Edem better known as Disastrous the African King gives a preview of his latest album, Ghana Made, American Influenced. The album is for the streets and distribution will be done on the streets.

Watch video: Disastrous gives an insight to his album

Never has it happened in UK. The reason why Ghana Music.com is saying that is, the biggest event promoters; Alordia Music Production and D Visions operators of Akwaaba UK are merging for the Gospel Music Splash 2008. It will be a holy fabulous show! Gospel lovers are so curious about the show can’t stop talking about it! It is expected to be a great turnout.

The 3-day event features Martyrs of Christ, Fred Agyeman Manu and Noble Nketia as the headline artistes.  There will be over 10 artistes on the stages.
The three day event is set for 12th June, 13th June and 14th June. Alordia Music Productions and Akwaaba UK presents each program so that it is appropriate to the age-group involved.

That makes this is a great program for Sunday School, Children’s Church, Church Banquets or Community Church Outreaches.

Martyrs of Christ’s also known in real life as Evangelist Robert Bazie and Ackah Bazie worship style incorporates a unique variety of ballads, contemporary and prophetic selections. The ministry has traveled nationallyto spread the word of God through their music and will be making a major appearance in UK.
The project of Martyrs of Christ features a variety of inspirational songs for every age. Martyrs of Christ will be accompanied by Michael Nuertey Doku (oraganist), Kwesi Ocansey, (oraganist), Lloyd Edem Attipoe (manager/producer).

Fred Agyeman Manu is another young man who is always at his best when it comes to spreading the gospel through music. Fred Agyeman Manu recollects to Ghana Music.com that he has been able to bless lots of unbelievers with his songs.

Noble Nketsiah is no stranger to the gospel music scene as he stages an inspiration performance to the UK.
The Gospel Music Splash will be held at Troxy, UK.  For details as they become available, visit Ghana Music.com for more updates.

Feed brought to you by: Ghana Music Watch Latest Ghanaian music videos.

People have taken pleasure in this kind of retreating and heartwarming entertainment anytime Vibrators of the Earth Dance Ensemble make a cultural appearance in villages, art centers, social gatherings or concerts.

Vibrators of the Earth Dance Ensemble represent traditional West African style of singing, drumming, and dancing in Africa.

Vibrators of the Earth Dance also teach local songs not forgetting the drumming and dancing that accompanies the songs.

Vibrators of the Earth Dance Ensemble are made of men and young girls from Ghana and mostly of different tribes and languages, but all live permanently in Ghana.
“The group is well known on the African continent for performance of professional cultural display. Our group is made up of seasoned musicians, dancers, cultural performers, acrobatics performers, drummers and many others, the leader said.

One thing that one will always notice about them is that they are always showcase Africa’s rich culture. “We are committed to preserving customary African music dance”, a female member said.

Their undeniable piece has led to many high institutions recommending them for performance on many stages. They are presently looking forward to establish affiliations and participate in international shows and festivals all around the world to also raise the flags of Ghana high.

Jude Lomotey is a gospel artiste, national treasurer for the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) and a social worker who greatly enjoys doing something else: taking care of her three children- Rhoda Naa Adoley Lomotey, nine, Jethro Nii Addokwei Lomotey, six and six months old Lois Naa Shidaa Adorkor Lomotey.

2003 was an extremely busy year for Jude. That was when she came out with W’agye Me Aboso and travelled across the country to perform. There were times her husband had to be in town with their children so they could be together.

That sort of scenario has not been in play for a few years now but she finds her hands still full most of the time. Effectively combining her different roles, she says, boils down to discipline.

“I have worked out an itinerary for myself and I do my best to stick it. It revolves around the children because I like to give them the best care possible.”

Though performances are far and between these days for Jude, she spends some time crafting new songs and imparting relevant bits of her knowledge in social work to fellow musicians.

She is particularly interested in how musicians fare when they are no longer in the limelight and that involves scheduled meetings with groups of musicians.

“Music is not just entertainment. It is also about survival and ensuring some dignity for yourself. I tell lots of older musicians that once they are alive, it is not late to start putting structures in place for a decent life.”

She sees herself as a sort of motivational person, drawing on a combination of her professional studies in accounting and social work and grasp of Christian principles.

She counts herself lucky to have a supportive husband, mother and sisters-in-law who are always willing to help care for the children when she is busy with other things.

“I’m just blessed to have all those people around me. We are all one big family so the stress of having to do everything for the children all by myself is reduced.”

During the 2003 International Women’s Day Celebration in New York, the then United Nations Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, noted the important role women plai in society and said: “Study after study has shown that there is no effective strategy in which women do not play a central role.”

Some women have roles to play in Jude bringing up her children and she herself is constantly appreciating the central role she has to play to keep her family together and also help some of her colleague musicians hold on more firmly to the future.

