Nollywood actress Victoria Inyama recently opened up about the challenging experiences she faced in her past marriage with Godwin Okrim. She disclosed that her estranged husband had a concerning habit of channeling his frustrations and anger toward her whenever his favorite football team, Manchester United, performed poorly.
In an interview with Chude Jideonwo, Inyama shared that her ex-husband would physically harm her whenever the Red Devils lost a match. This troubling behavior has left her dealing with lingering trauma, and even to this day, the memories of those beatings continue to affect her emotionally.
The actress expressed her strong aversion to the football club, admitting that the negative association with the team still haunts her. Whenever Manchester United faces defeat in a match, she experiences a flood of memories about the beatings she used to endure at the hands of her ex-husband. Inyama confessed, “I hate Man United, ehn. The number of beatings wey dem beat me because Man United lose match ehn.”
She added, “Even up to today when there is a football match and Man U loses, I am like, ‘Thank God, today would have been a beating day.'” It’s a poignant revelation that sheds light on the lasting emotional scars resulting from the combination of domestic violence and a traumatic association with a sports team.
In a candid moment, Inyama also mentioned that her own son is aware of this painful history and occasionally finds it ironic, even laughing about it.
Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has revealed that the government approved a budget of US$8.5 million presented by the Ghana Football Association for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
In a lengthy post on X (formerly Twitter), Okudzeto Ablakwa explained that his revelation is an effort to break ‘the basic information’ that the GFA and the Sports Ministry have ‘concealed’ to keep it out of the public eye.
“THE SECRET IS OUT; THE WAIT IS OVER — GOVT & GFA AGREED ON A BLACK STARS AFCON BUDGET OF AN ASTONISHING US$8.5MILLION (GHS105MILLION),” he wrote.
“I promised in my publication last week on the staggering GHS27.9million taxpayers spent on the Black Stars between 2022 and 2023, that I shall subsequently, in the supreme national interest, share further information on financials relating specifically to the AFCON tournament in Côte d’Ivoire — I intend to keep that promise today.
“Government and GFA officials have done everything under the sun to conceal how much they budgeted for the preparation and participation of the Black Stars at the ongoing 2024 AFCON.
“Despite strenuous efforts by Parliament and the ever dynamic and courageous Ghanaian sports journalists, the Youth and Sports Minister and his allies at the FA have blatantly refused to disclose this basic information — information the Ghanaian people have every right to know.”
He vowed to offer the breakdown of how the whopping amount was intended to be spent at the tournament.
“SOA Oversight shall be back with more explosive intercepted documents at 3 pm tomorrow.”
The Black Stars had a poor outing at the 2023 AFCON, drawing two, and losing one of their three games played in Group B.
A 2-1 defeat to Cape Verde in the opening game was followed by 2-2 draws with Egypt and Mozambique in the second and final group matches respectively.
With just two points and a goal deficit, the Black Stars recorded successive group-stage exits from the AFCON, having suffered the same fate in the 2021 edition.
THE SECRET IS OUT; THE WAIT IS OVER — GOVT & GFA AGREED ON A BLACK STARS AFCON BUDGET OF AN ASTONISHING US$8.5MILLION (GHS105MILLION)
I promised in my publication last week on the staggering GHS27.9million taxpayers spent on the Black Stars between 2022 and 2023, that I shall… pic.twitter.com/4005pvDngk
Catherine, Princess of Wales (commonly known as Kate Middleton) is home from the hospital after her “planned abdominal surgery” that she underwent in mid-January.
The 42-year-old royal spent a total of 13 days in the hospital after being released on Monday (January 29).
A statement from Kensington Palace read, “The Princess of Wales has returned home to Windsor to continue her recovery from surgery. She is making good progress. The Prince and Princess wish to say a huge thank you to the entire team at The London Clinic, especially the dedicated nursing staff, for the care they have provided.
“The Wales family continues to be grateful for the well wishes they have received from around the world,” the statement concluded.
The Princess will be taking multiple weeks off after her surgery and the exact date has been theorized by the Palace.
Nigerian singer, songwriter, and music executive, Oluwatosin Oluwole Ajibade, popularly known in the entertainment industry as Mr. Eazi, has won the Young Entrepreneur Award at the 2024 African Prosperity Champions Award held at the Kempinski Gold Coast Hotel in Accra.
The award recognises Mr. Eazi’s drive to set up businesses on the continent and project Africa positively as a destination for foreign investors.
The African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCTA) has equally noticed Mr. Eazi’s business initiatives, which have culminated in receiving the coveted Young Entrepreneur Award.
