Addi Self, formerly part of Shatta Movement’s Militant Group, shed light on the group’s breakup. Recounting the events, he said, “One time, there was this artiste who came to the camp, Kweku Smoke. He was cool with Shatta.” In an interview on Joy Prime, he elaborated, “When he came around, he was doing stuff with Shatta, which I saw online because I wasn’t always there.”
Addi clarified that Shatta Wale expected the militants to back him in a dispute with Kweku Smoke over an alleged stolen track. Describing the situation, he shared, “I saw the live video and went to him, and Shatta Wale was like I had to go live and tell the boy my mind.” Despite the career impact, Addi expressed no grudge, stating, “I don’t want to be involved in that. My boss vexed from there. So, that was how it all started. When Kweku Smoke came, he was expecting us to insult him back.”
He acknowledged the impact of the breakup on his music career but emphasized his focus on improvement, saying, “I would rather watch and support from afar than be close and controlled.”
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Recording Academy provides insight into the Grammy-winning process. Despite high anticipation from Nigerian music fans at the 66th Grammy Awards on February 5, 2024, Burna Boy, Davido, Asake, Olamide, and Ayra Starr faced disappointment, losing all 10 nominations.
According to Harvey Mason, the President of the Recording Academy Board of Trustees, the Academy evaluates songs based solely on quality, with members’ opinions determining the winners. When questioned about the process, Mason clarified that the Academy considers only the submitted song’s quality, ignoring factors like streams or fan numbers. The decision is contingent on the votes of Academy professionals in the United States each year.
“It’s not the streams, not how many fans, not how many followers, but purely on the opinion of the membership in that particular year, that is how you win a Grammy,” Mason emphasized to journalists.”
Following the Grammys on Sunday, social media was abuzz with reactions to the award winners.
The focal point was the contentious Best African Music Performance category, ultimately won by South Africa’s Tyla for her hit “Water.” This stirred dissatisfaction among Nigerians, alleging bias and arguing that Burna Boy’s “City Boy” or Davido’s “Unavailable” deserved the honor.
In the midst of the critique, blogger Tosin Silverdam has offered a divergent perspective. In a podcast, he defended Tyla’s victory, and reminded critics of Africa’s musical diversity.
He stated, “Let’s be honest, Tyla’s song; ‘Water,’ was actually the biggest song in that category. So why are Nigerians angry? I wasn’t expecting Davido to win this category.” He further expressed surprise at the absence of Rema’s “Calm Down,” stating, “I’m actually more shocked for the fact that Rema’s ‘Calm Down’ was not even nominated, ‘cos it was big…and it was not even nominated, so what are we talking about expecting Davido to win for ‘Unavailable.'”
The Best African Music Performance category is a recent addition for the 2024 Grammys, acknowledging outstanding African music performances from the past year.
Regarding Rema’s “Calm Down,” it’s important to clarify that the song was not eligible for the recent awards as it was released in 2022, while the awards specifically honored works from 2023.
After Socialite Moesha’s brother initiated a GoFundMe to cover her expenses following a stroke and coma, she encountered criticisms. Various individuals, including those within the industry, disapproved, pointing to Moesha’s past comments and lifestyle.
Kwabena Kwabena also contributed to the ongoing discussion. During a conversation with Doreen Avio and Becca on Daybreak Hitz, the “Bue Kwan” singer expressed the view that Ghanaians are overly judgmental.
He emphasized the importance of promoting empathy and support for a colleague in need. Becca was discussing her donation when Kwabena Kwabena interjected to address the unjust comments people are making. “How did she live her life?” he responded to Doreen Avio’s comment on public opinion. “Why are we so judgmental? That’s very unfortunate because, at the end of the day, somebody is ill. Somebody is in a situation where you need to feel some sympathy or have empathy, but then – it’s our space, I understand. I’ve had my own fair share so,” he added.
He later interjected again while Becca was talking and advised, “If you want to help, help. If not, keep your mouth shut.”
Previously, social media speculated about Becca’s $2000 donation to Moesha’s GoFundMe, as Rebecca Acheampong’s name appeared among contributors. Becca confirmed her involvement, expressing the desire to help others when blessed with abundance.
