Spotlight

[2009-10-17]
US based Gospel Music artiste; Adwoa Frimpong released Debut CD

[2009-10-08]
US Movie Premiere of "Heart of Men" in Maryland

Entertainment News

• Nadia Buari Wins ZAFAA Award
• Gospel artiste Sonnie Badu to perform at National Theatre
• Porno Girl Breaks Silence
• Thronging Ovation at Silverbird to see Michael Jackson’s THIS IS IT
• Africa must protect rich cultural heritage- Vice Chancellor
• Tony Yeboah assaults hiplife artiste
• NAFTI strengthens global film networking for students
• Are Men Intimated By Educated Women?
• Musician starts library at Zorko
• National Theatre unveils African Cinderella Logo
• Former student wins Brong-Ahafo beauty contest
• More Headlines

The Buzz (Showbizz Blog)

Born Benjamin Nii Kpani Addy in the city of Toronto, he started writing lyrics as early as age 10 but started performing professionally at about the age of 19. His music which is influenced by a multiplicity of genres is often inspirational and real. He has completed work on his mix album, ‘Preemo Donna’ and is ready for launching on-line and on CD late November.

Spek Won is also a member and founder of a group of young talented Africans, mainly Ghanaians in Toronto, called Z-BOIZ (Zongo Boiz). The coalition consists of musicians, fashion designers, dancers, producers etc.

I caught up with the budding musician to find out more about his music, inspirations and aspirations. Read Interview

He declared that Ghanaian local gospel songs lack lyrical direction when compared to that of Nigeria, adding, “This has contributed to the country’s inability to produce international gospel stars”.

Sonnie Badu, who was responding to a question on whether he was Nigerian or Ghanaian since he enjoys performing in the Nollywood country said, “There is some truth about what they (Nigerians) say.

I realize that Ghanaians have the same too, but we Ghanaians don’t have enough confidence to come out with certain things. Let us take Nigerian songs for example; they are quite straight, simple, praising and thanking God for a lot of things”.

However, he said, it is different from most Ghanaian gospel songs. “Sometimes you listen to certain songs and you think do all songs have to talk about death and I am struggling, and I am sick, and I am ill?

The songs don’t make sense. Sometimes you listen to the lyrics yareyeya and all of that, it doesn’t exalt God.

“It is about time we pick some true songs of worship and choose songs of praise about the awesomeness of God. I get invited to Nigeria a lot; I am a hundred per cent Ghanaian and I am proud to be a Ghanaian”.

The winner of the Best Gospel Act 2009 at the recently held BEFFTA awards in the United Kingdom, said lyrics were not the only reason impeding local gospel stars’ chances of climbing onto the international stage, but it also because Ghanaians themselves don’t appreciate their own.

According to him, till Ghanaians start appreciating and cherishing its music stars, and till the musicians themselves also make use of Ghana’s traditional high life rhythms, besides other marketing strategies, their international dreams will just be a wild goose chase.

Sonnie’s upcoming concert today November 7 2009 is by courtesy of Orange Africa, an events management company.

This year has not been any different as the 10 beautiful delegates have embarked on several exciting adventures since the competition was outdoored.

The contestants, who made a trip to South Africa last week, have returned home to prepare for the final event which will feature seasoned music icons Sarkodie, Bradez, 4X4, Wande Coal and the Mo’Hits Squad.

During the trip to South Africa, the contestants visited some important tourist sites including the residence of the former South African president, Nelson Mandela.

The object of the trip was to offer the contestants a fantastic opportunity to learn about Eco-Tourism in South Africa.

The event was organized by Abrantie Amakye Dede to welcome US-based business tycoon, Amoah Sintim, and friends back home.

Abrantie, whose live musical performances have won the hearts of many music lovers, treated the audience to an unforgettable performance.

Hilarity ensued as the prolific highlife musician treated the excited audience to some serious dance moves on stage.

Amakye Dede was at his best as he took everybody by surprise; thrilling music lovers onto their feet while they danced and sang alongside him.

Abrantie and the members of his Apollo High Kings International Band won the hearts of many with their exquisite stagecraft to the extent that fans kept asking for more even when their time was up.

With his music and style of play at the Abrantie Spot that night, Amakye Dede convinced some music critics that he is still one of the leading entertainers in Ghana.

Abrantie Amakye Dede, in a chat after the show, told Daily Guide that that the show was also organized by his outfit to entertain his fans, friends, relatives and loved ones who attended the engagement ceremony between Mavis Ohenewaa and Amoah Sintim, aka Pop Stone.

He disclosed that Sintim happened to be a good friend who had lived in the States for so many years, and since he was in the country to marry his (Amakye) sister, he was very happy.

According to sources, based on the good relationship between the two, they decided to organize a dinner party and musical jam to entertain their guests.