FUNNY FACE’S GRAND ENTRY INTO STAGE DRAMA AS HE DEBUTS IN RUN FOR YOUR WIFE

ONE thing is now certain, Ghana’s reining comedy king and the drollest man the country currently boasts of can best be described as dynamic and multi-talented!
Aside the hilarious arena of stand-up comedy where he has successfully stamped his authority as one of the best in Ghana, if not the best, the gentleman also known as Chemu has undoubtedly established himself as a pro in the league of brilliant Ghanaian Actors with his fantastic showing as the lead character in the most hilarious television series today, Chorkor Trotro.
At the recently held Night of 1012 Laughs and Music at the Dome of the International Conference Center where he co-hosted the show with his manager, George Quaye, he revealed to the world another part of his creativity yet to be known.
To the shock and awe of all, Funny Face busted onto the stage with sensational hip life maestro, Castro as they performed his first single ‘Banana Sweet’. It was another spectacle when Funny Face unleashed his unimaginable rap lines and words to get the entire auditorium screaming.
August 13th & 14th 2011 marks another great day in his life and career as he mounts the stage at the National Theater for his first ever stage play, Run For Your Wife. This will be his unprecedented entry into stage drama according to the comedian.
‘I am very passionate about whatever I do and I do it whole heartedly. This is another part of me that the world is yet to see. I have been waiting for this opportunity and it will just be another show. It is a challenge and I welcome it whole heartedly.’ according to the Swag-on Papa.
Run for Your Wife chronicles the life of Adjei Sowah, an Accra based taxi driver with a very tricky secret. He’s married to two women that live five minutes apart, yet do not know about each other’s existence. This he’s achieved by maintaining a rather tight schedule and a clever lifestyle. All is well until an accident interrupts his busy schedule inviting the police and media – two organizations that do not understand privacy as far as he is concerned. How smart can an ordinary taxi driver be to prevent matters from getting out of hand when the two wives find out about each other?
Run for Your Wife brings together the very best of actors known to the movie and theater fraternity onto one stage.
The show runs for two nights with two shows every night. All theater lovers cannot afford to miss out on the experience of watching this phenomenal farceat the National Theater on August 13th and 14th, 2011.
The star studded farce stages some of the most respected names in Ghanaian arts and theatre today including the likes of Ecow Smith Asante from Suncity fame, Adjetey Annang (Pusher) from Adam’s Apple and Things we do for love fame, Roland Adom from Suncity fame, actress of the Year winner, Naa Asorkor Mensah Doku, Dzifa Sogbe and Ken Fiati from Games People Play and of course Ghana’s youngest legend, Funny Face – the swaaag-on- Papa!
Run for your Wife is brought to you by TIGO with support from Joy Fm, GH One Entertainment TV, Flex Newspaper, Hi Newspaper and New Fylla Newspaper, Keba Ekong, Mido Productions, the national theatre, GTV, TV3, TRAP, Y-fm and GOODLIFE.