During an interview with Doreen Avio on Daybreak Hitz, Becca hesitated initially but later explained, ‘I think that one was not Becca; that one was more of Rebecca Acheampong…when I heard about it, I just thought she might not be my best friend but that’s a sister in the industry: whenever she sees me, she calls me sister. So, I just thought why not help her as much as I can. “It was actually I and my husband that came together and donated that to her, and I hope that it can help her” Addressing unpleasant comments on the GoFundMe, Becca noted, “I think that people misunderstand the industry. The fact that somebody is dressing nicely out there doesn’t mean that there’s a certain thing about them, and that’s the problem. The fact that somebody is wearing something nice doesn’t mean that they’re collecting from somebody else. Everybody works and a lot of times it’s the women that it (the comments) affect, and I think that it’s very disrespectful.’ She emphasized the choice to either help or ignore instead of making distasteful comments.
Moesha’s GoFundMe, initiated by her brother Ebito to raise $10,000, aims to support her recovery from a recent stroke and coma.”
Dancehall artiste, Shatta Wale recently shared thoughts on the 66th Grammy Awards ceremony, providing his perspective on the events of February 4th. Leveraging his extensive award background, even without having attended the Grammys, he explored the unavoidable feeling of being overlooked within the industry.
He stressed, “If you want to learn how to become an award-winning artist in this music industry, you must be ready to face moments of sorrow because there will be times when you’ll shed tears. It’s a painful experience when you’ve put in so much effort and dedication, yet recognition eludes you. Life is a series of choices, and you have the power to make your own.” The ‘Ayoo’ hitmaker’s comments come in the aftermath of the 66th Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, where artists experienced both triumph and defeat. The unexpected victory of “Water” by Tyla in the “Best African Music Performance” category, triumphing over Nigerian heavyweights, sparked outrage among Nigerian music enthusiasts who accused the GRAMMYs of potential sabotage and bias.
Drake, the rap sensation who recently threw shade at the Grammys on Instagram, is getting a lot of attention on social media—especially on X—because of a leaked nude video that supposedly has him in it.
This video has caused a big reaction online, with fans going crazy. Despite widespread disbelief, Drake has chosen to remain tight-lipped, leaving the leak’s origin enveloped in mystery.
Take a look at the social media buzz where people’s reactions to the short 9-second clip range from surprised to funny. See what X and others are saying:
People leaving WhatsApp YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and Tiktok to come to X looking Drizzy Drake nudes pic.twitter.com/W8HRUi2AYP
Stonebwoy’s manager, Chief Abiola has disclosed that Stonebwoy paid more than GH₵70,000 to book the Accra Sports Stadium for his 5th Dimension Concert on December 22, 2023. This contrasts with NSA Director, Peter Twumasi’s account before the Public Accounts Committee on February 5, 2024, where it was mentioned that Stonebwoy had paid GH₵70,000. Speaking on Hitz FM’s “U Say Wetin,” Abiola clarified, “These are contractual matters, and usually, I wouldn’t want to engage in a public space, but the Public Accounts Committee is a very serious committee that it got before the committee, so I wouldn’t want to be here on radio to state otherwise.”
Emphasizing his role, he added, “I was delegated by Stonebwoy to lead the charge in terms of doing the negotiations and payment of the stadium. I can also tell you for a fact that yes, we paid more than GH₵70,000 for the stadium, but I mean I am just watching the issues unfold, so I wouldn’t want to disclose into detail for now. I hope you bear with me.”
In contrast, Peter Twumasi, who became the Director General of the National Sports Authority (NSA) in 2018, faced criticism for not paying enough attention to the country’s stadiums. He received backlash for renting out the Accra Sports Stadium for concerts in December 2023.
The NSA announced that the stadium would be unavailable for sporting purposes in December, asking clubs to move their Ghana Premier League home games elsewhere. Defending the decision before the Public Account Committee on February 5, 2024, Twumasi stated, “Before we shifted our sporting activities to other stadia, we made mention of this to all stakeholders that in December, a particular period will be used for other events which are not sporting, and the revenue for it should be able to recover entirely everything.”
