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Wednesday, December 22, 2010

MEGA JAM CHRISTMAS 2010 Where to find the party in Accra and which raves not to miss this Christmas…………………………


It’s days to Christmas and everywhere there seems to be one activity or another going on. At this time of the year, one hardly gets any work done as the mood is generally cheerful and all thoughts seem consciously or unconsciously channeled towards the coming festivities.
As usual rave outfits and rave heads alike are also gearing up for one big mega jam after the other with a host of jam sessions lined up for this season . Much like last year, the period seem to have a helluva lot of entertaining raves happening almost everyday of the period; though this seems a lot more packed with the introduction of more major events in addition to those events that have now become a traditional staple on the calendars for those of us who care to pay attention to them. I guess it also helps that Christmas on a weekend this year, therefore allowing many of us to have a very long weekend of party hopping!
Below I preview and list some of the major upcoming events in the coming weeks as well as my expectations in terms of turnout and how exciting it promises to be…….
Christmas Eve………..

DECEMBER 2 REMEMBER – CITI FM
One of the ultimate jam sessions for this period; this show has always been one to remember and this year will be no different. With Samini, ASEM, 4X4, 55, Praye and many more of the year’s biggest performers parading as usual on the night, patrons can be rest assured of nothing but pure thrills and dancing all night long. And of course anybody who has been to any of the previous editions will advise you to stick and stay for the after party in the foyer that always offers more than enough to drink and a lot of people to mingle with.
Expectations: *****
A WHITE CHRISTMAS PARTY – EMPIRE ENTERTAINMENT
Rave heads may be spoilt for choice on this Friday night, but one gig that is sure to spin heads and bring the devil out of folks will definitely be the “WHITE CHRISTMAS PARTY.” Events house Empire Entertainment is currently the most highly reputed party crew in the city and they are referring to this gig as the official last party of the year and they look like they want to finish very hard. The all star line-up of DJs includes DJ BLACK, DJ MENSA, DJ PERFECT, UK’s DJ ICE, and many others. The MCs include BOLA RAY, FUNNY FACE, JEREMIE, JAY FOLI and Naa Adele. Word in the nightlife circles is, this party is rated as the Official Christmas Eve party of 2010 and must not be missed.
Expectations: *****


 CHRISTMAS DAY

GHANA MOVIE AWARDS 2010 – GHALLYWOOD PRODUCTIONS
Personally I can’t wait for this event for two reasons; First of all, it is the very first Ghana Movie Awards night and is sure to be a historic one that should not be missed. Secondly, organizers seem to have flexed the muscles to get the services of showstoppers such as SAMINI, TINNY, AIGBE EDEM, ASEM, WUTAH, RANA and lots of other acts to perform on the night. It is rumored that the show is set to have the largest number of performing acts for any other rave this season.
In the same breath, organizers have confirmed appearances from the likes of Nollywood superstars Tonto Dikeh, Desmond Elliot, Ramsy Nouah, Rita Dominics, Genevieve Nnaji, Mercy Johnson and many other big names for what they hope will be the ultimate red carpet event of the year.
To carp it all off, everyone is quite interested in knowing which actor and actress will walk away with the title of Overall Best Actor and Overall Best Actress in Ghana by morning on Boxing Day.
Expectations: ****

FACEBOOK XMAS PARTY – FILASTONE ENTERTAINMENT and REPLAY ENTERTAINMENT
The only other club gig in the coming days worth a review. Lots of hype is going on for this event and it may well be worth it. The guys from Filastone and Replay Entertainment have held some of the biggest tertiary focused club raves this year [ e.g. The phenomenal “MAJOR RECOVERY” rave] and this looks to be their biggest yet. What’s for sure is they know how to throw a good party and this may certainly be no different.
Expectations: ****

BOXING DAY
NIGHT OF A 1011 LAUGHS
Charterhouse’s traditional rave for those in search of a more relaxing and soothing form of entertainment-that is, of course if you have no problem with one that may have side effects on your ribs and jaws afterwards- This show has always been genuinely entertaining and there is little doubt that this year will be different. The 2010 line-up includes Owen Gee, Lekpacious, Buchie and Bash from Nigeria. From Ghana- undoubtedly the funniest man of the moment, Funny Face, DKD [another hilarious young man] and Percy. [Somebody asked where David OSCAR was…I leave the answer to your imagination].Music will be provided by Gyedu Blay Ambulley, Efya, VIP and many others.
Expectations: *****