‘THE CHALLENGE’ IS A LIFE CHANGING EXPERIENCE

UNTIL his triumph in the maiden edition of the hit television reality show, The Challenge, organized by the BRITISH COUNCIL in partnership with leading telecommunications company TIGO and event organizers, Charterhouse, Joojo Chartei Quansah had a story not different from many other Ghanaian University graduates.
Initially, he had to manage to overcome unending obstacles to emerge as one of the best students in his course of study at the University of Ghana. From a humble beginning, the young man was focused, knew his destination and exactly what he wanted in life, yet he wasn’t sure of the vehicle to carry him there.
It was an entire mix-up which appeared quite simple but a rather cumbersome phenomenon after a critical thought. Filled with exceeding zeal and a passion to grab the gold in life, Joojo did not know the path to his dreams.
He did not know the road that led to his aspirations which became very frustrating for a young man who had vowed to change the world around him. But there came the safest vehicle that plied the right route to his most treasured endpoint, The Challenge Ghana.
Currently, Joojo works with TIGO where he serves as the Voice Entertainment Manager of the Value Added Services arm of the Marketing Unit having joined the company as a Business Intelligence Manager.
Talking to Joojo in his state of the art office, the Marketer did not mince words about The Challenge being a life changing experience and admitted it had catapulted him to his current status in life.
According to him, the extensive exposure accompanied by the doors that opened as a result of The Challenge was incredible. In addition to the personal development, he also acquired the credibility and image he needed to build his brand as he prepared to take on the world.
‘To me The Challenge Ghana is that asset when acquired can be relied on at any point in life and will eventually lead you to greatness. As a competition, it is ideal for people who want that positive and drastic change to happen to their lives’ were his words.
Joojo won the first edition of the competition. He was sponsored for a master programme, MA Marketing Communications at the University of Westminster in the United Kingdom as a part of the winning package of over 40,000 pounds which included airfare, accommodation and monthly stipend.
On his return, he picked up a high paying job at giant telecommunications company, TIGO to start his career.
It is the same realization in the case of Joseph Opoku, who emerged the ultimate winner of the second season of The Challenge from an initial group of over 600 candidates. He opted for a postgraduate degree, MSC Broadband and High Speed Communications Network at the University of Westminster for his fully paid scholarship package.
Joseph is now much fulfilled with a flying career and currently works with a globally respected brand, Ericsson (Ghana) as a Senior Services Engineer or alternatively referred to as a 3G Engineer and hopes to rise to senior management in the very near future.
Josephs describes The Challenge as the best thing to have happened to his life as he reflected on his journey in life. ‘I have been transformed in all aspects of my life thanks to The Challenge. Mentally, I have become matured and stronger. I am deeper in thought now and also open minded.
The Challenge equips you with the confidence, smartness and the intellect the job market requires and also puts you ahead of the pack. It has added value to me by virtue of acquiring a post graduate degree in a very unique field’.
According to Joseph, anyone who wants to make a difference in their lives should put themselves together and prepare to bring it on in the next season of The Challenge as they might be that lucky winner.
Season Three of The Challenge is underway and application to participate is open for all second class upper or first class degree holders. Text your name to the short code 1750 for a pin which is to be used to complete the application forms at www.thechallengeghana.com.
After completion of the forms, the generic code provided on the website should be sent to the short code 1750 to confirm registration. You can’t afford to miss out on such a life changing opportunity to study in the very best of Britain's top universities.
The Challenge season three is brought to you by The British Council and TIGO in association with the University of Westminster and powered by GH One Entertainment TV. It is proudly supported by SIC, Robert Gordon University, Gsocialize.com, IPMC and GTV.

SARKODIE TO ROCK NIGHT OF 1012 LAUGHS

ALL is set for the 12th in the series of the Night of Laugh’s and Music s at the Dome of the Accra International Conference Center. Come Saturday July 9th, 2011 a pack of outstanding musical performances are prepared to face off with an unending session of laughter.
According to organizers of the much acclaimed Night of 1012 Laugh’s and Music, the night of Saturday will resound loudly with music from some of the finest crop of musicians from Ghana.
On the bill will be Gh’s fastest rapper Sarkodie whose return back to the top after nearly a year of silence is marked by the release of yet another hit single titled You go kill me.
The multiple Ghana Music Award winning artistes will perform on the big for the first time You go kill me. The hot single has been is receiving heavy rotations both on radio and television in the last couple of months
If Sakodie does not hit with his new single, then one is sure to be impressed with his ‘swag’, a commodity that the young musician is known to possess in huge doses. Known for his astounding performances and his ability to hold his audience’ attention for long period, the Tema based rapper is poised to prove once again the reasons why he is known as Gh’s fastest rapper and the winner of the prestigious Artistes Of the Year 2010 at the GMA’s.
Also on the bill for the night will be the songstress and the reigning Best Female Vocalist at the GMA’s, Efya. Having grown into a more matured performer and a singer with purpose, the Sexy Sassy Wahala and Little Things singer will be doing what she is best known for; exciting her audience.
Legendary Highlife musician and a musician with a career spanning over 20 years, Ben Brako will be another performer on the night. He will add up to the excitement on the night with his classics including Baya and many more.
Dubbed one of the “most hilarious night of the year” the Night of 1012 Laugh’s and Music is sponsored by MTN and promises to be worth every cedi of the Ghc 50 standard and Ghc 100 VIP cost per ticket. Comedians for the night include the likes of Gordons, Funny Face, Emeka Smith, Bash and Elenu.