Mr. Kofi Aduonum, the husband of Afua Asantewaa, the Ghanaian sing-a-thon world record contender, has addressed concerns about his wife’s loyalty and the endurance of their marriage.
Questions about the sustainability of their union have circulated, particularly given Afua Asantewaa’s newfound fame and interactions with ‘bigger men.’
While Mr. Aduonum, an ace sports journalist, appears laid-back, his wife is outspoken and daring, prompting some to question if his demeanor can match up to Afua’s tough character, now that she is a public figure.
Nevertheless, Mr. Kofi Aduonum strongly rejects the idea that his wife is currently beyond his reach and dismisses fears of her abandoning their marriage.
“My wife was meeting bigger people before, but nobody knew her. People think she became popular after the Sing-a-thon. No! I can mention names of big people she had met before this competition, but there’s no need. If a woman is bad, she is bad. I don’t have any fears,” he emphasized in an interview.
Mr. Kofi Owusu Aduonum gained attention for actively supporting his wife during her Guinness World Record singing attempt at the Akwaabaa village in December 2023. Recently, he drew attention again after a video surfaced on social media, showing him carrying his wife’s handbag as they walked together.
The couple exchanged vows in 2017 and are parents to three children.
Maame Serwaa, the spouse of Kumawood actor LilWin, recently shared on social media, igniting speculation about the status of their marriage. In a TikTok video, LilWin’s wife, residing in the United States, highlighted the challenges of juggling work and parenting alone, stating, “Life in the USA as a single mother taking care of three kids all by myself and working at the same time. May God bless my hustle.” The term ‘single mother’ in her post raised eyebrows among netizens, leading to speculation about potential marital issues. Amid accusations of LilWin’s infidelity, his wife responded defiantly, stating, “Bring whatever you have; he is not the first person cheating on his wife.” She also delivered a cryptic response to a netizen accusing her of facing consequences for allegedly taking LilWin from his ex-wife and caring for her two kids.
The multiple award-winning singer Okyeame Kwame has opined that the media and other players in the entertainment industry owes it a duty to help protect the sanity of celebrities.
Speaking to Kwame Dadzie on Joy FM’s Showbiz A-Z , he emphasized that some of the things the media report have adverse effects on the mental health of creatives.
“Artistes are human beings. He comes to sit on platforms like this and speaks out his heart and shares his vulnerable moment. And then you take that part out and twist it for clickbait and then everyone is calling him. Because of that some girl he wants to marry says no, people are beginning to see him in a certain light, because you want clickbait. If you love the artiste, stop that,” he added.
Meanwhile, he has advised his fellow celebrities on the importance of building mental resilience against online trolls.
“I think that you need to build mental resilience; you personally. Because you need to understand that what people are doing, the world is not happening on your clock. Yes, you have 2.5 million followers on Instagram but they are following you to see something. When people insult you on Twitter and Facebook and others you shouldn’t own it because that is what they want to do.
”So build mental resilience and know that even though you are celebrated, the world is not happening on your clock and I think that if you do this and listen to your body, you don’t intoxicate yourself with too much data, too much reading, with too much alcohol, with too much pills, with too much sex, and you are in tune with yourself you can hear if your heart is about to get an attack,” he said
Ghanaian actor, Joseph Nana Osei, widely recognized as Wayoosi, has passionately appealed to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for the removal of the recently introduced pollution charge. In a TikTok video, Wayoosi criticized the government’s decision to impose a new tax amid the economic challenges faced by Ghanaians. He particularly questioned the effectiveness of existing taxes, such as the E-levy, claiming they haven’t served any purpose for the country.
Wayoosi emphasized the hardships faced by Ghanaians and pleaded for a reduction in the emission levy, stating, “I would plead with the NPP government led by Akufo-Addo to scrap the emission levy, things are tough for Ghanaians at the moment and you are adding this one too. Even countries with high pollution of smoke, none of them pay emission levies so why Ghana? Since E-Levy was implemented, we haven’t seen its usefulness yet monies are deducted during transactions.” Furthermore, Wayoosi highlighted the environmental aspect, urging the government to lower the tax amount so that people can afford cars with reduced emissions.