27th December, 2010
 
GHANA ROCKS 2010 – Charterhouse
This year, once again London’s funky house hip-hop music culture meets GH rap music for the ultimate jam session of the year. From precedence set last year, this show is one that should certainly not be missed. Personally, Its one of the few gigs I’m actually looking forward to – not really because of Tinchy Stryder but more so because of the KIG Family whom, I [like most other rave heads] absolutely love.  Expect ASEM, VIP, and 5Five to thrill the night as well.
Expectations: *****

28th December, 2010



RICKROSS IN GH – FANTASY ENTERTAINMENT
Some people might disagree with me but word on the street [and in my mind] is that this show may not be quite as big as organizers might have anticipated. For one, this season is packed with loads of maga shows/concerts and though it presents an international alternative to the various shows billing local acts, most people have to choose between Ghana Rock [27th] and Rick Ross the following day. Nonetheless it may be one of this season’s biggest shows, at least for those who can afford to cough up GHC75 and above for a concert.
Expectations: ***
AMAKYE DEDE - ADOM FM & EVOLUTION INTERNATIONAL
Ghana music’s only recognized “rock star” Amakye Dede, will rock lovers of good old highlife music at the Conference Centre along side the genres other heavyweights such as Kwabena Kwabena, Daasebre Dwamenah, Felix Amoah and many more.
This one show that is sure to rock and I am certainly hoping it becomes an annual affair [atleast so that I can make it there next year!]
Expectations: ****

Other Upcoming Shows [which did not make it on this list] include];
-         ROB Definitions All Black Party @ Club 202 – 26th December
Expectations: ***
-         +233 @ Tantra Nightclub
Expectations: **
-         Edi Kadi Live on 29th December @ Citizen Kofi
-         Expectations:***
-         JQ’s “Homecoming Party” @ Cleavers House – 1st January 2011.
Expectations: ****
-         Rob Definitions All White Party @Royal Mirage Hotel – 2nd January 2011.
Expectations: **


Expectations Ratings
·          *      -  Not promising
·         **   -  Quite promising
·         ***  -  Exciting
·        **** - Mega-jam
·        ***** - Definitely a  Mega-jam

Note: That, whiles this may not be the full list of raves happening in Accra this season, this certainly contains all of the major raves taking place and the comments and ratings are based my personal opinions as an industry critic/writer/ events organizers and Pr consultant; oh and of course as a well noted “Party Head”!!! see you around somewhere this Christmas…have fun!.




Thursday, December 16, 2010

THE TAKEOVER: ACCRA [DOT] ALT AT ALLIANCE FRANCAISE ON DECEMBER 18TH


 
On Saturday, December 18th, 2010 Accra will have a few more alternatives to consider. Redd Kat Pictures, presents the first annual ACCRA [dot] Alt showcase at Alliance Française from 7:00-11:00pm. ACCRA [dot] Alt showcases the cultural innovation of Ghanaian artistes on the margins. Each artiste selected to participate is cutting edge, bold, colorful and trendsetting. This dynamic event will feature a fashion preview, live concert performances, experimental short film screenings and photography exhibitions, interactive art installations, and deejaying. There will also be a crafts marketplace filled with beautiful and interesting handmade goods for purchase like beads, limited edition ACCRA [dot] Alt T-shirts, paintings and organic body butters. The gate admission fee is 10 cedis.