Of Ghanaian Musicians Rather Than Studio Artists…………

Last Friday night witnessed the grand launch of the 2011 edition of the nation’s biggest music award ceremony, the MTN Ghana Music Award at the Golden Tulip Hotel in Accra.
There, the leading event company unveiled the nominations for various categories for the twelfth edition of the awards.
On the night, many lovers of good music and other supposed pundits in the Ghanaian music industry were convinced a new music star had been born after thirty minutes of astonishing showing by little known singer, Bless. He was a spectacle to watch as he dazzled audience with his powerful voice performance and stage work.
The question among the many of the guests present was: who is a musician? He became the subject of discussion among a company of friends l found myself in at the event. Some went as far as describing him as a star. I was obviously surprised at their description of the young man as a star. I therefore began to probe for their criteria for referring to the young man as a music star. As expected, their divergent views wholly reflected their personal interest coupled with their biases.
That discussion informed my decision to write this piece on how some people have wrongly confused the meanings of who is a singer and who is a musician.
A person who plays, composes, performs, conducts music and does that as a profession is recognized as a musician as defined by the Encarta dictionaries. Anyway, this definition appears inadequate and shallow for a musician.
It remains a fact that Ghana has became known around the world thanks to the exploits of the legendary Osibisa band, highlife musicians and other burger highlife singers in the past. Without doubt, they had something in common which runs through from the likes of Agya Koo Nimo, George Darko, Nana Ampedu and many more.
All these singers perfectly related to music and understood the several elements of music; they play musical instruments which they had vast insight about to produce harmonies which made their works cherished by lovers of alternative music around the world.
They embarked on global tours not to perform at ‘backyard shows’ for a handful of Ghanaians rather at major concerts for a worldwide audience. They played live music and were often than not backed by a band. They gave their audience value for their monies as they performed for them (I mean perform as in the word).
What can be said of the current group of recording artistes paraded on the Ghanaian music scene? It is rather unfortunate to conclude that we are not producing musicians lately, rather a bunch of studio artists and lost souls who accidentally have found themselves in music.
What do we see in recent times? These ‘so-called’ artistes will go on stage only to mime and expecting their audience to create fun for themselves after doling out huge sums of money to pay for entry tickets.
As if that isn’t enough, these artistes want the audience to boot their rhymes for them as they try to engage them while on stage. This is just irritating and unaccepted as these ‘half baked’ music makers are yet to realize these errors.
To all music executives, we need musicians and artistes who can carry our music beyond the shores of the nation rather than studio artistes who continually promote mediocrity.

