“MAFE WO” THE NEW SINGLE FROM DIOJO

The latest song released from Diojo’s upcoming album (my love Story) is ‘Mafe Wo’. The first to be released from the singer was Only You ft Asem, the latter enjoyed massive air play on radio and got fans asking for more from him. The artiste (Diojo) has added another hit to his credit, titled ‘Ma Fe Wo’, the songs simply describes how long journey relationships can be handled without breeding any problems.
Diojo explains; this song is from my heart to all my fans whose relationship is trying to fall apart because of one or two issues, it is also for that girl / guy whose partner is far away in another man’s country and is hard to research. Basically “Ma fe Wo” is a smooth rocker that will push my fans into their romantic room, searching for that lost picture of their spouse who left due to a misunderstanding or is far way… He added.
Listening to the song, It came to me as no surprise why the song will need your attention, because it is lyrically built and well delivered by Diojo. This is a song whose structure has being made in a way where by you fell as if the artiste is talking / performing in front of you on a big stge. It is demonstrated from the beginning were Diojo welcomes you to his love story show… smoothly saying ‘ladies and gentlemen, my name is DIOJO’ with the piano keys playing a rhythmic sound at the background… oh! you will love it.
If you are a lover of melodious piano/Jazz/RnB Soul Music songs then you will swing your head to this new hit. The song “Mafe Wo” has very easy going Lyrics and fans can sing alone at a instant hearing. The songs talks about all aspects of life happening, from rainy / cold seasons, disappointments, and cherished / memorable moments with your partner, sad times and surprises. ‘Mafe Wo’ is appeals to all genders in the world, from the kids, youth and old folks.
In describing his new single Diojo simply used “SWEET” as another word for the new hit, and promised fans that the Video to this new single ‘Mafe Wo’ is coming soon to a television screen near you. The video was shot kind courtesy Pentium Ltd who doubles as my Executive Producers and is currently at the editing bench. .. he added.
I promised fans of three great singles before I release the major solo album “My Love Story”, I will not like to talk about the album now, hey! Is something ‘ORIGINAL, YOU CANT REFUSE TO GRAB A COPY’ This solo project has being long coming but finally as I said some time ago it has come to stay, diojo explains more I am not here to compete with anybody or challenge someone, for me as a musician and a business man am here to do business with the aim of satisfying people who need to be encouraged and motivated whether in a romantic relationship or life its self.
With what you are saying are you trying to avoid competition, or scared of one, and tell me your competitive advantage compared to others… I asked him. Well that is why you should or better still fans / people should listen to ‘Mafe Wo’ because it is not a song that is released to avoid or prevent competition… NO! is a song that to me will set standards straight in the industry. Am not scared of competition or neither am I trying to avoid one and if you care to know my competitive advantage are my “VOICE” and “STYLE”… Diojo’s answer to my question.
Final words to fans; I will keep on saying thank you to them for their encouragement, motivation, love and support throughout my career till this time. They have being wonderful, to my newly found Executive Producers Pentium Ltd, down Spintex Road, community 18 junction, in case you want to record a new hit like ‘Mafe Wo’ then Pentium Studios should be your option and finally thank you to everybody supporting or has supported the career till this time.
Never forget that Diojo’s Time is NOW! Listen to ‘Mafe Wo’http://thepicsmag.blogspot.com/
Story By: Nana Yaw Wiredu.

WHY? IS TV3 DECIEVING GHANAIANS…..

It come as a surprise to me that the organizers of Ghana’s Most Beautiful, TV3 has come out with a press statement stating that the winner of 2009 Ghana’s Most Beautiful winner Miss Nasara has being stripped off her crown as winner of Ghana’s Most Beautiful. This comes as a result of the winner allegedly to have stolen some items from another country’s beauty pageant winner Miss UK during a foreign beauty pageant.
The organizers of the show in a Press Statement released and read on one radio station (Peace fm) states; It is with much regret that TV3 organizers of Ghana’s Most beautiful announces that the winner of the last edition of Ghana Most Beautiful event has being stripped of her crown and therefore her 1st runner up becomes the new Ghana’s most Beautiful. The winner has being stripped off her crown due to allegations of stealing, signed by the CEO of TV3. The act of stealing is a bad social vice and must not be encouraged in society, not to talk of a social role model looked up to by many Ghanaian youth especially Women.

One fascinating thing about this whole stealing story, revolving around TV3 as the organizers and Miss Nasara as the past winner of the last edition of Ghana’s Most beautiful is that every party in this situation wants to protect its image. TV3 as a company / organizers of such a show want to quickly protect its brand and cooperate image as an organizer and Executive producer while the winner involve also wants to protect her image so she will not talk about the incidence with any media house, knowing that for Ghanaian media after two weeks the issue will die and she can get to leave a normal life again.

GHANAINS SHOULD NOT BE DECEIVED, When was the last time a winner/ runner up from Ghana’s Most beautiful issued a press statement to a media houses stating how far she has come with her project, to be signed by the CEO of TV3 before. No, they will not do so? When was the last time TV3 carried out a full documentary on how well their event, Ghana’s Most Beautiful is affecting the good youth of Ghana, teaching them about the rich solid Ghanaian Culture in all ten regions of the country with their contestants spear heading the whole event…

With the first edition of Ghana’s Most beautiful Ghanaians were made to understand that the event was organized to teach the Ghanaian especially the youth the rich Ghanaian culture, also we made to know that the show was to text the knowledge of the average Ghanaian with the target being the women how they understood their culture in respect to where she comes from in the country. With such a notion everybody loved the show, from the old, young and Kids, any time it was 8pm on a Sunday, just after the 7pm news, you will find a whole family gathered around a TV set to watch and learn the rich Ghanaian Culture from Ghana’s Most Beautiful.
TV3 will had the honoring time to audition people from the TEN regions of the country, making sure they have a representative from all the regions in order to meet their show content and fulfill proposals for sponsors but will not do anything with their show after the maiden event.

Everything dies off after a maiden show and they seriously focus on another show, nothing about Ghana’s Most beautiful will be heard either on radio or TV until two weeks for the finals of another edition.

Check your TV diaries when ADOLE’s (past winner of Ghana’s Most Beautiful 2008) documentary was showed on TV3 after she won the pageant last year, the project on the less privileged in society specifically the Handicapped in society. That project was a documentary shot by “Adole” was shown Two weeks on TV and it was A week before the next edition of the show and another week before the finals of 2009’s edition because it was time for her to hand over her crown because people had to know the project she under took during her reign as the Queen of Ghana’s Most Beautiful.

Why didn’t TV3 issue out a press statement or show her detailed output of how she carried out her project as the Queen, if not daily let say weekly because I still maintain that ‘if TV3 was able to audition for reps from the ten regions of Ghana, why shouldn’t the Queen’s project be moved throughout the country but instead her documentary was 10 minutes and was shoot in Accra alone.
TV3 should not deceive Ghanaians, they should let Ghanaians know that because the Lady has being allegedly charged of theft, they as organizers will not like to be associated with it and that they want to protect their show, cooperate and brand image.

Let say the story is true she actually stole the item charged against her, ask yourself, if it was not for this story would you have heard anything about the Winner of Ghana’s Most Beautiful, the show its self and will TV3 have communicated with the public on how far things are going with her “Nasara’’s. Ever since she won the pageant nothing has come from her camp or the organizers concerning her crown and project. It is rather sad that the only news coming out to the public domain is negative and her organizers (management) could not handle the news well but rather are keen on protecting their image as a cooperate body.

If you cross check with my story: ARE BEAUTY PAGEANT WINNERS WORTH THEIR COST? You will agree with me from this story, both organizers and the winners are not worth their cost at all not even a minute. Organizers of such shows will to restructure or stop organizing such shows if they will keep on throwing dust into the eyes of the average Ghanaians and TV3 should come again on this issue, I believe they have disappointed the Lady, I strongly suggest!

Story By: Nana Yaw Wiredu.

YEARN FOR MORE….AS YFM STEPS UP THE GAME…

“After the 30thof June, You will search …… ‘Ha! Is my radio set spoilt’, you will ask… has YFm lost their frequency? But you will be answered… as YFM steps up the game, remember in life change is necessary.
From the 1st of July a radio station will be re launched, with a fresh LOGO, it will bring innovative ideas into its programmes and importantly it will make its listeners ‘YEARN FOR MORE’. Don’t forget that every good products in this world needs to be maintained, and modified in order to keep the product fresh on the market.

For this reason therefore YFM your ultimate music party radio station will be changing its frequency from YFM 107.7 to YFM 107.9… Yes! The game will be changing from the 1st of July 2010. The news is no longer a surprise to the many listeners of YFM in the capital but I am sure many will be asking the question WHY?
Remember that at the beginning of my story “I said IN LIFE CHANGE IS NECESSARY” the answer to the question “why is YFM 107.7 changing to YFM 107.9, Remember in one of the station’s slogan it says that “your best station shall be the last one, only on YFM 107.7 with that slogan, YFM will have to move to the last frequency point on your radio set that is 107.9, hence the switch from 107.7 to 107.9, because your best Station shall be the last.

