“CHANGES” BRINGS MISS JANE HER SHINE

“There are times when people walk into your life not to stay but rather to bring the much expected shine then walk away. These are blessed angels who descend on us in the form of blood and flesh. Filled with goodness, they inspire our lives aside shaping our aspirations. They become the agent of Change in our lives, the best thing that can ever happen to someone”. That formed the theme of her song which was the night’s favorite and her personal best.
Though appearing to have lost considerable amount of weight, the young singer looked very elegant in her well fitted yellow dress. The hair style wasn’t any of her accustomed “fanatical” ones, an indication of a new chapter in her life. Afia has eventually come to replace Miss Jane, a name that won her several hearts as a contestant in the famed Stars of the Future reality show. Her performance on the night can better be described as marvelous.
The night was fairly young and the spot was getting packed. The venue appeared a perfect one, perfectly serving the night’s purpose. The double swimming pool served as a breather more especially with the night’s actions getting more brisk and haphazard. Both ends of the pool quarter had heavily stocked liquor bars which were complimented by readily spiced meat which lasted all night. Glamour and style was the trademark of all heads that showed up.
That was how the atmosphere at the African Regent Hotel looked last Friday night when Canoe launched their Greatest of all time edition. The numbers on the night was quite huge, including Accra’s self-styled celebrities, pressmen and ordinary party raves. Copies of the GOAT edition could be seen on display as a group of pretty models moved them to every space.
With a welcoming speech from MC for the night, British based Ama K Abebrese, the program got underway. Citi Fm’s DJ Armani was behind the turntable making sure the attendees remained on their feet all night long. His playlist was quite versatile with recent Nigerian classics in dominance. Armani perfectly worked the crowd with the dance floor getting sweaty.
A member of the creative team of the magazine was invited onto the stage. Looking very bubbly, he welcomed all attendees to the event in a very dramatic tone. He outlined the achievements of his outfit before highlighting on the goals of the Canoe. Assuring of more surprises to in future editions, he entreated the crowd to take to reading.
A fashion show preceded the night’s performance. Spotting magnificently designed cloths, the models took to the narrow asphalt space which served as the runway. In a perfectly rehearsed movement, they attracted much attention and unending applauds from the crowd.
The night’s climax arrived when Miss Jane stepped on stage for a great showing. Thanking Canoe for featuring her in the GOAT edition, she promised to consolidate her stay on the GH music scene. She was full of energy and creativity. Her second song titled “Changes” appeared to be the nights best. A typical crooner’s piece, it got the entire place quiet as Jane preached about relationships and love partners.
Hip Life kingpin, Reggie Rockstone who was also featured in the magazine moved onto the stage to support the song bird. He had his own rendition of changes which sounded just great. The Hip Life Papa went on to drop some bars from his large repertoire of classics. Looking all calm and composed he added much to the night with his persona. Till late into the night, it became a dancing/drinking affair.

VICAR TAKES DOWN CRUCIFIXION SCULPTURE “BECAUSE IT’S A SCARY DEPICTION OF SUFFERING”.

A vicar has removed a sculpture of the crucifixion from the front of his church because it was a 'horrifying depiction of pain and suffering' that was scaring off worshippers.
Rev Ewen Souter said the traditional Christian symbol was frightening children and that it would be replaced with a modern, stainless steel cross.
Some of the congregation have reacted angrily to the decision, saying it is another blow to Christian tradition.

One long-standing member of the church, who asked not to be named, said: 'The crucifix is the oldest and most famous symbol of the Christian church.
'Pulling it down and putting up something that would look more at home on the side of a flashy modern shopping centre is not the way to get more bums on seats.
'Next they'll be ripping out the pews and putting sofas in their place, or throwing out all the Bibles and replacing them with laptops. It's just not right.'
Rev Souter said today: 'The crucifix expressed suffering, torment, pain and anguish. It was a scary image, particularly for children.
'Parents didn't want to walk past it with their kids, because they found it so horrifying.
'It wasn't a suitable image for the outside of a church wanting to welcome worshippers. In fact, it was a real put-off.
'We're all about hope, encouragement and the joy of the Christian faith. We want to communicate good news, not bad news, so we need a more uplifting and inspiring symbol than execution on a cross.'
The sculpture by Edward Bainbridge Copnall MBE, a former president of the Royal Society of British Sculptors, was installed onto St John's Church in Horsham, West Sussex, in the Sixties.
It has now been removed and delivered to nearby Horsham Museum, where it will be displayed in its full glory.
Rev Souter, who has been vicar at St John's since 2001, believes the modern new cross - designed by artist Angela Godfrey - will present 'a positive message of hope' on the side of his church.
A spokesman at Horsham Museum said: 'Thanks to the generosity of St John's, we have been given the remarkable sculpture of Jesus on the Cross by Edward Bainbridge Copnall.
'The museum was keen to have the figure because it is a stunning example of Edward's ability and skill as a sculptor.'

SANDI TAKES DIVA DELICIOUS TO STUDIO 53

What started as a hobby from her mid teens is gradually becoming a viable venture worth millions of Ghanaian Cedis, a currency presently unfortunately tricky to come by. Aside becoming a million richer with an enviably fat bank account, she unconsciously puts food on the table for quite a number of families. With over hundred of ideas yet to be implemented, she plans on erecting an empire with her creativity. That was how I perceived this lady when I engaged her in a genial chat. She runs me through her life at this corner pub and restaurant next to the famous RE lane in the cosmopolitan Osu, where she described as her favorite hang out.

Sandi Owusu was dressed in a local print which perfectly revealed her size eight frame. A relatively big “virgin” pink hand bag will make her outfit complete. Sandi is the latest revelation in a fairly unpopular local industry, grabbing enormous attention that surpasses the very designers who inspired her curiosity at a younger age. The 23 year old Sandi is the youngest in her line of trade but boasts of bracing designs admired by people of all ages. She is wholly artistic and can best be referred to as a “creative brain”. With a wide range of creative products, her chic lady bags are in the majority. Her products are attractively woven and characterized by a perfect blend of alluring colours, accounting for her peculiarity among the host of other imaginative designers.

Sandi’s popularity goes beyond the shores of her place of birth just like her career triumph, now twice bigger then her rather minuscule body. Vigorously strengthening her brand, Sandi is taking her Diva Delicious to several platforms and the latest social network craze, facebook is no exception. Just a few weeks ago, she dazzled the entire continent with her unending sequence of inventiveness when hosted by arguably the continents most viewed television show. Anita and the studio 53 crew handed her a surprise visit after her enchanting products had caught the attention of the production team.

She goes ahead to introduce her Diva Delicious line which she claimed represented her identity and her lifetime dream. On the show, the model cum vibrant bag maker presents her world of creativity. The bags were of diverse shapes as well as designs. With her collections made of the finest Ghanaian straw material, her great sense of patriotism is revealed. Several of her hand bags come with colourfully arranged authentic glass beads and handles which give them that irresistible appeal. Sandi currently taps from the accessory market to make sure her target market is not limited.

Diva Delicious on studio 53 included images from the “weaving zone” where her creativity is initiated and implemented. Her finest local weavers looked vigilant but comfortable on the job. They exhibited the craftsmanship involved in producing the bags and other products. Fresh mother and interviewer Anita Erskine couldn’t hide her delight as she continually admired and handled the moderately priced bags and accessories. This is not strange at all, as her favorite viewers can judge by her ideal sense of fashion exhibited anytime she takes to the stage.
About the genesis of what is currently referred to as the “creative empire”, Sandi recollects the first bag she made and the responses that followed. “It was just a great moment and feeling for me then. I was quite younger and that was the least a lot of people expected from me. The initial one was for my personal use. My family liked it and some requested I did a similar thing for them. This was followed by some pals who continually requested for them. It was then that I realized I could go commercial with it. I did a bit of research and upon realizing how rewarding my effort would be, I went commercial with it”.

Sandi attributes her motivation to her Maker and appreciates the talent she has been blessed with. She acknowledges the importance of her family and friends who kept faith with her during her rough times. She further emphasizes her quest to depart from conventional methods of doing things as one of her open secrets. “Its feels good to hear someone say a great thing about your works but I have always challenged myself to do something new just to be unique. That has kept me going all this while as well as sustaining the interest in what I am doing.”