WHAT'S IN THE NAME mSimps

Little did Mabel know a term she had crafted in 2007 in fulfillment of her passion and also to reflect her dynamic persona would eventually be at the verge of becoming a valued brand that people will desire to be associated with in less than a decade.
But one thing is certain, she has always been enthusiastic about creativity before her mid teens when her parents presented her with her first pack of drawing pencils and a sketch book. That is one thing she is aware of and insisted would be difficult to forget when I engaged her in a conversation at the La Tawala beach.
Until she was interviewed on the One Show on Vaisat 1 somewhere in the last quarter of 2010, Mabel never knew how popular mSimps; her line of ultra chic bags, stylish male slippers and trendy accessories had become after a few months into full scale operations.
Christened Mabel Maame Ama Simpson, she is the last of three children and the only girl of former anchor of GTV’s Sports highlight, Emmanuel Simpson, a man she described as Christian indoctrinated and commands an enormous influence on her life.
Now in her mid- twenties, she started her elementary education at the Ridge Church School in Accra then to Wesley Girls’ High School for her secondary education before enrolling at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in 2004.
Aside her love for artistic works, inventive products of rare forms have continually found a place in her heart in her visual arts class whiles in high school and after becoming a graduate and genius in communication design, her course of study at K.N.U.S.T.
In a rather calm demeanor coupled with an unfriendly breeze that kept her hair flying, Mabel revealed the motivation for starting the brand and further explained the name mSimps.
‘I was obsessed with radio and television programming whiles in K.N.U.S.T so I planned to register a company for that purpose. I wanted a unique name I could connect with. I settled on mSimps, an abbreviation of my name after discussing it with a good friend, Joy Fm’s Kojo Oppong Nkrumah’.
As a non conformist with a burly quest to persistently fish out new ideas and concepts, she decided to switch the direction of mSimps after realizing several other outlets had started radio and television programming projects.
Inspired by her nature and love for African fabric, mSimps became a line of handmade products including ladies bag, men’s slippers and the latest addition, hair and dress brooches. mSimps also deals in several other trendy accessories for an ideal fashion statement.
In the year 2010, Mabel had to take a bold yet tricky decision which was described as rather inane by those who mattered in her life. She resigned from her full time job at a marketing communications company to pursue what could be regarded as a strapping passion.
‘To many people around me, it didn’t make sense especially after quitting my previous job as assistant producer cum presenter at Hitz Fm. Just like most of them, I occasionally wondered how I was going to survive selling these products. However, I was always hopeful and optimistic about the prospects of mSimps’.
With a startup capital of GH200, Mabel rolled out mSimps in her bedroom and determined to make it work. Her nights became incessantly sleepless, a time to conceive ideas and designs for various products aside generating effective marketing ideas.
Combining her knowledge in Project Management and her commitment to work, she made it to Oktoberfest 2010, a bazaar organized by the American Embassy for diplomats and other nationals in Ghana. Mabel was fulfilled; she was getting closer to her dream of promoting Ghana and also taking mSimps to the ‘Diaspora’.
Other milestones in Mabel’s life and a confirmation of her prudent entrepreneurial activities were invitations to address a student gathering on leadership at the Ashesi University College and an entrepreneurial session organized by the Rotary group.
‘My main challenge as a young entrepreneur has to do with funds. Also, it becomes quite uncomfortable for people to deal with you or become associated with your brand just because it is new and obviously struggling. These are issues I love to discuss anytime with a group so we find solutions to it’.
With mSimps becoming a household name in fashion, Mabel is confident of attaining her long term goal of transforming mSimps into an esteemed global brand. She advices other young business executives to be guided by the philosophy of commitment and should always be ready with alternative approaches so they don’t fail.
Anytime you come by any product branded mSimps, be reminded hard work pays. When you cut Mabel Simpson open, she will bleed nothing aside inventiveness!

AFRICA UMOJA RETURNS

BY popular demand, the sensational South African musical, Africa UMOJA returns to the National Theater once again from April 30th to 2nd May 2011. This time, UMOJA will shake the foundations of the National Theater and thrill the thousands of theater lovers expected to throng the venue.
Africa UMOJA-The Spirit of togetherness is a two hour explosion of song and dance performed by an energetic and creative crew that hails from South Africa. The story of UMOJA tells the tale of South Africa, its people and the changes that the years have had on their music.
The only way to truly appreciate the story as told in the beautiful stage musical is to experience it in all its glory. The energetic dance moves that reverberates throughout the National Theatre long after the last foot had been stomped, the vibrant colours of the various costumes for different segments of the musical and the enchanting tone of the narrator stays long with those who made it to the show last year.
Scenes like “Venda Snake dance”, the exquisite voices of the singers and the fury of the traditional Zulu dancers all add up to ensuring that the journey through the South African musical history a fun one. This year’s UMOJA promises to be even more enlightening as the musical will include aspects of the Ghanaian musical story in the mix.
Selected first rate Ghanaian dancers will be paraded alongside their South African counterparts and this is expected to add to the fun. It will be amazing how the Ghanaian dancers will gel alongside the South African group known for wonderful performances.
UMOJA is known to be nothing short of a beautiful and exciting moment according to thousands of people around the world who have experienced it.
It has performed for kings, Presidents, Diplomats and the general public in over 28 countries worldwide. This pulsating musical odyssey leaves you breathless, and your heart pounding for more. This show is sure to stimulate your appetite for theatre and dance. It is a must watch!
Four spectacular performances will be put up daily between the theatre hours of 4PM and 8PM at the National theatre on 30TH April – 2NDMay 2011.
Umoja-The spirit of togetherness is produced by Charterhouse in collaboration with the National Theater and sponsored by Easy Ryde and South African Airways.