My source at the station confirms; In order for our listeners to enjoy our new frequency we (YFM107.9) have upgraded our technicalities, added some new presenters and have drawn a list of activities to mark the switch. Now on YFM 107.9 your weekends will never be the same as the original “Papa Sly” is set to take you through a weekend of excitement and fun with his new programme, then for the reggae lovers YFM just got better with you as the introduction of the “Black Santino” formally of Vibe 91.9fm will take you to the highest of all highest places in the world of reggae with the new improved reggae show, all of these on for your weekends.

The week day shows from Ryse and Shyne with Miss Naa , midmorning Show with Sammy Forson, Aphro Politan Mix will be on with Flexy, the Drive of your Life has gone better with the Nester Nocus , Y lounge, relax Jeremy Will drive, Y Campus Express with Trigmatic and the Sunday heat with Jay folley and DJ kess have all being freshly remade just for your listening pleasure always remember its “YFM 107.9 YEARN FOR MORE”.

On Wednesday 30th June 2010, YFM will have the cooperate launch to mark the switch at the Silver Bird cinemas from 5pm, this continues with an after party at Citizen Kofi for the countdown to 12midnight. The station goes off at 12 midnight and starts work on Thursday morning with Black Santino followed by Papa Sly it is a holiday bash for the switch, then every other programme continues in a new style it will make you “YEARN FOR MORE”.

For the youth radio just got better as my source confirms that there will be interesting activities on the station for all and sundry. There is no need to search for Yfm 107.7 after Wednesday 30th June, don’t be wondering if there is a fault with Yfm because it will and has step up the game from Thursday 1st July 2010 to 107.9. If you check on your radio set at home the last number on the frequency list is 9, so the next time you will want to tune into YFM, don’t hustle just tune the number from 107 to the last number on your radio set and automatically you will be logged on to the station “FOR THE YOUNG AND YOUNG AT HEART” in all this know that IN LIFE CHANGE IS NECESSARY and YFM has done what has never being done in the history of radio before ‘STEPPING UP THE GAME’.

Keep on reading THE PICTURE magazine for an exclusive interview with the General Manager of YFM 107.9 Mr. George Brew as we count down on Wednesday LIVE from the cooperate Launch and after party at citizen Kofi. DON’T MISS THIS ALL EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW….
Story By: Nana Yaw Wiredu.

PIRACY…. A VIRUS DEVELOPED BY MUSICIANS

What is so hurting than spending so much money to record a song and giving it out to pirates for free? Yes, our Musicians developed the Virus ‘PIRACY’ which is now fighting against them and it seems they can’t find an anti virus for it. I am very sure many will disagree with me, but after weeks of thorough research I can confirm that our ‘MUSICIANS’ in the country do not understand their career and how to go about it, in terms of Promotions, distributions, marketing, durations and branding. Don’t be surprised if you don’t know when your favorite musician’s new single will be hitting the FM stations, because they (Musicians) do not understand ‘DURATION STRUCTURE’ and hence they do things anyhow. Just walk with me I will make you understand why am saying ‘PIRACY… A VIRUS DEVELOPED BY MUSICIANS’.
For some time now the cry of Piracy has gone down drastically if you have noticed, back in those days like the past few years majority of the musicians where crying over piracy and looking out for royalties from TV and radio stations. What has changed so much that the musicians have reduced the pressure on their union head “MUSCIGA’ to push against such an act which is still growing in the country. Have they left that issue because they feel it cannot be stop or because they think MUSICGA has failed them as a union? Probably they wanted the government of Ghana to step into the issue by possibly passing a LAW of copy right to protect their creativity and investments? Or they expected the media to do extra with the fight of piracy growing in the country, these musicians in the country are very funny and un serious with their career, they miss prioritize their activities as a Musician and do little learning about their career, all they care about are two things which are normal benefits attached to their career.
Musicians are very funny, if I spend so much money to record a song with “Richie” of Lynx Entertainment, Kaywa of Tema, Killbeat of Tema, Appiateus, Ephram, Mr. Bones, Iwan, Jay So, Lil Shaker, Bro Kevin Beats, Nacy, etc and I don’t structure my durations, promotions and marketing well, at the end of my spending so much I turn to give it out to pirates without knowing, am I causing more harm or good. What am I saying, is very simple, because they believe some Dj somewhere in a radio station will charge or collect some payola before making their song a hit, they intend to give it out for free….
The musicians have forgotten that technology has developed so well that nothing is hidden these days in the world, but they turn to put their music on the internet like limelight.com,bigxgh.com,Africanpromomix.com, and so on just for people to download their songs for free. Why? These musicians do not understand promotions and marketing; if they did they will not make their songs so cheap on the market and call it promotions. If it is Promotions then why do you cry out when you find people selling your music to make money?
Go to Kwame Nkrumah Circle in the capital, pass in front of Ebony Restaurant, or just before Orion Cinema (where newspaper are distributed ) you will meet the original distributors of music and promotion managers there, downloading songs which caused so much to do to people for a fee of ₵1. That money goes into whose pocket, theirs and not the artiste/musician. I passed by with a friend one afternoon, with the intention of downloading a song by Obrafour’s “PAE MU KA” plus a couple of others from this guy at circle. So we saw the advert “put songs on your phone for ₵1” and we drew closer, we requested for the song and it will amaze you, these people are making so much off our musicians for free. The guy has got tracks, so many of them, from all artiste in the country, an advice to charter house here for free… the guy was saying if they (charter house, organizers of Ghana Music Awards) want to know the song that is loved and patronize by Ghanaians the most they should come visit us. When he downloaded the songs for us my friend asked him where he had the songs and he said “but the songs are around and everybody has it, from internet to phones and sometimes it comes from the studios”.
Our musicians are the developers of the Virus PIRACY, because if I can go to limelight.com, bigxgh.com, etc and get a free download of a song why won’t I do anything with it. In the act of avoiding the proper procedure of promotions, durations marketing and branding so that their songs, at least can be protected and it can help them claim charges for royalties and increase album sales (which according to them has died out) musicians will not take that route but will love to cut corners and in cutting corners, they are increasing PIRACY.
Stand by a DVD seller and ask him whether he has a collection of both audio and video collection of Ghanaian music and you love it. People combine these songs into a VCD’s and audio selection, give it a name and sell it others who need it for a fee of ₵1.50p, that monies also goes into the pocket of the wholesaler and retailer with the artiste getting Zero.
In the beginning I stated that our musicians are concerned about two things, which are money from Shows (with the intention that album sales are dead) and fame. In a chat with some of them, they claim that people don’t really buy CD’s these days, so if he can make the song so popular for him to get a show, they are assured of getting the money spent on the song back and also from that the artiste becomes a celebrity (famous). What a mindset? Instead of structuring your promotional strategy and marketing to get the songs out there to the proper people, you are killing your investments and praying you get a show in order to be able to get back some of the money spent.
Before technology brought downloads, where were people getting their songs to play at parties, home and in their cars… isn’t it album buying or walking into a radio station and asking if he can get a copy of a particular song. Why can’t that thing be brought back, if Musicians will be fair with radio stations especially DJ’s trust me their songs can be protected and they can claim royalties. Last year an artiste tried the Duration thing with a radio station and it worked for her. She agreed with the radio station to play her new singles over a period of calculated months, after which she will released her album. That gave the radio station additional value because they were the only station playing and giving her exclusives, isn’t that ‘DURATION STRUCTURE’.
The early musicians re structure their promotional plans, the better for them, a promotional CD is very necessary for any new album coming but if not properly done can kill the artiste before time. Musicians should change their poor mindset and think outside the box to get their album sales back because it is possible, they should relate to the media well and their VIRUS will be reduced. Above all they should learn about their career in order to be able to very professional, it is sad how things are done any how in our country, if an artiste can get nomination for an award with a single, why won’t he spread the single to earn that nomination. Instead of using an album to get nomination, these days singles are used, that has killed album sales and increased PIRACY.
For the fact that songs can still begotten online for free, promotional CD’s get to any body at any time, (at least a DJ in a club, pub or a radio station)
Story By: Nana Yaw Wiredu

KOBI RANA GOES… “CRAZY”