Ghanaian rapper Nasty Tay spent the first 13years of his life in Takoradi and has since lived in Sweden and England but it seems he has not been able to shake off the ‘hard and sleek guy’ image usually adopted by young men from the famous port city.

That’s how Nasty comes across on his second collection of songs, Ma San Aba, which has been released on the Coldeye Records label. References are made to Takoradi and being Fante on songs like Something Good, Onuhe Dani Oba, Ma San Aba, Vibrate and Taadi, all of which help Nasty to convey a portrayal of an uproarious place that he appears to be very fond of.

Information about the artiste indicate that he made an album with Ben Brako which did not fly at all.

After some reflection and research into what’s current on the Ghanaian scene, he has come up with the Ma San Aba collection which fits well into the hiplife mode. Watch video: Ma San Aba by Nasty Tay feat. Humble

Featuring other artistes like Ex-Doe, Humble, King Dee, K.K. Vidash, Yaw Richie and Odenke Warrior, a couple of tracks on Nasty’s new work show traces of some of the oversubscribed ‘beats’ heard often on hiplife albums by home-based artistes, but he manages to vary the feel in the songs and generally presents himself as a rap artiste looking for appreciation from across board. Watch Obolo by Nasty Tay feat. Ex Doe

Nasty has a style that genuine hip hop lovers, no matter their location, are likely to hail. His background paints him as a person who has faced tough times in Sweden where he fell in love with hip hop.

He also found something to appreciate in R&B and Ma San Aba is essentially a catchy blend of the two styles with his Ghanaian experience.

Nasty’s website lists American rappers Big Daddy Kane, Cool Mo Dee and Jay Z as some of his biggest influences.
It is evident from his general approach that he has listened to a lot of American rap and has learnt to, where necessary, employ mininal instrumentation to back his raps.

Songs like Something Good and Abodwe Se thrive on uncluttered bass and drum combinations to keep attention on the lyrics.

Nasty appears consumed with the topic of romantic love and some of the lyrics are rather risque, maybe an unnecessary pandering to some of the coarse antics of some of his American influences.

Several abroad-based Ghanaians have in the past come out with releases and then vanished from the music radar. Nasty is aware of that and states at his website that “Nasty’s music will never die so hate it or love it Nasty is here to stay.”

Nasty can stay but whether his music stays in the hearts of people is an issue he must always be conscious of whenever he tackles his lyrics and other components of his presentation.

In recognition of her fight against child molestation and her desire to assist the less privileged in society, hiplifer Mzbel has earned a new feather in her cap.

Last Friday, at the National Theatre, Shear Power Ventures, organisers of the Portrait of an Excellent Woman presented the Encouragement Award to Mzbel for her courage and will power. Watch E Dey Be by Mzbel feat. Castro

And that is not the only achievement the pretty 28-year-old singer can boast of. As reported earlier in Showbiz, she is also preparing herself for the US, where she will be addressing an African Women in the Diaspora conference in June this year for her anti-child molestation campaign in Ghana.

According to Ewra Adwoa Buahema, Development Facilitator for Shear Power Ventures, “this young lady has in recent times suffered traumatic experiences within our society. She has been physically and emotionally abused, publicly criticised and perhaps misunderstood.”

Though laden with bruises and wounds, Mzbel managed to dust herself off, pick herself up, and start walking again for which reasons the organisers deemed it fit to honour her.

“But why Mzbel?” was the question many seem to be asking when it initially came to light that she was being presented with an award. Ewra explained that Mzbel’s experience though unique to her, is representative of many dilemmas and challenges that the youth face today, in a complex, dynamic and multicultural world.

An equally elated Mzbel who was beaming with smiles and obviously happy with the award told Showbiz that she intends to go all the way to nuture, nourish and encourage the self esteem and spirits of the youth.

On the said night, ten portraits of excellence who have undoubtedly set themselves apart as role models were also awarded for the excellence that they had displayed in their lives and works by the Minister of Women and Children’s Affairs, Hajia Alima Mahama.

The ten women were nominated by opinion groups in their regions and selected against four pillars of excellence: Duty, sacrifice, integrity and approachability.

looking majestic in rich fabrics, the women took turns to take their award as they received cheers from the audience.

Master of Ceremony for the evening Fritz Baffour made all attempts to revive the dull evening even after the Calvary Methodist Junior Choir, the Ramblers International Band and Kwabena Kwabena had performed incredibly.

It came as no surprise when the special guest and keynote speaker, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin, chief of Akyem Abuakwa, after delivering an impelling speech on positive perspectives, the role of women in development and change, left with his entourage, apparently for a trip.

It was sponsored by Ghana Commercial Bank, Marie Stopes International, Women’s World Banking and Merchant Bank.

If you have been wondering where leading gospel artiste Ohemaa Mercy got the encouragement to be where she is now, the answer is clear: from her mother.