The final year student of the University of Ghana is set to wow the creative world with her tall list of unimplemented ideas. Though her products are scattered throughout the nation, she hopes to stock them in the most famous fashion joints from Johannesburg through Monaco to New York in the next five years. Check out Sandi’s Diva Delicious line of products the next time you walk into any fashion join. I assure you they are irresistible. Cheers!

BACK FROM BAHAMAS, JENNIFER TAKES HER READING CAMPAIGN TO THE CLASSROOM

It’s a perfect day devoid of the usual smoldering sun, but unlike many of my working mates, I am fervently incapable of screaming “Thank God It’s Friday!” my usually copious weekend scheduled interviews are about to begin. With my rather unusual executive outfit not matching my persona I found myself in the multi purpose Alisa Hotel. Here I was, sitting in a vitally positioned couch just by the bar and next to the reception desk. The Southern Wing looked quite empty aside the uniformed staff and the handful of clients having their brunch. Seated opposite me was a young lady whose beauty had continually created a “buzz” in my mind as we steadily stared at each other.
Though meeting her several occasions during my uni, never had her looks enthralled me until that day. She looked rather simple in a white tang top over a brown high waist skirt, a ideal colours blend that perfectly matched her relatively lighter skin. Her adorable physique brought memories of a famous book by super model Tyra Banks. In “Tyra's Beauty Inside & Out”, the once $30,000 per fashion show model dished out beauty tips as well as ways of maintaining an adorable stature. Jennifer Victoria Koranteng is this splendor and a perfect replica of the ideal lady Tyra described in her book.
Jennifer. a 23 year old Theatre Arts and Psychology graduate of the nation’s premier University on June 28 this year battled her way to be crowned Miss Universe Ghana. Not even the taut completion from Daphne and Suzana was enough to sway Jennifer from the ultimate, unlike in the Miss Ghana competition where she placed first runner up seasons back. After the exciting four categories of grueling task performance on the night, she involuntarily became GHs rep to the world competition in the tranquil ex British colony of Bahamas, which was held some few weeks ago.
My most exciting moment being a Ghanaian was the mid of August when the Miss World 2009 season kick started. My media friends then stationed in the Caribbean Islands continually flooded my facebook page with pictures of GH’s pride and others closely followed me with minute updates on my twitter page. These notices wouldn’t grad my attention until August 20, when Hollie Clemence, a British journalist pasted “Ms Jennifer Victoria Koranteng, Ghana’s representative at this year’s Miss Universe competition emerges a front runner” on my wall. After hastily going through my inbox, I became aware of Jennifer’s exploit in the competition.
Though not in the top fifteen, Ms Koranteng make a good showing in the Miss River Race as well as hitting the competitions most cherished Leader Board virtue her exceptional presentational skills and her added physical fitness. This formed the subject of our discussion when we met that Friday. William Bedzrah, a member of her management team would occasionally interrupt unleashing his untamed sense of humour on us. Looking very invigorated and bubbly, Jennifer would follow up with a chic joke which made the conversation more fascinating.

“I loved the Miss Race completion and it was absolute fun. I was very much interested in it and that could have resulted in my good showing in that completion. It was not easy anyway, getting into a completion with over eighty ladies on that high level. But I was very happy about it and it did bring out a thing in me. How better can it be described than fun, excitement, entertainment, or a great sport, lets say”. These were the beauty queen’s words relating to her performance in the Miss River Race segment of the completion.

According to Jennifer, she was convinced of a good showing and didn’t see herself as an add-up to the numbers. “I had this in mind but knew it was not going to be very easy. I was prepared to bring a change and sell the nation to the world. I knew what I was about and had the confidence it could be achieved the very moment I entered the place. I was noticed by the other ladies who had arrived before me. This even preceded the major events where I caught the attention of designers from several parts of the world”.

Ghana couldn’t make it to the final round but was perfectly sold leaving no doubts on the minds of the competition connoisseurs, who rooted Jennifer for the Leader Board achievement. Jennifer has her reservations and disagrees with the notion that pageants are just about nudity and wrongful exposures. “I think showing flesh in pageants is a way of showing once fitness and telling others to stay healthy. It is not wrong like certain people make it look because they don’t like it. It’s just about healthy lifestyle”.

Jennifer is about to begin her project which will target children in deprive communities. Her Reading Program will inculcate into children the habit of persistent reading. Her campaign will also include book donation as well as classroom work which she is passionate about. Jennifer says she is looking forward to building a career and being an advocate for abused women and destitute children.

OKOMFO KWADEE RETURNS WITH “MEA ME NIE”!!

After several years in the wilderness characterized by disingenuous speculations, one of Hip life’s kingpins over the weekend proved to his critics he remains a force to recon with. The much anticipated weekend concert attracted the desired numbers much to the admiration of the concert organizers. Aptly dubbed “Mea Me Nie”, it plainly highlighted the comeback of the “indigenous” musician.
Okomfo Kwadee is one celebrated GH artist with a chain of commercially successful albums. His series of hit tracks has over the years strengthened his brand and also cemented his strip as a general. Aside the concert announcing his return to the forefront of the GH musical genre, it harbingers his up coming album, an eight track album speculated to follow in similar triumphs like his previous albums.
Strategically, the concert’s supporting artists were kept as a secret giving the gig an enormous publicity. Kwadee’s very dramatic attitudes during interviews sparkled speculations of his mental soundness, a right recipe for the concert. The concert took off with a number of underground cats giving good account of themselves. One after the other, they fervently exhibiting their immaturity thought it didn’t prevent several people from applauding.
Mc for the night, established presenter Kofi Okyere Darko (K.O.D) had a great showing but was reduced to just brief speeches. The atmosphere inside the national theartre went electrifying when K.O.D in a thespian fashion announced the night’s celebrant with a horde of accolades. That was the show’s climax preceding a series of spectacular performances from the very best currently on the GH music scene.
The concert witnessed a record number of supporting artist on a single night’s gig. MAMA nominee and MTN ambassador, Samini who had come under public scrutiny for poor in recently had many people having a second thought of their judgment. He did put up a splendid performance receiving huge love from the audience. Okyeame Kwame, Obuor and the king of the street, Kwaw Kesse followed with excellent showing of showmanship.
A perfect blend of extreme emotional expressions coupled with exciting applauds best describes the reception Okomfo Kwadee received when he appeared on stage. The over three hours waiting for the ace act had soon become history. With no traces of rustiness, Kwadee relived his past glory with his classic. Song after song, he got the crown singing along until they totally make the songs theirs. This served as a teaser for his new album as he ended with a performance of the album’s title song, “Mea Me Nie”.

Ayigbe Edem, Asaase Aban, Pope Skinny, Madfish, Vyroz C-zar, Iwan and Ahenkwa the Calibious included the other GH artists who kept the crowd on their all night before Naija singer; Chinedu Okoli placed the icing on the cake. Chinedu also known as Flavour Nabania made sure the crowd had a real feel of his banging hit song “Ashawo”, which is currently enjoying gigantic rotations on GH radio.

OJ BLAK HERE TO STAY! THE BIGGIE BOY LOVER IS MORE THAN RICK ROSS

Named after the city, it is the only institution of higher education known to its inhabitants. Suncity University is the name that puts the conurbation on the educational map. An urban hip fashion is extremely palpable within the four corners of the uni- the guys belong to a jeans culture and the girls are of the “trouser” class. With quite a number of affable but grim lectures, student life is the type best describe as autonomous. Formation of “Gangs” is an open secret with their gossips habitually degenerating into scandals and confrontations.

Marlon Tee is a popular name known to all students, be it continuing or a freshman. Marlon isn’t the “ladies man” type but occasionally reaches out to the female species. Whenever he does, it certainly has to a first year. The outspoken gossip king is a man of circumstances; usually ending up on the wrong side of luck. His inability to sweet-talk amidst pick-up lines accounts for all failed attempts rather than his stout stature. Marlon brings the “juice box” to the most famous gang on campus.

That was his character in the then highly rated series on Ghana television, Suncity. This is a television series with a university environment as the set and producers pick stories from activities and occurrences on various Ghanaian uni campuses. Not long after high school, the funky but crazy “Akora” was introduced to the movie world after Deltrac media had given him his first shot at professional acting. From the lowest paid, he rose to become one of the highest paid just after a month of shooting.