The truth is finally out, the ace film maker Kobi Rana has gone really “CRAZY” with his new hit movie “CRAZY” coming Soon to theaters this July. KOBI RANA who was full of smiles, simply summarizes the movie as a simple challenge to Hollywood and Africa. “It is a story that has never been told and it’s technical features are fearlessly handled. The title to this new hit is “CRAZY”, say the title to yourself and you will realize that it is a movie you cannot afford to miss.
African productions have never gone this” CRAZY ” as how MAHMUDA SALLEY, who is the Executive Producer together with Kobi Rana the Director, Screenwriter and locations manager will be sending it. Not to over hype the upcoming new Muda Filmz Production titled “CRAZY”, but fans who have a CD of “Kiss me if you Can” or was at the premier knows what is coming this July.
I went “CRAZY “ on this one as I took time to work on my locationsl, made sure I used the right characters, costumes, props and added a touch of class in Directing. I was looking for that niche in the Capital that will make my fans go “CRAZY” with me after watching the movie “CRAZY” hence the end product will justify everything.
As to whether the new movie, cast some of the characters from the hit movie “KISS ME IF YOU CAN” , Kobi Rana (director of the movie) explains…, I taped from source as I cannot afford to change a winning team. I had no option to select cast from the old movie to feature in this new as they made Muda Filmz who we are now and the important thing is that they are very good characters, so YES! I featured some of the old characters plus some new faces.
“CRAZY” stars YVONNE NELSON, PRINCE DAVID OSEI, KALSOUM SINARE, ROSELYN NGISSAH, MARCUS MARCARTHY, the veteran KOFI MIDDLETON MENDS and introduces SALMA MUMIN as Mariama. One interesting thing here is that one of my cast was not feeling too good and have being out of scenes in movie for some time now, but because Muda Filmz is like Oliver twist who wants the best and more we were able to get the Veteran dedicated actor to the movie industry Mr. Kofi Middleton Mends… Kobi said with so much happiness and passion. For readers who will be wondering who the veteran is let me take you down memory lane, Mr. Kofi Middleton Mends was the star in the popular KEY SOAP advert “MEDOFO PA”.
With the lined up cast, natural scenes from locations and the reflection of the rainy season in the new movie fans of Muda filmz productions is set to go “CRAZY” with the sensational Kobi Rana who has gone “Crazy” with the new one. “The industry has developed so well that anything shabby will be pushed away by competitors and will not be accepted by fans, hence I put in all my best to increase my standards and set a new level for others to follow…. the director added.
There where challenges along the way, happiness on set and a relaxation environment for every body cast, crew and management to put out the best to achieve a purposeful goal, these made our shooting schedules fun and exciting to be, and had a ripple effect on the final output of the movie “CRAZY”.
Currently the movie is in the studios for final touches, fans should expect the “THRILLER” of “CRAZY” very soon in an internet source near you and as usual check this page of the first time internet play of CRAZY thriller. I thank all those who purchased a CD of “Kiss me if you Can”, prayed and still praying for Muda Filmz to produce the best of movies, Kobi Rana added.. I am grateful and God Bless you all.
‘CRAZY’…………….. the world is about to understand that Africa has the definition to movies, Africans are about to witness their untold story and Ghanaians should be ready to accept the “TRUTH” and the BEST. Don’t get over excited over it yet…. Wait for the Thriller and you will understand what I mean by “CRAZY”. THIS IS A MUCH AWAITED GHANAIAN MOVIE…………
Story By: Nana Yaw Wiredu.

HEY! STOP,CHECK THIS: ARE BEAUTY PAGEANT WINNERS WORTH THEIR COST?

I have being following with keen interest, these past few weeks, some will ask what have i being following? Well I have taken time to investigate the works and organization played by winners of beauty pageants in the country and have come with this finding.
Lets start analyzing the organizational work of such beauty pageants, most of the time they are close to 100% or let me say 75%. This I mean they are able to package the show so well that cooperate bodies hardly say no to such programmes, this has even caused the educational show organizers huge lost as majority of the cooperate bodies in Ghana turn to sponsor entertainment shows (beauty paprgents) than theirs. Once again a look at organizational structure, beauty pageants are hyped (media/publicity) very well in all kinds of publicity mediums giving the show some kind of class, these hypes normally affect the rate of the final show.

Am yet to witness a beauty pageant costing less than twenty cedis and is held at the nations winbley (Conference Center & national theater). Majority of the time the cost of a ticket for a beauty pageant is expensive such that it limits audience to it, creating monopoly for some people.

Before the final show down to crown what ever “MISS 18.COM” the selected ladies are taken through a series of training (physicals), talent, cat walk/ modeling,etc sessions just to get them (contestants) ready for a final show down. Upon subsequent appearance on TV these ladies become instant celebrities even before the winners are chosen, hence people start looking at them as role models already.

Ahh! What a cheap way to be a celebrity but very well accepted in society. These ladies are followed about by the media every where they go, cameras (both video and steel) and interviews are granted so that they can be known, they some times use the avenue to solicit for votes from fans, well wishers, and family, at certain times they give shout outs to friends and love ones.

These ladies as part of the show are given top class designers to cloth them throughout the competition, here they get an easy way of establishing contacts with the top designers.
When all these things including other things not mentioned here are put in place, fans after spending so much money to vote for them and paying so much to grab a ticket for the final show, and above all giving them your invaluable / priceless asset “TIME” what happens……………….

This is where I had my investigations as to whether the winners and runner ups of beautiful pageants are worth their cost of investment after the show. OH! Where do I even start from, lets me pick it up from… am sure you are aware that every beauty pageants price packages include a social responsibility, one that the winner is suppose to undertake to give back to society after spending so much on them. This is the major area that I took time to review, roll with me closely as together lets find out if winners of beauty pageants are worth the cost?

As soon as the Master of Ceremony says “and the winner for Miss 18.com is *******” (the crowd start shouting names of their favorite for the day), finally the MC reveals, first the price packages which includes the social responsibility (in most cases it is some times the main package for the winner) and mentions the name of the winner. As soon as the winner is known, fans and organizers enjoy with her for some time, probably a week, grants lots of interviews in all mediums from newspapers, magazines, radio stations and TV for let say two weeks.

She also uses one week to say thank you to all those who helped out, from family, friends, title sponsor company, donors, designer and organizers. She starts enjoying the price packages, it normally starts wit the car (Vehicle), as she is suppose to keep the brand name for a year and also create awareness to loyal clients of the title sponsor and encourage potential participants for the next season/edition of such beauty pageant. Then she touches the souvenirs from sponsors and donors, after some time she gets a cool deal of endorsement and then we start seeing her on screens, bill boards,magazines and others.

When was the last time you heard that the media is reporting, giving live updates of what a beauty pageant winner is doing concerning “SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY PRICE PACKAGE”, nothing!we don’t hear any thing but rather we hear the opposite things instead of the positive thing.

Check your diaries what month is it now, am sure an organization has started doing auditions for the next season of their beauty pageant, or is about starting their audition train. Very soon the past winner will be forced to do some thing shabby to fulfill the social responsibility package announced in the original price package, “WHO ARE THEY DECEIVING”? The funny part of all is that they film it in a way that will look as if she (Winner) has being doing that project for a long time and it has benefited the masses who are suppose to be the receipiant of such package.
It is so appalling to find out that none of the past winners of beauty pageant held in the country have hardly fulfilled their social responsibility package for society to the fullest or the best.

I tried to find out if it was the fault of the winners or organizers or sponsors, because I don’t understand why up till now I have not heard any thing from these past beauty pageant winners in the country on that level.
In a chat with my source close to one of them, it was made known that the winner wants to carry out its project but the organizers are delaying things. Why? I asked, well my source could not tell me the reason but said that the winner is waiting for confirmation from the organizers before any thing can be done, WHY? Well she is known now, she is the winner of a beauty pargent in the country, getting sponsorships or helping hand should not be that difficult, because if a cooperate body could sponsor your event, why cant they help with a price package which was added to the proposal for them.

Another winner I personally dealt with could hardly state when the media will get to know what she is doing concerning that angle…. Meaning she has not done any thing for the very people who voted and spent on her. “I cant say if is the fault of the organizers or my fault, but what I can say is that my project is in the pipe line and will soon come to the public domain” the winner revealed. From what I heard I deduce that the winner lied beautifully just as how she looked beautiful.
As if is the fault of the organizers or the winners, No! is not their fault as the media will not follow up on issues concerning projects of winners of pargents and whether after hyping these shows including price packages they check to find out how far work is done.

My cry is that, the next time an organization knows that it is building a social role model for others to emulate they should do so, and If they know they are building a role model for the cooperate world they should make it very clear and stop adding “THEMES” to their shows. Enough is enough, organizers have cheated their fans for some time now is all alright, winners have failed their fans and society they should step up their game and use their crown wisely, to benefit them and society because they made them who they are. The frame ups are too much in our beauty pagents, they show it on TV for all to see, satisfy sponsorship packages with the contestants and do quality production (both Pre and Post production) just to convince people that the show is real.

But they never show activities after a pageant or link it to the media for stake holders to know that our “miss 18.com” is doing something positive in society and our investments are worth the task.
May be am mistaken the whole show is just for entertainment and creating of excitement for the boring television viewer who sits at home and gets nothing to watch on TV. May be it could be from that angle, where beauty pargent's are organized to unearth talents in ladies in the country, dash out cars, money and souvenirs to these ladies in the country just for the fun of it.
If it is not for that angle, then the next time I hear, see or read about an upcoming beauty pargent's I will not like to hear ; “A THEME & A SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY PACKAGE”, because if they are used they are left unsatisfied and the poor beneficiary is never happy.