The songstress, who recently won the Gospel Artiste of the Year, Gospel Album of the Year and Album of the Year honours at the 9th MTN Ghana Music Awards main event, now has two children of her own- Kelvin Nyamekye Twum-Ampofo, four and Emmanuel Nhyira Twum-Ampofo, one-and is determined to also be a truly warm and caring friend to them. Watch Menwu Da by Ohemaa Mercy

Her perculiar situation is that she is a performer in demand at the moment and often has to stay away from her children. She admitted to Showbiz that it is a tough balancing act but she manages to spend quality time with them whenever possible.

“All children need their mothers. The older one often asks why I’m not home a lot of the time and I try to explain things to him,” Ohemaa said as she cuddled her two boys during the interview.

“I don’t have a lot of time for them but I try to solve their problems and make them happy at the times that I’m home.”

Making them happy, by her description, entails taking them out sometimes or just being around at home and chatting and laughing together.

“For me as a Christian mother, I believe making them aware of God’s word, even at their tender ages is important. Emmanuel is still too young to understand certain things but we involve Kelvin in our morning devotion and he sometimes wakes me so we can pray if he happens to be up earlier.”

Ohemaa says the zeal to please God was instilled in her by her mother and also attributes the desire to succeed to her.

“My early understanding of certain important Biblical tenets came from my mother. She also supported me all the way when I was getting into singing. My father was not so enthused about it but my mother who saw the talent early and urged me on. I would not be the Ohemaa Mercy everyone knows now without her. I talk to her regularly and I thank God for her life.”

Despite her strong feelings about her mother, Ohemaa contends that it is not only our biological mothers who nurture and care about us and that it is necessary to always acknowledge the other mother figures in our lives.

“Women are special people in God’s sight. He listens to their prayers when they genuinely and wholeheartedly cry to him. That’s why I ask all women to pray for God’s favour so that we can stand firmly at all times for our families and our nation.”

Her mother was her anchor and she has, despite her often busy schedule, positioned herself to be a rock for her children to cling to.

Adane Best counts himself one of the happiest musicians around at the moment because soon after winning the Highlife Album of the Year honour at the 9th MTN Ghana Music Awards (GMA) held last month, he has shifted into top gear with the Bukom Ensemble in preparation for next month’s Kuumba Festival in Knoxville, Tennessee in the United States.

Adane has consistently harnessed indigenous elements in his music and he told Showbiz he is glad of the opportunity to export his sweet melodies to the United States by courtesy of the Kuumba Festival.

The Kuumba Festival was started in 1989 by local Knoxville artists and community activists to showcase local African American arts and artistes thereby sharing, educating and exposing rich cultural art forms to the Knoxville community.

It is the largest African American cultural arts festival in East Tennessee. This year’s festival, scheduled for June 26 through June 29, will be a multi-event celebration with more than 200 entertainers performing on three stages.

According to Adane’s management team of J. Kwabena Kansis and Baffour Owusu Fordjour, the festival organisers are keen this year to showcase good quality music from Africa and they readily jumped at the idea of an award winner from Ghana backed by an experienced group like the Bukom Ensemble.

“Every chance to sell Ghanaian and African culture should be grabbed because we have so much to show the world,” Kansis told Showbiz. “Adane has proved over the years that he can always deliver great stuff and the Kuumba Festival will be a unique platform for him to sell himself to America and the rest of the world.”

Last month’s GMA award was the second for Adana after grabbing the Highlife Song of the Year award in 2003 with his massively popular Manfio hit. He had ealier won the Entertainment Critics and Reviewers Association of Ghana (ECRAG) award for Best Dance Music with his debut recording, Ayite in 1992.

“I love highlife and the fexibility it allows you to explore melody and lyrics,” Adane stated. “I’m glad I won an award this year and I hope everyone who attends the Kuumba Festival in Tennesse will have a good taste of Ghanaian music from me and the Bukom Ensemble.”

The Bukom Ensemble was started by the late percussionist and flutist Nii Adu ‘Big Boy’ Ofoliquaye in the early 1980s after breaking away from the famous Wulomei of which he was a founding member.

Big Boy’s son, David, is now in charge of the group which still dishes out infectious folk-driven compositions.
Adane never dreamt of reaching such a level years ago when he bought and sold fish as a youngster on the beaches of Accra.

He learned about life the hard way after the death of his mother and that informs his approach to the message-filled songs he has brought out so far on his seven albums.

“What you say in a song is important because you can affect lives negatively with lose lyrics. We musicians must always try to bring out the best in people with our work.”

Adane has featured on recordings for several artistes including Borax, Kaseem Bebe and Tinny. He cannot say which is his favourite recording at the moment because he believes his best is yet to come.

For now, his concentration is on coming up with a great package for the 19th Kuumba Festival in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Terry (a.k.a. Hot Sauce) and Eric (a.k.a. Scrappy) have formed the youngest Ghanaian based record label in the United States of America.

