When Cece Winans ‘descended’ on Ghana

For a mid week show and a gospel concert for that matter, attendance on the night could best be described as fantastic! The Dome of the Accra International Center was fairly filled hours to the show with audience anticipation for a Holy Ghost filled session. After being rescheduled to 17th November 2010 due to a pack of challenges, Adom Praiz 2010 finally saw the light of day with the American gospel diva, Cece Winans on stage.
The night got started with an extraordinary performance from Willie and Mike who managed to get the crowd going with them. The Ghanaian gospel songstress, Bernice Offei took to the stage, this time performing never-heard renditions of her classics. Her demeanor on stage was amazing and easily wooed the crowd into unending cheers.
At this time, the auditorium was heavily packed and most patrons on the night had to stand throughout the four hour concert. Soon it was time for the peace officer, DSP Kofi Sarpong. He appeared on stage in characteristic elegant apparel. Aided by his band, he gave a good account of himself with a dazzling performance. That was the same for Ernest Opoku who appeared to have received much more love from the crowd.
The event appeared more of a church service as more people went on their knees in the midst of song ministrations from the several performing artists. Florence Obinim, Cecelia Marfo and Christina Love had incredible showing as they added to the excitement on the night. Gospel music group, No Tribe took their turn to thrill the elated crowd with a well rehearsed performance.
A perfect atmosphere had been created by the local gospel musicians who continually treated the crowd to melodious sermons. Soul Winners placed the icing on the cake with their “Wala Abolo” track just before the Grammy Award winning artist was ushered onto the stage.
She was received with loud applause and the entire audience on their feet as she made her appearance. Cece started with ‘Hallelujah Praise and Alabaster Box’ before expressing her delight to be in Ghana for the concert. She further narrated her love story with God to the crowd which she claimed had been the motivation for her career choice. She easily related to the crowd who sang along through songs that were very familiar- “Mercy said no, He’s a wonder, it wasn’t easy among others.

Former president Jerry John Rawlings had a front role seat and was occasionally captured on the giant screens mounted at both extremes of the auditorium. In a rather sober mood, he appeared to be in involved in a spiritual reflection. The night was worth the rush and isn’t far from the best gospel musical concert in recent times.

Bola Ray, More Than A Showman!

After years of sacrifice and commitment to his trade, Bola Ray has eventually become a giant of the airwaves. He is a phenomenal orator with a captivating voice that causes people to listen to him with ease. Without any doubt, he is currently the finest driver and an extraordinary one safely driving home the ‘radio nation’ after each hard day’s work, resulting in a continues increase of his fan base of which women forms the majority.
Being his favorite accolade, Bola Ray has come to replace his christened name Nathaniel Kwabena Anokye Adisi and now stuck in his academic records on the shelves. Little did he know how far the name could come at the time he adopted it during his secondary school days at Accra Academy. According to him, it represents some of his unique qualities including Brilliance, Outstanding, Loving, Affable and Religious.

It is no accident Bola currently finds himself in showbiz and an acclaimed radio cum television anchor having built a good reputation over a decade of his entry into the industry. Recounting instances in secondary school where he would go around the dormitory interviewing people with a spoon serving as a microphone.

At Accra Academy where he was the Entertainment prefect, the young showman exhibited unusual brilliance as an amateur hosting several shows. From there, he earned admission into the School of Administration (now University of Ghana Business School) for a Diploma program in Public Administration. Bola Ray proceeded to the Central University College in Accra for a Bachelor of Science Degree in Marketing.

To reach his goal in life, he decided to add value to himself, signing up for an online MBA program with the University of Leicester in the United Kingdom. As a follow-up to his Bachelors degree, he opted for Marketing at his postgraduate studies which he is hopeful of graduating in the early part of next year. All the time during his studies he remained on the forefront of showbiz.


Bola started off with radio with a spot at the University of Ghana based Radio Universe for his national service. There, he picked lessons from seasoned communicators with a determination to become the best on-air personality. Though rough and frustrating initially, he felt a sense of belonging as he built his confidence in preparation for commercial radio success.

After learning the rudiments of the trade, Bola switched to then music oriented Top Radio supposed to host the drive programme. Surprisingly, he was handed a slot that run from twelve (12) midnight to four (4) the next morning. He kept his head up to bring out his best in spite of an inner self conflict as he contemplated on his new spot. Not too long, he moved into the seat for Top City Jam, a programme which became one of the city’s favorite.

Making a name for himself, he became more popular causing an amazing following for the City Jam. His showing on Music Music, a Saturday night entertainment program on TV3 attracted interest from various outlets and suddenly Bola became the hottest commodity you could find around. Joy Fm, a station that had turned him down in the year 2000.

Now the host of Joy Fm’s Drive Time programme, Bola Ray has proved his mettle and he is one of the most sought after male presenters in Ghana. Without any competition, he simply does it best and remains Ghana’s first choice for the late afternoon drive program.