The founder of Banku Music record label expressed gratitude to the organisers, African Prosperity Network (APN), for the honour done to him. He also credited his alma mater, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), where he started his entrepreneurial journey.
“…that journey has taken me from tech to music, and it has been seven years of music, which has led me to represent Africa across the world and speak on Africa’s soft power,” he said.
“This is one of the first times that everywhere I go, people refuse to look at me as the entrepreneur that I am and just want to look at me as a musician and expect me to hold the mic and sing.
“Meanwhile, as young Africans, we refuse to be defined by labels. I am a creative entrepreneur, and I thank you so much for giving me this award. It is a reminder of the work we are doing and the work that is to be done, and Africa is the future whether anybody likes it or not,” he added.
Mr Eazi’s independent record label, Banku Music, serves as a platform for promoting emerging African artists. He is known for supporting and collaborating with other talents in the industry.
Mr Eazi has achieved international recognition for his contributions to the Afrobeat genre. He has collaborated with both African and international artists, contributing to the global popularity of Afrobeats.
He is also the brain behind the annual festival, Detty Rave, which brings the world home. Detty Rave brings together a diverse lineup of local and international artists, celebrating the vibrancy of African music and culture.
The festival contributes to the ongoing narrative of Africa’s influence on the global music stage.
Beyond its entertainment value, it has contributed to community engagements and development.
Detty Rave provides opportunities for local businesses, artists, and entrepreneurs to showcase their work, fostering a sense of community and empowerment.
The event was hosted by Kwame Sefa Kayi and Berla Mundi and was attended by high-profile dignitaries including President Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo, Former President John Agyekum Kufuor, the President of Guayana H.E Dr Mohammed Irfaan Ali, Secretary General Commonwealth Baroness Scotland, the Vice President of Ivory Coast, and the First Lady, H.E Rebecca Akufo-Addo.
Founder of Eastwood Anaba Ministries, Reverend Eastwood Anaba has bemoaned the dominance of entertainment in churches, stressing that it has swayed Christians away from the primary purpose of worship.
In a viral sermon video, Rev. Anaba emphasized that entertainment has now become the “oxygen of churches” and if taken away some churches will collapse.
“When you go to these our churches, sometimes I just imagine. If there is no drum, there is no organist, there is no guitarist, and you take away all the music and the entertainment, many of our churches will die. It will be like the oxygen support has been remove and that is because the entertainment in our churches I think it is too much,” he said.
The pastor continued to highlight instances where he witnessed more focus on entertainment in some churches.
The renowned pastor recounted situations where invited ministers spend over two hours at conventions surrounded by “one song after the other, one dance after the other, choreography, and somersaulting.”
According to him, the church is for signs and wonders, healings and spiritual dealings. Comparing some secular establishments to the church, he humorously remarked how focused they are on their purpose.
“I’ve never entered a ‘chop bar’ and they said ‘praise and worship’ before the food was brought. They know exactly why they exist so as soon as you sit down, they come to you with a menu. They want to know what you want to eat because the purpose there is eating.”
He urged Christians not to neglect the work of the Lord in exchange for entertainment and quoted biblical verses, cautioning against neglecting “the work of the Lord” in favor of extravagant entertainment.
The pastor concluded by challenging his fellow clergy, asking, “How many pastors walk into church on Sunday with the aim that if there is a leper in my church, he should be cleansed? If a dead person is there, he should be raised? If there is a cripple, the person should walk?”
The pastor while acknowledging that entertainment is accepted in churches, he believes churches are rather being more reliant on it than God’s purpose.
A man who was born a boy but transitioned into a woman has now gone back to being male after a spiritual encounter.
Jeffrey Johnson wrote on Facebook that he even got breast implants to complete his transitioning.
However, he said Jesus renewed his mind and healed him.
He wrote on Facebook;
“When Jesus came and found me at the age of 41 living as transgender. His exact words to me were> Honey this isn’t you this is what the devil has done to you. God created only two genders ( male and female ) I’m so grateful that Jesus has put me back in my right mind and has turned my life around for his glory
“I was born a boy and will always be one. Thank you Jesus for what you’ve done in me.
“That’s me on the left when I lived as transgender. Please excuse the breast. The breast implants have been gone now for 17 years, and I’m grateful.
“It feels great to be free from the mental torture that the devil put me through without Jesus in my life. Jesus is good at renewing a person’s mind and healing them Within. Jesus is your first love, and he’s always been in love with you.
Those of you that are living as transgender, Jesus is saying this to you. > Honey this isn’t you, this is what the devil has done to you. Have an awesome day.