These artistes, without a doubt, represent the future of Ghana in music, fashion, digital media and performance. Awushie Akaba is an up-and-coming fashion designer who’s unconventional mix of colors, textures and materials will garner her acclaim for pushing Ghana into a new age of fashion. Akaba’s inspiration comes from the country’s rustic landscape and her new line is themed after natural elements of metal, clay, wood, water and fire. Efya represents new school Ghanaian soul—with raw energy and explosive vocals—she has captivated crowds from Stars of the Future to the National Theater to Alliance Française. Wanlov the Kubolor + His Afro Gypsy Band are already international celebrities performing new music together in South Africa, France, New Zealand and Nigeria. ACCRA [dot] Alt marks the first time Wanlov will play with his band in Ghana. With this year’s release of the first-ever pidgin musical, Cos Ov Moni, Wanlov and M3NSA have exposed global audiences to experimental Ghanaian youth culture. Trigmatic is a born lyricist—the hip hop artiste has collaborated with the Who’s Who of Ghana’s rap legends and is currently a radio presenter on YFM. JaySo is Ghana’s most notable hip hop producer working with Wyclef Jean and 2 Face Idibia among others. He’ll rock our stage with rappers Lil’ Shaker and Edi-Young of Skillions Records. Knii Lante blends R&B, reggae and higlife music into a lovely sound. His velvety tones over live ragga beats will surely have the whole place jumping. African Relaxation Techniques (ART) is a fusion of electronica, dubstep, rock, hip hop, Ghanaian folk and highlife music. Chuxx and Anas, the future of African new school soul music, will be featured on the album. The Canz are an Atlanta-based Ghanaian hip hop duo who created a buzz recently after opening for platinum U.S. hip hop artistes Rick Ross and Gucci Mane. Hip hop sensations, J-Town and Yaa Pono, will perform alongside The Canz as special guests. Mutombo is an exceptional spoken word artiste whose lyrical fluidity and lightning quick tweets has earned him a cult following throughout Accra. Kobby Graham, a writer/blogger/musicologist moved to Accra from the U.K. five years ago and works with Amplified and Soul N’ Motion. Kweku Ananse is a venerable institution in Accra for his fusions of AfroBeat, African folk, soul, hip hop and electronica. DJ Nth Degree is a Virginia-based artiste whose soul, R&B, hip hop and AfroBeat sets have rocked audiences throughout the East Coast of the United States.

Come out and support these amazing artistes on Dec. 18th at Alliance Française. For more information about this upcoming show, please visit www.facebook.com/ACCRAdotAlt or email reddkatpictures@gmail.com.



Thursday, December 9, 2010

GEAR UP FOR A WHITE CHRISTMAS 2 REMEMBER!!!

Following the success of the hugely entertaining and critically acclaimed “10-10-10 Party,”
events house, Empire Entertainment is gearing up to throw another groundbreaking event come this festive season. In what most rave people are calling a once in a lifetime event, Bola Ray and his empire team are looking to break the status quo with the event simply termed, “A WHITE CHRISTMAS PARTY.”

Such a simple tag for a gig, may evoke images of the traditional [and now cliché], “ALL WHITE PARTIES”; but over the years Empire entertainment has become known as the industry’s hub of non- cliché concepts and entertainment built on innovative and truly “outside- the-box” initiatives and events; and the intriguing concept behind “A WHITE CHRISTMAS PARTY” is a clear manifestation of this fact. In the words of Radio personality extraordinaire and Empire C.E.O, Bola Ray, “The event is targeted at people who are ambitious, fun loving, trendy, out spoken, and on the lookout for opportunities in life.
The White Christmas party will serve as a social medium that will allow attendees from different backgrounds to network, mingle and be entertained with great music. “

On the 24TH of December, 2010, Empire entertainment will create a memorable experience for guests by creating a participatory and fun packed event that will excite guests and attendees. The forecourt of the Aphrodisiac night club will be transformed to represent the North Pole, with snow and ice, sledges and igloo and guests will be greeted on arrival by Santa’s helpers.

The night’s entertainment is also set to include turntable heavy weights DJ Mensa, Nii Ayi Tagoe and Dj Black among others churning out some of the most eclectic muddle of hiphop/house/ hiplife /naija flavor and many more.

As with all Empire events, it is expected that rave folks will have the opportunity to also mingle with the city’s top most socialites and celebrities. According to reports, the Ghanaian community in the United Kingdom and the United States looking to come to GH for the Christmas festivities are already penning down “THE WHITE CHRISTMAS PARTY” as the “in-party” for this Christmas.

If the current buzz and the optimism and excitement that this rave is enjoying are anything to go by, then we are certainly in for one “WHITE CHRISTMAS PARTY” to remember this December.
A White Christmas To Remember

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!!!