Alabaster Box rocks Festival of Life, releases new album in London

The annual Festival of Life (FOL), which happened on Good Friday, April 18 at the gargantuan Excel Centre in London was not the same this year because Ghana’s Alabaster Box was there.

FOL is a one night event organized twice a year by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) in the UK, and is hosted by the global General Overseer of the church himself, Rev. Dr. E. A. Adeboye.

The festival seats at least 40,000 people from across 670 RCCG branches in the UK and from other parts of the world, and Ghana’s Alabaster Box was one of a few carefully selected and privileged gospel music ministers to share the stage with the RCCG General Overseer to minister on the night.

The group was the only acappella group and the only one invited from outside London to minister at the festival this year. That was the second time Alabaster Box performed at FOL. The first time was in November 2007.

Alabaster Box was billed to perform two songs on the night. But the awesome reception from the ecstatic massive crowd prompted event organizers to extend their performance period.

The group had actually left the stage after performing but they were called back and given the mics to perform again amidst thunderous cheers from the crowd.

Album release:

One of the hosts (MCs) for the night, Dr. Sola Irukwu used the occasion to announce the release of Alabaster Box’s third and new album “Level don Change”, and invited the group to minister that song, saying that it fits into the theme of the festival “My Cup Runneth Over”.

He said “it is my pleasure to announce to you that Alabaster Box has just released their new album at FOL tonight and the title is Level don’ Change – what an appropriate song for tonight – as we go through the Easter period we are believing God to move us to a higher level and this song carries that message.”

Prior to that, the Head Pastor of Jesus House, London and Chairman of all the 670 RCCG branches in the UK, Pastor Agu Irukwu had prayed over the new CD backstage and pronounced God’s blessing on it. Group Leader, Sammy Dowuona said “it was not an accident that Pastor Agu prayed over the CD because we were led to dedicate the title track ‘Level don’ Change’ to him on his 50th birthday celebration.”

Sammy said Pastor Agu is a very kind-hearted man who left the UK and came to Ghana to look for the Alabaster Box and invite them to his 50th birthday celebration in London.

“When we met him in Ghana he told us he decided to invite his best friends around the world to celebrate his golden jubilee and he thought of us as one of his best friends. We were blown away by his love and the place he has given us in his heart. Indeed he gave us a life line as a group and we believe God was at work through him,” Sammy said.

Touching on the new album itself, Sammy said the 10-track album is the third of Alabaster Box’s afroppella collections, and it took exactly 10 years since the launch of the second album in 2004, for the third to come.

“It is significant because the enemy tried everything to stop this album but it is here. The enemy is fully aware of the significance of the number three so he gave us a tough time with the completion and release of the third album.

“Now it is here and it is out. We believe it is destined to be a blessing to many around the world and everyone who buys a copy is sowing into a higher level of his/her own life,” group leader Sammy said. He said the album, particularly the title track “Level don Change” is already making waves in the UK, and they expect Ghana to and the rest of Africa to tap into the album even more.

Other tracks on the album at Halleluyah, Hakuna Wako Fana ana Yesu, Yen Agya, Bebre, The Grace, Thank, Oshe, I shall not die and a remix of Mama Africa.

Alabaster Box is due back in Ghana April 30th to start preparations toward the formal launch of the new album, after which the group will be meeting two booked appointments in Nigeria in June and in July this year.

But while in the UK, the group is due to hold two evangelistic concerts at Alperton Baptist Church in London on Easter Saturday and Sunday, minister at Praise Chapel on Easter Sunday morning, Safeway International Ministries. They will also participate in Integrity Conference at Trinity Baptist Church and also do a number of performances in churches and schools in Bath.

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azonto, origin of azonto dance

(AZONTO CRAZE) Having international carnivals for Azonto would definitely help to sustain the interest, development and popularity of the dance and most importantly promote Azonto as a Ghanaian asset. At this point, I would want to congratulate Flash Mob Ghana for coming up with the World Azonto Festival. This festival would indeed drive home the fact that Azonto is of Ghanaian origin. It's without doubt that Azonto originated from Ghana even though our neighbors are trying consciously and unconsciously to own it. I guess you have not forgotten about the Azonto-alingo fracas?