Andy Alexander Nii Akrashie perfectly played that challenging character, Marlon Tee, winning several admires to the amazement of his critics. Just like a norm in GH, the show lost its shine and the character Marlon Tee began losing his appeal. Andy, known as “Gboon” to his high school peers return to the screens, this time with a new identity- his looks and trade had changed just like his personality. With a new name, he was set jack his lost shine.

OJ Blak had arrived, a new school breed musician ready to stamp his footprints on the latest music genre, GH rap. Apart from his lyrics and stage antics, he looks the exact replica of the ex Miami correctional officer turned rapper, Rick Ross. His stature, lyrical delivery and designed beard are no different from the “hustler” Hip Hop artist. OJ is quite unique from several “commercial” cats and his lyrics depict real life experiences from urban slums to properly planned neighbourhoods.

Unlike underground artists, OJ received oodles of attention from the very first week his first single was released. A second single brought quite a substantial airplay which ended OJ in the interviewee seats of several of the nation’s finest music inclined media houses, from radio to television. Within a matter of “moons”, he has rocked several show and shared the same stage with the most illustrious artists within his genre. To say a showstopper is rather an understatement, he continually brings the fun to this audience.

He is done cooking his first ever album and scheduled to launch it in a grand style somewhere in the Accra. His first single, “Biggie Boy Lover” will be the title of the twelve track album. The song is a combination of a fantastic beats over passionate lyrics. In the track, OJ narrates how he is lovely received by ladies wherever he sets his foot. He is more of a crooner here and his flow is intertwined with love, affection and romance.

Another track on the album is expected to create a buzz within the music world and set to bridge generational gap. “Charlewote” is a track chronicling certain actions of men whether the age might be. 4X4’s Captain Planet is featured on the track adding a different twist to it. It is a masterpiece set to be received perfectly by all music lovers.

Looking very relaxed in his seat, the Biggie Boy lover revealed his motivation and the rational behind his codename. “I have lived as different characters growing up so I have an idea of how many people feel and approach issues. Though I never met him, my grandpa is said to be a great composer and his works highly valued. So I can say it is something innate. I am Biggie Boy Lover not because of my size but I am a real big boy, I mean big shot! I have the Big Boy status in what I am doing, from the screens into the studio!”

OJ will deny speculations that he is walking in the fame of Lynx kingpin Asem, but rather clarifies his status as the first artist of Lynx. “Lynx is a team, family and we all form Lynx. I am the first artist of lynx but volunteered to become the PR just to see the label grow. Richie was very young at then and some of us had to do more just to see the foundation properly built. Asem came along and it was a success. Now I am switching to do what I have intended from the initial stages, this is music”.

On his recognition as GH’s answer to Americas Rick Ross, OJ was very brief but brought out his great sense of humour. “This is GH and people will give priority to things perceived as foreign. I had this looks from the year 2000 when no one knew Rick Ross. Now he is famous, people say I am picking it from him and why not the other way round? That is cool with me but I assure everybody I am more than Rick Ross”.

He entreats every music lover to grab his album when it hits stores in the second week of October. Till then the Biggie Boy Lover says he won’t disappoint just like he did in Suncity.

DO OUR CELEBRITIES HAVE ANY INTERGRITY – THEY SHOULD BE TOLD OFF!

The last time I checked, any renowned person can best be described as a celebrity, a word which traces its origin to the Old French and Latin languages. Personalities like Opray Winfrey and Bruce Springsteen are perfect examples of people within this group. Persons of such caliber don’t only become public figures but also icons. They are voluntarily handed the duties of roles of models irrespective of their possession of such qualities. Public figures suddenly become mentors influencing several lives and ought to be mindful of their actions and inactions.
Current events involving some eminent personalities have left me doubting the veracity of such persons as I contemplate whether the respect accorded them is necessary. Currently on my annual holidaying, I have closely followed the American media becoming a fan of several pressmen from radio to television. American media is quick to create the hype around personalities sometimes sharing in their successes. Should there be any debacle involving such persons, trust the very same media to rather ridicule than protect them. These networks will go ahead to shamefully seclude such individuals from their networks, being politician, musician or a mogul.
This is no calculated attempt to scorn any personality but rather a heartfelt reaction to the vulgar behavior of persons I have respected and admired from the very first day I got deep knowledge on them. Truth be told, their actions though uncivilized were not necessary. Congress man Addison Graves Wilson, Sr. commonly known as Joe Wilson is the first of my victims. The Republican politician representing the state of South Carolina became the point of attraction when he heckled most “powerful” man on earth.
Joe Wilson shocked many observers Wednesday night when he shouted, "You lie!" after President Obama denied that health care legislation would provide free coverage for illegal immigrants. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi became bemused as her facial expression evidently depicted that. It becomes more irritating when you imagine the congressman’s voice being heard by every single person present at the time. This is unprecedented and highly unacceptable as expressed by other Republican politicians. Aside being a disrespectful act, it awakens the issue of racial abuse in a country supposed to champion democracy.

As expected, Joe Wilson has apologized but what becomes the legacy he is leaving for younger and upcoming politicians. John McCain, presidential candidate of the Republican Party in the last election didn’t spare Joe just like the media who totally demonized him. With the Mr. President accepting his apology, is the damage done to the Presidency fixed?

In the sporting world, emotions usually run awfully wild and any avid sports fan will testify to this. The ability to keep once composure in handling such sentiments shows the level the fellow’s maturity. This will certainly be recognized as the very first victory especially in major sporting events. However, being able to control your emotions alone is a victory in itself. Tennis Superstar and twin sister, Serena Williams who I personally rank as currently the best female world player lost a highly competitive match in the just ended US Open championship. This was the semi final game with Kim Clistjers and the American ended the game with a malicious drama.

Serena slammed and broke her racket after losing the very first set of the game. This will rather propound a terrible set when she was penalized on a match point. Until the linewoman had indicated a foot fault (stepping over the line) Serena looked ideal to get the set in her direction. She did verbally abuse the lineswoman openly employing swear and curse language. I thought tennis was a sports and not a battle. So couldn’t this have been avoided? Are the younger tennis players not likely to act the same way in the new future?
Last Sunday’s VMAs would have been described as the best in recent years except for this young man whose influence is big enough to unofficially send G-Unit kingpin, 50 Cent into retirement. Though known for similar behavior in the past. Kanye reiterated to the music world he is yet to outgrow his childish attitude. Mr. West has overtime been reported to throw tantrums anytime he fails to win an award he is nominated for. At the VMA's he staggered little country singer Taylor Swift with yet another irresponsible behavior. As the 19 year old gave her acceptance speech for winning the best female video award, Mr. West walked onto the stage just to interrupt her speech. He took the mic from her and claimed Beyonce’s nominated video should have come up as winner.
Kenya in a dramatic fashion apologized to the youngster who had been devastated after his discourteous action. The least I expected was Jay Z’s jumping to the defense of support Kenya insisting Mr. West only expressed hi sfeelings and never killed anyone. So what signals are these role models sending to the younger generation and the millions of people who will pay any price just to own a product from these people. They need to be told off!

RAS WAYOE SAYS IT ALL- A FAILED STRATEGY, RELATIONSHIP BUT POLITICAL DREAMS!

Being a reporter and a journalist for that matter is not only about presenting a viewpoint, but rather collating and transmitting facts. Can you imagine seeing a reporter supposed to be flawlessly informed exhibiting his/her ignorance shamelessly on a subject matter? One will wonder how perfectly s/he manages to educate the listeners or viewers. This was the exact situation when two female reporters decided to “crucify” ill-fated Ras Wayoe at a press conference last Friday when they barely knew a thing about the BBA competition.

The dream of several newsmen in this country is not only to grab unending awards but also to gain the fame of treasured journalists including Americas Jon Steward. This they openly admit without fear or grope at any opportune time. What seems anonymous to them is the knotty journey their idols embarked to get to the apex of their careers. Should they know this, it becomes obvious most of them will become Ghana’s Aziz Zakari in their race to reach their career destination.