In his plea, Wayoosi drew attention to the potential consequences, humorously mentioning the possibility of a future “eating levy.” He echoed sentiments shared by others, including Nana B’s condemnation of the levy, calling for its outright removal. The actor concluded by emphasizing the need for a revision in policies, suggesting that lowering the duty would enable people to purchase vehicles that emit less smoke, contributing to both economic relief and environmental well-being.
Singer, Rebecca Akosua Acheampomaa Acheampong , widely known as Becca, shared her experience of taking a break from the music industry after marrying businessman Dr. Tobi Sanni Daniel. In an interview with Doreen Avio on Daybreak Hitz, Becca revealed, “It’s been hard to watch people on the stage and release music. It’s a decision I had to make for my own good. For my sanity, for the family.” She added that her hiatus has contributed to personal growth, stating, “And I’m not sorry about that decision at all. I think it’s going to make me a better person, because I know the dynamics of something, and I’m going to be able to run my house, and I’m going to be in the industry if I want to be.” Becca emphasized her passion for music as a driving force behind her decision to return, saying, “This is something I love to do. This is my career. You know aside from everything that I have to do, building properties and everything. This is what I love to do.”
Ghanaian musician and activist, Deborah Vanessa, commonly known as Sister Derby, attributes the hatred and misunderstanding directed towards LGBTQ+ individuals to religion. Drawing parallels between religion and the Bible, she openly acknowledges that she is not a religious person, stating, “I’m not religious at all. I believe in a supernatural power.”
In a recent interview with YFM, Sister Derby asserted that religion has led many to relinquish their capacity for independent thought. She expressed, “To me, the root of all this confusion and hate, you know this kind of thing makes us hate each other, right? I feel like the root is religion.
“Religion is what everybody uses to decide what they are going to do. When I say religion, most often the Bible. Most of us unfortunately, are not used to thinking for ourselves. We follow what someone else has said, and the majority of people are also following what they’ve read in a book.”
She encourages people to educate themselves, not only through formal means but also by gaining awareness of the existence of those who are different from them.
Sister Derby emphasizes, “At least you try to educate yourself. It’s not about going to school; it’s about meeting the people. Oral learning, Physical learning, experiencing, talking to them, and understanding where they are coming from. But you can’t tell me that at a big age, you really don’t know or can’t see that there are different types of humans in the world.”
Drawing parallels, Sister Derby likens the situation of LGBTQ+ individuals in Ghana to that of victims of domestic violence and those who live with albinism.
She notes, “People with albinism have been oppressed before. They are still killing them and cutting their limbs in parts of Africa. But we fought; people like us fought for people like them. And black women are still being oppressed. Black men are still being oppressed in the world.
“ Palestinian people are still being oppressed in the world. So you are just adding gay people to that? It’s the same kind of oppression. That’s what I try to explain to people. It’s disappointing but I was saying to my friend today that, not everybody can be revolutionary.”
Musician and presenter, Mzbel, has been a prominent figure facing persistent trolls and backlash. Addressing the challenges of her celebrity status, she revealed the physical and psychological toll endured from severe public criticism over nearly two decades in the entertainment industry.
Mzbel confessed to the emotional impact, sharing that harsh public criticism sometimes brought her to tears. Reflecting on her experience during an interview on Wontumi TV, she highlighted the positive influence handling such criticism had on her life.
In her words: “It’s been 20 years in the industry, I started in 2004 and we are in 2024 now. It’s about branding because when I started I had no clue about the entertainment industry. I didn’t take it seriously as a business but after listening to comments about me I changed.”
Despite the challenges, she acknowledged her growth, stating: “Sometimes when I go to my social media page and people bash me it hurts, some say I’m a strong woman but, I cry behind the scenes. Afterwards, I take a cue from the criticisms and work on it to avoid it another time.”
Mzbel recently took on a new role as a hostess of an entertainment show on Wontumi TV after joining Wontumi Media.