What makes this thing hurt the most is that the beauty pargent's contestants are made to share their views on fundamental social issues and after they win what happens they hardly talk about or do something to either change or even compensate the people involve.
During the last edition of one of the beauty pargent's in the country, the girls(contestants) shared their views on fundamental social issues in the country, from child labor, occupational abuse, patriotism, cleanliness, protecting State property, etc. After the show it ends there, none of them takes up the task to change something…. WHY? Even if you did not win the competition, you can still do something, there is no such excuse as, “I was not the winner” or lets say I won or was a runner up in the competition and there was no social responsibility attached to the show, why cant I champion the topic that gave me love and marks from the fans and judges respectively (I mean the social responsibility question, sometimes from a judge or are picked up from a basket).

So I ask you again “ARE BEAUTY PAGEANT WINNERS WORTH THEIR COST”?.... I strongly believe that the answer is a strong NO! they are not worth the cost of investment. They turn up to enjoy the car and the respect attached to their crown, leaving families to die of hunger, children are still abused, state property are destroyed daily, social vices keep on increasing, etc the list can go no and no. What are these beautiful winners using their crown, celebrity image, brand and respect for, if they are to do a well though out plan, trust me companies will support and people will listen to them more than me (Journalist). This just because they are role models to the kids, the are heroines to the parents and a public figure with enough love and respect from opinion leaders.

Are you aware that the Winner of a beauty pageant can call on the PRESIDENT of the state and will get attention, or do a PRESS meeting and will still get attention, just because she is the Face, or Miss Something in the country.
Until one of them, whether a contestant, a runner up, or the winner her self plays a vital role in changing a bad norm in society, to me they are not worth the cost and if I had my own way I think beauty Pargents should be re- structured, stating the positivity of it in society.

Story By: Nana Yaw Wiredu

IT IS BREAK TIME FOR DIOJO

DIOJO, After helping so many other artiste set up their career, artiste such as Obrafour, Dogo, Tinny, Kwabena Kwabena, Hot core, Asem, Oj blaq, 5five with one of the hit single African Girls and the group Blaq Suede, the artiste DIOJO has finally settle down with his new solo singles “MAFE WO”, ONLY YOU ft ASEM, and “ASOME DAME” ft Tinny.
As a one of Ghana’s best soul singer, DIOJO has being able to establish himself as a smooth operator whose lyrical content of a song can get you dancing and also can keep you relax, hence the artiste DIOJO is very versatile. He does all kind of genre such as, Soul music, RNB music, Hip life, High Life and Dance hall, this is proved from his old songs to his new ones. www.youtube.com/BlaqSuede and www.youtube.com/DIOJO are the information centers to listen to his music, attached are sampled songs from the artiste DIOJO.
DIOJO also has the power to drive a crowd crazy with his Soul music and appeals to all kind of generation in the world, he also has the power to keep an audience alive with his wild stage performance, attached is his performance at Sound Splash, an entertainment TV show held in Ghana on TVAFRICA.
BIOGRAPHY:
Known in real life as Ishmael Opoku-Acheampong, Diojo has being in the music industry for a while now and has contributed in making many other artiste super stars. Talk about Tinny’s “Ofeedoo”, ‘Makola Kwake”, “Dromo’; Oj Blaq’s ‘Galanja” which featured ASEM; 5five’s “African Girls’ which obviously has being their only hit song as a group and won the discovery and Afro Pop song of the year 08 at the GMA(Ghana Music Award 2008) among others. Diojo’s dynamic, sleek and soft voice is always noticed any time he is behind the microphone or is featured in a track when he spells the name ‘D I O J O’ as an introduction to either his verse or main chorus. Probably many of us who might have heard his voice on the above songs will easily recollect that silky voice on majority of hit songs in the industry. DIOJO carries rich culture and originality in his music, image and brand, portraying where he comes from Ghana. It is proven by the choice of lyrics and beat used by the artiste in all his songs.
PERFORMANCE RATE:
On stage he performs the soul music, doubles up with Hip Life music and ends with his RNB music, the artiste in question is easily marketable to any audience, providing they want to listen to good music. DIOJO’s competitive advantage has always being the fact that he plays all performance LIVE and can be on stage for close to three hours performing. To add to the niche of the artiste which creates a strong brand for him is the ability to “CREATE NEW PRODUCTS (MUSIC) ON THE SPOT (STAGE)” while performing, making all his performance exciting to watch.
ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE ARTISTE
• Movie sound track for “RUN BABY RUN” from Revele Films in Ghana, which has won many award around the globe such as AMAA 2008, among others.
• Moni en Phame sound Track.
• Road Safety campaign song in Ghana for 2010, for Ghana Road commission.
• Features in the series “MONI EN PHAME” a TV series shown on Viasat 1 a south African based TV station, series produced by Ego entertainment.
• Best Male Vocalist 1999 Achimota School.

HOW REALISTIC ARE MUSIC REALITY SHOWS, ORGANISED IN GHANA…

In my anticipation to find out how beneficial are music reality shows held in Ghana, 18.com/THE PICTURE organized a documentary to find out “HOW REALISTIC ARE MUSIC REALITY SHOWS” .
In the quest to quench our curiosity, we spoke to the main parties involve in music reality shows, from organizers, to participants, observers and judges to find out what they really think about our theme for the documentary.
The first to be visited by our team, was Mr. Percy Adjettey an events executive and a stand up comedian, who works with Citifm organizers of Voice factory, the first music reality show held on radio in Ghana. We where well received by the FM station (including the interviewee) into their territory and asked to sit down while he prepares the room for the interview. Finally it was ready and we had to start, note this it was a structured interview and so all questions followed a pattern.
18.com: Mr. Percy, What is the purpose for organizing Music Reality Shows in the country?
Percy: the purpose is to basically unearth good talents in the country, it also the plat form for others who do not have the financial means of paying for a studio session or being picked up from the streets to be heard or seen by the general public. It is also a marketing strategy where the person has being well prepared and accepted by the mass and hence giving him the lime light acceptance easily.
18.com: Take us throw the selection/ screening process, because many have being made or false to believe that organizers of reality shows normally have their own people before the show?
Percy: the selection process is easily, pick up a form, submit it and come show your talent, In voice factory the judges do not even seen the participants the participants do not also see the judges but the judges select base on the quality of a participants voice and not face or any other thing as people think.
18.com: So here we where made to understand that the dubious selection process that people complain about are not necessary true, even though a judge may have a favorite it might be on that day and trust us there are not less than three judges for a reality show, before lobbying all three judges the sow will have ended because it will not work. This pushed us to ask our next question, leading to price Packages for the constants and winners especially. The aim was to know whether they are really beneficial to the participants or the organizers this is what Percy Had to say;
Percy: Yeah with packages it first step is to find a company who will be willing to sponsor a music show, when that company is secured price packages will be defined. The packages come in various sizes, you winners are normally given a vehicle to make transport easy, but for the other constants we have packages like:
• Voice Training, one important tool for the up coming, this is because you want to help them to be accepted world wide even if they don’t win the competition.
• Another package for them is networking, here before you are evicted, you get to meet people who call for shorts in the industry and that will be of great benefit to you after the competition.
• Thirdly the luxuries car, and other packages that are luxuries come into play.
The price packages are given to the winners at the end of the show, “come on” and in the case of a car the winner must keep the brand on the car for a year and half to some people depending on what you believe.
18.com: Can you spell out the packages for the show and tell us if you really give the price packages to the winners.
Percy: Yeah, first of let me answer your question from the bottom, we do give the prices to the winners, like I said earlier on the winner gets a car and some money, so with the Voice Factory winner, he is driving his car and enjoying the money. For the other runner ups Yes they also get their prices, which normally comes in Cash and souvenirs which are handed over to them at the end of the show. The price packages vary from show to show, if you at Mentor and Stars of the future the winners are still enjoying their cars and other benefit. Normally the highest price is a Car plus some money.
18.com: So do you (organizers ) give these newly born stars a record deal?
Percy: I cant talk for my other organizers like Mentor and , Stars of the Future but I can talk from voice factory angle, Its not like a record deal for the winner, normally with the money you are given it is expected of the winner to use the money to start some recording and what we do here is that we give the star free air time, playing all his songs for him any time he brings it to the station.
18.com: Is the Winner of Voice Factory or any other Constants under the musician union of Ghana.
Percy: This is how it works, it is like acting, the actor decides if he wants to join an umbrella or not, it is only wise for a musician to belong to a union, but nevertheless the artiste decides thereof. We as organizers do not give the artiste to MUSCIGA but creates a link between the artiste and MUSICGA, leaving the decision to the artiste in question.
18.com: Lets talk about the social responsibility of the winner, how far does it go?
Percy: Charity is from the heart and one decides to give or not, what am saying is that we (organizers) do not give you any social responsibility to carry, but after the show if you decide to take on charity, why not we will support him if we are called upon. With the Voice factory winner, every thing is going on well for now, if you visit his school (UG) every thing is fine for him, he just won the show last year lets see if he will love to take up a social responsibility.
18.com: Not to undermine the work of organizers in the country, but I think they should do well to touch on the issue of social responsibility to contestants before they win the competition. If the organizers able to spell out in details the benefits of taking up social responsibility, am sure when the winner is chosen by the mass and judges, he will love to give back to the people who selected him through votes. Or the organizers can add a social responsibility task to the price packages to get the winners working and changing society since they become icons among friends and hence what they speak against or give to will get a marvelous ripple effect in the future for the artiste. Is it the case that our organizers do not want to work after the show again or do not really understand how powerful the music icons are to our society. Finally we asked how clean and realistic does he think music reality shows are in the country.
Percy: I will encourage any body to take part in any music reality show, because it’s a big step to do many things like; 1. It’s a plat form to launch your career as a musician that is if you have that solid idea.
2. Its network marketing, getting to be known as a star who participated in a reality shows if managed well by the person can fetch him lots of deals example is Fritz on the Vodafone 30-30 advert . There are many other benefits attached to it, I stick my neck out and say that this events are clean and very realistic, you should take part in such reality shows, if you have a good strong Voice with passion for singing and wants to be a musician.
18.com: That last line was very powerful and true, if you ask me, for the latest edition of voice factory in which 18.com had the opportunity to witness the auditions, it was so clean that the judges did not meet the participants before, during and after the show because they where in the room all time. The selection process was done based on strong quality voice and not personality.
The journey still continued to the next visitation, keep on reading the BLOG for the up dates...