George Tetteh Wayoe had suddenly become a public property thanks to Big Brother Africa. The law student had incurred the wrath of the entire nation for what is speculated as his bad showing and subsequent eviction from the house just after a week. Ironically, most of his critics don’t possess his level of courage that saw him through the auditions not to talk of his level of acumen that sees him surviving his legal studies.

The GH rep at the Revolution was presented to the press just after hours of touching down on home soil. Originally planned for a day earlier, the change became necessitated due to snags surrounding his flight back to Accra. Ras Wayoe walked into the Bouquet hall of the lavish Holiday In hotel with no precursor of disappointment. His relatively small but round face beamed with smiles with a hand bag hanging on his shoulder and a staff in one hand.

The press conference was quite brief with PR for Muiltichoice Anne Sackey, serving as the coordinator for the event. After introducing him, the interaction with the press began with Wayoe taking endless questions. It was at this point those female reporters from two respected television networks daringly humiliated themselves. To be noticed, the lady from the “metropolitan station” inquired if Wayoe had resided out of GH prior to his selection like his predecessors. She asked if that formed criteria for selection.

Upon correction, she would further taint her credibility by arguing her gaffe based on hearsay rather than thanking her media colleagues for their generosity. This lady had earlier caused a five minute stoppage of the program for her supposed cameraman’s shooting difficulty due to bad positioning of Anne and Wayoe. She had arrived over an hour late and that action left qualms about her “journalistic style”. The least said about the other lady from the Kanda based television station, the better. To talk unnecessarily sometimes makes one to become a nuisance.

During the interaction, Ras Wayoe admitted failing with his erroneous first week game strategy. He further responded to his usage of the Jamaican lingua. “I am a true Jah Boy and I want to be seen as such. The Big Brother House is about being authentic and real. When you see me on the streets, I am a Rasta and will speak as such. I am a true Ras and not the fashion type. So I was being myself in the house with the Rasta language. And look, people are now speaking it since my eviction”. Wayoe can be pardoned after confessing not being an ardent fan of BBA. Kwaku Tee had his American accent raising doubts about him in the house two seasons ago.

The father of two confirmed his earlier statements in the Big Brother House related to his political aspirations after graduating his LLB degree. He followed it up with reasons for the botched relationship with his babies’ mama. “This is true and I will be a politician with my dread logs on. There is no part of the constitution that says you can’t be a political figure when you have dread logs. Within every generation, there is a revolution and I will bring about this change in my time.

I was a young man trying to make it in life with the likes of Black Rasta. I was doing a thing on radio and had to work my way onto the payroll of Multimedia. This was taking quite longer than my lady expected. Her family had their reservations about me and advised her to move away from me. I can attribute it to my status then, I was broke so I lost my lady and relationship”.

Wayoe claimed to have developed twelve strategies to be used as the competition progressed and regrets not combining all twelve from his very first day in the house. “This is the time my strategies would have worked perfectly. I had a swimming strategy which would have placed me ahead of the others as the female housemates joins in the competition. I should have used all twelve, a bit of each from the very first day”.

Described by most as a “humble lion”, the fervent follower of the conquering lion tribal of Judah was grateful to the BBA team that selected him to represent the over twenty million populated West African nation, describing the opportunity as a blessed and most wonderful one. Whenever you see the Tarkoradi based Ras Wayoe in town, drop him a congratulatory message rather than callous criticisms.

WANLOV BREAKS THE STATUS QUO IN GH MUSIC

Wanlov recently returned from a brief visit to the United Kingdom, a country he was once refused an entry visa due to reasons best known to the British mission in Accra. The man was not there just to admire the beautiful edifices of the queen’s land, rather strengthening his brand and selling his music to that part of the world. He managed to grab the headlines even in a knotty British music scene. A jumbo bash with fellow Ghanaian act and respected producer, Mensah Ansah is a perfect vindicator. Wanlov did raise high the flag of Ghana rightly in the face of its colonial masters.

Many folks; either related to the artistic industry or not are convinced the GH music genre, Hip Life, is here to stay. The genre which is believed to have survived several generations is not without peculiar features. It is another variety with the ‘bling-bling’ fashion which is more allied to the America Hip Hop music. The status quo for its practitioners is the smoky fashion craze and their ‘pimpish’ attitude. One artist who has deviated from this phenomenon is Wanlov Kubolor. The Romanian-Ghanaian emcee has shown to be a non-conformist from the very moment the music public took notice of him.

Wanlov showed his interest in the trade from his early years of youthful exuberance, when he was used to sagging his panties. This was in his high school years at the illustrious Adisadel College, one of the prestigious high schools lying on the coastal area of Ghana. Then the emcee was known to his peers as Spooky. This was a name that portrayed his stage craft and an excellent talent. Just as a properly positioned product rakes in profits, Wanlov has caved for himself a unique persona, separating him from the pack.

The Hip Life artist is not any archetypal GH artist who would invest a fortune into trendy urban fashion brands and go hungry. Even without that swag, Kubolor commands a larger fan base and receiving the needed recognition and attention. His trademark is rather rare- he always appears barefooted with a wrap cloth piece hanging around his waist accompanied by a flying dread logged hair. You will see him either in a singlet or light top and sometimes bare-chested depending on the time of the day. This exposes him as very primitive but he seems to be appropriately dressing to the sunny Ghanaian weather.

Born Emmanuel Owusu Bonsu, Wanlov announced his presence on the Ghanaian music scene over a year ago, when he switch base to Ghana. This witnessed the release of several singles which were followed by the Green Card album, his first major project. Tracks like ‘Kokonsa’ and ‘Bail Money’ were much appreciated and received rotations and spins on radio. He suddenly earned the name ‘Ghanaian Bob Marley’ which became common on the lips of his American fans. Green card is a chronicle of Kubolor’s experience in the United States where his intended missions for higher education revolutionize into seeking greener pastures.

Kubolor as an artist has gradually become a power house on the musical scene even before he gives a date for his sophomore. He has performed and shared a common stage with musical giants locally and internationally. As the Ghanaian rep on the Route to Root campaign, he was paired with African musical legends after which he embarking to the UK. There he performed and recorded with the very best and finest emcees around. Travelling the distance to his native Romania before stepping foot in UK, took nothing away from his performance. He did kill the show and left his footprints on the minds of money.

Wanlov can boast of a larger fan base and an excellent reputation both locally and international. Right from Ghana through the hard land of Mali and then to the United Kingdom, he is widely known. He also enjoys support from folks in the United States where he resided from 2001. He has proved to be multitalented and versatile from track after track with various styles. This is evident in his album, a fusion of Pijjin, Twi and English lyrics. Apart from entertaining, he uses his music for social commentary, advocating for a paradigm shift.

With a music loving nation like Ghana and beyond endorsing Wanlov’s work, the burden lies on his shoulders to break the sophomore jinx associated with his trade. The multi million question is whether the Ghanaian Bob Marley can sustain his brand and keep his songs at the very top for a long time. Can he repeat the magic that shot him to international stardom as the music world patiently awaits another album soon?

2131 ANNIVERSARY PARTY GROUNDS BOOMERANG

It was a year ago when these folks threw out a carousing in the ‘deep’ of East Legon, leaving lots of memories on the minds of attendees. This marked the birth of what is conjectured to be a life long movement. 08-08-09 easily caught up with the entire city of Accra with party rave heads leading in what appeared as an insentient publicity, within and beyond their ‘hoods’. The latest craze in town, Facebook was not spared this phenomenon, with thousands of its users giving out speculations about the night, a sure way to get the party plugged to millions worldwide.

It was at eleven when I got off a cab at the famous Boomerang, another excitement joint in the capital. The action was on and the noisy environment just depicted that. The queue was indeed long as security details kept party crasher away from the gates. With the aid of Yfm’s Jeremie, yours truly had a smooth entry devoid of any intimidation from the men in black. They were these three lady greeters at the entrance who welcomed attendees with striking smiles that accompanied their ideal body language.

2131 is soon becoming the city’s most popular movement with its first major project, a banging hip hop show. The pre recorded show gives the young talented GH artists the platform to show what they are made off. Like the name suggests, it’s a group focussing on folks between their twenties and thirties. It is a social movement seeking to correct perceptions amongst and about the youth. Also it has a task of influencing positively the youth as well as creating for them the right avenue for development, especially through entertainment.