The Reggie Rockstone You Don’t Know

Hiplife as a music genre has over the years won much more recognition around the world and currently represents an aspect of the Ghanaian urban culture. Lately, music isn’t only perceived as a source of entertainment but an alternative means of livelihood which puts food on the table for practitioners and their families.

Born in the United Kingdom in the later part of the 1960’s, Reginald Osei remains a pillar behind Hiplife and another reason for the commercialization of Ghanaian music. Mostly referred to as Reggie Rockstone, he got attached to the Hip Hop movement after the 80’s as a dancer whiles he juggled between London, New York and Accra.

Starting as a rapper, he belonged to PLZ (Parables, Linguistics and Zlang), one of the top rap groups then in London during the 90s. PLZ had Fredi Funkstone and Jay as the other members of the group. Reggie as an artist was a force to reckon with and had won his street credibility before moving to Ghana.

As the PLZ performed their hit tracks in and around the jurisdiction of the British Monarch, Reggie gained a lot more recognition rather than money. Just at the same time, he also widened his scope aiding him to become a deeper emcee. He became an extraordinary showstopper anytime he got behind the microphone.

Filled with a refreshing energy and talent, Reggie couldn’t restrict himself to solely business as he assisted his father, but rather extended his musical project to Ghana. Heavily influenced by American Hip culture, he had to find add-ons that represented an African flavor to his songs. This required a paradigm shift and a revision of his notes.

With the help of Vibe Fm’s Mike Cooke who had worked with Reggie back in the United Kingdom, he provided his radio network for promotion to get Reggie find his way around the Ghanaian music scene. Talented Ghanaian producer Panji Annof and his wife were also instrumental and on a subtle note influenced the direction of Reggie’s music.

A new music genre then in the making and to be unleashed on the ever daring Ghanaian youth with a strong desire for anything foreign but hip was the target. Hiplife, thus an authentically laced Hip Hop beats over a Ghanaian lingua was born with Reggie at the forefront. The release of "Tsoo Boi" was phenomenal and perfect as it received the needed attention just like subsequent songs which included "Sweetie, Sweetie" and "Agoo".

Becoming the unofficial hiplife king of Accra, he was all over and became the reference for anything rap music. With a fan base that kept swelling and cutting across, Reggie became the most sought after performer in Ghana without any doubt. He had a wild stage presence accompanied by a stimulating stage performance which he always exhibited anywhere he performed.

Becoming a formidable brand, Reggie was used as an icon to promote the Guinness stout in the 1990’s with his face on billboards at almost every corner of the nation’s capital aside television commercials. Currently, he is an ambassador of yet to be launched Nigerian telecommunication company in Ghana, Globacom.

The proud owner of Reggies Office, one of the leading hangout joints and a trained actor hopes to do more in the area of acting plus movie production.

Doctor Carl: A Presenter With Promise

Apart from family relations and friends, Carl Kenneth Ofori wouldn’t ring a bell, rather Dr. Carl, a name common to many listeners of Radio Universe.

His family valued education and little Carl always found himself in the classroom though usually against his desire. That was his mother’s only means of keeping him away from the streets and a suburb that could boast of copious social vices. Spending much time with his elder brother, he was introduced to hip hop music which he later fell in love with.

While at Dansoman based Wesley Grammar High School, he realised his potentials as a master of ceremony. The Black James Bond rallied his peers for rap competitions and later started hosting entertainment shows leading into a strong passion for radio.