Azonto, as has been embraced now, is a Ghanaian dance which involves movement of most of the joints of the body in a rhythmic fashion. It involves knee bending and hip movements which are typical of most African dance forms. A very simple way of dancing Azonto is captured in the music video of FUSE ODG's “Azonto.'' Quite interestingly, daily activities involved in the way of life of a people are captured in the dance. Activities such as washing, boxing, lovemaking, driving, make-up application and others are depicted by the Azonto dance. Azonto is believed to have originated from towns like Bukom, Jamestown, Tema and other towns along the coast in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana.

 It's also said that Azonto became widespread as visitors from other parts of the capital visited a popular street bar called Club House where most people of Bukom also visit on weekends to do the dance. Information available suggests that the dance was initially called “apaa'' meaning “work,'' which also incorporated work activities such as washing, boxing, etc. Apaa was later changed to “Azonto,” a term used by the youth in SHS. It's also an undeniable fact that before Azonto became popular all over the country; youth in SHS had already taken to the dance.

In making Azonto very popular all over the country, names like Gasmilla, Sakordie, R2Bees, Castro, Stay J, Eduwojie, 4x4 and a lot more cannot be ignored but of much importance to me is the ownership of Azonto. Can any individual claim ownership of Azonto? “Who owns the Azonto dance? This question may sound trivial but if we do not have a united front to fight our neighbors over the ownership of Azonto, we may just be fighting a lost battle. I say this because some musicians in the country have already started raising their shoulders claiming that they originated the Azonto dance.

Hiplife artiste Akoo Nana now Nahna, made it categorically clear that he started the Azonto dance. He made this claim when he spoke to ETV's Ama Pokua Mensah on the program “Awake.'' On ETV's Late Nite Celebrity Show, FBS also declared that they originated Azonto and started doing the dance so many years ago. I see this situation as very funny yet annoying. When P Square released “alingo,” none of these artistes who are now claiming ownership of Azonto reacted in any way. However, they now deem it fit to claim ownership of Azonto after the release of Samini's “Azonto.”

I must emphasize that these artistes need to shut up their mouths and stop disturbing us that they own Azonto. Azonto is now a Ghanaian asset and we need to eschew individualism. Let's forget about who owns Azonto but rather come together to fight those who want to steal Azonto from us. If you are the originator of Azonto, so what?  Why don't you go ahead and register Azonto as your bonafide invention so that you don't find yourself in the shoes of MUSIGA?

Some few weeks back, as I watched Emmanuel TV, I came across a nice gentleman who had the evil one speaking and manifesting through him. The evil one made it categorically clear that most songs and dances that do not glorify God are used by the devil for his destructive activities. These songs and dances then become evil. Within the week, I watched a prayer and miracle program by Bishop Bonigas and in one instance, an evil spirit manifested through a young lady and said that Azonto is her name .The evil spirit revealed that her name - Azonto, which is also the current dance craze, is done in her kingdom which is found beneath water bodies. Need I say more? Absolutely no! I drop my “diabolic” pen. I rest my case.

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Sarkodie launches 30-track SARKOLOGY album

                                                                

Multiple award-winning hiplife artiste Michael Owusu Addo a.k.a Sarkodie has launched his long awaited SARKOLOGY album which was to be released in August this year.

The album was launched on Saturday, December 21 at the Accra Sports Stadium with a show dubbed ‘The Sarkology Release Concert’.

The concert which started around 10pm saw many hiplife artistes on stage dishing out spectacular performances to the audience.

Among the tall list of artistes who supported Sarkodie on the night were Stay Jay, Kwaw Kese, Efya, Fuse ODG, Joey B, Raquel, Ephraim, Donzy, Dee Money, Buda, Mr. Silver, Phoot Printz, Scizo and many others.

The BET award-winner who performed almost all his hit songs climbed the stage to make his fans feel the new ‘Sarkology’ album around 12:45. His performance was prefaced with a documentary to launch the ‘Sarkology’ album.