One thing that makes them stand out tall is the signing of the newest sensation, Realyz. After the release of Realyz album, E. & T. will be adding more artistes to its music rooster.

With all two members of the E. & T. Productions involved in various outside projects and schooling, they still have a taste for music to which they were doing formerly.

The boys are new on the scene but have promised to make a mark on the scene. Wanna know more about Terry and Eric, then read on.

Ghana Music.com: Who is Eric?
Terry: Terry is a very talented and outgoing person who is very passionate about music.  Terry is known by many people as Hot sauce.  Terry was born and raised in the motherland, Ghana.  I later moved to the United States to further my education.
Eric: I was born Eric Adjei Addo to Mr. Moses Addo and Mrs. Diana Asamoah on January 13th in Sunyani, B/A. I am the youngest in my family. I am also known as Scrappy which is my show biz name.

Ghana Music.com: What’s your music background?
Terry: Well, I began rapping and writing music during middle school.  Since I have always been passionate about music, I decided performing with my boys at several parties.

Ghana Music.com: Take us on a trip through your career?
Terry: I am undergraduate student working toward my medical degree.
Eric: My career started out in the United States of America back in 2004 after graduating from High school with Electronics and Computer Networking background.  I have always wanted to be a musician and an Electronic Technician and by his grace I have achieved one part of my career as an Electronic Technician.

Ghana Music.com: Who were some of your music influences?
Eric: I grew up when the hiplife movement started; some of my influences were Reggie Rockstone, Obrafour, Buk Bak, Agya Kwame Obomofour, Nkasie, and etc.
Terry: I would say, Terry Bonchaka, Jay Z, Lil Wayne and many more.

Ghana Music.com: I hear you have a record label that you run with another partner?
Eric: Yes, that is true. The record label is called E. & T. Productions, based in the states. My partner, Terry also known as Hot sauce and I founded it.

Ghana Music.com: What prompted you to sign Realyz?
Eric: My partner and I were watching raglife videos on ghanamusic.com and came across one video entitled Mama Africa by Realyz. After watching the video we saw one talented young man who is ready to share his knowledge with the world.
Terry: I am confident that Realyz will make a difference, indeed he is one of a few.  I also see him to be a good artiste who has the ability to sing.

Ghana Music.com: What do you see in Realyz?
Terry: He is a natural talented brother who has a unique duty to contribute to the world.

Ghana Music.com: What was going through you when you watched his video premiered on Ghana Music.com?
Eric: I was very happy and excited to see one talented young man trying to share his talent with the world.

Ghana Music.com: With Realyz on your team, what more can we expect from you?
Terry: With Realyz on our team, expect big things, because we grease the engine, we run things, things don’t run us.

Ghana Music.com: Besides music, what keeps you preoccupied?
Terry: I’m also a full time student pursuing my degree in medicine.
Eric: Besides music, I get busy with working full time at my job as a Transit technician.

Ghana Music.com: At least give us a sneak preview into your album?
Eric: All I can say is that keep your ears open to the airwaves across the country, and watch out for E. & T.  Production.

Ghana Music.com: What has been your best accomplishment in the music scene?
Eric: I will like to say that the game is about to begin.

Ghana Music.com: What advice do you have for up and coming artiste?
Terry: Follow your dreams and never give up, regardless of how tough the road may be because life is what you make not what others make.  So do not let anyone discourage you and just follow your heart.
Eric: I would like to tell all the up and coming artist that no matter what you do in life do not let anybody tell you what you can and cannot do, just follow your heart.

Peter Ley is a young Ghanaian rapper based in Kumasi who goes by the name Peter. He is a veteran of TV3‘s music reality show Mentor which boosted his image.

Peter simultaneously brought a measure of humor and touch to the Mentor House and our TV screens. Often noted for his unusual “Kwaadee” style, he rather delivers his verses distinctively half-rapped and half-sung style.

After establishing a solid foundation with TV3 Mentor, Peter went on to a solo career. However, his professional success was hampered by his erratic personal behavior and frequent troubles but now he is announcing his presence through Ghana Music.com that he is about to change the game with his debut “Edan” album. Watch video: Edan by Peter

While most of his fellow mates at the Mentor House received individual praise from critics and fans, Peter became perhaps the best-known member of the group. Read on to know more about the funny rapper.

Ghana Music.com: We’re sitting here and you’re making me laugh every two minutes. I had no clue you were funny. Why don’t people know that about Peter?
Peter: Hahaa!! You’re not the first to say that but they say I have funny lyrics when I sing or rap.

Ghana Music.com: I hear you are a veteran of the TV3 Mentor. Shed more light on it?
Peter: We were three from Ashanti Region thus myself, Lisa and Bright. It was a nice experience to be in the Mentor house because I learnt a lot about music. You can imagine singing like R&B, highlife, hiplife, reggae or dancehall artiste. You’ve reminded me of one the songs “Shake Your Bulley”. When I was in the Mentor House they used to call me CRAZY BOY. Because they said I wear crazy costumes to perform. I was also part of group which qualified to represent Ashanti Region for the Nescafe African Revelation (NAR) 2005 but we could not get to the finals. Just want to say is all good.