The party had brought a change to the usually busy night spot. The club was aberrantly filled to every corner just before twelve o’clock. The numbers were grippingly huge with the folks in queue outnumbering those shaking off in the club. With frustration boldly written on their faces, some gave up, moving out of the queue as others took on the men in black. The dance floor was already sweaty in spite of the defects sound from the giant speaker boxes. The selector was just crafty making sure he got the entire house to go all distance with him. His classical play list did the magic, making people pay no attention to the quality of sounds.

As expected, the ladies customarily showed flesh to the admiration of all the dudes that turned up on the night. What was common was the cleavage cult, which almost every lady joined with excitement. Some courageous ladies turned up in cloths that only hid their ‘deepest’ parts leaving on display lots of skin with their ‘boobs’ falling casualty. Ladies on the night appeared open for discussions as they contentedly gyrated their waist and butts on the dance floor. With the gates were free for them, what better could they have done than dance their hearts out and get freaky with the dudes in the building.

The night never fell short of the self fashioned GH celebrities that always fight for the acknowledgement and cyber shots from media cameras. The regular celebrities also passed through in their numbers. Some underground cats took to the mic to vindicate their places in the banging hip hop show which now airs on Yfm. Producer cum artist EL and now TV anchor brought put up the fight for his Skillions crew who were around to urge him on. Iwan, of Bull Haus fame among others came through with energetic performances just right to replenish the dead beat party markers. The 4syte TV crew and their closest competitor Rhythms loitered around all night with their respective anchors fixing interviews. But what really happen to their content in recent times? The night was indeed long with lots to drink, but at a price. The night was a great one for party rave gods and goddesses as Jay Foley and his crew brought the fun to Boomerang. Big up folks, but the venue should be should have been bigger.

IS THE DELICIOUS ‘DOMEDO’ MEAT (PORK) THREAT ALIVE?

This is GH and eating habits are rather unfortunately astounding. Lots of folks irrespective of their social status and financial clout find themselves firmly active in this phenomenon. Majority of people only think of how to fill their bellies rather than what goes into it. This is mostly associated with the very average Ghanaian whose capital base is nothing to envy. They share in the policy of quantity instead of the quality of foods the goes into their bellies. Those with deep pockets are also concerned with foods seen as prestigious leaving their nutritional values to the background.
OSU is soon becoming a major marketing spot for all various products. This includes the appetizing flavored meat locally known as Domedo. This is a very spicy and attractive meat, prepared from pork, a meat prohibited by numerous religions. It is prepared by several methods- frying, roasting or boiling. The OSU market is home to several sellers of this delicacy every evening. These competing sellers lavishly display the appealing Domedo to cash in on admirers and passes by. It is either exposed openly or covered with a revealing material which is certainly going to retain its appeal and visibility.
Pork has a long standing history around the world but has gradually become the favorite meat of several homes. The product is viewed with suspicion and has been a subject of debate amongst many religious. Christians rebuff this meat on the basis of their Holy Scriptures, Leviticus 11:2-4 and Deuteronomy 14:8. The Islamic dietary laws also forbid pork on the Quran, Surahs 2:173, 5:3, 5:60, 6:145 and 16: 115. There is also a prejudice of pork among Scottish Highlanders, stemming from the Scottish pork taboo. Rastafarians just like Ethiopian Orthodox also preach against the consumption of pork.
Madam Rita Atswei Adjetey is a native of OSU and sells domedo just opposite the night market. She has been in the trade for close to five years. She owns a small kiosk in which she sells yam in addition to the famous Domedo. Her space looks cleaner and her persona portrays her as hygienic conscious. She serves hundreds of costumers every night that continually appreciates her services. Madam Rita is not aware of any health implications of the meat she sells. To her, the absence of complains from her costumers is a sign safety.
On a late Friday night, Betty and I arrived at Madam Rita’s joint only to be welcomed by a lengthy queue. Adults and young adults of both sexes waited patiently for their turn to be served their desired domedo. The meat is affordable and with a 50Gp, you will take home the smallest piece for your enjoying pleasure. With all these numbers, she manages to involve us in a chat on her business. It didn’t take too long for a plate of the delicious meat to be placed in front of us.
‘‘I will get worried when my costumers start complaining about the meat. But for now, that is not the case so I think there is no problem. I remember some people talking about a doctor saying Domedo is not good. I was not worried by that because they are still buying the meat. I sell everything any night I come here. I don’t think it does any harm to the body. It is very delicious and all my costumers say that. Everyone knows that Domedo is very delicious and people came from La and other places to buy’’, Madam Rita’s words.
Just like Madam Rita, most of her costumers are ignorant of the health implications of their most cherished domedo. The few aware are not deterred; rather they are deceived by the scrumptious nature of the meat. Jessica Kpodi is a Nigerian-Ghanaian and very much aware of the implications of the meat. She would shy away from my questions but strongly admits the delicious nature of the meat. This pretty face claims people hide behind the taste and consume it very often. Though she loves it very much she will never consume more then 2GHc.
Eyram of Ghana Most Beautiful fame is another person who can’t resist Domedo. She is not worried about the health implications or the stigmatization from religious heads. ‘‘My dad use to keep these animals and we were always eating pork. Every other food can be harmful depending on how you treat it. I will keep to my favorite meat and am not scared of any health problems’’.
Medication practioners have repeatedly warned against the consumption of this meat for its devastative implications. One of such persons is Amewode Elikplim, formerly of the Ghana school of Hygiene. The medical expert says pork is very harmful to persons who consume it in large quantities. ‘‘This is a meat that has large quantity of fat and you know what fat and cholesterol does to the body. I am not saying people should stop eating pork, but rather regulate their intake of the meat’’.
Mr. Amewode goes on to highlight how pork can be dangerous to the consumers. It became obvious certain illness including Hypertension and Stroke can be traced to the intake of pork. ‘‘The body needs fat for insulation. Pork in general has excess fat and when taken in large quantities, can be deposited in the veins. This results in a narrow passage, bringing the heart under pressure to pump. This causes what is commonly called High Blood Pressure. Also this leads into other illness like Stroke and Hypertension. The intake of pork should be regulated and people should exercise more for it to breakdown faster’’.
With this advice from the medical expert, the Domedo folks should reduce their intake of the meat as well as take to the streets for more exercise. It won’t make any sense to buy for yourself sickness instead of a delicious meat. Till we meet again at the Domedo joint near you, let’s get your trainers ready for every morning jogging after a long night of Domedo pleasure. Cheers guys!

Jim Iyke in a disappointing album launch

What was promoted as an upcoming and exciting album launch of Nigerian film star Jim Iyke turned into a disappoint show when the program finally got underway. The noticeable flaws, sadly, is not limited to the organizers of the launch alone, but many others including, sometimes, very respectable and highly recognized institutions.

The event which was put together by Accra TV station, TV Africa took place at the Silver Bird cinema at the Accra hall.
Jim Iyke is one of Nigeria’s favourite and loved actors and many Ghanaian lovers of Nollywood movies are familiar with him. As versatile as he is, he has perfectly played various roles and exhibits good acting skills. If not a real bully, then he will be his usual bad boy, which he does with a natural flair. His command over the queen’s language and a fine diction puts the Naija actor relatively a bit ahead of his colleges. He enjoys great fame not only in his oil rich homeland but across the world.

But what he has never been known for is music. When the notices went up about the album launch, I wondered whether the news was true. That’s because I’ve never seen him lift a microphone before.

But here he is, Jim Iyke all ready to launch the ‘Who Am I’ album. He told his audience that it took close to three years to get it properly cooked. The album boasts of the finest producers in Brooklyn where a couple of tracks were recorded. It chronicles the life experiences of the actor from his early years through years of frustrations to his current stardom. He also touches on areas which needs proper direction and vision- including politics, relationships and perceptions. ‘Who Am I’ is also a way of appreciating and rewarding his fans.