After performing close to 40 tracks, he finally called the Ghanaian-UK based artiste Fuse ODG to join him perform their hit song ‘Down On One’ which was the last performance from the two-times artistes of the year bringing the event to close at 2:40 Sunday morning.

Sarkodie on the night gave Ghanaians reasons to buy his Sarkology album with his energetic performance which kept the audience on their feet for close to two hours.

“Thank you Ghana. Sarkology is out” are the last words the ‘Illuminati’ hitmaker said at the event hosted by Mc Coaches.

By special request from the fans, Joey B’s hit single ‘Tonga’ was performed two times on the night after they couldn’t stand the heat of listening to it for once. The whole stadium shouted in chorus “repeat, repeat, repeat” after Joey B and Sarkodie finished performing the track for the first time.

Sarkodie’s 3rd album ‘Sarkology’ has 30 tracks and features over 20 top African artistes like Banky W, Davido, Efya, Raquel, Joey B, Efya, Tiwa, Savage, Sian, Fuse ODG, Vector, Aka, Burna Boy, Obrafour, Mugeez (R2bees), Kwaw Kese, J-Town, Viviane, Lil Shaker, Timaya, 2face and Stonebwoy.

The album has hit songs like Illuminati, You Already Know, Down On One, Elija, Once Chance, Wobaadanaa and many others.

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Nadia’s Jim Iyke in a nasty fight at East Legon

                                                        
Nigerian movie star Jim Iyke was involved in a brawl yesterday, at the Crave Café at Adjiringanor, East Legon in Accra.

According to an eyewitness account, some people were eating at the café, at about 5pm when a stout-looking gentleman in a black Range Rover with a Nigerian number plate, came to the café.

Jim Iyke also arrived about 20 minutes later in his Sports Chevy with a Nigerian number plate, and engaged the man in a heated argument over $10,000 which later turned into a nasty brawl on the street.

The eyewitness further explained that it became difficult for those around to separate the two, and at a point, Jim Iyke wanted to get into his car to pull out something which was suspected to be a gun, but he was prevented by those at the café.

The other man left but returned shortly with two policemen, one in mufti and other in uniform who arrested Jim Iyke and took him away.

But the eyewitness told The Ghanaian Times newspaper that barely 20 minutes later, the actor resurfaced at the venue, which created the impression the case had been ‘settled’ by the two policemen.

The Legon Police Commander in a telephone conversation, with The Ghanaian Times said, the men he dispatched to the venue had information of the scuffle, but those at the scene were reluctant to give the police in-depth account of what actually transpired, and so they were unable to bring the two men to the police station.

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Ghana Movie Awards need to grow in the right direction - Leila Djansi

                                                                   

Leila Djansi, has called the 2013 Ghana Movie Awards’ credibility into question, stressing that organizers need to do things right.

The film maker’s comment came after actress Joselyn Dumas was nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the movie, ’Northern Affair’ in the just released nominations for the 2013 Ghana Movie Awards.

Joselyn Dumas is competing that category with Lydia Forson, Lisa Nana Yaa Awuku, Rose Mensah (Kyeiwaa) and Roselyn Ngissah.

Leila took to social networking site Facebook to vent her displeasure with the nominations. According to Leila, who directed and produced ‘Northern Affair’, she finds it difficult to come to terms with the nomination of Joselyn Dumas in that category, when she played the lead role in the movie.

Well, we do agree with her. We have not yet seen the movie but all publicity on the movie so far has suggested that Joselyn Dumas is the lead character in the movie.

“Ghana Movie Awards, what on earth? How can Joselyn Dumas be nominated in supporting actress, when the entire story of A Northern Affair was told from her point of view?,” she questioned.

“Guys guys guys, if we are going to do something let us do it right. Please. We can’t continue like this. Get it together and get it right. GMA is a laudable enterprise but it needs to grow in the right direction,” Leila appealed to the organizers of Ghana Movie Awards.

The 2013 Ghana Movie Awards night is scheduled for Monday, December 30th, 2013 at the Accra International Conference Centre.