HOMOSEXUALITY STRIKES GHANAIAN CELEBRITIES ....

To what will shock others in the country, it will come to others as no surprise as the word “HOMOSEXUALITY” is part of them, nevertheless my investigations on that word shows that it is growing among Ghanaian celebrities and is so fast.
Before I talk about the celebrities spreading this distasteful disease, let me say that people have voluntary taken upon themselves to defend this disgraceful act, as if is their fault, “Homosexuality has being defended ever since “Sodom and Gomorrah” was in existence, the Bible says “GOD told Abraham to tell Lout and his family to pull away from that sinful land and that HE (God) wants to disgracefully destroy that sinful land. “Abraham, father of many nations surprisingly defended the land and God in his own wisdom fell to his plead”. At the end of the plead Abraham could not meet the number he begged for, for the land was too sinful that every body was enjoying it.
If Abraham defend such sinful act, am not amazed that Human Activists will continue to fight for the rights of Lesbians and Gays in the country but I want them to know they will not succeed. If we compare our dear country to USA, trying to pass a law to defend the sinful act of Homosexuality, it will not succeed, for a very simple reason, Ghanaians are well cultured and has not fully developed, hence people will still critice that act even if that law is passed. If other countries are allowing such marriages, their people are only confirming the fact in the Bible, people in Sodom and Gomorrah defended and allowed such marriages but just ask your self how did it end for them. I will not encourage any Human right activist to keep on perusing this act because they will not succeed, God frowns on this act, hence it can never be accepted in the country, and Ghanaians will never respect Gays and Lesbians, I can stick my neck out for that.
To my issue now, “HOMOSEXUALITY STRIKES GHANAIAN CELEBRITIES”, It was about half past 10 in the evening when I had a call from my girlfriend saying “Where are you, come to OSU right now and witness this for your self”. Before I could talk she has dropped the line, but I managed to hit the road to find out what was happening. There was less traffic in town, so I was able to get to osu within 30 minutes and the venue was a restaurant (which I can not disclose). She asked me to sit down and listen to the argument going on between these two ladies, (they have being fighting with words for some time now over a celebrity). Oh am sure it is a guy, she laughed and said they have not mentioned the name yet, but from the fighting I can deduce it is a woman celebrity. The wait was on as all parties in there waited to see this celebrity that the girls where fighting about, no! but let ask what is the issue, my friend laughed and said the lady in the “Pink straight dress claims her friend has stumped her in the back” meaning she passed behind her to sleep with her girlfriend,…. WOW! Was my reaction to that.
The celebrity came into the restaurant and upon noticing that these girls have being ranging against each other she quickly said am going to my car, We (my friend and i)where amazed. Are you serious!, it cant be probably she came to sort out the girls but she cant be a Lesbian. My friend told me that's the reason why I made you come, because when I heard her name mention I could not believe it and since you don’t trust celebrities to be Homosexuals this is your first physical prove.
We quickly finished our drink, and took to the streets to go home. In my astonished mood I kept on turning trying to say is not true. The next day I was talking to my artiste who also gave me an example of another celebrity, this time around a guy who is a serious Gay. I was in the club with him one day and he pulled me with him to the VIP of the club (cant disclose the club), this guy bought me lots of drinks and asked me if I am ready to go home. He came close to me and touched me, very sensitive, so I asked him what he was doing and he said but we have to go home…. My artiste describes the scene. If you don’t take your hands off me I will slap you, are you “GAY” , Yes the celebrity guy said, well am not and I don’t want you close to me… my artiste told him. The celebrity pleaded that my artiste should not tell any body he is “GAY” and he will always owe him one. The name mentioned to me was another top celebrity loved by many and liked among Women especially, but there it is he is not straight.
The argument about “HOMOSEXUALITY AMONG CELEBRITIES IN GHANA” got big when another colleague from the media also described his incident with another celebrity, this time a woman, who he was caught during an event, telling a young beautiful lady how sweet she will be in Bed, the young lady according to my friend was shocked but was quickly closed not to reveal this thing to any body, but will be sorted out later. My colleague confronted this celebrity after the show and interview her, upon he hearing the question what motivates you to do these things, She quickly said “MY HUSBAND” (forgetting or trying to cover up for the earlier incidence). Wow, my reaction always when sources keep on confirming the number of Gays and Lesbians we have as celebrities in Ghana, and they are affecting others like HIV/AIDS.
My problem is that these people are rave-heads in the country, championing all entertainment activities in the country, these people from all angles of the industry are very much listened to some times more than people in High offices in the country. These people have wide range of groupies across the country and easily affect the youth especially with either their ******** or ********.
I have a confirmation with practical experiences with almost all of them and some are covering up with either marriages, girlfriends and boyfriends. Some claim they are bisexuals and hence there is no need to worry. Can that be their source of success in their various fields, because if you check, majority of these people (Homosexuals) are either rich or doing so well in their fields.
If care is not taken by the time Ghanaians realize how fast the the disease of “HOMOSEXUALITY” is being spread by our celebrities in the country, it might have affected thousands of the youth. The Bible says God blesses “PROCREATION” and healthy “MARRIAGES”, human activist might be doing their Job but should watch how far they defend this disgraceful and distasteful act in the country.
In my next article I will kindly exposed all these celebrities who are Gay's and LESBIANS, their partners, sexuality(in these affair one must be a man and other a woman), and their hiding or chilling Joint. These joints are in town and are very popular among the youth, let me not start now but can quickly say that some of them even meet during salsa events organized in the country at c****** G****** H*****.
Keep on reading THE PICTURE blog for the final names of all celebrities in the country, I don’t want to destroy any body’s job or fan base but I want issues corrected, that’s the Job I have taken upon my self, to feed you (lovely reader) of my Blog with the truth and credible information.
Story By: Nana Yaw Wiredu