“Jesus will help anyone who wants his help. So don’t ever hesitate to call upon the one who loves YOU the most.”
Ghana’s “songbird,” Gyakie, is planning to drop her debut album without much publicity for her millions of fans.
She made this known via social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
She wrote: “How I plan to sneak in the album.”
The ‘Rent Free’ hitmaker attached a video of a model in a shark like suit who, on the runway, is seen hiding what looked like a bag stuffed with money in one moment and in another showing it off.
Gyakie has two hit extended plays (EPs) to her name: Seed (2020), which housed her breakthrough single Forever, and My Diary (2022), which housed her Something hit.
There were emotional scenes at the Criminal Court 3 of the Accra High Court as prison officers paraded the accused persons in the alleged murder of Major Maxwell Mahama.
The mother of the slain soldier, with tears welled up in her eyes exclaimed as she saw the accused persons pass in front of her in the courtroom.
“Murderers, murderers! Look what you’ve done to me. This is why I never came here!” She screamed at them, nearly choking on her tears as family members huddled to comfort her.
She was briefly escorted outside by one of her sons to console and calm her down.
Fourteen men are on trial in an Accra High Court for the murder of Major Mahama, a 5th Infantry Battalion officer, in Burma Camp.
While on duty on May 29, 2017, irate residents of Denkyira-Obuasi in the Central Region lynched the officer after allegedly mistaking him for an armed robber.
According to reports the angry mob ignored his persistent protests that he was an officer of the Ghana Armed Forces.
The accused are William Baah, the Assembly member of Denkyira-Obuasi, Bernard Asamoah alias Daddy, Kofi Nyame aka Abortion, Akwasi Boah, Kwame Tuffour, Joseph Appiah Kubi, Michael Anim, and Bismarck Donkor.
Others are John Bosie, Akwasi Baah, Charles Kwaning, Emmanuel Badu, Bismarck Abanga and Kwadwo Anima.
The accused persons will know their fate today as the High Court will pronounce judgement after hearing the case which has spanned for about 7 years.
Renowned media personality Caleb Elolo Adjomah popularly known as Giovani Caleb has graduated with a master’s in marketing strategy from the University of Ghana Business School (UGBS). The 3FM presenter, famed for hosting the television reality show Date Rush, bagged his undergraduate degree from the same university years ago.
Giovani Caleb posed in his master’s graduation gown to immortalise the significant milestone in pictures.
He posted on X that: MA marketing strategy bagged. Kudos my supervisor Dr@Rafurl. My big brother Prof @thePOE_T for encouraging me to go back to school. #UGBS
— G i o v a n i CALEB #DATErush (@GiovaniCaleb) January 27, 2024
He also posted on Facebook that: “MA Marketing Strategy – University Of Ghana Business School. Glory be to God. Going back to school after all these years wasn’t an easy decision but glad I made that move. Thanks to family, my lectures and supervisor, colleagues and friends. On to the next!”
Congratulations have poured in after the celebrated presenter basked in the joy of the degree from UG on social media.
In 2011, the Ghanaian government allocated GH¢2 million to the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) as part of its budget to support the creative arts industry.
The former president of MUSIGA, Bice Osei Kuffour, popularly known as Obour, received the funds on behalf of the union and promised to use them for the benefit of the musicians.
However, many musicians, including D-Black, were disappointed and angry when they learned that Obour had spent half of the money on a research project by KPMG, a global auditing firm, to study the Ghanaian music industry.
Obour denied any misappropriation of funds and claimed that the research was necessary to provide a blueprint for banks and other stakeholders who want to invest in the industry.
D-Black, speaking on his “Uncut with D-Black” show on Enjoyment Radio on January 26, narrated his experience and how he was misled into accompanying Obour to the Ministry of Finance to receive the grant after a series of promises from him.
“Obour asked me to accompany him to the Ministry of Finance. He said the government wants to give us some money so he wants to show a unified front. I was excited. So, we went.
“And I had asked him ‘What are we going to do with this money if it comes?’ And he says, ‘Oh, we’ll fix the royalty system in Ghana. We’ll build some more studios for artists in the underground to be able to access those who don’t have money. We’ll put some producers in there. We’ll do a concert every year. Ghana Music Week celebration.’ He made a lot of promises so I was very excited.
“Do you know that a week after they read the budget, they had given Obour the money already? At the time. It was 3 million Ghana cedis. And when they did accounts, they said half of the money was used to do research,” he recalled.
