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?

Desailly, Samini, Blakk Rasta for OrphanAid Weekend

A gathering of selected journalist among other dignitaries at the residence of the French Ambassador in Accra marked the launch of this year’s OrphanAid Weekend. The event held last Thursday November 19th was hosted by the French Ambassador who called on all persons to show compassion and tolerance towards disadvantaged children during his brief yet inspirational speech.

The night witnessed other invitees from the French Embassy in Accra and a number of musicians. The event started on a quite note with soft music playing in the background creating a perfect atmosphere. There were few template speeches from event organizers as well as sponsors, all of whom highlighted the plight of orphans in recent times of global economic challenges.

Patrons on the night were enlightened on the new philosophy supposed to shape the future of orphans through a video presentation. This was in alignment with global resolution to replace orphan homes with host families. Orphans are supposed to grow up as members of families rather than in orphanages if they are expected to become better people in society.

This paradigm becomes very relevant and undoubtedly imperative in the wake of the recent shocking revelations from the Osu Children’s Home sage. Under this scheme, an appreciable amount is given monthly to families that are willing and ready to take in an orphan. Notwithstanding, only families with children and in the position to provide shelter are eligible to take in an orphan but after thorough checks.

OrphanAid Weekend is a series of events aimed at creating awareness of the problems faced by vulnerable children in Ghana to be staged during the first weekend of December. It commences with the OrphanAid Accra Mall Takeover at the Accra Mall on the Friday. Musician cum presenter, Blakk Rasta headlines a concert to feature other artists including Samini, Fifi Sela and King Ayisoba at Alliance Francaise on Saturday.

The final event is on the Sunday dubbed OrphanAid Sportsday and to be held at the ultra modern Lizzy Sports Complex located at East Legon. World cup winner and former French international soccer star Marcel Desailly will host the children to football, races, swimming, bouncy castle and other games.

On his part, Blakk Rasta was full of praise for the French Ambassador for his association with the event before and lauded sponsors for investing in what he called a blessed venture. He further appealed to Ghanaians to come out and support the project. He assured of a perfect show come December 4th, 2010.

4X4 SIGNS FOR AIRTEL AMBASSADORS

The sensational Ghanaian music crew and 4syte video music award winning group 4X4 has revealed their partnership with leading mobile communications giant and new owners of Zain, Bharti Airtel. Though refusing to disclose details of the deal due to a supposed policy of confidentiality, the Hiplife group becomes the networks first and official ambassadors in Ghana. This came to light at the African Regent hotel during a press conference to announce the release of ONE8’s first single.

Ghanaians have become known for their gross disregard and lack of adherence to time over the years, a phenomenon now considered as a bad joke. This isn’t getting funny anymore rather eaten deep into the cultural fiber of the nation. Hence, it is time event organizers in Ghana are told off and not allowed to hold their audience captives. This can’t be accepted in recent times when patrons are considered a major element for a successful event.

This was the exact situation at the Tuesday press conference when event organizers and officers of Airtel had to persuade some journalists who couldn’t endure the seemingly endless delay of the event. When it had to commence, it was without the music group which was supposed to chronicle their experience as the Ghanaian representatives on the ONE8 project. It took another hour for the group to show up only to render a rather pointless excuse.

Supported by Airtel, Rockstar 4000 and Sony Music Worldwide, ONE8 is a revolutionary project with a pan-African and global vision aimed at connecting millions of people through the universal language of music. The ONE8 group comprises of eight African artists across the continent and a global superstar. “Hands across the world” is the group’s first single featuring R‘n’B legend R. Kelly. It was recorded in Chicago with an extraordinary video after weeks of studio work.

Unfortunately for the Ghanaian group, they couldn’t secure entry visas to join R Kelly and the other African artists in Chicago. However, they were flown to Kenya where they connected with the group and contributed to the project via video conferencing. There, they also had video plus photo shots that were inserted into the final cut which is currently receiving rotations from the internet to other multimedia platforms around the world.

Responding to questions, the group expressed their excitement joining the ONE8 project and partnering with the Airtel for brand enhancement. According to them, getting the nod ahead of other great talents in the nation presents them with the challenge of doing more for themselves as well as Airtel. Rudy Kwakye, a representative of Rockstar 4000 was full of praises for 4X4, emphasizing on the enormous benefits the group stands to gain with their association with the ONE8 group.

Airtel promises to donate a percentage of all revenues from the “Hands across the world” to the Himankrom Methodist Junior Secondary School

HERE COMES PEYO AND CYMFONY GH!!!!

What I immediately and easily remembered after the hearing the word CYMFONY GH was the prestigious Grammy Awards ceremony held a few nights ago in the renowned American city of Los Angeles. There, the much imperative British group, the London Symphony Orchestra was awarded the best opera recording for Benjamin Britten’s Billy Budd. This doesn’t only vindicate their vital positioning in music circles but also perk up their projection.

