“Documentary Film, Home Grown” takes Ghana music industry to the next level….

Since launching Boogie Down Nima Productions (BDNP), Hashim Haruna has far exceeded expectations. Born and bred in Nima, Hashim Haruna is the new CEO of Better Development of Nima (BDN), the NGO that compliments the music, events, and entertainment goals of Boogie Down Nima Productions.

Sometimes referred to as “The Mayor of Nima” or “Hash”,  Hashim has become the epitome of a hip-life entrepreneur. “Hash” and his partner Eli Jacobs-Fantauzzi, known as “Eli” -CEO of Clench Fist productions; has taken Hip-Life Music to the much needed next level. While the Ghana Music Industry slowly evolves ; BDNP is making steadfast power moves, similar to those made by Bad Boy Entertainment” and “Roc A Fella Records.  With the new release of the film, “Home Grown”, Boogie Down Nima Productions has taken Ghana’s Music Industry to another level…..

The critically acclaimed film, “Home Grown”  premiered in Ghana on February 1, 2008 at Frankies Hotel in Nima.  Produced by Clenchedfist Productions & Boogie Down Nima Productions, “Home Grown” is a hip-life documentary featuring the origins and impact of Hip Life Music on other cultures around the world.  The documentary follows the struggles, perserverance, and challenges of VIP; one of Ghana’s most successful group of talents.

Much like the birth of Hip-hop in the Bronx during the mid 1970s, the film casts Ghana’s most notorious zongo community; Nima, into the world spotlight. Nii Futah, Chief of Nima, provided opening remarks for the documentary launch.  He commended both Boogie Down Nima Productions and VIP for “marketing” Nima both locally and internationally adding, “Because of you, the name of Nima has gone far.”

Hip-Life artistes present at the launch included Reggie Rockstone, originator of Ghanaian Hip-Life, Tinny, Sydney, Mzbel, Tic Tac, Faze from Nigeria and a host of other musicians from  Africa and the Caribbean.

According to film producer Eli Jacobs-Fantauzzi,  “This film is needed to help audiences understand the inter-connectivity of Africa and the U.S.  The film will affect change on three main levels; intellectual, emotional, and practical. Historically, Africa has been portrayed negatively in school curricula, in the press, and in films. The majority of Americans think Africa is one country, not understanding it’s diverse socio-political and historical roots. By using Ghana as a focus, the film illustrates the cross-cultural influences between Africa and the U.S., highlighting issues that shape the way of life in both countries”.

“Eli” has already won prestigious awards with his earlier film, Inventos: Hip Hop Cubano. After graduating with a Masters degree from the Tisch School of the Arts at NYU, his film Inventos won the Best Documentary Film Award at the Pan African Film Festival in Denver, Colorado.U.S.A.

To celebrate the release of Home Grown, BDNP is set to embark on an unprecendented world-wide release tour of the film in several countries including Brazil, England, India, South Africa, Nigeria, Canada, Italy, Norway, Jamaica, and the United States of America.

While in Accra, both Eli and Hashim will start renovations for a  youth center in Nima:  a commitment that Hashim has dedicated his life to by donating most of the proceeds from BDNP  to the youth center.  Unlike other NGO projects in Ghana, the BDN youth center will mirror the works of it’s founders through a strong arts program that teaches the fundamentals of business, music and art. BDN is also partnered with the Youth Institute of Science & Technology NGO  School in Agogo where BDN provides scholarships for female children.

The year 2008 appears to be the year Boogie Down Nima Productions sets itself apart from the rest with over six major events confirmed for this year’s calendar.

March 29, 2008; BDNP will feature the most highly anticipated event of the year;  “America’s first Hip Life Tour”…kicking off in New York City,  with ten cities following.  This Ghana @51 concert guarantees to be a star-studded event.

June 1, 2008  Official release date of the “Hip Life Invasion” DVD & Mix-tape…guaranteed to ship platinum…

June 2008   The Annual DJ Appreciation Night showcasing the best of the best party rockers.

July 4, 2008, BDNP represents for Bronx, NY at the  Atlanta Urban Exposure Fashion Show Benefit featuring Ghana’s top emerging designers.

August 2008, BDNP does it again at the Annual New York Ghana Fest Picnic.

For more information; visit www.bdnvision.org, www.hiplifemovie.com, www.clenchfistproductions.com, or  email bdnent@gmail.com.