2010 STRATEGIC FUTURE LEADERS CONFERENCE LAUNCHED………… I

It is one of the conferences organized by the Foundation for future leaders International (FFLI)every year with participants coming from in and outside Ghana. This year’s event will be held at the Sunyani Polytechnic Campus from the 18th -20th June 2010 with the team “THE PAN AFRICA YOUTH AS ARCHITECTS AND BUILDERS OF THE AFRICA”. This year’s event was launched to the Press last night, where on the high table was Mr. Torkorno MD Amal bank, former interim president of Liberia Dr. Amos Sawyer, Mrs. Hannatu Sulley Consultant in UK and Dei tumi CEO of foundation for future leaders international.
As usual the event kicked off with an opening prayer from the organizers, who nearly made a nice slip of tongue with the word “Prayer” but was able to kick off the show smoothly. To do the next of introduction was the CEO of FFLI, who threw an insight on the upcoming event.
After Dei Tumi’s speech which centered around building a strong young entrepreneur for the global world, He then gave the Microphone to His Excellency Mr. Sawyer who also shared a few words with the media. Am very happy to be here today and to be part of this conference, every time am called to join this conference am glad to do so with ease. A short but well thought out speech was delivered by the Former Interim President of Liberia Mr. Sawyer focusing on how such conferences can be held in his country, next to touch the microphone to address the Press was the Managing Director of Amal Bank Ghana, Mr. Torkorno. “I did not know I was going to talk, but let me say that ever since I met Mr. Dei Tumi which was about two years ago, I have ever since being in support of this programme. Let me say that I have being a great supporter of youthful policies in the country and every time I have the chance to do something to support them I am always glad. The youth of Ghana must know that if they should believe in themselves they can be that change that wants to see in society. Mrs. Hannatu Sulley being the only woman in their mist on the high table also shared some words which was very famine but powerful. Mrs. Sulley said, I have always love to affect people (youth) positively with my knowledge, I know that if am able to impact positively one person that person will also share that words of positivity to another person and hence the ripple effect in society will be great. It is my greatest pleasure to be in Ghana my motherland any time the FFLI conference is coming up I tell Mr. Dei Tumi, just a call away and am in Ghana.
In what I call powerful short speeches the floor was open for the media to ask their questions concerning the upcoming event. First to hit the high table with a tight question was Ignatius from Radio Gold Ghana, His question was “Mr. Dei Tumi, you have being influencing young people in the country for some time now, do you really make sure that these young people really do what you teach them?
Dei Tumi in anticipation to correct that notion among people, he said “FFLI is a student thing and hence it has branches in all over the tertiary schools. My outfit has supported many young people from the FFLI group on campuses and is now managers in high institutions; on top of my fingers I can count not less than thirty young people that we have made sure that they put what we teach them into practice”. Is very rare to find young people practicing what they hear from us but for those in our campus group, Yes we make sure they practice what we teach them. In acceptance to that Mr. Torkorno also added that what the youth of this great nation needs is information, with reliable information they can do more.
The next question came from Mr. Evans Helegbe Gold, who introduced himself as the CEO / founder of Passion for Students, is question was addressed to Mr. TorKorno. “I want to know what the cooperate world is treating sponsorship deals concerning programmes, majority of the time cooperate bodies turn out to follow events that will bring short term results which turn out to be mostly entertainment like Miss Ghana, etc”. Am very passionate about this any time I talk about it because I once took a proposal to a cooperate body and was refused the deal because the results is long term, Sir I want to know why cooperate Ghana does that what is your outfit doing to that effect.
Mr. Torkorno in acceptance to this question said that “let me first of all congratulate you, its a very deep question”. But let me say that my Company has never supported an entertainment programme, ever since I met Mr. Dei Tumi, as I indicated earlier on, I have being supporting the event with my all. First of I can’t speak for the other cooperate bodies so I will speak for my side, my company company’s social responsibility is based on education, sports and Health, anything far from that does not get my attention. We have supported many educational programme in the country and will continue to do so. Mr. Dei Tumi added some few words to what the MD said, His words where very simple and clear, “I wish one day, a MD will be refusing an educational proposal and by the time he realizes there is a gun to his head”, then he will know that we need to train these young guys before entertaining them. With what you are saying is very deep, it cannot be discussed here, because when you have sent a well thought out programme, they (companies) will ask you what our returns is. It is more hearting when you respect an MD thinking he is a leader and you realize he is not, It is like Giving a gun to a blind man to shoot there is no vision for such a person.
Many followed as to the end, Mr. Dei Tumi together with his team spoke about this weekend’s programme to be held in Sunyani from topics and speakers. Some of the speakers for the show are; The ambassador of Togo and Dean of the Diplomatic corps accredited to Ghana, H. E. Mr. Jean Pierre Gbikpli Benissan, Professor Stephen Adei, Former Rector GIMPA, Mr. Torkornoo MD Amal Bank, Kingsley Obiakor, CEO and founder Advanced Strategic, Leadership Consult Nigeria, Esme Thompson, CEO Thompson Consulting with the guest of speaker being the former Interim President of Liberia Dr. Amos Swayer.
The conference will touch on issues from the oil and Gas industry, building entrepreneurs to take charge of the African Market. This year’s event is targeted in pointing the way forward for the youth, by inspiring, motivating and challenging them to enter such doors and leaves the rest to the opinion leaders in the country. To me it sounds interesting, and if you have the chance to go Sunyani Polytechnic for this all important conference it will be of great benefit.
Story by: Nana Yaw Wiredu.

DJ ARMANI WINS 4SYTE CELEBRITY OF THE MONTH

If the glitz and glamour that was witnessed at the Afrodisiac Night club on Saturday 5th of May is anything to go by, then indeed 4syte TV have succeeded in making their way of acknowledging celebrities an important one.

The event which has seen numerous radio presenters, movie stars, managers of co-operate organizations and other noticeable public figures given a star treatment at the plush Afrodisiac night club came off again this month with celebrities like Chris Attoh of Xfm, Rudy Kwaakye of Joy fm, Amarni of Citi fm and a host of others.

It was all joy and cheers when the winner of this month’s episode was named as the talented and smooth Dj of the Citi fm Drive time Amarni. In an interview, Armani said he was delighted to win the celebrity of the month adding that 4syte has really done well in introducing such a platform to boost the efforts of personalities.

As to whether Armani indeed deserved the award, almost every celebrity interviewed was with the opinion that he really deserved it looking how far he has come in the industry. Armani rose from an after drive DJ on Citi fm to the host of the drive time when Sammy Forson then the host of the show announced his exit as one of the family of the Citi fm crew. Since then Armani has played in his stead and has add quite a reasonable amount of fans to his fan base.

In attendance at the night was also Bennet of Exotic Model Agency, Nana Kwame Osei Sarpong, Andy Dosty, Deangelo, a mixtape music prompter and marketer in Atlanta, USA, Echo, Tinny, and a host of others. Mcs for the night included Jay Forley, Commotion.
story by Cleff Justice Maxwell

JEREMY ON Y, THAT IS WHY!

The name Jeremy may sound new to some people but apparently not those who have been ardent listeners of Vibe fm in the days when this young and talented presenter, had the mandate to host the YOUNG VIBE and SUNSHINE CAFE of the station. She had a unique way of mesmerizing her listeners who couldn’t hide their love for her but called into her shows and pat her on the shoulders whiles others asked for a date.

My first meeting with her personally was at the 4syte studios when I passed by her without making her out even though I have been a fervent listener of Vibe fm and some of her programs if not all. I was later told by a friend I met there that, the lady I just passed by was Jeremy. I now looked at her again and said hi. She responded in a mannerly way slanting a smile on her face.

She was no doubt one of the reasons why a lot of people tuned into Vibe fm then until when I heard her voice on another Asylum down based station called Yfm. Her move to Yfm though came as a surprise to me despite the fact that she had contributed her quota to Vibe fm and has every right to bow out of the station and move on.

On Yfm, another youth oriented Accra based station like Vibe fm, she presents a program called the Y Lounge. The program starts from 7pm to 10pm Mondays to Fridays just after the ‘Drive of your life’, hosted by the baritone voice presenter Nana Kwame Osei Sarpong. The Y lounge starts with a signature tune that introduces her in a unique way.

Her sweet soft voice then bust out from behind the Mic and no one will tell you that’s Jeremy on Y. On her program she has a segment she calls the ‘triple play’ where she plays three songs on a roll from one artiste. She also has the segment where she basically plays three songs from Ghanaian artiste even though her program features only R and B songs.

One thing that won her so many admirers is her sense of benevolence when she was on Vibe fm. She was noted for putting smiles on the faces of people. These people she made their wishes came true by asking them to text their wishes and dreams on her programs. After the show one person that crew thinks his or her wish is very touching and quiet interesting is picked and granted the request.

With her on Yfm to complement her efforts in making sure the music keep dropping and listeners still keep in tuned is a lady DJ called Kess who sometimes appears unassuming and a bit reserved to me. Together they form a great combination on the station and seem to have control over the program which is why a lot of listeners have fallen in love with the station.

For those of her fans who think they have lost Jeremy for good, they missing out because she is still doing her thing on Yfm. Tune in to her program from Monday-Thursday 7pm-10pm and experience the same Jeremy doing what she does best. Jeremy on Y, that is why!

MY REVIEW: OBOUR, RICHIE AND OKYEAME KWAME KILLED THE GAME

With various criticisms from people on the fact that hiplife is dying out at a snail's pace, musicians have no options than to either churn out a better music or respond to these criticisms that keep knocking at their doors. To say hiplife is dying will be an issue of argument and that is what the Konkontibaa hit musician Obour, the poetic and prestigious artiste of the year Okyeame Kwame, and the producer of the year Riche sort to address in a hit single 'the game’ .

The song which is said to be a respond to some rumours in the music industry that hiplife is dying, has a crank beat produced by Riche. The chorus by Riche makes it clear the fact that musicians need to sit down and re-write the story again and refute the notion that hiplife is dying.

The track introduces the producer and singer, Richie hitting it hard on the long search for an answer as to when hiplife musicians are going to have a better share of the music they struggle so hard to produce but in the end earn peanuts for their hard work. Intermittently in the song is a powerful question and answer lay back lyrics from Obour and Okyeame Kwame.

