesting to note that, often, up and coming celebrities tend to be very accommodating of the media and seem more than eager to take every opportunity they are given to get some media exposure for themselves. Ironically, once, fame and fortune beckons, they begin to lose all sense of discipline and control in their relationship with the media.

To a certain extent, these transformations can be understood. It is a well noted fact that, the pressures of fame and attention can be difficult to bear most of the time. Nonetheless, celebrities must be aware that, the loss of their freedoms and privacies is the price to pay for the perks and privileges that fame offers.

Last weekend, there was an intriguing controversy between a prominent entertainment weekly and actress, Yvonne Nelson. According to the editor of the paper, the former had disrespected the paper’s news reporter and refused to grant him a phone interview due to what she referred to as negative publicity she had received from the paper’s reportage over her supposed affair with Nollywood leading man, Jim Iyke. 

According to sources, the said reporter had phoned Yvonne to ask a few questions concerning the upcoming launch of her initiative to help prevent Glaucoma infection in the country. The ensuing conversation, forced the paper’s editorial team to withdraw its planned front-page publication which had been aimed at promoting the actress’ project as well as celebrate her meteoric rise to fame in the movie industry. Sadly, what should have been a great PR move for a very laudable project and her career was flushed down the drain by a few minutes of absurdity.

This is not the very first time that the actress, has been embroiled in a hullabaloo involving the media. Months ago, she was blacklisted by most entertainment newspapers and websites for what was described as “uncouth and insulting remarks” she made about a publication that had circulated in the media concerning her inability to pay the fees for her tuition at Central University. Suffice to say, the young actress, does not have a very good public relations record.

Sadly, she’s not the only one. Most local celebrities seem to fall in this category. Even the likes of upcoming leading lady, Martha Ankomah and new kid on the block, Juliet Ibrahim, seem to have been caught up in the wave of negative publicity.  In the case of the Martha, she is noted to have blatantly attempted to rubbish and refused to answer a fairly relevant question from a prominent journalist during the press premiere of a movie she had starred in. In the end, the movie, suffered a spate of negative publicity as more emphasis was placed on her behavior than the merits of the movie she had featured in.

Most celebrities fail to understand the implications of their actions on their careers, public perception, their personal lives and the growth of the industry as a whole.  

Industry pundits have named various reasons for this growing trend. A school of thought, comprising entertainment journalists, attribute it to the general lack of discipline and control of celebrities in the industry; whiles others believe, the current crop of celebrities are too young and not matured enough to handle the pressures and responsibilities that come with fame and are just unable to handle it all.  A third party, made up mostly of showbiz personalities themselves, attributes it to all to the apparent absence of ethics in news reportage in the industry.

Which ever school of thought, one may choose to side with; I have always believed that, it is a combination of all three factors and more.

Few local celebrities have got a professional management team behind them. Professional management teams may include a business manager, a personal manager / assistant and a publicist / pr person. The latter could be the most important part of any management team.

It is common knowledge that most of our celebrities tend to handle their own affairs with very few opting to have any managers and Publicists at all. Even the few, who have managers, are not getting the right services because there is no clear definition of the roles of a manager and a pr person.

 Most often, a celebrity has one person acting as publicist, business manager and personal manager. The situation created as a result, is an industry where few celebrities actually have control of whatever information about them goes out to the public through all mediums and do not have a specific plan of action for their careers, the brand and image they want to build for themselves.

In the current state of the industry, where the biggest money is to be made from attracting product endorsements from major corporate entities; this is absolutely unacceptable. What some of these celebs do not know, is that, Corporate outfits select brand ambassadors based on public perception of the celeb as well as opinions of industry pundits about what they are perceived to represent as public individuals. The story is told of a popular artiste who lost out on a major endorsement deal due to what some insiders termed as his “negative brand” caused by his controversial public outbursts.

One may argue that, there is a distinct lack of people with the required skills and expertise in the industry for handling such matters effectively and as such, they have no choice but to settle for people they believe will their interest at heart, no matter their aptness or otherwise.

Whiles this has been a true observation of the situation in the industry for a while; there has recently been the emergency of highly trained and professional Public relations outfits specializing in handling effectively, the PR of showbiz personalities.

 Outfits such as TUMTUM Communications, 18.COM Multimedia, Cosmopolitan PR among others, have proven with an impressive track record of clients over the years of being able to effectively create the right hype and brand for showbiz persons whiles effectively controlling whatever information about them is circulated in the media. That excuse therefore does not hold much credence. These agencies even go as far as coaching clients on how to answer questions during interviews and appearances in the media as well as how to manage their public personas so as to win the respect, loyalty and admiration of fans and industry players.

This is what effectively separates successful showbiz personalities and brands from their counterparts and should be an integral part of building their careers.

The likes of Jackie Appiah, Luckie Lawson, John Dumelo Kofi Adjorlolo, Lynx Entertainment, Samini and others have managed to build a positive PR platform for themselves partly due to the fact that they never shy away from the cameras and seem to have embraced their position in society as public figures. It is no surprise therefore that Jackie Appiah and Samini, are widely recognized among the finest showbiz personalities on the continent, with numerous awards and honors to this effect. They are obviously the product of well thought out and executed PR plans from experienced PR teams. 

Local celebrities have got to employ the right PR teams as part of their management and learn to embrace and accept the fact that, their positions as public persons have made all aspects of their lives public property; It is therefore up to them, to either use that influence to their advantage or allow it to destroy their career ambitions and personal lives.


To be continued……………………………………………….

Watch out for Part 2 as I examine the role of the “entertainment journalist” in all the chaos in the entertainment industry.

4syte tv video music awards launch- PHOTO GALLERY PART2






Monday, October 11, 2010

PHOTO GALLERY - 4SYTE TV VIDEO MUSIC AWARDS @ CITIZENKOFI

MZBEL ROCKED THE PURPLE AND GOLD TO THE FULLEST. DUNNO ABOUT THE SHADES IN A DIMLY LIT PLACE LIKE THE HOLLYWOOD ROOM THOUGH

VIDEO VIXENS [CALL THEM GROUPIES IF YOU PREFER!] FROM RIGHT -LEFT : PRETTY RAINER AND HER FRIENDS

..................AND THEY WOULD NOT STOP POSING FOR THE CAMERAS!  AREN'T THEY STUNNIN'

KECHE AND IWAN & NATURAL FACE FROM BULLHAUS ENTERTAINMENT

PROJECT FAME NO.2 - KESSE CERTAINLY  SEEMED LIKE HE WAS HAVING A BLAST ALL NIGHT LONG!

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT  : OJ BLACK, A FRIEND OF JOHN'S & JOHN DUMELO HIMSELF, ELEGANT AS ALWAYS

FRED NUAMAH &  JOHN DUMELO SEEM TO BE ENJOYING THEIR MOMENT WITH  THE PAPARAZZI

ALL ARTISTES IN THE BUILDING GET ON STAGE TO OFFICIALLY LAUNCH THE 4SYTE VIDEO MUSIC AWARDS 2010...........eeeerrrr SOMEBODY PLEASE ASK JEREMY AND FOLEY WHERE THE FIREWORKS ARE?!






A PRETTY REP OF VODAFONE HOLDS UP THE CRYSTAL 4 KILOS FOR ALL TO SEE..... AT THIS POINT WE ARE STILL HOPING  TO SEE  SOME FIREWORKS