Home Blog

First Arts for Kids launched

In a vibrant display of brushes and crayons by the students of Presbyterian Cluster of Schools. Grade one(1) pupils were indulged in a group-friendly art competition to showcase and unravel their talents.

This competition was organized in Accra, by One Snap Entertainment in Collaboration with the Centre for National Culture (Arts Centre). The competition dubbed “First Arts” was a live painting session that intended to unearth the creative talents of children between the ages of 5 and 12 years. The pilot of First Arts took place in Osu. The event saw a group of nine(9) learners from the same class exhibiting their creative skills for the ultimate prize at the moment.

These amazingly talented students were tasked to paint Ghanaian heritage, which was aimed to enlighten them about the Ghanaian culture, and also instilled in them the passion to learn and promote the culture of the land. With brushes and crayons in their hands and cardboard to fill, these young artists stroked their imagination and creativity to light.

In a space of 15 to 20 minutes, cardboards were turned over, and brushes and crayons were placed down, there came beautiful judges, Madam Agnes Nissi, the Cultural Coordinator, Madam Antoinette Seggebor, Grade 1 teacher, and Madam Magdalene Sam Arthur Primary teacher.

After much deliberation, the judges announced the three winning groups whose work was judged based on originality, use of colour, and creativity.

The event was a resounding success, fostered teamwork among the learners, and ignited their passion to do more art.

Malawi Vice President Saulos Chilima and Nine Others Killed in Plane Crash

0

Malawi’s Vice President Saulos Chilima and nine other passengers have died in a plane crash, President Lazarus Chakwera announced on Tuesday.

The aircraft went missing after failing to land at Mzuzu International Airport, about 380 km (240 miles) north of the capital Lilongwe. President Chakwera, in an address to the nation, confirmed that the wreckage had been located.

“The search and rescue operation I ordered to find the missing plane carrying our vice president and nine others has been completed. The plane has been found, and I am deeply saddened to inform you that it has turned out to be a terrible tragedy,” Chakwera said.

He revealed that the aircraft was found “completely destroyed” near a hill in the Chikangawa Forest in northern Malawi, and added, “words cannot describe how heartbreaking this is.”

Chakwera paid tribute to his deputy, describing him as “a good man, a devoted father and husband, and a patriotic citizen who served his country with distinction.”

“His passing is a terrible loss to his wife, Mary, his family, his friends, his colleagues in the cabinet, and to all of us as a nation,” Chakwera said from the Malawian capital. The president also mourned the loss of the other passengers onboard.

Highlighting the tragic nature of the accident, Chakwera mentioned that he had previously traveled on the same aircraft. “Yet despite the track record of the aircraft and the experience of the crew, something terrible went wrong with that aircraft on its flight back to Lilongwe,” he added.

On Monday evening, the president informed journalists that air traffic control had advised the vice president’s plane against landing due to poor visibility and recommended turning back to the capital. Shortly after, authorities lost contact with the aircraft and initiated a search operation.

Earlier on Tuesday, the Malawi Defence Force announced it had deployed drones and at least 200 soldiers to search for the plane in the Chikangawa Forest reserve, where signals of its whereabouts were last received. Force Commander Paul Valentino Phiri stated that rescue operations were delayed by bad weather conditions.

President Chakwera assured that the vice president and the other nine victims would be laid to rest in “a dignified manner,” with efforts already underway to transport their remains to the capital.

Chilima, 51, had returned to Malawi on June 6 after attending the Korea-Africa Summit in Seoul. He had first served as deputy to former President Peter Mutharika from 2014 to 2019 before being sworn in as vice president again in 2020. An economist, Chilima previously headed Airtel Malawi, becoming the first Malawian to lead the telecommunications company.

“I consider it one of the greatest honors of my life to have had him as my deputy and counselor for the past four years,” President Chakwera said.

Chilima is survived by his wife Mary and two children.

KO7 recruits Ras Kuuku on new single titled ‘LINK UP’

0

Fast-uprising musician John Nkansah popularly known as KO7 joins forces with the award winning reggae-dancehall heavyweight Ras Kuuku to deliver an electrifying new single titled “LINK UP.” This dynamic partnership between two of the most promising talents in the music industry promises to captivate audiences and leave a lasting impression.