“I finally got into radio in 2003 after months of attachment at Unique Fm where I learnt the rudiments of radio. Then a freshman at the University of Ghana, I was offered a spot at Radio Universe and under the tutelage of now Joy Fm front liner, Dzifa Bampoe and Sitso. I started as a member of the production team for a music show then Dzifa’s morning show”.

Handed the Space Jam, the ‘green’ Carl was placed on the spotlight which eventually brought him his shine. He stood his grounds to introduce an alternative procedure to transform the show. Then perceived as controversial, it finally paid off with immense success as his show attracted a huge listenership.

In 2008 the BA Political Science graduate launched the Ghetto Skola Cloth line to exhibit his entrepreneurial abilities. Unlike promoting Ghanaian music as he does on radio, he wanted to do more for himself.

“I became a scholar right from the ghettos and I want to serve as an example to others. I believe everyone posses the power to become whoever he desires, if they are ready to confront their challenges and frustrations”.

His latest add-on is the Grandaddy Multimedia, a marketing communication company which he hopes to become a giant in less than a decade. Grandaddy Multimedia is the power behind Radio Universe’s current online project.

Catch him every Thursday night and Saturday midday on Radio Universe or www.radiounivers.listen2myradio.com

A Designer Extraordinaire, Brigitte Merki

At the launch of her BM Label a few weeks ago at the Accra Polo Club, she got patrons astounded with her level of inventiveness. An ideal blend of enchanting colours and a rather unanticipated choice of fabrics, her collection eventually becomes the perfect and only option for the ever-daring woman of today’s competitive world.It remained a spectacle when models took to the runway to showcase her collection which ranged from glamorous flowing bridal gowns to other classy evening wears. Brigitte Merki-Ibrahim isn’t a regular designer rather a perfectionist obsessed with getting things done appropriately exclusive as vindicated by her designs.

A loving wife and a mother of three, it isn’t difficult to trace the source of Brigitte’s special ingenuity. Her mum was a famous Ghanaian designer in her prime and her dad a Swiss expatriate who appreciated arts and continually invested his fortune into paintings, crafts, furniture and traditional musical elements.

Born in the nation’s capital, she had her basic education at the R.M.S Swiss School before moving to the land of her ancestors for high school. While at Staefa Dorfschule, she had an apprenticeship in Salesmanship as required by the in Swiss curriculum. She moved to Zurich to continue with an apprenticeship in Business Management.

With Ghana serving as her first home, she returned to be with her family as she prepared for further studies. After securing admission in an institution and traveling to the United States to commence her studies, the inevitable had occurred forcing Brigitte to abandon that dream.

She had taken seed and so had to stay and start a family with her husband, Jamil Ibrahim, a real estate developer and member of the national polo team. After the birth of her first baby, she enrolled at the University of Ghana where she graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Psychology.

By then she had started creating her designs, aside those she assisted her mum to work on. Brigitte signed up for a course at the Vogue Style School of Fashion and Design to harness her talent and obtain the requisite rudiments of her chosen trade on the advice of her mum. On the back of her passion and dedication, she was crowned most outstanding student and another award for creativity at her graduating ceremony.

While heavily pregnant with her last baby months after Fashion school, she entered into the Redds African Fashion competition in 2008. With an award winning design that scored her the needed graduating marks, Brigitte appeared the strongest contender for the ultimate. All things

being unequal and on an equal playing field, she was adjudged the runner up for the R.A.F.D.A 08.

Inspired by the elements of nature (fire, wind, water), the BM collection speaks to all women who prefer to step out dazzling, alluring, elegant and conspicuously beautiful. Brigitte Merki’s clothes are tailored to individual measurements and a person’s body type, age and skin tone informs the style. According to the creative brain who emphases on the finishing of her works, her MB label has come to stay!

