GOSSIP! RUFF N SMOOTH SHOOT SECOND VIDEO

“Of the records, we are confirming that the Swagger boys, Ruff N Smooth will be passing through the Vodafone Black Berry launch at the Polo grounds on the 17th of September 2010 and fans should watch out for all exclusives, pictures and videos.”
Ruff N Smooth is shooting their second video after chalking great success with the single ‘SWAGGER’.
The location was inside James town, with the director on set being Stephen, who is not new in the business but has been on low, working to hit it on target.
A Ghetto setting, this easily shows the originality, uniqueness and identity of the song. Telling the story to the outside world in a very simple but confident concept, Ruff N Smooth is portrayed as ghettos hustlers from a small nation like Ghana.
The song talks about their journey, from the very beginning to the end, which is, from scratch to success and features Iwan, the lyrical gunshot man.
Iwan, gun down the song with his positive lyrical prowess showing how creative and ready he is as an artiste to face the world. In his ‘bars’ (words) Iwan referred to the days when he was a little youth walking on the street, there he could see his dada bee friends riding is hammers, but that never scared him as now they are all in the same level thanks to determination.
We caught up with the artiste, Ruff N Smooth to explain to us this whole idea of shooting a video for songs on an already sold album, which is still doing well on the market.
The Swagger boys explained, ‘is very simple, majority of the time we travel outside the country to perform, every time we go, we hardly leave anything for fans here to enjoy, hence we needed something to keep them going until we come back.
We also asked them their reason for a reggae/dancehall tune, why not their normal danceable songs, like Monalisa and Sex Machine.
Ruff N Smooth is a versatile group appealing to all kind of genre lovers in and outside the country, hence a need to balance the album, Smooth told us. The latter also added that it is expression of one’s sentimental issues which nearly caused a disturb career but by Grace here we are, so we want to make fans dance, yes, but we also want them to pick up life’s pieces and join them to sew a dress.
They also added that, for now they want to concentrate on shooting more videos that they could not because of performances in and outside the country, but as soon as they are down, they will be performing inside the USA and while they are gone fans can relax with their videos, Ruff N Smooth added.
The reggae dancehall tune from Ruff N Smooth will motivate you, making you more determined to push and never stop pushing until an achievement is secured for the future.
Fans should watch out for the exclusive pictures and video premier soon on this site.
Story: Nana Yaw Wiredu/nanayawwiredu.blogspot.com

2PUFF DANCERS TURNED ‘TRADERS’ BY MALTA GUINNESS

The Malta Guinness street dance first ever winners 2PUFF were turned into ‘TRADERS’ in their passports, instead of dancers by the organizers of the event when they had to travel to the United Kingdom for the world street dance competition, last two years.
Malta Guinness street dance competitions being the first of its kind in Ghana was well accepted by the youth, they followed the train were ever it went with the hope that they could pass the regional competition in order to represent the region at the nationals.
2PUFF just like any other dance group followed the train and passed the regional test to represent their region at the national finals.
At the nationals 2PUFF won the competition hands down, even though the other dance groups proved their worth, 2PUFF were more on point from the ruling of the Judges.
Price packages for the national winner were, ₵5000, ticket to REP Ghana at the African championship and drinks from Malta Guinness, this price package was handled over to 2PUFF.
They took up the challenge to rep Ghana at the Africa stages, which they also won, that made 2PUFF the first ever winners of the Malta Guinness street dance champions both national and Africa.
The price package was $1050, a return ticket to rep Africa, Ghana to be precise at the world stage in the United Kingdom and Malta Guinness products. The latter package was peacefully handed over to the winners but one was left out.
The winners were refused VISAs to travel to the United Kingdom for the world stage last two years because in their passport they were not Dancers or artistes but Traders.
A source close to the group told us that, the world stage of the dance competition was held but Ghana/Africa was not represented, simply because Malta Guinness turned the dancers into traders, hence if they are traders then a need for working permit.
‘This disappointment brought argument between the two groups that is Malta Guinness and 2PUFF as the group could not understand what was going on, the source continued’.
Our investigations show that the head of the team (that is the man taking the guys to UK) had his VISA because he had working permit because he is working.
When the guys approached Malta Guinness on the issue because time and days were running out (they were bounced that same week, the UK event was taken place), the organizers told 2PUFF to go look for working permit which was going to be difficult because these guys do not work, they won a competition, hence they could not get a working permit.
Days and time have passed away, the world street dance champions were on going as the UK organizers called and called to find out why the Ghanaian group was not coming.
The only reason given to the group 2PUFF from the organizers was that it was a mistake and they apologize for such a mistake. In compensating them the group was taken to South Africa for some holidays and relaxation.
The event was the first of its kind in Africa and it brought energy into the youth giving them hope for employment. It also took the young guys who had the talent of dancing off the streets and gave them meaning for what they do; hence they could make something out of their talents.
The question is should a mistake be allowed to happen or was it a deliberate attempt from the organizers not to send the winners to the World stage?
2PUFF on 4SYTE TV top 10 music videos lied to the whole Ghana saying that the world street dance championship never happened, mean while they were turned into TRADERS instead of DANCERS by the organizers.
Will the same thing happen to High Spirit, the new national winners of the Malta Guinness street dance held in the country?
Story: Nana Yaw Wiredu/nanayawwiredu.blogspot.com

