Ghanaian businesswoman, Afua Asantewaa Owusu Aduonum, who attempted to enter the Guinness World Records’ book for the longest singing marathon by an individual has submitted evidence of her attempt to the world body.
Mrs Asantewaa Aduonum’s team submitted the video evidence last Saturday, January 6, 2024, for examination and validation.
According to the newly appointed Tourism Ambassador, she was hopeful of a favourable response in the coming days.
Mrs Asantewaa Aduonum engaged in a five-day singing marathon, sang for 126 hours and 52 minutes, surpassing the previous record of 105 hours set by Indian Sunil Waghmare in 2012.
She had initially advertised a 117-hour effort during the attempt started on December 23, 2023, but the exercise extended into the early hours of the sixth day (ie on Friday, December 29, 2023, at 7:00 a.m.) before she brought the attempt to an end.
Mrs Asantewaa Aduonum said she had since submitted various other requirements, including her media engagements before the attempt, leaving the evidence of the 126 hours and 52 minutes as the last requirement to be submitted.
It was clear American singer Myrna Clayton was really feeling good when she opened her set on the first day of the premier edition of the Jazz In January Festival in Accra with the famous and oft-covered ‘Feeling Good’ song.
That good feeling she sparked on January 4 seemingly affected the mood of the other performers and the audience throughout the four-day bash at the +233 Jazz Bar & Grill at North Ridge in Accra.
Myrna Clayton said she was going to do ‘a little bit of this and a little bit of that for the joy of everyone around’ and that was what exactly the other acts also did to make patrons happy under a warm but still pleasant Accra night sky from January 4 to January 7.
The GHJazz Collective of Victor Dey Jr (piano) Bernard Ayisa (tenor saxophone), Gaddiel Amoah (electric bass), Oko Amartey-Fio (percussion) and Frank Kissi (drums) showed off their musically cohesive trait with original material as well as exceptionally beautiful re-worked Ghanaian traditional pieces.
Their ‘Tatale’ and ‘Nana Fre Me’ tracks, which they have been teasing fans with since a concert at the residence of the deputy Netherlands ambassador at Cantonments in Accra in December 2021, have gone through further maturation and festival attendees gladly gulped them down. Luckily, those tracks will be on the band’s upcoming album.
Bill Macpherson of Native Vibe
Native Vibe normally comprises guitarist Bill Macpherson and bassist Nee Sackey but the latter couldn’t make it down from the United States due to illness. The guitar player obviously missed the man he had been playing with since 1991.
No wonder he featured a number of Nee Sackey-composed pieces such as ‘Windy Bay’ and ‘Just A Samba’ at the festival. Of course, he also rendered pieces he had penned such as ‘Down River’, ‘Jungle Juice’ and ‘Take My Time.’
Kevin Flournoy (left) and Lamont Dozier Jr
Keyboardist, arranger, producer and songwriter Kevin Flournoy appeared with singer Lamont Dozier Jr. They know each other well and efficiently demonstrated how artistes could lend their distinct flavours to any kind of material, be it their own or not.
It was Dozier Jr’s first time in Ghana and he said he enjoyed the stay. His father was a third of the remarkable Motown writing trio of Holland-Dozier-Holland and he might have grown up soaking in masterful vocal renditions from greats like Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, Diana Ross, Smokey Robinson and more.
He did one of his favourite Holland-Dozier-Holland works, ‘How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You’, first recorded by Marvin Gaye and the audience loved it. They also appreciated his take on American classics like ‘Hello It’s Me’, ‘Feel Like Making Love’ and ‘Tell Me If You Still Care.’
Myrna Clayton is as active on stage as any artiste could be. Her versatility was in full flow as she danced, skilfully got the audience involved with her act and sang what she described as ‘familiar songs that remind you of something; familiar songs that you want to sing along with to make you happy.’
The familiar terrain she touched included stuff from Nancy Wilson, Diana Ross, Norah Jones, Bob Marley and Bill Withers, topping things up with an improvised Highlife track. She’s a well-traveled performer and definitely knows how to work up an audience.
Multi-horn player, Jeff Kashiwa has the encyclopedia of smooth Jazz in his palm and he let out appropriate passages on this second trip to Ghana since July 2023. He has always projected an intensity that matches his serene ballads and high energy moments so the Accra audience rightly gave him the thumbs up again.
Jeff Kashiwa and GHJazz Collective
A highlight of the Jazz In January Festival was the launch of the Ghana Jazz Foundation (GJF), a non-profit organization that seeks to promote live Jazz music and other local art forms through collaborations, educational programmes and support for musicians and live music venues.