D-Black said he felt betrayed and deceived by Obour, who failed to deliver on his promises and wasted the money on research that he did not consult the musicians about.
The MUSIGA funds controversy has been one of the most heated issues in the Ghanaian music industry, as many musicians have accused Obour of mismanaging and embezzling the money.
Meanwhile, Obour lost the NPP parliamentary primaries for the Asante Akyem South constituency for the second time.
The primaries, which were held on January 27, saw Obour come second to Asante Boateng, who won by a large margin.
Legendary singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell will grace the stage of the 66th Grammy Awards on Sunday as a performer for the first time at age 80.
The Recording Academy made the announcement in a news release Sunday, adding the nine-time Grammy winner to a star-studded performance lineup that includes Dua Lipa, Burna Boy, Billie Eilish, Olivia Rodrigo, Travis Scott, U2, Luke Combs and Billy Joel.
Mitchell is a nominee in the Best Folk Album category for her 2023 live album “Joni Mitchell at Newport.” The album documents her surprise return to the concert stage at the 2022 Newport Folk Festival in Rhode Island – after 20 years away, according to the Recording Academy.
“Wow!” commented Argentine musician and filmmaker Fito Páez under a joint Instagram post on the announcement by Mitchell, the Recording Academy and CBS, adding: “What a night!”
The iconic Canadian experimental artist, who was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997 and won a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Grammys in 2002, is best known for 1970s hits such as “Big Yellow Taxi,” “Blue,” “Amelia” and “Woodstock.”
Irish rock band U2 will also make history at this year’s ceremony, which is being hosted by comedian Trevor Noah, by delivering the award show’s first broadcast performance from the Sphere, Las Vegas’ futuristic entertainment venue, according to the Recording Academy.
The 22-time Grammy-winners inaugurated the venue, which is the world’s largest spherical structure and contains the world’s highest-resolution wraparound LED screen, with a series of concerts between October and December last year.
The 2024 Grammys will air live on CBS and Paramount+ at 8 p.m. ET on Sunday.
Telecel Group, an Africa-focused telecommunication company with expertise in combining telecommunication with fintech, e-commerce, and tech start-ups successfully acquired 70% majority shares in Vodafone Ghana (Ghana Telecommunications Company Limited – GTCL) in February 2023 and is set to bring disruptive innovation into Ghana’s telecom industry with customer-centric products delivered with exceptional customer service.
In a statement by the CEO of Telecel Group, Moh Damush remarked “In February 2023, Telecel completed the acquisition of Vodafone Ghana, setting the stage for a massive rebranding campaign. This evolution represents more than just a change in name; it signifies our commitment to advancing telecommunications in Ghana with a renewed focus on meeting the evolving needs of our customers. This rebranding represents a bold step forward into a future where innovation, quality and customer satisfaction remain at the core of who we are. Our goal is to provide Ghanaians with exceptional services, exceeding their expectations”.
Patricia Obo-Nai, CEO of Vodafone Ghana said, “I am truly excited about this transition. Our goal is to deliver a great network for our customers, enabling a connectivity that promotes personal and business growth. I invite our stakeholders to join us on this exciting journey as we start our rebranding from Vodafone Ghana to Telecel Ghana”.
The rebranding exercise which starts in January and climaxes with a full brand reveal at the end of February 2024 is expected to be packed with exciting activities and campaigns for all stakeholders.
The rebranding also covers Vodafone Ghana and its three subsidiaries: National Communication Backbone Company Limited (Vodafone Wholesale), Vodafone Ghana Mobile Financial Services Limited (Vodafone Cash), and the Vodafone Ghana Foundation.
Charterhouse, organizers of the annual Vodafone Ghana Music Awards, have announced the commencement of nominations for its 25th edition.
The biggest awards festival extends a cordial invitation to all Ghanaian artists, producers, and record labels to submit their nominations before the stipulated deadline.
Eligible submissions encompass works released between January 1st and December 31st, 2023.
This announcement was disseminated to the public through the official social media channels of the music award body.
We encourage all eligible participants to actively engage in this exciting opportunity to showcase their outstanding contributions to the Ghanaian music industry.
Follow Ghana Music Awards on social media – Facebook, Twitter and Instagram – for updates on every information on VGMA.
Joseph Matthew, the dynamic and talented Ghanaian Afro-gospel artiste, is set to revolutionize the music industry with his unique and captivating sounds. With a fusion of Afro beats and gospel lyrics, he is breaking barriers and bringing a fresh perspective to the genre.