Artistes who featured on the album include the fêted Nigerian artist- 2Face, Joe of Mentor Fame and a Ghanaian Hip Hop group Dem Boyz. 2Face’s inclusion on the album will be the best bet as Jim can take advantage of his great fan base and experience. Who Am I, the leading single sounds great with a slow tempo rhythm. It’s more of an R&B track laced with sweet melodies. It is a track with traces of commercial viability. Another track, Born to Do It, is composed of solid hip hop beats and great lyrics. Just like Ikeena (another track), it is a perfect party track and a club banger. No doubt a danceable song and expected to catch up fast with the youth.
The album launch however started on a bad note as guests had to wait for over two hours after the advertised time. MC, Yaw Sakyi as has become usual with GH functions apologized for the delay but couldn’t resist playing the blame game. Jim gave a template statement after which he answered few questions from the press. Sounding very convinced, he gave the assurance he was getting into music to excel just as he did with movies.

‘‘I am very glad to be here today as an artist and not a movie star. I have been doing a lot in music even though people don’t know it. I have been a ghost writer for sometime and I will surely be a great artist’’.
Soon it was time to perform and the Silver Bird cinema went dead as everyone wanted to see what the movie star could do on the mike. Disappointingly, the mikes went off as the song started to play and after several trials, nothing could be done.

Jim, though disappointed, had no choice to mime and that appears to have brought out the power in him. Assisted by his hype men, Jim added more bite to his act.

He didn’t look that great a star, compared to his movie stature. But can Jim become a power house in music as he has done in the movie industry?

EL JACKS THE SHINE AT ‘BLESS THE MIC’ WITH SKILLIONS!!!!!!

EL might not be that famous and receiving all attention and hype but he is certainly better than lot of these lame rappers who happen to be find themselves in the frontier of hip music in Ghana. The artist cum producer with his Skillions crew turned out to be the toast of the crowd last Thursday night at the famous OSU joint, Baze Lounge. ‘Bless The Mic’ has come to stay and recognised as an avenue where creative arts and its lovers converge in a common interest every other week.

In a country where people pay no attention not even to talk about appreciating and loving the arts, sessions like the ‘BTM’ will need extra commitment and hard work to maintain its current vibrant status. As the norm, the crowd had started trooping in but will hang out in the parking lot for hearty conversations over drinks, others occasionally stepped in and out the session arena to be sure they don’t miss out on any part of the acts.

Just after 11 pm, the ‘supremo’ who people hadn’t seen much off stepped to the parking lot to signal the commencement of the night’s session. P-Wizzy was largely in charge and wouldn’t hasten to chant the BTM slogan which left the crowd with no option than to respond.
Rhyme Sonny got the spoken word segment started with a brief but rhyming poem. He signed off with this Twi verse about a lady which sounded more like his personal experience. Percy Mutombo came through with a poem chronicling the experience of a guy who had defied all odds to go for greener pastures in Europe. His delivery was just breathtaking leaving almost the entire crowd on their feet with applauds. Mutombo vindicated himself as one of the greatest spoken word artists around advising all of the dangers travelling abroad.

There was a full house with many personalities of the arts in attendance. Reggie Rockstone was in the audience, enjoying the night inside the bar as he occasionally dropped points to Kwaku Tutu and Eddie Blay. His Royal Blackness, DJ Black wouldn’t let his video recorder rest as he made sure every second of the night was well captured.

P-Wizzy was back to introduce the man of the night, this he did in a grand style calling out the ‘DON’. EL looking very relaxed and psyched up for the performance picked up the mic. His Skillions family needed no invitation to join their soldier. EL performed back to back cuts on his upcoming album, a combination of pidgin and rock-solid hip hop flavours.

With the presence and support of comrade, Jay-So, EL drove his fans to scream and ask for more. ‘Gossip’, a cut he performed with Lil Shaker seemed to have worked up on the crowd. ‘Charley’ was just an icing on the cake as he got the crowd to go all out with him till he ended. His body language as well as movement revealed EL was enjoying the moment. His great microphone technique and stage craft added made for perfect delivery. For an artiste who has largely remained in the underground, this performance was a stamp of authority for all emcees that have been cat napping on the way.

IS REGGIE THE TRUE ‘GRAND PAPA’ OF HIPLIFE?-THE TRUTH BE TOLD!!!!!!!!!

Music is rumoured to be the food of the human soul and loved by all persons across the globe being it young or old. GH is no exception to this phenomenon and home to several music legends and greats of diverse genres. Music has gradually moved from its primitive era where all music offered were recognition, fame and respect to a current status as a multi-million dollar industry. With the entire fan and excitement, music globally is putting just more then food on the table for several souls.

Hiplife is contemporary era music genre, a fusion of Ghanaian premier music genre Highlife and America’s Hip Hop music. Hiplife has eventually come to stay without any doubt. It’s caught up well with the youth whom serve as the preachers of the ‘musical gospel’. Hip Life as a brand began as songs with rap lyrics in any GH dialect over Hip Hop beats. This changed with time as the then little known genre got deepened with the introduction of African variants in beats. This added on a sense of originality as well as winning more admirers among the older generation.

Though regarded as the biggest and most sorted after musical genre in the land of gold, Hiplife has failed to provide its most cherished followers with a definite origin. A complicated controversy builds up anytime the genre’s origin comes into treatise. Reggie Rocstone has over time been referred to as the originator of Hiplife, hence the name Grand Papa depicting his status as a founder. This is always met with strong opposition from musical connoisseurs, who continually dismiss the notion and thinks Reggie is no God father.

After my research on the subject, it is obvious there are various opinions on this issue based on which camp the critic is rooting for. But a revelation which stands as a fact is that songs with lyrics in GH dialects over Hip Hop beats goes beyond the 90’s. Dynamic Lady Talata was tasked with finding a manager and recording deal for a La based group whom rapped in their native Ga language over Hip beats somewhere around 1985. This is a true vindication that Hiplife’s kind existed even when no one had heard the name Reggie Rockstone.

Panji Anoff is one other personality that comes up anytime the issue of Hiplife’s genesis comes into the spotlight. Several followers of the arts are of the opinion Panji deserve the title of the Godfather rather than Rockstone. Panji, an Afrocentric producer touched base in GH in 1991 and started works with Kwaku T and friends, then of Ghana International School. This resulted in the astounding group of Talking Drum. With his creativity and dedication to the trade, Panji in the early part of 1993 had put out a track ‘Aden’, a Twi track no different from any contemporary Hiplife song.

It was after ‘Aden’ had been released that Reggie surfaced in the GH supposed to be attending the then vibrant Pan African festival, Panafest. Reggie, a former martial arts expect was rumoured to have been working on a musical project in the land of the Queen. He later relocated to GH to continue his musical project, switching from English based songs to ones in a GH lingua, Twi. A single titled “Tsoo Boi’ was recorded and released by the then young adrenaline filled young emcee. A new phase in GH music emerged as Reggie went all height with commercials and promotions. Vibe FM, the newly and hip oriented media house at then were of great service with free and unlimited airplay.

Michael Cook, owner of the then hottest Vibe Fm accidentally is brought into this complexity most often. His role to the genre was only in the field of promotions as he gave out his outfit as an avenue for the growth of Hiplife, a name coined by Reggie for the genre. So it will forever remain a dubious fallacy for ignoramus in the arts to attribute him with the God Father role. Not even his contributions to UK’s music scene are enough to win for him such a role in his homeland.

On the basis of chronology, one wonders if Reggie can continue to hold himself as the originator of the current music craze. What happens to the likes of Paracetamol, Dansoman Connection and NFL, groups which were very active and gave the genre its much determined respect? It won’t be wrong to regard Reggie as Promoter of Hiplife rather than refer to him as an originator. Can Reggie then be listed on the roll call of pioneers who failed to eat off the trade they did established?

By Chris Koney

CAN THE WEST LOVE AND APPRECIATE THE BLACK RACE?

As the year wears out, the gale strength of the yuletide is strongly felt in every corner of the nation. Not even the smallest village where people get to wear fine clothes once a year is spared this phenomenon. This is also a perfect time for Ghanaians living abroad and other nationals to touch base with their folks home. Osu is fast growing into a cosmopolitan city with its famous Oxford Street serving the purpose of New York’s Manhattan. With unending pubs, restaurants, clubs among others, it is certainly a must-go place for all these visitors from far and near.