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Tim Westwood will be in Accra for Ghana Rocks Concert on the 27th

                                               
He is a top DJ on prime time British radio living in London, and he is headed to Accra this Xmas season to headline a crack list of DJs and UK acts appearing at this year’s ‘Ghana Rocks’ Concert; GHOne TV’s annual urban rave, alongside a power-packed line up of top GH and Naija showstoppers who will rule the stage come Friday, December 27, 2013 at the Accra International Conference Centre.

Tim Westwood, credited with helping to bring African music to mainstream British urban scene is the most recognized urban DJ in the UK and beyond.

It will be recalled that he recently hosted Ghana’s own Sarkodie for the second time in his London studios during his Crib Sessions show on BBC Radio 1Xtra, where the Obidiponbidi did a super fantastic freestyle delivery.

This year’s Ghana Rocks Concert itself has a super line up of Nigerian, UK and Ghanaian artistes, which list, though, yet to be revealed, promises to be a party-of-a-lifetime.

It will be an Afrobeats edition, and will seal the annual event as Ghana’s official hippest end-of-year rave. It has over the years witnessed amazing performances from both home-based and visiting international acts.

A multiple MOBO awards recipient, Tim Westwood is a celebrity DJ par excellence, and is regarded as the most influential figure in hip hop in Europe, and a promoter of the Afrobeats genre on the UK scene.

Last year’s concert recorded a phenomenal attendance with over 4000+ youthful music lovers thronging into the Dome for the jam, and thoroughly enjoying the thumping and pulsating tunes that was delivered by over 2000watts of sound power.

Closure of the Dome, our biggest indoor event venue, means, however, that the event will be held inside the auditorium of the Conference Centre, and will be as electrifying as has been over the years.

In its 6th year, the 2013 edition of Ghana Rocks is brought to by Vodafone and powered by Charterhouse.

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I am comfortable bleaching my skin - former GMB's Nasara

                                                           
Former Ghana's Most Beautiful winner Miriam Abdul Rauf popularly known as Nasara says she sees nothing wrong with bleaching her skin.

Nasara, who won the beauty pageant’s title in 2009 but was later stripped of it, speaking an interview with Deloris Frimpong Manson on the Delay show over the weekend confirmed that she has bleached her skin but insisted it was choice for which she has no regrets.

When she participated in and was crowned Ghana's Most Beautiful, a TV3 reality show, Nasara was dark skinned. But lately, the former Ghana Most Beatiful title holder, who is not new to controversy, has become fairer sparking speculations that she is bleaching.

The mother of twins confirms she is bleaching but explain that, "in life we are all entitled to what we want to do...I choose to tone my skin and I don't think it's a problem because if it were a problem to me, I won't do it." In fact "I love it," she added.

Nasara said she not "regret it." Unlike "those days when the creams were so harsh and cheap now there are better creams that will just tone your body...and will just befit you," she stated.

Reacting to assertions that prolonged bleaching could cause skin cancers, Nasara said "In life, everything comes with the bad aspects of it...when you are doing something, sometimes you don't really need to think about the bad part of it. I am just doing it because I am comfortable with it and I don't even think about the negative part of it."

Nasara made the headlines in 2012 when she was accused of stealing a mobile phone and make-up kit of Miss England during a beauty pageant outside the country - an allegation she denied.

She was consequently stripped of her Ghana Most Beautiful title.

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I’m not raising funds on Facebook - Lydia Forson

                                            
Africa Movie Award-winning actress Lydia Forson has announced to the general public that she is not raising funds on any social network.

The announcement follows claims that the she is raising funds on Facebook with a new account bearing her name, images and information.

But the bubbly actress has cautioned individuals who have given or may be lured to give money to anybody on the platform to block that account.

“If I ever need to raise any money in the future for a project, people will hear about it first in the news and the account will bare my name or the name of the organization,” she told NEWS-ONE.

“Anyone who sends money to someone on Facebook posing as me does this at their own risk. People should do a little bit more research before they agree to send money to someone they have never met,” Lydia added.

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BUK BAK’s Ronnie Coaches is dead

                                                     
Popular award winning group BUK BAK has lost one of its member, Ronnie Coaches to the cold hands of death.

The incident occurred in the wee hours of Thursday, November 21st.