“Link Up” is a vibrant fusion of Afrobeat rhythms and soulful melodies, showcasing Joshua KO7’s signature style alongside Ras Kuuku’s distinctive vocal prowess. The track transports listeners on a musical journey.

“Link Up” is set to make waves on the music scene, with its infectious rhythm and irresistible charm poised to win over audiences worldwide. 

Get KO7 x Ras Kuuku – Link Up here:https://ko7.fanlink.tv/LinkUp

GET TO KNOW ABOUT KO7

John Nkansah, popularly known as KO7 , is a fast-rising artist from Kwahu Obomeng in the Eastern Region of Ghana, With his unique blend of highlife and afrobeat, he has quickly become a fan favorite in the region and beyond.

  KO7 Music started his music career in 2013 and has been on a steady rise ever since. He caught the attention of music lovers in the region with his hit song “Ya Socketti” in 2019, which showcased his catchy melodies and relatable lyrics.

 In 2019, KO7 Music won the Eastern Music Awards Best Collaboration of the Year award, and this served as a stepping stone for him to gain more recognition in the industry. He has also won the Kwahu Music Awards Artist of the Year in 2022 and 2023, as well as the Eastern Music Awards Artiste of the Year in 2022 and 2023.

 Some of KO7 Music’s notable songs include “Gaza,” “Na Who,” “Style Biaabi,” and “Ya Socketti.” He also released a song titled “All Stars” in 2021, which featured all the top artists in Kwahu. This song served as a testament to his ability to bring artists together and create a hit song.

 Apart from his music, KO7 Music is also known for his philanthropic works in the community. He has used his platform to support various initiatives, including providing scholarships to students in his hometown and supporting the construction of a community library. KO7 Music has featured a lot of top artists on his songs such as Fameye, Obibini, Epixode, Luther now Luta GH, and many other top artists.

KO7 Music is a rising star in the Ghanaian music industry, and his talent and hard work have earned him a loyal fan base. With his unique sound and dedication to his craft, it is only a matter of time before he becomes a household name in Ghana and beyond.

 KO7 Music’s hard work and dedication to his craft have paid off, and he has worked with various record labels such as Sent One Records, Wireless Moni Crew, and Team Success Entertainment. He is currently signed under 7Muzik record label and has been making waves with his latest song titled ‘No Fake’ and enjoying good streaming numbers in the digital space.

TGMA Red Carpet Session Sucked – KOD Slams

0

Broadcaster and fashion figure Kofi Okyere Darko popularly known as KOD, has voiced his disappointment with the red carpet session at the recent Telecel Ghana Music Awards. The founder of Nineteen57 fashion company believes that the attendees could have presented themselves more stylishly.

“The performers of the night brought their A-game. However, the red carpet was disappointing. When we observe events across the African continent, especially in South Africa and Nigeria, we see better fashion choices.

“We should keep things simple, especially for the men. Just wear a simple black suit and add a touch of color, perhaps in line with the red-themed event. In their attempt to outdo themselves, they end up under-doing themselves,” KOD commented.

In an interview on Joy FM’s Showbiz A-Z with Kwame Dadzie, the fashion expert pointed out that many proven fashion choices already exist, so there’s no need to create new ones. Serving as one of the early-stage hosts of the event, Darko also provided an assessment of the emceeing quality.

He observed that seasoned hosts like Naa Ashorkor, who has hosted similar events multiple times, were involved. Chris, who was making a return after a break from live shows, was also expected. Darko rated Chris a 7 out of 10, noting that while his introduction was somewhat shaky, it improved as the night progressed.

“I think we had timeless people who were not on stage for the first time. Naa Ashorkor has done this maybe three times. Chris took a break from hosting live shows, and I was looking forward to seeing him. On a scale of 0-10, I would give Chris a 7. The only place I didn’t get was their intro. They had a bit of a shaky intro, but they picked up,” he said.

Premiere of “A Country Called Ghana” in Sunyani Postponed

Actor Lil Win, through his management team at Wezzy Empire, has announced the postponement of the premiere of the movie “A Country Called Ghana,” originally set to screen in Sunyani on Saturday, June 1, 2024.