Beginning his raps with the advent, rise and fall of Gospel music and the people that were accountable for it, Obour was not hesitant in exposing such attitude of people who think the industry has dwindled to its failing direction. Obour also in his lyrics talks about the need for musicians to set out standards that will make government and other cooperate bodies to step into the industry and cough out money to promote the industry. He further identifies some of the reasons why the industry seem to be shrinking instead of making the impact that it’s suppose to have made in the past ten years. He recounted the years when Hiplife artistes were seen as nobody. Maybe my recent encounter with Reggie Rockstone and Gyedu Blay Ambulley as to who is the originator of Hiplife will tell you the battle for originator still lingers on.

Okeame Kwame on his part employs a little bit of his usual poetic lyrical dexterity in bringing to light why some sections of the people consider hiplife as a dying venture in the music industry. he also speaks on the why some of his colleagues in the industry have made hiplife become like just any ordinary music rather than to advice and impact positively on society, an issue a lot of people raise eye-brows on.

The genre Hiplife which has survived all the odds in the past ten years has moved from trend to trend and people like Reggie Rockstone , the father of Hiplife , Obour, Okyeame Kwame, Castro, Kwadee and the likes will not sit down and see it die.

With the recent introduction of crank music by the young and diminutive producer of our time, Richie, a lot of people argued that his genre of music is only in to destroy and kill the efforts made to ensure the sustainability of Hiplife when a lot of up-coming artitste and well known artistes took keen interest in producing crank music instead of hiplife. Artistes like Praye, Obour, Okyeame Kwame, Asem, Ayigbe Edem, 4x4, Bradex and several others have one way or the other released a crank single or a couple of them on their albums. This has become an issue of discussion in every corner of the music industry and earned the young producer the name 'King of Crank' until he came out boldly to explain the meaning of crank music and the need for the public to stop calling him King of Crank.

With the current artiste of the year Okyeame Kwame recording on his album the very crank song that made him won the prestigious artiste of this year's 10th Ghana Music Awards, one would see the future of crank music soaring into a higher heights as its patronage becomes higher and higher. Richie and a lot of musicians have also argued that the genre is not in to eliminate hiplife but rather add to the standards hiplife music has achieved in the industry.

Recently the artiste whose records this track was made, Obour organised a concert dubbed 'the resurrection concert' where a lot of artistes in the hiplife scene paraded the national theatre to share in a course well-defined to ensure that Hiplife in Ghana stays alive for generation unborn. A video clip of the song received a lot of airplay on television when the audio continues to enjoy airplay on radio.

‘Hiplife is never gonna die, hiplife is still alive…opposition go shy’. These were the very words that Obour ended the story of hiplife. Indeed hiplife has come a long way and believes whoever oppose it will definitely walk away in shame.
story by:Cleff Maxwell Justice

HITZ FM REP YOUR JERSEY ATTRACT A GALAZY OF STARS

H
Hitz fm made was large and in charge when they organized a show for patrons and fans of different soccer clubs. The event was to engage various people with activities like, table tennis, football, basketball, play stations, "Ampe" and others.

Stars that made appearances in some of the competition included the controversial (Links man) Aplus, Praye, Reggie Zippy, actress Beverly, Samini, One pesewa, and host of others. In the football competition, Kwame B who is also a presenter of the station was in full flight but couldn’t help his side to win even though he played well. In interview he said he used to play for the school way back and was a very energetic attacker and midfielder.

A-plus also took part in the play station game and had a drawn game with his opponent. The event. In an interview with some of the patrons about the show, they all seemed to be singing the same song as the event was made possible for fans to mingle and interacts with their stars and celebrities aside having the opportunity to play different games with them.

The whole Hitz fm crew were also in attendance; Okyeame Quofi, Amanda Jisseh, Afi Dzapkasu were the Mcs for the day whiles Djs on rotation included AJ baby, Laposta, Perfekt, Dj Haglah.

WAVE YOUR FLAG FOR THE BLACKSTARS AT YEGOALA

The new Yegoala night club was sent to a moment of true African support arena when various Africans from different countries trooped to the venue to show massive support fro their country.

Even though patrons came late; the atmosphere was charged when the Djs kept dishing out beautiful songs to thrill the audience. Performances were seen from artistes from Ghana, Nigeria and Ivory Coast. Chinese man Suntaila was there to perform and treat audience with some Chinese jokes.

In an exclusive interview with the organizers of the show, Belinda of Belle entertainment revealed some of the packages that are underway from her outfit. She was also quick to reveal that she will be in South African to represent her outfit in full flight. At the show, a big Ghana Flag was given to patrons to pen their signatories in the flag.

The flag will be taken to South Africa by Belinda to show that these are the signatories of patriotic Ghanaians who have in one way or the other decided to show mad love for the Black stars.

Wave your flag was organized by Belle entertainment and supported by 18.com and 18TV, Vsound, Artdot.com, TV3, Flex, Africa promo, and Ghana web.
Story By:Cleff Justice Maxwell

UMOJA BROUGHT GHANAIANS BREASTS, WHAT WOULD ADOWA PRESENT SOUTH AFRICANS?

The much awaited and choreographed cultural dance from the land of South Africa was graced with colorful and exciting performances by the South Africans which prompted many Ghanaians to re-visit their culture once again and re-write certain things which have not be given the needed attention.

Dance is the life of Africans and this permeates all their social and ceremonial activities. To the African, dance is a way of thinking, living and communicating. It is an essential part of all vital facets of the life cycle. We dance during childbirth, naming ceremonies, puberty rites, marriage, religious ceremonies; festivals etc. dance teaches customs and history. Don’t forget, Dr Kwame Nkrumah brought Africans together through dance.

Umoja is a response from one of the welcoming greetings in South Africa which means, ‘the spirit of togetherness’. It was undeniably one of the greatest displays of Arts and Culture ever to have happened to Ghanaians this year. However, I have few unanswerable questions which still linger in my mind as far as the coming of the South African dance group who have performed and toured in several places across the globe is concerned. Umoja talks about the history and story of music and way of life in South Africa from the days of the colonial times till this time where we are used to modern dance and others lifestyles.

I believe before the coming of Umoja, there are obviously lots of Ghanaian cultural dances which have not been given the needed recognition. Dance like Adowa, Kete, Borborbor are very fun and exciting to watch. My problem is how many event organizers have recognized the signicance of these dances and have put up a show like that at the National theatre or even the Conference centre? Charterhouse as an event organizers alongside GTV, (still the station with a nationwide coverage) which a lot of people hate to accept were comfortable in bringing Umoja but couldn’t put a similar show of Ghanaian origin at the National theatre. (Or maybe in future since we have seen Umoja? How sad!)

The late Ghanaba, (may his soul rest in peace), Kakaaku, Agya Koo Nimo and some traditional cultural groups have fizzled out due to the undue treatments and lack of patronage they suffered in the hands of Ghanaians who trooped to the National theatre to witness the display of breasts and cultural display from a different country when Adowa could have simply showed them protruding buttocks of women with beautiful Kente clothes to match. Don’t get me wrong for I am not condemning Umoja but only making a critical evaluation of the Umoja of South Africa and Adowa in Ghana.

The ADOWA dance which is a typical dance by the Akans is one dance that can be likened to the dances which were performed at the Umoja. Like the Umoja dance, Adowa is also used in telling stories of the past and also portraying the rich culture of the Akans. The dance originated through the movements made by the antelope, hence the name given to it. The story behind the dance states that, there was a once a queen mother in Ashanti called Abrewa Tutuwa. She suddenly fell ill in the cause of her reign.

The Obosom (gods) was consulted and a request for a live antelope was to be used for the sacrificial rites. It was alleged that, the asafo companies were promptly detailed to the forest to look for the animal. On coming back, the people saw to their amazement the antelope jumping and making very strange movements. The people in an attempt to imitate the movement of the animal as a sign of celebrating the queen mother’s health started the Adowa dance.

The dance was hence started by the Asafo companies. Since the animal was sacrifice for the queen mother, the musical type soon was taken over by the elderly women making the dance becoming women’s performance in several Akan communities. The few men that are seen basically handle the musical instruments. Adowa in present day content can be located in Ashanti, Brong Ahafo, Kwahu, Akim, and some parts of Akim Abuakwa and among the coastal Akans-Fantes where it is known as Adzewa (Adewa)

These dances are mostly accompanied by drums as it was the same case of Umoja. So somebody tell me what the striking difference seems to be here. Was it the songs that were sung, of course Adowa is also has songs in it, doesn’t it? The songs relate to several issues concerning the Akan cultural history. It will amaze you to know that some of these dances have been modified as new dance at the night clubs, pubs and churches. Don’t doubt me!

Songs are also based on topical issues, cultural and social beliefs and practices are all touched in Adowa songs. Adowa songs are usually performed in cantor and chorus form with two or more soloist introducing a song before the chorus comes in so was Umoja. The dance has an economic significance to the people, in that the costumes such as kente are hand woven by the people.

Entertainment in Ghana has gone a long way and I was wondering how many of those Umoja crew was told about the rich dance and culture of Ghana. Maybe when next Umoja comes to your country, you should take time to sit and make collaboration between Umoja and that of your country on one stage and see the difference. There you would create the desired unity between the two.