Ghana Music.com: There’s talk of a new album from you. When’s that coming out, like what’s up with that?
Peter: Yeah, that’s true. The album is “Edan” meaning a house and you know what happens in the house either with a wife or girlfriend? You need to get a copy for the full story. The album is complete but I don’t have a producer yet. All producers are welcome for negotiations. I promise it will be out very soon.

Ghana Music.com: Rappers are usually put in categories, but you haven’t stated where you are yet. Where do you think you fit?
Peter: Hahahaa, I’m musician and I don’t have a category. I just fit to be musician.

Ghana Music.com: Who did you work with on this new album?
Peter: Quick Action did the engineering for almost all the tracks and Pocalous engineered one of the tracks. I featured artistes like Ancestors (Lazy Dog), Perbofly, Ruth (Mentor I) and upcoming ones.

Ghana Music.com: What do you think about where the rap game is right now? Do you think it’s in a good space.
Peter: Not bad, there has been improvement because looking at where we were, there has been a big step. For the sales it depends on what you produce and the outcome is what you get.

Ghana Music.com: Can you tell me about some of the songs, a couple of the songs that you did on the album?
Peter: I’ve tracks like Edan, Nkodaa, Heaven, Baby Girl, etc but the album is made up of nine songs.

Ghana Music.com: What were you doing in from the Mentor era till now? What have you been up to?
Peter: I was working on the album trying to bring out the best for my fans and I know they will like it.

Ghana Music.com: Do you worry about people getting the wrong perception of you?
Peter: Yeah, what can you do about that, you have to stay focus making sure you reach your target and just forget about them. Whether good or bad they will have their say.

Ghana Music.com: Your video is on Ghana Music.com. How do you think that has helped you?
Peter: It has really helped me a lot. Now I’m reaching my fans from wherever they might be. People watching me know what I’m capable of doing. This is great!!!

Ghana Music.com: What is the “Edan” song all about?
Peter: Edan or house is a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families. “Edan” here is about sharing the same room with your parent and having a girlfriend. Would it be easy to welcome her in the house, I’m asking you? Listen to the lyrics in the song and you will understand what I mean. “Ye nya Edan a ye nya mmaa”.

Ghana Music.com: Is there anybody that you’re excited about? Are there any new rappers that you’re excited about?
Peter: Yeah, that’s Kawarau and I love Reggie Zippy, Okuraseni, Perbofly, Pope Skinny and a few others.

Ghana Music.com: Are you happy right now with the album done?
Peter: I’m happy and thank God for the music journey.

Ghana Music.com: Do you listen to other people’s music?
Peter: I do listen to other people’s music like Kwaadae, Okuraseni and a whole lot.

Ghana Music.com: What was the last time you got excited about a new rapper? When was the last time that you really liked somebody that was coming out?
Peter: That was when Okuraseni was out.

Ghana Music.com: The future for Peter?
Peter: The future is simple with God on my side I will take the music to another level, the sky is the limit.

Wanlov was born in Romania but has stayed most of his life in the United States of America. He is back after a long five years stay. This time round he means business, with his record label, Pidgen Music paving the way for him. He is not looking back.

Watch video: Time Out With Wanlov the Kulobor

Album: Title 3 Point
Label:
Director: Nanasei
Distribution: Pat Thomas Music Prod., Aggie’s Entertainment Field, Kantamanto Cassette Lane, Little Abeiku

Watch video: Obaa Yi - Ike KAA feat. Naa Agyeman & Sir Ching

Album: Title 3 Point
Label:
Director: Nanasei
Distribution: Pat Thomas Music Prod., Aggie’s Entertainment Field, Kantamanto Cassette Lane, Little Abeiku

Watch video: Odo Letter - Ike KAA feat. Naa Agyeman & Sir Ching

Madd Haus Inc. is new in town and has been recruiting the best artistes in Ghana. First we heard of Tinny, Kwabena Kwabena and now its our own Bandana. Bandana tells us of his signing deal and his new name - Mr. Capable.

Watch video: Bandana signs to Madd Haus

Album: Kaa Bu Ame
Label: Kankpe Records
Director: Nii Addo Quaynor/B. A. R. D Media
Distribution:

Watch video: Kaa Bu Ame by Tinny

Ghanaian musicians have appealed to the government to assist the music industry to establish the first-ever one-stop music centre to cater for the entertainment needs of the large number of visitors into the country.

They explained that Ghana has become a tourism destination in Africa, hence the need for a vibrant entertainment industry where one could enjoy live music, have access to a recording studio, a library, theatre and musicians hall of fame among others.