This decision comes out of respect for the memory of three-year-old Nana Yaw, who tragically lost his life in an accident involving the company’s CEO, Kwadwo Nkansah “Lil Win,” last Saturday, and to join the family in mourning their loss.

The CEO and management express their sincere condolences to the grieving family and wish a speedy recovery to the boy’s father, Mr. Jacob Kofi Amponsah.

“We also acknowledge that our previous communication may have come across as insensitive, and we apologize for any unintended distress it may have caused. As Lil Win and our artist manager, Ray Moni, continue to receive treatment at the Accident Emergency Unit of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, our thoughts are with them for a swift recovery,” the statement reads.

“We assure fans who have purchased tickets that their tickets will remain valid and can be used on a rescheduled date, which will be announced soon.

“We appreciate the love shown to our artist during these trying times and apologize for any inconvenience the changes may cause,” the statement concludes.

Patoranking Foundation and ALX Africa Unveil $500,000 Tech Scholarship Initiative

Patoranking Foundation, a non-profit organisation on a mission to advance Africa through education, entrepreneurship and empowerment, has announced the launch of the $500,000 Patoranking Foundation Tech Scholarships.

In a strategic partnership with ALX Africa, a leading provider of tech training, the scholarships will provide 40 young tech-savvy Africans with access to a variety of transformative technology programmes in data analytics, cloud computing and Salesforce Administration. The partnership is aimed at preparing the scholars to become the next pioneers in technology.

Founded by African musician, Patrick Okorie aka Patoranking, the Patoranking Foundation utilises research, advocacy and partnerships to provide transformative educational programs and market-ready entrepreneurial skills to outstanding young leaders in Africa. Having invested over $1 million on youth education in Africa over the last six years, the introduction of a $500,000 tech scholarship in partnership with ALX Africa, marks a new chapter in the Foundation’s mission. From 30th May 2024, 40 exceptional candidates will stand the chance to participate in world-class tech training programmes, developing in-demand tech skills sought after by leading global employers. 

Candidates will ideally already be changemakers in their community, and as part of their scholarship, will have the opportunity to qualify for internship opportunities with leading global tech companies to bridge the gap between theory and real-life practice. The tech scholarship is open to candidates from all over Africa. Candidates will be required to successfully complete the ALX admissions process and  beneficiaries will be selected after a review of the individual application videos and essays submitted on the foundation’s website. 

Speaking on the partnership, Patrick Okorie, Founder,Patoranking Foundation, said: “ At Patoranking Foundation, we are dedicated to advancing Africa through education and entrepreneurship.  In the past, we have done this by providing academic scholarships to exceptional African students at all levels and have now partnered with ALX Africa to announce technology scholarships. ALX Africa shares our commitment to empower tomorrow’s leaders via access to advanced digital skills that are critical to future employability and entrepreneurship and we are delighted to partner with them. This step takes us closer to our goal of equipping one million Africans within the next 10 years. At Patoranking Foundation, we are ardent believers in the abundance of exceptional talents and changemakers in Africa, and will continue to challenge the financial inequalities that threaten the emergence of the next generation of African disruptors.”

The Patoranking Foundation has leveraged partnerships to provide promising young leaders with access to leading educational institutions under its Sky Level Initiative. In 2020, the Foundation awarded full scholarships to 10 scholars from eight African countries, including Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda and Liberia, to enable them to study at the African Leadership University (ALU) in Rwanda or Mauritius. At the primary and secondary education level, 170 young pupils are currently on scholarship in five leading schools in Ebonyi state, Nigeria, the founder’s home state.  This $500,000 tech partnership with ALX Africa will be open to youths from all parts of Africa, aged between 18 and 34, at no cost with all related fees covered.  Beneficiaries can choose to learn fully remotely or at any of ALX Africa’s hubs in Johannesburg, Accra, Lagos, Casablanca, Addis Ababa, Nairobi, Kigali and Cairo.

Commenting on the partnership, celebrated educator and entrepreneur Fred Swaniker, Founder of ALX Africa, said: “In today’s world of AI and Big Data, young people need to be prepared for uncertainty; they need to be agile and adaptable. ALX’s tech programmes have been built around our belief in the importance of reimagining and redesigning skills training to meet the challenges and opportunities of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Through our collaboration with Patoranking Foundation, we hope to empower tomorrow’s tech disruptors and innovative community leaders with the most in-demand hard and soft skills to solve the problems of the continent and beyond.” 