Bent on changing the rather conservative perception surrounding showbiz - a trade for school drop outs, riff raffs and unfocussed persons, he advocates for industry members to broaden their horizon and learn from the mistakes of their predecessors. Always aiming for the gold in life, Bola is convinced of his ability to change the world around him and also have a lot to offer the world as a youth.

His mentor is the former United States president, Bill Clinton who he picks inspiration from. He admires personalities who defy the odds to realize their dreams.

Bola is married with two children to Dorcas, a banker who he describes as a self-motivated person and an amazing wife. Being the proud owner of Empire Entertainment, he anticipates his entity becomes a recognized force in the areas of marketing communications, promotions, events and advertising. Also, he hopes to expand operations into transportation with Empire Tours and Empire Records to function as a music label company.

The selfless media entrepreneur remains the first African ever to host the Top of the Pops show on BBC radio then on a holiday visit to the United Kingdom. He appreciates his fans and remains very grateful to God for his mercies and blessings over the years. Interestingly, Bola enjoys his privacy and always in his study lobby if not with his sensational music duo, Ruff n Smooth.

The Era of Ghanaian ‘Business’ Rastafarians

Where thou art is the question I pose to all souls supposed to be Ghanaian and Rastafarians after a period of critical observation of these in recent times. It is quite obvious Rastafarianism has entered into an era where people supposed to be conscious of the movements are rather denigrating the ideas preached by the Conquering Lion of the Tribe of Judah.

To have lived in the darkest corners of the famous ‘shanty’ town of Kingston certainly comes with loads of experiences, good and bad. If not for anything, you are promised of an exposure to activities of the chain of illegal, robust and daring drug syndicates. If it isn’t about the staple of the land, marijuana, then it will be the movement of arms in and around the island. Red, yellow, green and black has eventually replaced the national emblem with these colours seen at every space. 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 from the early part the twentieth century. The movement is named after an Ethiopian prince who in 1930 was crowned emperor of Ethiopia, Haile Selassie I but originally named Tafari Makonnen. The word Ras means “Duke” in the Amharic language. Selassie is also referred to as the King of Kings, Lord of Lords and Conquering Lion of the Tribe of Judah. He is regarded by the movement’s followers as the Black King and redeemer Marcus Garvey had prophesied.

As a worldwide phenomenon, Rastafarianism is currently practiced at every corner of the globe with Ghana not an exception bringing the number of the movement’s loyalists to over millions. Reggae music ranks highest among elements that popularize this movement over the years with credits to the legendary Robert Nesta Marley who converted to Rastafarianism in 1967. The Rastafarian message become widespread as Marley and reggae achieved mainstream popularity.

And after his death other reggae musicians inspired by the Rastafarian message, also communicated it through their music. From different races, they include the likes of Ghanaian respected contemporary musicians- Black Prophet and Blakk Rasta.

Being a member of this Afro-Caribbean religious movement leaves you with relatively simple rules as compared to other religions. A Rastafarian is expected to venerate the Elect of God, Haile Selassie I and also forgo shaving of the hair. This biblical law of the Nazarenes leaves Rastafarians wearing a long, matted locked hair (dreadlocks). A Rastafarian is to abstain from intoxicants especially hard liquor.

Their diet is constituted of foods considered as pure and untainted. As a follower of the ‘Might of the Trinity’, one is expected to extol Black culture and enlighten others on the idea of Black identity. The Black God and Messiah form the basis of the Black culture and identity. Black people should in no circumstance be seen as inferior and be treated with abuse, rather should recognized as the best at all levels.

If these elements form the rudiments of the Jamaican religious and cultural movement, one is tempted to doubt the number of true Rastafarians in Ghana. The streets of Accra are never spared with patrolling men and women carrying dreadlocks wrapped in turbans. And does the activities of these people conform to the guiding principles the religion?

If Rastafarianism is just about endorsing the ritual system involving the use of marijuana as a sacrament, then there will be no doubt Accra as a city can boast of millions of Rastafarians. Truth be told, there are currently more people smoking ‘ganja’ in Ghana under the pretext of being Rastafarians. Bob Marley and other Rastafarians under the influence of marijuana sang praises of its spiritual effects endorsing Black racial superiority.

Apart from the likes of Rocky Dawuni, Black Prophet and Blakk Rasta (who is rumoured not to be a ganja smoker), what can be said of the several thousands of Ghanaian Rastafarians. Does it mean they smoke marijuana for pleasure or they should be simply regarded as substance abusers?

There is a new phase of Rastafarianism currently in Ghana with lots of these dreadlocked men selling their soul, mind and body to the very people the movement is critical of. What seems to have come to stay is the phenomenon of ‘Business Rasta’. Black consciousness is becoming a thing of the past. A visit to the famous La Pleasure beach and other resorts along the beaches across the will presents you with copies instance to vindicate this phenomenon.