He is reported to have suffered a heart attack before giving up the ghost at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.

The sad news comes on the heels of the group’s new singles ‘Feelings’ and ‘Ex Girlfriend’.

BUK BAK started off as a 3-man rap group with Prince Bright, Ronney Coches and Shoetan.

The trio registered a sensational hit with “Komi ke Kenaa” and soon became a household name. Their light-hearted and often amusing lyrics and catchy rhythms had both the old and young dancing.

However, Shoetan had to quit the group for his studies abroad. The remaining two remained strong and together and continued to release amazing hits after hits.

They went on to enjoy more success with albums like Awensem, Sika Kokoo and Gold Coast.

They have won several Ghana Music Awards and have performed in major cities across the globe.

Buk Bak was the first Hiplife group to be successful with Ga lyrics in Ghana. They rap in Ga, Twi and Pidgin.

They also banded with groups like K-2 (Juliana) and 4x4 to release more hit tracks.

In 2006, Ronnie and Bright pursued separate projects.

Bright debut album was quite successful with tracks like ‘Condom’ and ‘What Dem Plan.’

Some of their hit songs are Gonja Barracks, Komi ke kena, Klu Blofo, Chingilingi, Kelewele, Trotro, Dienpo, Akwasi broni, Tankase, U 4 know say, Kakatsofa, Kakalika, Twen me, Akwele ne Akuokor, Yenko ne brebre, Ma me odo, Kululu, Bibini ba.

The death of Ronnie is a sad news for Ghana and the entertainment family.

May his gentle soul rest in peace.

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Music duo DOBBLE nominated in Abidjan

Empire records signed music duo Dobble have been nominated for Best New Comer Africa at the Abidjan Music festival slated for November 8th-9th 2013.

The duo was nominated with their hit single ‘Ee-Manna’ and are in the same category with other artistes such as FUSEODG from Ghana, Greg from Burkina Faso and Serges Beynaud from Ivory Coast.

The Abidjan music festival is one of the biggest music festivals across the African continent and the music duos are optimistic of winning.

With only two and half years in the music business as group, Dobble have under their belt close to 10 music nominations both at home and Africa.

To vote for the music duo who recently released a Hi-life song – ‘Good Mood’, please click on the link below: http://www.abidjan-festival.com/VOTE/iespoirmasculin/

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Ghana’s Frank Kwarteng makes Nokia Don’t Break Da Beat Top 16 finalists

It appears that Frank Kwarteng is Ghana’s only hope in the Nokia Don’t Break Da Beat Top 16 after the list was announced this weekend.

After several weeks of auditioning, 16 finalists have been shortlisted in the rap competition which would be host in Nigeria in the coming weeks.

These 16 contestants will now move on to the next stage to compete for the cash prize of $20, 000.

The contestants are Nasir Abubakar, Samuel Falowo, Frank Kwarteng, Charles Ugochukwu Opara, Muyiwa Adebayo, Francis Ikhine, Chukwuebuka Dusten Anyasie, Bobai Bitiyong, Henry Chukwu, Samuel Falowo, Idowu Michael Kayode, Anthony Chukwuma Isamade, Muhammed Nasir Abubakar, Henry Onazi, Oshodin Imadeode Israel, Golden Worlu, Emmanuel Egwere and Miekharry Adefemi Brice; from Nigeria and Ghana respectively, made it this far by tweeting a rap line each, using one of the key features of the Asha 210 Smartphone with the hash tag, #DBDB2013 and also post their rap lines on Facebook.

In this next stage, they will record their rap performance which would be uploaded on Nokia Nigeria Facebook page to attract votes.

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AK Songstress steals show @ 4Syte Nominees Jam

For several music lovers in Kumasi, last Saturday will forever remain their most memorable day as they had a splendid night partying with their favourite hit makers on the Ghanaian music front.

The weekend witnessed the nominees’ jam of this year’s 4Syte Music Video Awards held at the forecourt of the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi.

It was all fun and excitement as the crowd danced to several hit songs from various artistes who blasted out of the giant speakers. It was amazing how the Dancehall queen, also known as the AK Songstress, connected with the enthusiastic crowd, as they kept screaming for more after her performance on stage.