Patoranking continues to leverage his influence to nurture Africa’s entrepreneurial passion, ready to accelerate transformative change to the nations and the continent. By selecting resilient and innovative community changemakers for the tech scholarships, the Patoranking Foundation is equipping Africa’s young leaders with much needed digital skills to scale local impact and providing them with useful connections for collaborations. Through its concerted efforts, the Foundation hopes to create a ripple effect of change, empowering the youth to become architects of their own futures and catalysts for progress within their communities.


To apply, please visit:patoranking.alxafrica.com

Phunjo Lama Sets New Record for Fastest Female Ascent of Mount Everest

Nepal’s Phunjo Lama has just broken the world record for the fastest ascent of Mount Everest by a woman, completing the climb in 24 hours and 26 minutes without stopping to sleep.

Her ascent from Everest Base Camp to the summit took 14 hours and 31 minutes, followed by a descent lasting another nine hours and 18 minutes. Lama began her climb at 3:52 p.m. on May 23 and reached the summit at 6:23 a.m. the next day.

Due to the limited climbing season and challenging conditions on Mount Everest, the window to reach the summit is narrow. Every year, photos show long lines of climbers waiting for their chance to reach the top, with “traffic jams” sometimes lasting for hours. Climbing overnight allowed Lama to avoid these crowds. She estimates that between May 21 and 22, there were 6,700 people between Camps Two and Four. On the morning of the 24th, she was behind only “60 or 70” people.

Records for the fastest ascent are measured from Base Camp due to the need for acclimatization to the extreme altitude. Lama spent three weeks at Base Camp before her climb, accompanied by Samantha McMahon, who aims to become the first Australian woman to climb all of the world’s 8,000-meter peaks. Mount Everest stands at 8,849 meters (29,032 feet).

According to Guinness World Records, which considers the total time for a round trip from Base Camp, Lama first set an Everest record in 2018 with a time of 39 hours and six minutes. This record was broken in 2021 by Hong Kong’s Ada Tsang, who made the climb in 25 hours and 50 minutes. Lama’s recent ascent marks her second climb of Everest.

The fastest ascent by a male climber is 10 hours and 56 minutes, set by Nepali Lhakpa Gelu Sherpa in 2003. Despite her achievements, Lama says she isn’t driven by record-chasing or recognition from Guinness. Someone else contacted the record-keeping organization on her behalf in 2018.

Raised in a yak herding community in Nepal’s remote Tsum Valley, Lama lived most of her life at elevations of 4,500-5,000 meters above sea level. She moved to Kathmandu as a teenager, where she learned to speak Nepali and English. “Mountains are my playground and my home,” she tells CNN. “A mountain never says that you are a woman or a man. Which is why I like mountains, because a mountain is always equal.”

Lama, now a mountaineering guide, aims for gender equality in her field. Currently, about 75% of her climbing clients are male and 25% are female. She hopes to see this ratio become fifty-fifty someday. “I’m sure my dream will come true,” she says.

In addition to Everest, Lama has summited Alaska’s Denali, North America’s highest peak, and plans to climb K2 in Pakistan, the world’s second-highest mountain.

The 2024 climbing season introduced several changes on Everest. For the first time, all climbers were equipped with tracking chips to facilitate locating and rescuing lost climbers. Additionally, climbers were required to collect their waste in plastic bags and remove it from the mountain to address the growing problem of trash, including human waste, left by increasing numbers of climbers.

King Paluta Steals The Night At Amakye Dede’s Celebration In London

The man of the moment; King Paluta had a magnificent performance at the just ended Amakye Dede’s celebration inside the Dominion Center in the United Kingdom – London.

The event which took place on Sunday the 26th day of May, 2024 with over 2,000 music patrons inside the Dominion Center in London has been recorded among the sold-out shows in history.

One of the unforgettable moments of the night is the impeccable and outstanding performance from the ‘Aseda’ hitmaker King Paluta.

King Paluta opened yet another chapter in his music career by registering his name in the minds and lips of audience as he ignited the room with a stunning performance of a life-time. 