The ‘Afro Gospel’ sound originated from Afrobeat(s) which is a mix of the African sound and this, a lot of time, is credited to iconic musician/activist Fela Anikulapo Kuti. After his demise, new age artiste like Joseph Matthew have gone ahead in remaking the sound to blend with their style hence we have Afrobeats.
In an era of musical experimentation and the blending of genres, Joseph Matthew is at the forefront, carving his niche in Afro-gospel music. His authentic style and thought-provoking lyrics set him apart, attracting a growing fan base worldwide.
The Afro-Gospel genre has been a delightful revelation, with numerous Christian artists embracing its vibrant sound. It not only uplifts your spirits but also promotes a sense of thankfulness and devotion to God. Joseph Matthew’s music, particularly his track “Blessed,” perfectly exemplifies this. It has provided Christian hip-hop artists with a unique opportunity to express themselves through diverse avenues, moving beyond the conventional rap style.
Teaming up with renowned producers and musicians, Joseph Matthew has crafted a collection of tracks that are captivating hearts and inspiring souls.
He burst onto the scene in 2019 with his hit song “Hallelujah” and has continued to impress with subsequent releases such as “Nyame YE”, “Not Alone”, “My Story”, “The Name”, “Blessed”, and “Promise Land”. His powerful vocals, catchy melodies, and infectious rhythms have been met with rave reviews from both critics and listeners alike.
His talent has earned him the title of the best Afro-gospel musician in Ghana, and he was even awarded the “Best Gospel Song of the Year UK” at the Ghana Music Awards UK in 2023 for his song “Blessed”.
Joseph Matthew’s success is a manifestation of his perseverance, faith, and immense talent. He has been endorsed by numerous showbiz personalities, including Fred Kyei Mensah, Ken Ardey, Arnold Asamoah-Baidoo, Bulldog, and Nana Romeo.
This talented artist is not only taking Afro-gospel music to new heights but also using his platform for social change. Joseph Matthew actively promotes messages of hope, love, and inclusion through his music, encouraging his listeners to embrace their faith and make a positive impact in their communities.
With his unique blend of Afro beats and gospel music, Joseph Matthew is poised to make a profound impact on the music industry. His dedication to spreading the gospel through his music and his unparalleled talent is a winning combination that is propelling him to new heights.
Be sure to follow Joseph Matthew on social media and streaming platforms. His latest single ‘Promise Land’ is highly anticipated to not just earn a nomination but also win him an award at the 2024 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMAs).
With his untamed passion, exceptional talent, and unwavering dedication, Joseph Matthew is undoubtedly taking Afro-gospel music to the next level.
Check out his “Promise Land” song below, which was produced by well-versed sound engineer Francis Osei, a soul-inspiring ballad about hope and perseverance.
Celebrated Ghanaian Afro-Dancehall music icon Stonebwoy has unveiled his first single of the year, titled “Believe In Africa,” at the prestigious Africa Prosperity Champions (APC) Awards which was held on Friday, January 26, 2024, at the Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City in Accra, with a captivating musical performance that added an extra layer of excitement to the awards ceremony.
The song, “Believe In Africa,” is anticipated to be a powerful anthem that resonates with themes of unity, pride, and faith in the continent’s potential. Stonebwoy’s music often carries profound messages, and this release is expected to be no exception.
The APC Awards, recognizing outstanding achievements across various sectors, served as an ideal backdrop for Stonebwoy to connect with his audience and convey the essence of “Believe In Africa.”
The artist’s involvement in the awards ceremony added a special touch, combining musical excellence with a celebration of achievements.
Stonebwoy, who was dressed in a stunning white tuxedo, gave an amazing performance on the stage, impressing the audience, including H.E. Nana Addo dankwa Akufo-Addo, First Lady of Ghana. H.E. Rebecca Akufo-Addo, former Head of State; H.E. John Agyekum Kufuor, President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana; H.E. Mohammed Irfaan Ali; H.E. Faure Gnassingbé, President of the Republic of Togo; the President of the Republic of Senegal; H.E. Macky Sall; and H.E. Sahle-Worķ Zewde, President of Ethiopia.
He showcased his newest single ‘Believe In Africa’ and also performed some of his hit songs like ‘Manodzi’.
The artist continues to make waves both within Ghana and on the international stage, solidifying his position as a musical icon.
@stonebwoy finally unveils debut song for 2024 dubbed 'Believe in Africa' He performed the song at the Africa prosperity Champions Awards and Presidential gala dinner at the Kempinski hotel, Accra on Friday, Jan 26. pic.twitter.com/Qj15K0Scdk