A member of the Musicians Union of Ghana, Amandzeba Nat Brew, made the call when some winners of the ninth Ghana Music Awards Festival called on the Minister of Chieftaincy and Culture, Sampson K. Boafo, at his office in Accra yesterday.

Amandzeba said that such a one-stop music centre would also boost the music industry, which he noted, “is a focal point of our development.We are the voice of the people so it will be proper for government to initiate a one-stop music centre.”

He commended President J.A. Kufuor for the establishment of the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Culture which, he said, will among other things, help preserve and market the rich culture of the country.

He urged the minister to arrange a meeting between President Kufuor and the musicians in order for them to table their request before him for consideration.

Mr. Boafo assured the musicians that the government would create the enabling environment and facilitiate their activities to ensure that the industry thrives, and urged them to always take advantage of that to improve their work.

He asked the musicians to portray the unique culture of the country on the international scene, saying, “you must be able to come out with a unique style typical of Ghana.”

The minister again took the opportunity to advise the musicians to avoid obscenity in their presentations stressing that they should be ambassadors of the Ghanaian culture.

He urged them to also use their work to further promote the peace being enjoyed in the country, “especially as we prepare towards the upcoming general election in December.”

Mr. Boafo asked the musicians to engage professionals like managers, auditors and directors among others to help them in their musical career, noting “that is how you can work well and be managed properly.”

Having a management, he stressed, would also help them to make the neccessary investment that would make them profitable.

He commended the award winners for their various works which earned them the awards. He also thanked Charter House Productions, organisers of the awards for the initiative and urged them to improve upon subsequent events.

In a related development, all the ninth MTN Ghana Music Awards Festival award winners will on Tuesday, May 13, be presented with their cash prizes at an event that will be used to address issues raised after the awards festival.

On top of the issues will be the award of the Record Label of the Year, Best Female Vocal Performance of the Year, and whether Cee and Ohemaa Mercy who boycotted the awards night, should be given their money or not.

University of Washington enthnomusicology students spoke out today in defense of Ter Ellingson and Linda Iltis, the professor and lecturer who managed a controversial study-abroad program in Ghana last summer.

In a letter sent to the local news media, members of the UW’s Ethnomusicology Students Association said the couple has been treated unfairly:

“We have been dismayed (and, frankly, shocked) at the sensationalist, one-sided representations of the events that led to the March 4 report on the Ghana trip,” the letter read. “We feel strongly that certain elements and events have been regularly misrepresented over the course of the media coverage of this story, which, at times, has verged on character assassination and vilification of Dr. Iltis and Dr. Ellingson.”

The Ghana program was recently investigated by an independent party hired by the UW. The report, completed in March, found Iltis “did not appropriately handle” justifiable student complaints about insufficient food, debilitating illness, irrelevant lectures coordinated by a nongovernmental organization and bullying by Ellingson .

Iltis and Ellingson (the latter of whom is a professor of enthnomusicology) are appealing the findings of the report to UW officials and declined to comment further last week.

Read on to find the enthnomusicology students’ take on the situation.

“To Whom It May Concern:

“We, the Ethnomusicology Students Association of the University of Washington, are writing this letter in support of Ter Ellingson and Linda Iltis and in response to the media and administrative representation of the University of Washington study abroad trip to Ghana that Linda Iltis supervised in summer 2007. Some of us have participated in the Ghana study abroad program; most of us haven’t. All of us, however, have worked closely with Dr. Ellingson and Dr. Iltis and have seen our scholastic efforts profoundly impacted by their dedication to their students and to education, cross-cultural research, and scholarly integrity in general.

“We have been dismayed (and, frankly, shocked) at the sensationalist, one-sided representations of the events that led to the March 4 report on the Ghana trip. We feel strongly that certain elements and events have been regularly misrepresented over the course of the media coverage of this story, which, at times, has verged on character assassination and vilification of Dr. Iltis and Dr. Ellingson.

“Obviously, this trip required a very careful negotiation of multiple cultures, politics, the needs of the students involved, and the demands of both the NGO and University of Washington administration, perhaps even more so than other study abroad programs. Just as obviously, this trip and its delicate balance were disrupted by a series of unforeseen circumstances, and all the parties involved struggled to determine how they should best be handled. We do not deny the very real difficulties the students faced; as ethnomusicologists, we have conducted field research all over the world and can empathize fully with the hardships of living and studying abroad, particularly in developing nations. However, placing all culpability solely on Dr. Iltis and Dr. Ellingson belies the complexity of the situation.

“While all the parties involved faced difficult circumstances, we would like to emphasize our certainty that Dr. Iltis and Dr. Ellingson never made the choices they did out of malice or with anything in mind other than the best interests of the students, the trip, and the communities in Ghana with which they worked. Dr. Ellingson and Dr. Iltis are committed and professional educators who have spent almost three decades dedicating their lives and careers to supporting students and facilitating learning. This dedication is apparent in their one-on-one work with students, their willingness to go to bat for both their students and the academic departments in which they work, and their enthusiasm for teaching and cross-cultural experience. Moreover, both Dr. Ellingson and Dr. Iltis are highly respected scholars whose extensive research has had a significant impact on their individual fields.