The Telecel Ghana Music Awards- TGMA25 and Ghana Music Awards – USA nominee performed back – to- back hits making the night a memorable one.

It’s undoubtable that King Paluta’s ‘Aseda’ is the biggest song in Ghana and the biggest Ghanaian song in the United Kingdom now.

Making significant strides in his career with endless performances, there is no doubt he has been peaked by industry players and music lovers as the best new artiste of the yet to held Telecel Ghana Music Awards – TGMA25 which comes off on 1st June, 2024 inside the Grand Arena.

Kindly watch his performance below

Kindly vote for him by following the instructions below or visit the link attached to cast your votes as well.

Kindly follow the link to vote for him: https://allvotes.ghanamusicawards.com

Story By: Cofy Dela

DJ Lord OTB’s Inaugural OTB Live Event Hits Osu on June 22

Award-winning Ghanaian DJ, DJ Lord OTB is excited to announce OTB Live, a thrilling and ground-breaking event set to debut on June 22, 2024.

This memorable occasion will take place on the eve of DJ Lord OTB’s birthday, bringing an added layer of excitement to the festivities. OTB Live promises to be a colorful and entertaining event, combining a high-energy party environment with significant networking opportunities for major players in the music and DJing industries.

The event will take place in Corks Lounge, a trendy venue behind The Koala Shopping Mall in Osu’s lively neighborhood. Corks Lounge, known for its elegant décor and central location, is the ideal venue for what promises to be a fantastic evening of music, dancing, and mingling.

Come to OTB Live with DJ Lord OTB and severalother notable figures from the music and entertainment industries for an evening that promises to be both enjoyable and inspirational. Whether you’re a DJ Lord OTB fan, a music aficionado, or an industry insider, this is an event you won’t want to miss. Save the date—June 22, 2024—and prepare to attend the inaugural OTB Live at Corks Lounge at OSU.

Entry is strictly by RSVP. Reserve your free tickets here: https://bit.ly/4ayqTSR

The event is powered by KLAB Concepts with support from DC Leakers.

Harrysong Responds to Ex-Wife’s Allegations, Calls Her an ‘Agent of Darkness

Nigerian musician Harrysong has responded to allegations made by his estranged wife, Alexer Peres.

He claimed that her lies have been exposed and that she is being used as content by media outlets, calling her an “agent of darkness.”

“You have been exposed. Now I can get back to work. Keep chasing clout with your lies. You are just content for blogs for a while. Agent of darkness, I am free from you for good in Jesus’ name. Amen,” he shared on his Instagram stories.

Medikal Explains Why He Blocked Davido on Social Media

Rapper Samuel Adu Frimpong, known by his stage name Medikal, stated that he has no regrets about blocking Nigerian artist Davido on social media. During an interview with Bola Ray on Starr FM’s Starr Chat, Medikal explained that he decided to block Davido after Davido unfollowed him.

Medikal said, “Davido unfollowed me, and I took it cool. He unfollowed me over an issue because he didn’t want to see anything about me. So I felt I had to block him because if you unfollow someone, sometimes their posts still pop up. But if you block the person, they won’t see anything again. I have no regrets blocking Davido, I don’t regret the issue.”

He emphasized that he doesn’t go looking for conflicts but won’t hesitate to move on if someone doesn’t reciprocate his goodwill. However, he mentioned he would be open to engaging with Davido if they meet at an event. “When I am showing love to someone and they show me the opposite, I just move on with life,” Medikal added.

‘Bedwetting Celebrity’ – Harrysong’s ex-wife calls him out

Alexer Peres, the ex-wife of Nigerian singer Harrysong, has vehemently responded to his recent accusations of infidelity during their marriage.

Harrysong publicly alleged that Alexer was unfaithful and had conceived a child with another man while they were married. Moreover, he made derogatory comments about Alexer’s mother, suggesting she had been married more than seven times and was currently engaged in extramarital affairs.

In response, Alexer took to Instagram Live to directly address Harrysong’s allegations and later supplemented her response with updates on her Instagram stories. She refuted all of Harrysong’s claims, questioning why he brought her mother into their personal disputes and urging him to let go and move forward.
Furthermore, Alexer divulged intimate details, including naming a few women whom Harrysong allegedly dated during their marriage. She also accused him of domestic violence, shedding light on the challenges she faced behind closed doors.
Amidst her defense, Alexer revealed the emotional toll of her marriage, disclosing that she endured numerous infections while trying to make the relationship work, only to realize later that she was with the wrong person.