THE PERSONALITY BEHIND THE FACE, KSM

Kwaku Sintim-Misa id filled with humour, wit, charisma and remains the undisputed king of satire in GH. He is a jack of all trade and interestingly a master of all- an actor, presenter, writer, producer and director, all of which he is an acknowledged giant. Exposing the phenomenon of satire, he has given a refreshing meaning to comedy in Ghana. He fuses a higher intellectual acumen and immense hilarious antics. Being an epitome of versatility, he’s standards remains higher.

He was born in the garden city (Kumasi) amidst the usually imposing euphoria just before the yuletide on December 5, 1956 to the late Rt. Rev. Godfried Kwadwo Sintim-Misa, a former Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana and Mrs Mary Oforiwaa Sintim-Misa. Young Kwaku grew up surrounded by Christian literature and other religious materials leaving him with nothing short of Christian values at a tender age.

Kwaku had his primary education at the UST Primary School before obtaining admission into the Presbyterian Boys' Secondary, Legon, for his secondary education. He left after the first year of his study to Kumasi, joining Prempeh College where he completed his secondary education and sixth form later in 1977. Thereafter, he enrolled at the National Film and Television Institute.

As fate will have it, he left for the United States after a year of NAFTI, where he studied for a degree in Theatre Arts and Communication at the Trinity College in Hartford majoring in acting and directing. Adding value to himself, he pursued a Masters of Fine Arts degree in film production at the New York University in 1986. He later worked with several film companies where he learnt the rudiments and also put to test what he had learnt from the lecture rooms.

After his return to Ghana in January 1996, KSM as referred to by his adoring fans and the general public alike became one of the top entertainers and media personalities in Ghana. At Vibe Fm, he carved a niche for himself using his oratory skills plus a unique style of presentation. His command over the queen’s language is excellent. His performances at the National Theatre aren’t only highly rated but generally sold-out concerts.

The prolific and gifted writer cum producer has over the years captivated audience with his one-man plays in Ghana and beyond. To describe his showing as fantastic is surely an understatement. His ever increasing audience is of diverse backgrounds- from politicians, technocrats to other professionals. The former president, Jerry John Rawlings and spouse have always been a regular on the front row though usually being at the receiving end of Kwaku’s satiric routines and humour.

The uniqueness of his performances lies in his ability to get people thrilled all night as they laugh at themselves and scream for more. On his last production Afia Siriboe which he assumed the role of the four-time divorcee with a passion for provocative dressing, KSM exhibited his qualities with ease vindicating himself as the best stand-up comedian around.
He is happily married to Mavis Ampah, a Senior ICT Policy Analyst at the World Bank office in Accra who he has four children with. Nana Yaa, Nana Kwasi, Yaw and Nana Ama are wonderful children as KSM, a self confessed family oriented man describes them. He claims to be very close to his wife and usually plays basket ball aside riding bike with his children. If not writing, he is sure to be reading or watching a movie.

The amusing host who brings excitement to several homes, cushioning them into the weekend is the Chief Executive of Sapphire Ghana Ltd., a radio and television content development company. His television production credits include the highly acclaimed Build Your Ark, Divorce Court (both on GTV) and TGIF (Thank God it’s Friday), a joint production with Metro TV. The Saga of the Returnee, Politically Incorrect and Pure Madness with messages ranging from domestic violence to religion and the racial divide also comes from his stables.

He is full of praises for his wife who double as his and best friend as he touched on his series of performances. “My wife is a fantastic person with a sense of humour. On Afia Siriboe, i consulted her to find out how women react to certain situations. From my findings I came out with the entire concept. I did discuss some aspects of the scripts with her to make sure its perfect. I usually take about three months to come out with a script after going through the first, second and third writings. After this begin to memorize and rehearse”.

KSM anchors “That’s My Opinion” and “Connecting with God” both aired on Accra based Choice Fm every Tuesday from 10 am to midday and Sunday morning respectively. He admits the Christian programme is a platform to revive Christ in lost souls and also reach out to others. As no major concert looks likely any time soon, don’t miss a date with him every Friday night on TV for a rib cracking experience!

In The Couch With Lawrencia - From newsroom, artist management to events, what next?