Kris is an American citizen born and raised in the city of Detroit. The Michigan State University graduate doesn’t hide his Spanish descent. These give the young African American a complex identity. Kris couldn’t be left off the Xmas trip to the former Gold Coast. His smart and observant character was enough for him to make a lot out of his two week stay in GH. On the shoreline of the famous La pleasure Beach, he carefully observed a GH ‘business’ Rastafarian in a hearty chat with a white lady. Kris wouldn’t hesitate to voice out on this global phenomenon which the West seems not ready to deal with.

Yes! It is a global phenomenon with its ugly head finding its foot in every corner of the universe. The so called western and advanced countries will always remain chief suspects of this canker. One wonders if they could ever delete it from their scholarly dictionaries. This evil, Racism can be defined as the belief that people of different races have different qualities and abilities, and that some races are inherently superior or inferior. Kris like several other activist keeps dreaming of a day when its foundation could no longer hold, hence its complete collapse.

‘‘I am one person who is never comfortable with the whole idea or issue of this global evil called racism. I have always wondered how it really came about who how the idea developed. It is very criminal to human existence- it is never right for anyone to go ahead and so another less of a human being. This is not just right and also fair. I think every one needs to help so this thing is cast out of the world. It is very crazy!’’. These were the seductive tone words that came out of his mouth in a very passionate but dramatic manner.

His belongs to the school of thought that strongly condemns this evil and will never compromise playing the level game. Several people keep factoring in the level of racism among individual nations but this Kris thinks is not the issue. He was quick to disagree with the opinion that racism is on the subtle level when it comes to the United States of America. To him, it is a mere illusion aimed at diverting attention from this evil which truly exists. Such a thing paints a picture of hiding behind a shade scenario.

‘‘It is very difficult for me to understand those who claim racism is on a subtle level in the states. I think it is another way of saying racism is good. I don’t know how you seem to understand this statement. Anyway I think it is very inappropriate for anyone to say such a think. I think everyone should face the fact and be honest. Blacks form about 13% of the American population but you have blacks forming over 80% of the population in the counties prisons, and what can be said of this. The justice system is even racist. A drunken white guy steals a car from MSU and in the process kills an old man. He is sentenced to less than a decade in jail. Another black student does almost the same without killing anyone but rather injuring one student. He received over two decades of prison sentence. Can we call this just, so what is this called?’’

Kris doesn’t just feel bitter about this evil because everyone is marching against it, but rather due to his own experiences. And experience they say is always the best teacher. ‘‘I had my colleagues at G.E refer to me as a negga for several times and this influenced my decision to resign from the company. You go into a shop and you don’t get service because you are blacks. That is the stereotype and blacks are seen not to be wealthy. I think it must not be accepted. Just imagine an Indian American asking a newly matriculated African student how he felt the first time he wore clothes after coming to the states.’’

Martin King Luther’s dream could have come to pass with a black man from Kenya as the president of the United States of America. But the question is if he can eradicate racism even with a reform of the justice system. With this evil, is the United States justified in imposing its so called democracy on other nations even when its black minority remain marginalized. As their motto goes, in God we trust, we expect them to do what is of God. May the same God bless black president Obama and Kris as he’s landed a new job with the ministry of Defence!

By Chris Koney
chriskoney@gmail.com

GH RASTAFARIANS- WHERE THOU ART?

To have lived in the deepest corners of the famous ‘shanty’ city of Kingston several years will certainly never come without loads of experiences, both good and bad. If not for anything, you are promised of an exposure to the illegal activities of the chain of robust, smart drug syndicates. If it’s not about the staple of the land, marijuana then it will be the movement of arms within and out of the island. Red, yellow, green and black has gradually replaced the national flag as these colours are seen almost ubiquitously. But this is courtesy a now global religious movement with much of its followers on the island.

Rastafarianism is a religious and cultural movement which traces its origin to the island as far back as the early part the twentieth century. The movement was named after an Ethiopian prince who in 1930 was crowned emperor of Ethiopia- Haile Selassie I, originally named Tafari Makonnen. The word Ras means “Lord” in the Amharic language hence the name Rastafari. Selassie’s other titles included King of Kings, Lord of Lords, and Conquering Lion of the Tribe of Judah. He is regarded by the movement’s faithfulls as the black king and redeemer Marcus Garvey had prophesised.

As a worldwide phenomenon, Rastafarianism is practised at every corner of the globe with GH not an exception. This brings the number of the movement’s loyal faithfulls to over millions. Elements which over the years did popularise this movement include the reggae genre of music. This was thanks to the legendary Robert Nesta Marley who converted to Rastafarianism in 1967. The Rastafarian message become widespread during the 1970s and early 1980s, as Marley and reggae achieved mainstream popularity. Even after his death other reggae musicians inspired by the Rastafarian message, also communicated it through their music. They include the likes of our contemporary Black Prophet, Blak Rasta and others whom are making waves with this genre of music.

Being a member of this Afro-Caribbean religious movement doesn’t leave you with uncountable challenges, but rather simple rules and regulations just like other religions. A Rastafarian, whether to the core or not is expected to venerate the Elect of God, Haile Salassie I and also forgo cutting or shaving of his or her hair. This biblical law of the Nazarenes has left most Rastafarians wearing a long, matted locked hair popularly referred to as dreadlocks. They are to abstain from intoxicants especially hard liquor. Their diet should be devoid of certain items but rather eat foods considered as pure and untainted. As a follower of ‘‘the Might of the Trinity’’, one is expected to stress black culture and enlighten others on the idea of black identity. The idea of the black God and messiah forms the basis of the black culture and identity. Black should never be seen as inferior but rather the best.

If all these are fundamental elements forming the basis of the Jamaican religious and cultural movement, one will wonder if there are any true Rastafarians in Ghana. The streets of Accra are never spared with several patrolling men and women with their long locked hairs wrapped in turbans. One major question is what are these people doing on the streets and does their actions conform to the rules and regulations of the religion. If Rastafarianism is just about endorsing the elaborate ritual system which involves the use of marijuana as a sacrament, then there will be no doubt Accra alone can boast of over millions of Rastafarians. But truth be told, there are now more non Rastafarians in GH smoking ‘ganja’ than the Rastafarians even do. Bob Marley among an endless list of Rastafarians under the influence of marijuana sung praises of its spiritual effects and endorsed black racial superiority. Apart from the likes of Rocky Dawuni, Black Prophet, Blakk Rasta (who is even rumoured not to be a ganja smoker), what can be said of the several thousands of Ghanaian Rastafarians. So does it mean they are just smoking for the fun of it or they are simply substance abusers?

Rastafarianism is fast going through another phase in GH with lots of these dreadlocked men selling their soul, mind and body to the very people the movement is critical of. What has come to stay with uncountable examples in the coastal areas is the phenomenon of ‘Business Rasta’. Black consciousness seems to be losing if not lost its essence and value in the world of Ghanaian Rastafarianism. A visit to the famous La Pleasure beach, Kokrobite beach and Bojo beach will vindicate this. Several Rastafarians gather under the big palm trees along the coast line to smoke all day, forgetting life is not all about ganja. They are seen openly consumer the toxicants the movement forbids with no regrets. There will be several other Rastafarians parading the shore looking out for ‘vulnerable’ whites to pounce on.

They usually act needy and friendly to their victims, usually white ladies. They lure these whites to win their sympathy after which they become their slaves. This will certainly put into their pockets their idolised dollar bills. As if that is not enough, some Rastafarians will go to the extreme with the support of black magic to get these ladies to love them. With this supposed love, wedding bands and meaningless vows are exchanged. Trust them to end up in Europe and the Americas with these whites all in the name of love.

Instead of fighting for black superiority, these Rastafarians will do otherwise. With their activities, they tend to degrade the black race in the eyes of the Whiteman. This goes a long way to confirm the good old adage- anything Black is evil and anything White is God. How long will these self centred and interested persons be allowed to bring into disrepute the enviable afro-Caribbean religion. The true Rastafarians need to stand up as their most cherished religion will sooner than later be drugged into the mud. To all the whites, be careful of the Rastafarians you hang out with, some might be ‘Business Rastas’. J A H – R A T A F A R I ! ! ! ! ! ! !

By Chris Koney

SPOKEN WORD TO PUT GH ON THE MAP- MUTOMBO DECLARES

Mutombo remains underground and unknown to many lovers of the arts fraternity even though he is one of the finest spoken word artists in the nation’s capital, Accra. Music continues to overshadow other brands of the arts in many parts of the world with GH not an exception- (where there is a current invasion by the by GH rap movement). Apart from the money it rakes in, music has also proved to have strong influence on the emotions of its global followers.