The Dancehall queen, during her live performance, demonstrated her musical competency when she took the stage and treated the crowd to an unforgettable performance.

She performed some of her popular hit songs to the delight of the entire crowd, winning the hearts of a large number of music fans with her exquisite stagecraft, singing and dance skills.

A large number of music fans thought AK Songstress was a Jamaican artiste until the MC for the show, Bola Ray of Joy FM announced that the Dancehall queen is a Ghanaian.

According to some of the organizers of the event, AK was a blast; the two songs she performed were all that she needed to make a statement about the quality of her songs. She performed commendably, causing the entire crowd to remain on their feet till the end of her performance.

After her splendid performance, most people agreed that AK had “arrived musically”, and wanted to know whether she would perform at the 4Syte Music Video Awards Night.

“We could make the world stand up and notice Africa in a different light, culturally. AK Songstress’ talent is amazing, but I do not think she is getting the right opportunity to showcase it,” said a Kumasi-based radio presenter after interviewing her.

The presenter stressed that AK, who sings with passion, was ready for the world. “Telling from what I have heard of her music, I believe I can definitely add another flavour that can help take her to another level,” he told BEATWAVES.

Some of the artistes who also performed at the show included VIP, Kwaw Kese, Sala, Bradez, Jupiter and Bisa.

The 4Syte Music Video Awards is slated for November 16, 2013 at the Accra International Conference Centre.

This year’s edition is sponsored by MTN with support from Accra Brewery Limited (ABL).

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MUSIGA lauds Kwabena Kwabena

The Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) says it "salutes" Kwabena Kwabena for his ongoing initiative to raise funds in support of patients at the Korle Bu National Cardiothoracic Centre through the “Save a Life" concert.
The concert which comes off this Saturday October 19, 2013 at the state House in Accra will be supported by Samini, OJ, Efya, Funny Face, Joojo, Okyeame Kwame, Stella Seal, Sarkodie and Becca.
MUSIGA says it is happy by the "recent spate at which many of her members are embarking on social corporate responsibilities in helping to address some of the critical issues that affect society as a whole."
The group lauded Kwabena Kwabena and the supporting Artistes for using music as a tool to influence and create developmental and progressive change. These were contained in a press statement issued Thursday.
The statement also urged other musicians to emulate Kwabena Kwabena's "laudable" initiative.
"The Union equally recognizes the likes of Okyeame Kwame, Becca, Dela Hayes, Lynx All stars, Chemphe, Kwaw Kesse, Sherifa Gunu, Nicholas Omane Acheampong, Obour and the many others who have taken it upon themselves to use the powerful tool of Music to help in making this world a better place for all", the statement added.
The statement was signed by MUSIGA General Secretary, Mrs Deborah Anaman.

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Micah Stampley, Mali Music, Cwesi Oteng and others for SingOut 2013, September 14

In 2011, the Midnight Crew of “Igwe” fame were invited Ghana as the main guest artiste for a big musical concert organized at the Accra International Conference Centre to tie in with Ghana’s 54th Independence Day Anniversary. Other groups that performed during the concert were No Tribe and DSP Kofi Sarpong.

Following the success of the concert, the organizers followed with a Peace Concert in 2012 in commemoration of the birthday of the first president of the Republic of Ghana, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, and for a peaceful 2012 elections.

The main artiste was Deitrick Haddon of “He’s able” fame from the United States of America. Proceeds of both concerts were used for our annual medical outreach program for the people of La.

This year, the concert will be held at the Accra International Conference Centre on Saturday 14th September 2013 with Micah Stampley and Mali Music from the United States of America headlining plus Cwesi Oteng and Monarch’s Praise with special appearance by Funny Face.

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Beyonce's sister Solange Knowles is in Ghana?

We have gathered that the sister of Grammy Award winning artiste Beyonce, Solange Knowles is currently in Ghana.

It's unclear when the American singer, songwriter, and model arrived in the country and what her mission is but sources have confirmed spotting her in town.