“Perhaps even more importantly, however, Dr. Ellingson and Dr. Iltis have continuously built on their experiences living and researching abroad to provide students with unique educational opportunities in which to learn about the intersection of music, culture, and humanitarian work. The Ghana program, which they developed, is a prime example of the kinds of invaluable experiences they have worked very hard to offer University of Washington students: a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity in which students are able not only to immerse themselves in another culture, but also to actually contribute to the betterment of people’s lives in that community.

Please see the article entitled “The Rhythms of Ghana” in the Winter/Spring 2004 issue of the College of Arts and Sciences Perspectives Magazine for just one account of the very positive experience many students have enjoyed in this study abroad program.

“As students of Dr. Ellingson and Dr. Iltis, we are constantly impressed with the lengths to which they are willing to go to provide support, encouragement, a comprehensive education, and priceless learning opportunities for their students. Both Dr. Iltis’s and Dr. Ellingson’s longstanding records of professionalism, dedication to education, scholarly excellence, and support for students speak strongly to their value as educators and members of the University of Washington community.

Feed brought to you by: Ghana Music Watch Latest Ghanaian music videos.

We all know hip-hop is a history of the American culture. Well, new kids on the block, I mean our own Ahenfia Nkwadaa has joined the hiphop game but has flipped their verses into Twi language but still maintain the hiphop flavor.

I guess they probably never imagined that one day they would be caught on Ghana Music.com‘s radar. As young dudes, they have been able to headline a few concerts making the audience dance to their music.

Formed by three friends, Ahenfie Nkwadaa is made up of Kwame Cash, Palm wine and Gee Mega. They will do whatever it takes to make ends meet even if it meant hustling to get a hit song or album out to music fans.

The smartest move they ever did was joining forces together to do an album. “Everybody has their own individual thing in which they excel in so putting all that together produces killer tunes”, they said.

Now that Ghana Music.com has featured them on the 1 on 1 section, fans worldwide will have their eyes on Ahenfie Nkwadaa, waiting to see the outcome of their works.

Ghana Music.com caught up with Ahenfie Nkwadaa to get some insight about the group that many are counting on to be the future of Ghanaian hip-hop in the states. Read on.

Ghana Music.com: Let’s start directly with the question that’s on top of everybody’s head:  I hear you guys are into beats making?
Ahenfie Nkwadaa: Hmmm, that is something that is in the back of our heads right now. We are just focused on writing killer tracks and putting them out there for the world to hear and vibe to but making beats is also something that we would like to look into later.

Ghana Music.com: As far as this album is concerned, what do you hope listeners get from it?
Ahenfie Nkwadaa: We want the people to listen to the tracks and know that Ahenfie Nkwadaa is for real and we are here to blaze the hiplife industry.

Ghana Music.com: Throughout the whole process (music journey), is there something you know now that you wish you knew back then before you entered the music game?
Ahenfie Nkwadaa: Charley plenty, people in the game are so shady. I mean you got people stealing other people tracks or producers trying to cheat people because they figure we don’t know much. Now we have wised up but we wish we knew all this before we even started you know.

Ghana Music.com: You’ve been in this game for some years now as underground artistes. A lot of people come out with two or three songs and then you never hear about them again. What kept you motivated and inspired to keep writing and doing music?
Ahenfie Nkwadaa:  Music is not just something you wake up one day and do. People wake up and do a track and then they lose the passion or the love for it maybe because they realize it’s not their thing or they just never had the desire to do it in the first place. We love what we do, we have love and passion for it so that’s what keeps us motivated to do the ‘fire tracks’ that we do. So rest assured that Ahenfie Nkwadaa is going to be here for a long time.

Ghana Music.com: What do you want the world to know about Ahenfie Nkwadaa whether it be music or whatever. What do want people to remember about you?
Ahenfie Nkwaada: We want the world to know that we consist of three people - Kwame Cash, Palm wine and Gee Mega. We wants the fans and everybody  to remember that everything that we put our hands on is never a joke and if not all, most of them are all hits.

Ghana Music.com: Are you guys looking to break new talent under your album or is it only a platform for your music? What’s the future of Ahenfie Nkwadaa consist of?
Ahenfie Nkwadaa:  Yea yea yea, charley we going to introduce some acts to the world on this album. People like Yong P, Big Spenders, Ayiremoo, and Kwaku Nsoroma. They all doing it real big over here in the states but hopefully they will shine on this album and the world can get a good taste of them.

The future for AFN is a good question, charley I mean we trying to go 20 albums plus you know so lots and lots of tracks, shows and the whole 9 you know.   The sky is the limit for us right now so our future is looking really bright.