No wonder people in the arts received with open hands the British Council’s Creative Festival (WAPI) aimed as bringing together words and pictures. You can understand such an excitement because we live in a community where people don’t appreciate the arts not to talk of paying for it. With the height at which poetry is attained, everyone expected it to feature. There was no way it won’t have been accompanied with the all-encompassing Spoken Word.

Even though a new phenomenon, it has not failed to catch with art lovers beyond the boundaries of the nation’s capital especially amongst the youth. With their passion and affection for it, there is all indication they wouldn’t mind paying for it. If not for anything, this paradigm shift is as a result of the creativity the artists have exhibited including the all Ian Jazzy, Sir Black, Chief and D K Osei Yaw.

Mutombo, 27 could not hide his joy and excitement his most treasured Spoken Word has receiving the recognition it deserves as I engaged him in an interview.
‘‘I’m very excited lots of people are getting into our vibe now and understanding what we are about with this. This means we are heading somewhere with out art. I am hoping it will continue in the same way. The masses need to come out and experience this thing and I know there are lot of Spoken Work artist yet to get on board.’’

Mutombo, a name he got from his good showing in basketball in high school has come to replace his real name Percy Osei-Appiah. Coming from a humble beginning in the nation’s capital, he passed through some good schools before ending up at Accra Academy where he got his stage name. He moved on to take a course in IT at the Graphic road branch of the Intercom Processing and Manufacturing Company (IPMC). Currently, he is working with an agency to start a TV reality show focussing on his beloved Spoken word and poetry.

‘‘I have been doing this spoken word thing for like eight years now and hoping it will grow very fast in this country. Just like in sports, football is overshadowing all others so is spoken word being over shadowed but the fight is still on. After my performance on TV3 for the Mentor show, people are getting to know more about spoken word. I have been inspired by myself and the Lord God. My favourite poets are the legendary Soul Williams, Maya Angelo amongst others who have great pieces. I have learnt a lot from reading and following the works of these people.’’

The optimistic artist wouldn’t give away any opportunity to talk on the future of Spoken Word even in the midst of all obstacles.
‘‘It is rather unfortunate that spoken word is not a big thing in Ghana. I think the avenue should be provided for us because we are ready to do our best and a solid Spoken word industry can generate much more income than people will even think. Big ups to Mantse, PY and the whole movement for the Bless the mic show at Baze but I think there is much more to be done. They don’t give much time to the spoken word artists- they turn to concentrate much on the rappers’’.

It is clear this dude is not leaving anything to chance and promises to take spoken word to another level and also putting GH on the map. He plans to blend a Spoken Word album to propagate his vision as well as that of Spoken Word. According to him, it wouldn’t take any longer for the world to know what exactly he is made off as he plans o embark on an international tour with other big names in the music as well as mainstream poetry. if you are a lover of Spoken Word, you will not regret passing through the Osu based Baze Lounge every Thursday from 9pm. See you there if you are a fan and a lover of creative arts, you are welcomed.

LEGON AND THE BORGAR PALAVER- THE RUSH IS ON AS VACATION CLOSES IN.

Burger is a colloquial word meaning Hamburger, a flat patty of ground meat, usually beef that is broiled or fried and served in a bun. This word has been corrupted by Ghanaians both in meaning and spelling, resulting in the birth of the Burger Highlife music genre. This era was in the later part of the twentieth century when some Ghanaian musicians resident in several German cities (especially Hamburg) built a stronger musical career for themselves. This included the likes of Lee Doudo, McGod, Charles Amoah, and Ben Brako among a host of others. From then, the word Borgar, an offspring of Burger was conferred on anyone who travels out of the shores of the nation even if not Germany.

The premier university of the nation is one institute that continually is flooded with over twenty thousand application forms annually. This indicates its status in relations to the nation’s other tertiary institutions. Even with its various admission policies including the famous affirmative action for female applicant, thousands of hearts are broken annually as the university’s intake is pegged around eight thousand. With an elaborate ceremony, these freshmen are matriculated into the university, making them recognised members of the elite society. The major challenge confronting these freshmen is being handed the enormous responsibility of settling down in a very convoluted environment where one wonders who he or she can trust.

More often than not, students of Legon, the premier university are not bothered with the numerous problems that plague the university preventing a sound learning environment. Not even the overstretched university facilities or the contentious residential allocations seem to be the bother of these students. This is not to talk of the university’s failure to function as a research based institution been given any attention by the several thousands of students. What is seen to be more pressing within the students fraternity is the sustenance of the highly cherished ‘‘Leg Experience’’- a four pack objectives defined by the student body as Ultimate Achievement (Grabbing, Inner Rooms, Borgar and First Class). Almost all souls on campus place much importance on Borgar.

‘‘Borgar’’ on campus is about travelling out of the shores of the country during vacations to scout for usually picking and parking jobs. With no restriction to any sex, the major aim of borgaring is to obtaining ‘deep pockets’ for show offs as well as for subsequent travels. It’s only the rich kid students who can afford to travel out to shake off the semester’s stress and to calm their nerves without thinking of grading a shanty job. These Dada- Bees (as they are called) can afford to travel for few weeks in order not to miss out on their academic work. This is contrasted by their colleagues who stay out there longer in their quest to amass more wealth. South Africa, Ireland and Canada are some of their destinations but the desired ones of any Borgar is the United States of America or United Kingdom.

To be given the title Borgar on campus is like being given the uncontrollable privileges of the British monarch or the marriage powers of a tradition African King. Being a Borgar does not only come with Prestige but some sort of Respect as well.
In an interaction with Amos Quarcoopome, a final year student and a known one time UK Borgar, he wouldn’t waste time to comment on the most important issue on campus among students, Borgar. According to him, the title Borgar comes with much more than reverence and prestige. ‘‘To be called a Borgar is the dream of over eighty percent of all students on campus. This show how important it is to students in general, not only those of Legon. There is the perception that Borgars are rich and can afford whatever they want. This makes it adorable and enviable resulting in its attached importance and attention. People will prefer to be Borgars than even getting a first class, it is really funny’’.

According to Amos, some people come to Legon not because they want to obtain a degree but for alternative reasons of which includes Borgar. These people will certainly overstay their visas and end up as illegal migrants. That becomes the last known of them as they use the university as a means to an end. The UK borgar goes ahead to detail me on the advantages of being a Borgar.
‘‘When you are a Borgar, it gives you this sort of confidence and you feel good within you and among others. Things become quite easier for you as you get certain favours you previously were not getting. Borgars are known to own the best clothes and use the very expensive designers and brands- talk of D&G, RocaWear, Victoria Secret, Mary Kay and others

With the recent changes in the immigration laws of the several European countries, students on campus seem to have developed their own way around these embassies. This brings to floor the chain of Travel Organisations of which some are even perceived to be operating illegally on campus. Some students will still employ their services in spite of their exorbitant charges. An American work program (J1 Visa) is between $2500 to $3000 and1200 pounds for a UK working holiday visa. The unfortunate ones’ who can’t raise such an amount continually holds on to faith trusting the embassies would not refuse their applications. This group are those who sometimes depend on the advice of Borgar pals.

Another aspect of the Borgar phenomenon which is kept in the dark is what these Borgars do on their stay in those countries- inhumane jobs. This is confirmed by a USA Borgar, Christie. She was lucky to have worked as a crew member McDonalds and KFC.
‘‘As a crew member, your role various at every point I time. You either serve or be at the drive through- taking orders. I know a lot of friends who had to do cleaning and other crazy jobs even without a good remuneration. It is not easy like people think and being out there can be frustrating sometimes.

From these testimonies, won’t there be a need to call a student who goes to the UK for inhuman jobs as a UK Hustler than a UK Borgar. The question on my mind is if it is appropriate for our intelligent university students and our future leaders to be embarking on such trips only to be reduced to mere dish washing machines among others. Some will even go through all these process and finally not end up realising their Borgar ambitions. This is compensated with very poor grades. To have a travel experience is just right and perfect but not in such a manner where your existence and identity will be twaddle.

By Chris Koney
chriskoney@gmail.com