She tweeted some hours ago that: "Accra, and the preacher man who is live and full effect, 6:13am. Dave is hyphy. Adam, pointing out cute puppies. Sampha, sleep. I wide eyed."

Some industry persons who seem to have come into contact with the American are tight-lipped about her visit but did give indication that she is in town for some businesses.

One person disclosed that Solange had a voice/recording session with Ghanaian multi-talented instrumentalist, producer and programmer, Kwame Yeboah.

More soon…

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Lil Shaker joins EL, Cwesi Oteng on BBNZ Live

Lil Shaker is joining record label BBNZ LIVE, fellow mate E.L has confirmed.

EL has told two Accra-based radio stations that the singer/rapper is the latest signee to the label, becoming the third mainstream artiste to be signed onto the label, Cwesi Oteng, the other.

Preparatory works for Lil Shaker’s upcoming album are ongoing, and should be released pretty soon. This comes ahead of the release of label mate, EL’s latest single, ‘See Me Suffer’ featuring Shaker.

A talented act with an appreciable street credibility, Lil Shaker goes to his new home, already-made. He was one of the early members of hip hop group Skillions, which enjoyed some colossal success years ago.

In recent times, he’s featured on works of Sarkodie (the Magnom-produced LIES), I No Dey See You Sef, and also on the cover of Ace Hood’s Buggati (Buzanga), all produced by Magnom.

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I wish I could have my privacy - Sarkodie

Ghana’s finest and fastest rapper, Sakodie says he wishes he could enjoy his privileges as a public figure and still have his privacy.

Speaking on Citi Fm’s Brunch in the Citi with Jessica Opare Safo, he further revealed that although he was enjoying certain privileges as a public figure, the attention he gets makes him very uncomfortable sometimes.

“I wish I could have the privileges and still have my normal life which I know it is not possible. I don’t enjoy it when for instance people look at the way I eat my meals in restaurants. Sometimes people don’t even understand why I visit places like the washing bay.”

According to him, as a public figure, there was a major threat to his security since he was not sure people really liked or hated him.

He revealed that most of the lyrics he wrote were based on his feelings, sentiments, and experience in life.

“I like to be real, if I feel much loved, I do those kind of songs,” he said

Explaining the reason for what many describe as bragging in his raps, he said that “rap is competitive and you always have to brag to give the impression that you are the best”

He also said it was a privilege for him to place eighth in the 2013 list of Top 10 Richest/Bankable African Artistes compiled by Forbes and Channel O.

“It is a great feeling. If it came from Ghana then you can say I was given that privilege because they understand what I am doing but this is from Africa and this serves as an encouragement to work harder.”

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I am still the best - Obrafour declares

It has been more than three years since he released a song and the hiplife scene is being ruled by a new crop of artistes but Obrafour believes he is still a force to reckon with.

The Rap Sofo who wants to be known now as Obrafoforo, said his absence from the music scene is not because he had become a spent force but he had to keep a low profile due to ill health.

In an interview with Showbiz last week, Obrafoforo said “yes I have been missing for some time but I am still the best. I haven’t been very well but thank God I am fine now. I haven’t done any new songs but just listen to the choruses I have done for musicians like Sarkodie, Lousika among others and that should tell anyone that I am still good at what I do. Infact, I am still the best.”

Obrafoforo, known for hit songs like Pae Mu Ka, Asem Sebe, Tofa, Ntetee Pa and Heavy said he is currently in the studio and almost done with 25 tracks for his up- coming album due out by the end of the year. The album which will be his seventh features Lousika, Sarkodie and Edem.

Touching on his change of name, Obrafoforo said it has become necessary because he wants to draw closer to God. “I have come to realise that the name Obrafour, meaning an executioner, will not help me anymore. Now that I want to spread the word of God through my music, Obrafoforo is more appropriate.”

Asked if he would follow the likes of Lord Kenya and Ofori Amponsah, both secular musicians who have gone gospel since encountering God, Obrafoforo, a father of two said he was not going gospel because he had seen God.

“My songs have never been profane so there is no need to go gospel. I have been singing since childhood and I like the fact that Ghanaians have come to like my style of music. I’ll still do rap music but it will be solely based on winning souls for Christ,” the Pae Mu Ka hit-maker said.