Lawrencia Thompson Duah is a household name and needs no introduction to any enthusiast of Ghanaian showbiz expect for those who only touched base just last night. Lawrencia has come a long way, successfully carving a niche for herself in an industry purported to be unfriendly to women. Winning for herself a general’s strip, she is an authority when it comes to the area of show business.

Naa as her buddies prefer to call her hasn’t always been that famous until the latter part of the year 2003 after a planned relocation to Ghana. In her element and with people she feels comfy, expect her to continually jest and nothing else. The ever-smiling pretty faced lady isn’t just full of witty jokes but deep as well. These she easily revealed as I engaged her in an interview.

To her growing up was quite intriguing under the watchful eyes of her grandmother, a disciplinarian and principled woman. “I was with my grandmother who made sure we did things right else you risk your vacation in Switzerland or London. It was her way of keeping us focused and on track. That was the beauty of life at that age as a regular family. It was a humble beginning for me and my siblings.”

From the Ridge Church School, she enrolled at the Ebenezer Secondary school and later moved to Accra High for her sixth form education. With her passion and curious nature, Lawrencia settled on journalism and gained admission into the Ghana Institute of Journalism. Cushioned by her exploits in athletics during secondary school, she graduated with a Diploma in Communications with her major in Sports Journalism.

According to Naa, her entry into showbiz was merely by chance- an opportunity that came along. She got her media career flying with Accra based news station, Joy FM. She moved to Kumasi to become the assistant news editor of LUV FM, an outfit of the Multimedia group. The chief objective was to build Luv fm into a formidable brand.

After two years of a successful stewardship which came with numerous challenges according to Naa, she shifted base to Portugal where she pursued other interests. Also at the time, she studied for a Diploma in Interior Décor from ICS and broadened her horizon with courses in Public Relations.

On one of her trips to Ghana, she received an invitation to the second edition of JOY FM’s Night with The Stars event. That reignited her interest in local music, serving as a major influence for her entry into showbiz. An unusual performer, Terry Bonchaka, stole the night, giving Naa a reason to consider the Hiplife movement and its prospects.

“By 2004, I had finally settled in Ghana and planned a few projects to embark on. I heard works of Samini and I was convinced he had talent. He became the first artist I worked with. I was concerned about branding my artist to become marketable. We worked on his identity and his name went from Batman to Samini.

The next thing was to give him an image. He was to reflect an icon with that sexy flavour and that was what we achieved. There was someone who took care of his hair every time and clothing deals arranged. Working as his publicist was easier with his quest for success and understanding of the basics of the trade. He was ready to listen to me.”

What excites Lawrencia most about the Samini’s project was her ability to impact on his career and eventually his life. Aside laying the foundation for him becoming an MTN icon, she worked tirelessly to ensure her artist won the ultimate after being nominated for a MOBO award in 2006. She describes Samini as a great talent and a creative mind to work with.

She was everywhere and commanded a following. She was a regular on copious television shows and discussions on radio. Appearing week after week on then effervescent entertainment show on TV3, called Spotlight, her submissions were very discerning. Also as a guest judge on the Mentor show, her comments remained insightful and critical.

Soon, Lawrencia moved into the world of events usually on the forefront of promotions. Aside the local concerts, Lawrencia has worked on other gigs hosting international superstars including Wyclef, Eve, Omarion, Fat Joe and arguably American finest rapper Jay Z.

“Working on these projects weren’t difficult but rather challenging. Handling protocol and hospitality, I was to get them from the airport, their schedules, movement and food were also inclusive. I remember Eve requested to be in a space filled with scented candles before going on stage for Zain’s 026 Experience at the Ohene Djan Sports Stadium and nothing else. That was her way of psyching up for her performance.”

Currently the host of a cookery programme on TV3, the bubbly presenter appears to have more under her sleeve. She promises to roll a reality show the first quarter of 2011 to precede the series of projects planned for the year. Lawrencia is confident her wholly structured production will get Ghanaians captivated and also present us with stars of the next generation.

One thing is certain, re-invention is Lawrencia’s middle name.