MUSICIANS AT WAR WITH BEAT PRODUCERS… STOP RYDING ON OUR SONGS.

“Is a hit man, you know the name Right! Nacy fetio nwonm, Appietus in the mix! Body RORO, If is heavy then Bones did it, Quick Action, ‘Brasssh! Jay Q’, Kaywa, Yes you know! The last 2”, these are signatures of beat producers in the country and they are causing more harm than good to the musicians, who have decided to match them boot for boot because they are cheating them.
“It is not only marketing their studios to upcoming musicians, it also making them think they can sing and do what we do best”, a musician told us. I mean, now, Quick action is singing, Morris de voice the same, Richie, Nacy, RoRo and the list goes on, the musician added.
These guys after getting their fame from us, they also want to challenge us on our profession too, this is really bad and has to be stopped, he Cried out loud.
“Let me tell you, if you send your promo CD to a DJ to play, he will ask you which engineer worked on it, if it is not a popular one, trust me He will take the CD not to embarrass you but he will not play it, We are not giving the upcoming beat producers a chance and it is sad!, he continued passionately.
In the past Ghanaian musicians did not have signatures of beat producers on their songs, making them comfortable and getting all the praise for a good work?
Over then, credits were given to beat producers on the CD/Cassette case of the musicians as well as others who helped in making that album a success.
In the early 2000’s when hip life was hip life, beat producers such as Jay Q and Hammer, were playing their signatures on songs produced by artiste from their camp.
Hammer of the last 2 had the signature of a Voice from an MC and Jay Q was breaking bottles, these two was not easily accepted from the beginning but with time it grew stronger and gradually became a competition and an industry beef between artistes from the two camps.
Was there an effect then? What has change over the years that some of the musicians in the country are now crying that signatures of beat makers should be removed from their songs or they (beat producers) have to pay/reduce cost of production since it is advertisement for them?
In a chat with one of Ghana’s renounced beat producers UBEAT, he disclose that, he has being producing beat all these years and has never dropped a signature on any song, he has recorded. “I have worked with majority of the musicians in Ghana and every time they record somewhere, I do the mix and mastering, why? If they know your work they know it, he added.
Also we spoke to another renounced producer, whose work is heard day in day out but with no signature introduction or a mention from the artiste. He was very clear and simple, ‘beat producers should not put their signatures on songs of musicians’; if your work is good people will come looking for you.

In response to that an interview with the musicians showed that, majority of them did not really find the connection as to why they have to pay so much to record a song and after awards beat producers advertise freely their signatures on it, while the minority had a different opinion.
This issue once came up, we remember on EBIZ which was shown then on Net 2 television, the presenter once brought the issue up for discussion and the issue was hardly solved, but now the musicians have come to realization that producers are cheating them, by putting their signatures on their song.
They (musicians) showed a lot of remorse when we spoke to them, saying, ‘we have being deceived in the past and now we will not allow them”. Our young and upcoming artistes are wondering were to record because the so called popular beat makers are charging so much they can’t afford.
The DJ’s/ presenters are also not helping, some of them are now singing, the music profession is too opened, and a musician told us. What can we do, our association is not working too well to protect us and they are aware, we are being cheated but choose to watch and do nothing, the musician lamented.
Seriously a second look at this issue is so important, as to who is losing and who is gaining. Are the musicians gaining, the better the signature on the song the more air play and listenership the musician gets and the more signature is played the popular the beat producers get and the more they increase their charges.
The intentions of Musicians are now clear, all signatures of beat producers should be removed with immediate effect, if it is kept, then it means, either, the charges for recording are reduced or the signatures are paid for.
All efforts to reach some of the DJs/Presenters and beat producers mentioned here proved fruit less but in due course if we get their response to the story as to whether they are doing the musicians more damage than good, readers will be informed.
Story: Nana Yaw Wiredu/entertainmentinGhana.com

“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.