Ghana Music.com: What motivated you guys to step your game up on this album?
Ahenfie Nkwadaa:  Well, first of all the album has to be the best, if not the best it has to be a very good album. There are a lot of good artistes out there right now and knowing the Ghanaian people they don’t play your music if you don’t come with your best.

Ghana Music.com: Would you agree that there’s quite a few really good Ghanaian artistes in Chicago right now?
Ahenfie Nkwadaa:  Not just Chicago alone everywhere in the state,s a lot of artist are really doing their thing right now whether it’s making beats or making songs.

Ghana Music.com: How come, no Ghanaian based in the states has ever blown up? What seems to be the problem?
Ahenfie Nkwadaa: People don’t want to see us blow simple as that. I mean when the music is coming from Ghana to the states people accept it more than us over here. It is harder for overseas artistes to get recognized because they have to go back to Ghana to do promotions and DJs take advantage of them which makes impossible to blow up, so people lose the love for it.

Ghana Music.com:  What do we need to know about Ahenfie Nkwadaa?
Ahenfie Nkwadaa:  (Laughs) People just know that we are for real and the game is about to change.

Ghana Music.com:  So, what are you plugging right now?
Ahenfie Nkwadaa:  Charley you are doing our homework right now but Ofori Amponsah, Richie, K. K. Fosu, Screw face, Castro, Maphia and many more will be over soon.

Ghana Music.com: How did you get into this lil’ culture we call hiplife?
Ahenfie Nkwadaa: Well, we started out doing hip hop so we already had a feel for the rap game. Basically we flipped everything into Twi and worked with it…that’s how the hits came about.

Ghana Music.com: If you weren’t an artist, what other job would you like to have?
Ahenfie Nkwadaa: Well apart from the music, we are all in school working on a degree. Kwame Cash is in school right now studying radiology, Palm wine is studying International Business and Gee Mega is doing Nursing so we all have something to fall on and don’t get it twisted we love what we do but we also realize education is the key to a successful life so we are getting our degrees along with the music.

Ghana Music.com: How do you guys feel about being able to rock shows?
Ahenfie Nkwadaa:  That’s when we feel most at home when we are on stage. Our stage energy is crazy and people feed off of it.

Ghana Music.com: When it comes to your personalities, how are you similar and how are you different?
Ahenfie Nkwadaa: We are all different you understand and that’s why our music has so much flavor, it’s like different ideas coming to the table. Everybody has their own individual thing in which they excel in so putting all that together produces killer tunes.

Ghana Music.com: What can fans expect from your debut album that’s coming soon?
Ahenfie Nkwadaa: Well you could expect fire, more fire. Ahenfie Nkwadaa ye dia ba, so keep your ears open because we hitting hard. AFN is here to stay.

Tomorrow marks the 27th anniversary of the death of the world acclaimed reggae legend, Robert Nester Marley, popularly known as Bob Marley who died at the age of 36.

The reggae legend, born on February 6, 1945, was on an American tour when he collapsed on September 21, 1980 while jogging. He was rushed to a hospital where doctors discovered that he had developed a brain tumour.

Although he wanted to die in Jamaica, he ended up on May 11,1981 in a Miami hospital after undergoing a controversial brain tumour treatment in Germany, which did not work for him.

Bob Marley received a state burial in Jamaica, which combined elements of Ethiopian Orthodoxy and Rastafari. He was buried in a crypt near his birthplace, St. Ann.

He was internationally mourned for, as thousands showed up at his May 21 funeral, to pay their last respects. In attendance were both the then Jamaican President and the leader of the opposition.

Bob Marley now rests in a mausoleum at St. Ann. A month before his death, he was awarded the Jamaican Order of Merit. Being a visionary, he foresaw his fate, when he said in one of his songs: “One bright morning when my work is over I will fly away home.”

Bob Marley’s music has continuously grown in popularity in the years since his death, earning him a mythical status in 20th century music history. He remains enormously popular all over the world, particularly in Africa.

Marley was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994 and the Time magazine chose Bob Marley & The Wailers’ Exodus as the greatest album of the 20th century.

Bob Marley’s musical career started in 1961, when he released his first song, Judge Not that did not do well. But this did not discourage him as he continued to pursue a career in music and in 1965, he formed a group called ‘The Wailers’ with Bunny Livingstone (later known as Bunny Wailer) and Peter McIntosh (later known as simply Peter Tosh).

Bob acted as a front man for the group and wrote most of the group’s material. The trio released ‘Simmer Down,’ ‘Rule Them Rudie’ and ‘It Hurts To Be Alone,’ all of which were hits in Jamaica.

His words have and will forever be immortalised in the lyrics in which he wrote his music.

Album: Maame Nyarkoa
Label: 121 Records
Director:
Distribution:

Watch video: Maame Nyarkoa by Nnomaa feat. Ray Kelly