Several Rastafarians gather under palm trees along the shore smoking all day, forgetting life is not all about ganja. Others openly consume spirits and other toxicants the movement forbids with no regrets as they gallivant looking out for ‘vulnerable’ white folks to pounce on amidst cunning antics. Theses Rastafarians often act needy and awfully friendly towards their victims, who are usually ladies.

They lure these ladies to win their sympathy after which they become their slaves with the desire of filling their deep and unfortunately dry pockets. As if that isn’t enough, some with the support of black magic manage to get the white ladies to love them unconditionally. With this supposed love, wedding bands and meaningless vows are exchanged. Trust them to end up in Europe and the Americas with these whites, a dream come true for them.

Instead of fighting for Black superiority, these Rastafarians are just doing the worse without caution. Their malevolent activities crushingly demean the black race to their White lovers. They only confirm the old racial adage “anything Black is evil and anything White is God” by their deeds. How long will these self centered charlatans be allowed to bring into disrepute the great Afro-Caribbean religion. Aren’t there any true Rastafarians to rise up for their cherished religion which keeps losing its significance?

And to all the white folks coming in Ghana or coming into Ghana should be cautious of these greedy hypocrites in dreadlocks. They may appear clean followers of the Emperor but be skeptical, they might be Business Rastafarians, you never know. J A H – R A S T A F A R I ! ! ! ! ! ! !

The misinformed celebrity phenomenon in Ghana

During a discourse with a lady friend and a colleague writer a couple of months ago, she was quick to reveal her displeasure at the anchors paraded on television who she claimed are ‘half-baked’. Aside their unimaginative style of presentation her concern included their woeful choice of words and low appreciation of the subject they tackle. Their choice of words is often questionable recounting an instance when a popular female presenter classified Irene Logan as a diva.

She could not believe how a relatively amateur singer could be mistaken for a diva. Irene in her opinion is not an operatic prima donna or a very successful singer of non-operatic music in the ranks of Beyonce, Mary J. Blige, Sarah Brightman and Belinda Carlisle. Per the definition, Bibbie Brew is the only Ghanaian who isn’t far from Diva status and not the category of any Ghanaian female singer around.

It is becoming appalling how certain persons supposed to be better informed and also well read continually disregard the contextual usage of several key words lately. One is tempted to believe it is a calculated attempt of naughtiness on their part rather than a shameful exhibition of their ignorance to the world. But what if it is indeed the case of the latter?

Guess it would be surprising and remain a mystery to unravel especially when this appears to be a routine. Hence, it will be fair if such persons are not taken serious for their words. To recognize them as authority on issues bothering on the queen’s language will be totally out of place and a perilous gamble. Certainly, this phenomenon stands as a great indictment to the ‘make-up faces’ on our television screens.

I watched a repeat version of a program on television supposed to bring celebrated people closer to their admirers. It was tagged the Late Night Celebrity Show which sounded rather ludicrous to me. On the guest seat was Pope Skinny, a relatively unknown act (sorry to emphasize but none of the party rave heads then with me knew him). The opening montage had images of other persons who were fairly unknown.

I wondered how such regular dudes on the streets of Accra could be referred to as celebrities. It was extremely difficult to fish out the yardstick for selecting such personalities onto the show. Celebrity in our corner of the world is loosely defined to reflect virtually any nine day wonder artiste who falls short of commanding a great deal of public and media attention.

Lately, people who play cameo roles in low budget productions and others lucky enough to have a few appearances on television are part of the supposed celebrity fraternity in Ghana. There is also the one hit wonder musicians who are hailed as celebrities just because their songs are receiving rotations on a few radio stations. Anyway, let us not forget this is usually as a result of payola paid by their management to disc jockeys. Are they not jokers?

Should you think I am callous and being unfair to the self styled celebrities, you ought to ponder over these questions; where do they hang out, eat, shop and stay? Is there any community that remains the sole preserve of these supposed celebrated persons? Never think they are always around the Accra Mall and buying from mid shift shops because they want to be closer to their fans. There isn’t any other option aside what and where everyone patronizes.

Or are they even involve in any charitable work that could at least, bring them closer to their assumed celebrity status? What is their cult status when it comes to contributions to the society, if they truly want us to believe they are worth the praises often heaped on them? Isn’t it a shame to drive in a luxurious car only to donate three bags of rice and a hundred dollar bill to an orphanage and make a whole lot of noise about it?

There are quite a number of famous personalities in Ghana and that remains a fact but do they command public and media attention? So it becomes ironical when every famous person is classified as a celebrity. Per the definition for a celebrity, how many of them can be paraded in Ghana aside Michael Essien and other Black Stars teammate who have the world’s attention on them?