In the end, she determined that the marriage was not viable, having faced significant challenges throughout their union. She disclosed that her ex-husband struggled with bedwetting, and her mother had six children with different men, among other revelations.

Kwesi Amewuga Wins TGMA Unsung Category

Ahead of the Telecel Ghana Music Awards 2024 (TGMA), Kwesi Amewuga has been announced as the winner of the Unsung category.

The rapper was declared the winner on Sunday, May 26, 2024. The ‘Prepare’ hitmaker triumphed over competitors Kasar, Lali X Lola, Keeny Ice, Seven Kizs, and Alaptawan.

Kwesi Amewuga will perform at this year’s Telecel Ghana Music Awards, scheduled for Saturday, June 1, 2024.

The Unsung category aims to highlight underground artists who need a platform and exposure to break into the mainstream. Previous winners include Kuami Eugene, Kula, KelvynBoy, among others.

The Unsung category is produced by Charterhouse and sponsored by Closeup Toothpaste.

Claude Tamakloe Passes Away in Tragic Accident

0

A statement released by Beenie Words, signed by Elorm Beenie, has confirmed the death of Claude Tamakloe, who passed away in a tragic accident on the Accra-Cape Coast stretch on Saturday, May 25, 2024.

“We are saddened by the untimely loss of our dear brother, John ‘Claude’ Tamakloe. According to reports confirmed by his family, John Claude, as he is affectionately known in the entertainment community, passed away in a horrific accident on the Accra-Cape Coast stretch, specifically at Apam Junction on Saturday, May 25, 2024.

The statement detailed that Claude was traveling with two popular Ghanaian musicians, K.K. Fosu and KayBlez, to a wedding in Breman Asikuma in the Central Region. Their vehicle, a Toyota Camry (Registration Number GW-1496-16), was struck head-on by an oncoming Mercedes Benz C300 (Registration Number DV 5811-24) due to reckless overtaking by the Benz driver at high speed. Claude, who was in the front passenger seat, suffered fatal injuries.

The driver of the Camry, who sustained minor injuries, reported that K.K. Fosu and KayBlez suffered various injuries to their heads and limbs. They were initially taken to Apam Catholic Hospital, where a forensic pathologist declared John ‘Claude’ Tamakloe dead. The two musicians were later transferred to the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) for further treatment after receiving first aid at Apam Catholic Hospital.

John Claude had worked with BeenieWords.com and Events 21 for over a decade, serving as a publicist, editor, and co-talent manager. He contributed significantly to PR and grooming projects for several prominent artists, including Grammy-winning group Morgan Heritage, Rocky Dawuni, Samini, Stonebwoy, Sarkodie, Kofi Kinaata, Edem, Naira Marley, Stephanie Benson, Kaakie, AK Songstress, Lamisi, and Kwesi Amewuga.

“He was a hardworking, selfless, and ingenious team player, and his absence leaves a huge void in our hearts. We are already deeply affected by his loss. Our thoughts are with his family during this challenging time, and we urge everyone to respect their privacy as they make funeral arrangements. We will provide further information as needed,” the statement concluded. “We also wish K.K. Fosu and KayBlez a speedy recovery.”

Read full statement below:

Fella Makafui Visits Gborbu Wulomo Shitse and Nungua Leaders Following Land Purchase Summons

Actress and entrepreneur Fella Makafui recently visited the Gborbu Wulomo Shitse and Nungua traditional leaders.

This visit followed a summons from the Gborbu Wulomo-Shitse, the Overlord of the Gadangme State, to both rapper Medikal and his ex-wife Fella Makafui regarding their purchase of land in Nungua.

The summons was issued after a land document showing Medikal and Fella Makafui as the buyers circulated on social media. In response, the Gborbu Wulomo Shitse and Nungua Mantse instructed the pair to appear before them on May 24, 2024.

Photos circulating online confirm that Fella Makafui honored the invitation, accompanied by colleagues including actress Habiba Sinare.

Details of the meeting remain undisclosed.