On a weekend inside the ultra modern and multi purpose shopping facility, I touched base with executives from the latest music label in GH. Though being young chaps, they appear very brainy, possessing ideas people thrice their age are yet to envisage. To them, music is yet to be commercially exploited in GH hence the need for a perfect blend of talent, creativity and dedication in order to achieve actualized results.

To many music devotees including myself, Hip Hop as a genre has projected several artists and catapulted them to several heights but not in GH! No one pays for Hip Hop in GH leaving emcees with fame and modest recognition. Acts aligned to relatively unknown music genre have remained underground as the mainstream music scene gets commercial after the day.

In the light of this phenomenon, CYMFONY GH, a Ghanaian based record label company was established with the aim to inspiring and motivating artist aside entertaining the GH music nation and beyond. Comprising of a devoted and result oriented individuals; CYMFONY GH is supposed to get around the complexities surrounding the music fraternity and hurl it to greater heights.

Yoofi Odamtten (alias Peyo) is the founder/CEO of the label and doubles up as the labels leading artist. The young emcee equipped with grand punch lines interlaced with pleasant lyrics revealed the ideas of his group. “CYMFONY GH is a group of young men filled with the passion for music. We have taken time off to learn the rudiments of the trade and the industry so we make the difference. We are here not to add to the numbers but get to the top and put GH on the map”.

With all evidence of confidence and intelligence, Smart Kwasi Yeboah, Executive producer of the record label hinted on the plans of his outfit. “You can’t afford to continually fail at a course for over a decade. GH rap is regarded as Hip Hop which is by all standards right, and i am certain it can be used as a tool to market Ghana more easily when the right structures are put in place. We are coming in with a fresh paradigm”.

Talk of diversity in music and that is what CYMFONY GH prides as one of its goals. From artists to management, there is a fusion of originality and potentials. Emcees signed to the label include K-Spliff, Sel-K, Basha, Spinx da Jinx, Fortune Dane and Juju (rapper cum singer). Magnum is the labels unfailing and imaginative producer under the effective management of Laud Robinson.

“My 2 Verse Symphony” is the labels major mix tape from CYMFONY GH which features artists of the label and other emcees. Currently, it is receiving rotations on radio and making the rounds with many music lovers dancing to it. A must watch video directed by one of GH’s finest is set to hit the screens pretty soon.

SPARE US THE LAFA CRAZE!!!

Have you for a moment paused to ponder over the startling rate at which our society is swiftly becoming “Americanized”? Love it or hate it, this is a reality supposed to persist until the very foundation of globalization is broken. Today, American hip culture finds its head at every corner of the globe- urban fashion is not only seen on the streets of New York but in the corner joints in Seoul, Tehran and Cairo lately.

Ghana is no exception to this phenomenon with the entire nation being consumed by human antics and mannerisms purported to be American or Western. Cable television is now widespread and has proven to be very influential and directly aiding in the “Americanization” campaign. The ever daring Ghanaian youth now wears whatever they see on MTV- from stage costume to winter jackets.

Make no mistake to think we have lots of Americans flooding our streets in recent times. Rather, we have more people interestingly speaking with an American accent, a phenomenon becoming more popular and catching up with almost everybody irrespective of social status and age. This is the LAFA (Locally Acquired Foreign Accent) craze which appears to have come to stay.

Radio personalities, television anchors, musicians and other famous persons are the noted champions. LAFA has become their better companion for whatever reasons best known to them. If for nothing at all, the numerous self-styled celebrities on the streets feel noted speaking with LAFA thinking they sound foreign and different from the regular Ghanaian. Could the desire and respect for anything foreign by most Ghanaians be a factor?

In as much as people should be encouraged to strive for the best and grab the gold in life, we ought not to loose sight of who we are as a people. Being unique and carving a niche shouldn’t amount to identity crises. As Ghanaians and Africans for that matter, we have to be proud and bold to show what we have to the world. We should sell our culture including our language to the rest of the world rather than gratuitously copying.

It was a sorrowful and an embarrassing experience for a famous Accra based LAFA radio personality when questions from an inquisitive American intern on his style of presentation revealed he has no idea of any airline that connects Accra and New York. As if that wasn’t enough humiliation, the American chap went further to advice him to stop faking his accent wondering if no one ever told him how ridiculous he sounded.

That remains the psychology of deception several souls around the nation are caught in. To speak with a foreign accent which often than not is very fake doesn’t make anyone a better person comparatively. Rather, it reveals a persons lack of knowledge and low self esteem. Identity crisis is the worse form of ignorance, a canker intellectuals and the good old book has described as a killer. Can we be spared the LAFA craze?