Popular movie actor, Kwaku Manu, has taken a swipe at the organisers of the Ghana Music Awards for the ‘unfair treatment’ given to the country’s local film actors, which he said is disrespecting.
The actor-cum-comedian was particularly displeased that local actors popularly referred to as Kumawood actors, who show up at the award ceremony are not given equal recognition as their English speaking counterparts.
Speaking on Accra-based Onua 95.1fm Friday, Kwaku Manu said the local actors are often viewed as ‘villagers’, hence hosts of the ceremony do not give them mentions, saying “I may be sitting right in front of the MCs but wouldn’t acknowledge or mention my name or that of my colleagues because we don’t speak English”
He also claimed that the photos of Kumawood actors who get nominated for the award are not featured on any of the billboards that are mounted in various parts of the country as well as other promotional materials by the organisers.
“It took me to campaign against them before Kwadwo Nkansah’s [Lil Wayne] photo featured on their billboards two years ago,” he told host of Anigye Mmre Friday.
He said it was unfortunate that organisers have failed to appreciate the contribution of Kumawood stars, noting “I’m telling you that, we can’t do without movies shot in our local language. Our movies entertain and help people to release stress”
Meanwhile, Kwaku Manu asked international acclaimed Ghanaian child actor, Abraham Attah, to focus on acting in Hollywood where there are prospect and recognition for actors as against Ghana.
He explained that acting in Ghana is like playing for the Ghana black stars, and that when you are injured nobody would take care of your treatment, as they will leave you to your fate.
“The day I watched the ‘Beasts of No Nation’, I realized that Abraham Atta is truly a gem, even though that was his first movie, I believe he did well” he said
Source: Onua95.1fm|Ghana