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I have upgraded as an artiste - Trigmatic

I have upgraded as an artiste - Trigmatic

Rapper and first winner of the Ghana Music Awards Best Rapper of the Year accolade in 2011, Trigmatic, has stated that, he has upgraded as a musician. He said he has moved from being just a rapper who mimes on stage to an artiste with a 'whole package' of a musician.

"I think I just moved from being just a rapper to a whole package, from singing, working with an instrument ... I'm learning, I'm getting there." He told satirist, Kwaku Sintim Misa on the 'Thank God Its Friday' show, now branded as 'The KSM Show'.

Trigmatic's performance at the 3rd edition of the African Legends Night concert which was headlined by Nigerian super star Femi Kuti and Ghana's Amakye Dede, was described by many as "He killed it".

Being the only rapper among Highlife musicians, Trigmatic didn't disappoint as he performed with a live band and succeeded in mesmerizing the patrons. He proved many doubting Thomases wrong with that performance which earned him an interview with KSM who was the MC on the night.

Speaking about why he find it necessary to upgrade, Trigmatic said he felt he wasn't being challenged where he was and moreover he believes that in every profession, upgrading oneself is necessary.

"I want to be challenged a lot... I wasn't being challenged and apart from that where the world is going, you need to advance and people now understand live music and the world is embracing live music. Even those who do minus ones... they still do their verses on the beats like that, so I just feel that in any profession, you need to upgrade and move on. I thought as the world is moving on, I just have to move on with it."

He said African music is growing fast and the world is moving to a direction that has given birth to collabos between American and African artistes.

"With music, I think, especially, that African music has really grown very fast with people beginning to do international collabos like Jay Z ... and Rick Ross finding the need to record with P-Square and co, it's because they have realized there is a market here in Africa that they probably are not looking at, so if you want to get there, you might as well want to do what will get you there."

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Musicians advice Joyful Way to withdraw suit against Joyce Blessing

Reports reaching BEATWAVES indicate that a number of musicians and music lovers in the Christian community in Ghana are amazed at the news that the respected contemporary gospel music group, Joyful Way Incorporated has instructed their lawyers to institute legal action against a gospel artiste Joyce Blessing for copyright infringement.

The action was taken against Joyce for infringing on the group’s copyright in respect of its song ‘Wahenni To Rentwa Da’ in Joyce Blessing recent hit song ‘Nyame Egwamaa.’

The musicians wanted Joyful Way to withdraw the suit for the sake of the harmony and cohesion in the ministry of Christ since they are all working to promote the teachings of Christ.

According to the musicians who spoke to BEATWAVES in separate interviews, since the harm had already been done, Joyful Way should find other means of settling the issue instead of going to court.

The musicians who were not happy about the turn of events also called on the management of Media Excel, producers of Joyce Blessing to humbly apologize to Joyful Way for taking a portion of its lyrics without permission.

“Members of Joyful Way should also forgive and forget since we are all working to promote the teachings God,” one of them appealed.

Meanwhile, in a statement issued by E. A. Boate, he stated that all gospel musicians claim their songs are inspired by the Holy Spirit presumably for use in the business of the Lord Jesus Christ and the Church, asking “if so then why should the players in the sector take up arms against each other as in this case?”

He said surprisingly the title of Joyful Way’s song means “Your Kingdom is eternal” while Joyce Blessing’s means “The Lamb of God”, both eulogizing the Lord Jesus Christ.

“So what is the matter if the songs are of the Holy Spirit and not the work of man or woman for commerce?” He asked.

“I think contemporary Christian artistes must learn from the Christian fathers who were inspired to write various hymns for the Church which we all sing and enjoy today in the spirit of worshiping the King of Kings.

Joyful Way is one of the Ministries I very much respect in the country. It pioneered contemporary Gospel music in Ghana. It has stood the test of time, keeping to the vision of the forerunners of the group some of whom have died.”

He stressed that many artistes in the gospel sector took inspiration from the foundation the group laid, adding the intended action of Joyful Way to drag Joyce Blessing to court is a hit below the belt of Christian service.

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