Umoja is a proud cultural display and representation of life from South Africa, but I humbly ask again, Umoja presented Ghanaians with Breasts, what will Adowa present South Africans and the rest of the world?

Story By Cleff Justice maxwell

THE EASY SIDE OF BENNET C.E.O EXOTIC MODELLING AGENCY.

It was that time in the month again for the 4SYTE TV celebrity bash for the month of MAY, held at the usual venue Aphrodisiac Night Club inside Dzowulo, and all the celebrities where there. Name it from fashion, film, music and modelling, talking about modelling "THE PICTURE" caught up with one of Ghana's finest model agency owner, in the person of Mr. Bennett C.E.O of exotic modelling agency and trust me it was the easy side of the young energetic entrepreneurial CEO.

In our quest to know what was going down with him inside the club we asked whether he was in the category of celebrities for the month of MAY. (out of curiosity) No i was not nominated for the month of May because its not mine month, but basically i came to support my other celebrities in the month of May. WOW! I said because he looked very fine in his "Yellow (tightening) sleek T-shirt with a straight Black jeans in a nice Trainers, I quickly asked him "WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THE 4SYTE CELEBRITY BASH" "I believe is good to celebrate people while they are live especially those who influence society, in order for them to do more of what they are doing for society".

Am here simply because I want to show love to my colleagues in the industry, because I know that if its my turn they will do same. You being a model and a CEO let me find out, how well is the modeling thing being accepted by Ghanaians, Well modelling is fun and people love it simply because of its meaning " a model is a Role Model" to explain this in the simplest form in what ever you do you need a model to coach you and for the people yes it is getting along very well with people. So have you had a situation where by people's parents walks into your office and complains about her daughter not doing modelling again? No, because at Exotic Modeling agency we do our things very professionally, I have not encountered such a thing and will never do, because am a professional.

So Whats happening to "EXOTIC MODELLING AGENCY", big things are coming very soon, my main aim is to let models in Ghana go out there to see and learn how things are done in other people's industry, so I will not say much, but big things are on the way coming. Believe me , the man kept his calm and composure through the interview, he took every question at a time, making it difficult to push him to the wall. My month is JUNE so I know i have a lot of fans who will text for me to win that particular month ( Bennett laughs out with passion and composure), He said when I asked him when he was born and whether he expects to win.

Do you think "AMANI" of CitiFm deserves to be the winner of 4syte TV celebrity bash for the month of May, OH! yes I mean, every body knows Amani and how hard he works so am not really surprised he won truly I think he deserves it... ( Bennett, Smiling to what he said.)

We are all having fun with the celebrities at the Aphrodisac Nite Club and Mr. Bennett it was nice talking to you. Thank you too... (Bennett said and walked away gently)

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AKOO NANA RELEASES "MUGU" ALBUM

"NA SHE THINK SAY SHE GET SOME MUGU, NA SHE THINKS SHE GETS SOME MAGGAR (MAGGAR), EII, ABI THE MASTER YOU BE THE MUGU" that was hw Akoo Nana started his interview when "THE PICTURE" caught up with him inside Yagola on the show "WAVE YA FLAG" held at the Yagola nite club on the 5th of June 2010.

So Akoo tell us, what has being happening to you these days, Am fine by God's grace i was in the studio recording my new album and now by God's grace it is ready.... Akoo Nana's reply to my simple question. Tell me Akoo, what's the message behind your latest single on the promotional vehicle, Well its basically about Fraud, am trying to teach the youth out there not to stick their heads into deceiving each other in relationships as no body is the master nor the mugu, yeah that's it... Akoo Nana added. My album is out, is no more in the studios of Appietus so fans can get themselves a copy each at any distributor, He quickly explained when i asked him whether he is pushing a single or the whole album is ready. How many tracks do we have on this particular album Akoo Nana, Well i have TEN (10) hot tracks on the new album, and the title to this one is "MUGU" an is my second album, Akoo could not stop showing his joy and excitement behind the new one so went on to tell us (the Picture) the above.

Are we going to host an album signing because its looks like that's what is happening in our industry these days,....... Yeah, and that's one reason why i came to yagola tonight, am not going to reveal the package i have for all lovers of Akoo nana in and outside Ghana, but i will say they should be finger crossed and hope for the best very Soon. Well, I will say that God has treated me very good lately and hence the industry as well, my greatest Thank you goes to the Almighty God for bringing me this far and all those who held my hands to climb the ladder of success... Akoo Nana's answer to the question how has the industry treated you so far?

The best is yet to come, the "MUGU" video and album is out go check it out for your self and listen to ten hot tracks from (me) Akoo nana, he explained more. Did you (Akoo Nana) do any collaboration or features in this particular one, yeah i did, i worked Ruff N Smooth and others, God Bless them too. My touching words "Be peaceful, Loving and understanding" God Be with us all, Akoo nana's final words for his lovers, fans and well wishers.

"MY NAME RINGS BELL LIKE BRAKE TIME".... BEBELINO

If you are following Jay So's "still I rule competition" than am sure the name "Bebelino" will certainly ring a bell, but in the case where you are not following that competition I will gist you a little about who Bebelino is.
Known in real life Andrews Nii Nartei, bebelino attended St Peters Senior high school inside the eastern region, a strong quite christian who does not play with his God and has strong religious background. Staying at Adabraka inside the capital you can trust that the young guy is tagged strong already, hence influencing his music career. During school days (St peters senior high school), he was known to be very quiet from form one to form three, but broke his virginity in school when he joined the group "UCON" which simply means "UNDER CONSTRUCTION", as to what the aim was behind such a name bebelino did not explain more.
Currently am in central University studying Banking and finance because I believe school is very important and it builds up your knowledge, he said in his quiet room granting the interview to the pics magazine. the Hip Hop up and about artiste said,"My dream is to do music", I want to become that international artiste from Ghana who sends a message across to his people (fans), a meaningful one of course and they can easily relate to it.
Talking about doing music, how did you get into music, i asked quickly? Well music has being part of me ever since i was born, even though it took me some time to realize and develop it. If i remember i used to listen to a lot of Hip Hop music from the wild "cats" then and now, so that in a way also influenced my music a lot, so i grew up to love it. How did you join "UCON"... my soft easy going question was answered with a punch line that my recorder could not play back, "UCON" is a family way back in SSS and is still the line. I joined "UCON" because I believed in the guys then and they where doing my kind of music in school so i felt the vibe and killed it. "UCON" did a lot of tracks way back in school and in all i did my lines to perfection, you can trust that, it was the answer to my question "How many Songs did you do with "UCON".
Tell me how did you start street battles and how many did you win, street battles, at first i did not really like the idea but as i grew stronger and better in my lines on beats friends and well wishers encouraged me. I have done quiet some number of them and have won majority of them, I freestyle alot in my quiet times and so any time am called to freestyle with some one am never scared and is always as if the person is never there, SORRY I DID NOT MEAN TO RHYTHM.
Lets talk about your current project, the "STILL I RULE COMPETITION", I heard some lines of it and i was touch, God what a talent, bebelino what inspired the lyrics for the still i rule competition? Hahaha! I will say God did and am grateful because i have never repeated my lines in any track like some artiste do, for the track I remember JaySo did the beat, chorus, hooks and asked people like my self to lay lines on the beat which i just did, so if you digging it, thank you. Do you think Hip HOP has got a Future In Ghanaian Music, Yeah why not, before people like Jay So and the Skillions records where hardly recognized in the industry but now with the invasion of Skillion records (big shouts JAY SO) hip Hop in GH is growing. Look at the just ended GMA's there was a category for it there, even though it was attached to hip life very soon am sure they will be separating it, believe me Hip Hop in Ghana has come to stay.
Well I also believe Hip Hop should by now have its roots in GH, looking at the number of tracks played from a hip hop beat these days is amazing, but who knows any thing is possible these days. Bebelino before i leave you, i will not ask you to say thank you to some people for holding you down, but rather what is the future for BEBELINO "MY FUTURE IS SO BRIGHT, FANS SHOULD JUST KEEP FINGERS CROSSED AND HELP ME WIN THE "STILL I RULE COMPETITION" BY JUST VOTING FOR ME, BECAUSE I BELIEVE IT STARTS FROM THERE" LATER I WILL ADD WHAT GOD TELLS ME TO ADD UP. Picsmagazine, let me say thank you to all those who have dropped a verse on my tracks, those who gave the chance to drop verses on their tracks plus those i destroyed during a battle you make me feel like am a humble leaner, hey JaySo, U there, Scientific, EL UCON family and every body especially boys inside CUC.
We had a lot of fan talking to the Hip Hop up and about Artiste Bebelino in his well tight "sick, single" apartment inside Adabraka, and what can i say, nothing than all the best in your life. remember Picsmagazine when bringing home the "BETAWARD".
Story by:Nana Yaw Wiredu.
18.comnewspaper/picsmagazine