The festival is expected to be an annual event and discerning music lovers in the nation’s capital will definitely look forward to the next edition in January 2025.
Al-Nassr star and Senegalese international, Sadio Mane, has reportedly married his long-time girlfriend, Aisha Tamba, in a lovely wedding ceremony in Dakar, Senegal on Sunday, January 7, 2024.
The wedding was said to have been attended by friends, family, former players, and even current members of the Senegal national team.
The former Liverpool and Southampton forward also returned home to rejoin his teammates as the African champions launch their training camp ahead of AFCON 2023.
Earlier this month, the 31-year-old had inaugurated a stadium he built in his hometown of Bambali before holding his marriage ceremony ahead of the trip to Ivory Coast.
In photos shared on social media, Tamba was spotted in a colourful wedding dress with a huge smile on her face for the big day. Mane wore a traditional white Arabia outfit.
Multiple award-winning Ghanaian UK-based gospel music icon, Sonnie Badu has sent a word of advice to Daniel Duncan-Williams, the son of popular Ghanaian preacher, Archbishop Duncan-Williams, to stop engaging in irresponsible behavior on social media, which is tarnishing the reputation of his father.
Recently, Daniel, who recently went into rehab to treat himself, made an appearance again and this time he decided to leak intimate videos of himself stunned many on the internet.
It appears that his irresponsible behavior has torn the flesh of the renowned gospel minister, Sonnie Badu, who took to his social media pages to urge Daniel to stop ‘fooling’.
The ‘Baba’ crooner, believes that God has a great plan for Daniel and it is crucial for him to put an end to his foolish action.
Sonnie Badu further edict Daniel Duncan-William to go off social media for a while, focus on his well-being, and return even stronger.
Additionally, Dr Sonnie emphasized the importance of Daniel safeguarding his father’s legacy.
“Hey Daniel, (Gyai gyimie no) my Twitter has been buzzing all day. “Is this not the one you said God will use?” Yes, I still stand by my Word, however, remember one day you will have children and a congregation, and you will have to explain this to them … Take time off social media, fix yourself, and come back stronger… GOD WILL USE YOU ONE DAY … Protect the legacy of your father don’t destroy it … Long live the Ducan William legacy. Next time your page will be reported…” he said.
The face behind the #TheNewForce movement, Nana Kwame Bediako, commonly known by many as Cheddar or Freedom Jacob Caesar has met with the Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama.
This follows the last-minute cancellation, by the government, of the “The Convention” event slated for January 7, 2024, for the Independence Square, where some notable African political figures were expected to speak at.
In its explanation, the government confirmed that it blocked the event even though it had been pre-planned and paid for because it was necessitated by an “unforeseen State Event scheduled to take place at the venue.”
In the letter, signed on behalf of the Chief of Staff by the Chief Director at the Jubilee House, H. M. Wood, it also added that the booking fee of GH¢10,000 would be refunded to the unnamed organizer of the said programme.
“We write to revoke immediately the permission granted per our letter No.OP/PH/02 dated 11th November 2023, which approved your request to use the Black Star Square for the above event.
“This decision has been necessitated by an unforeseen State Event scheduled to take place at the venue,” portions of the letter, titled, ‘Revocation of Permit,’ read.
Dignitaries billed to be at the event were former Nigerian independent presidential aspirant, Peter Obi; President of the Economic Freedom Fighters of South Africa, Julius Malema; one-time Director of the Kenya School of Law, P.L.O Lumumba; and former Permanent Representative of the African Union to the United States, Arikana Chihombori-Quao.
Following this, it has emerged that Cheddar, the brain behind the event, met with John Dramani Mahama, the NDC’s flagbearer, together with some of the dignitaries who were billed to speak at the Black Star Line Festival.
In a tweet shared by Dele Momodou, of Ovation International, he shared photos of the meeting of Cheddar, with P.L.O Lumumba and others, with the former president and Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Mahama.
“After the aborted gathering of radical African leaders, (including Timi Frank, Prof. PLO Lumumba, Labour Party Presidential candidate Peter Obi, Dr. Arikana Chihombori-Quao and Freedom Jacob Caeser) invited by NANA KWAME BEDIAKO (aka CHEDDAR) to meet in Accra, Ghana for the launch of the New African Convention movement, some of the leaders today met with former PRESIDENT JOHN DRAMANI MAHAMA, the NDC Presidential candidate in the DECEMBER 7, 2024, elections in Ghana…
“It is not clear if CHEDDAR has decided to throw his full weight behind His Excellency JOHN MAHAMA…,” he wrote in his post.
Musicians including Efya, Stonebwoy and Wiyaala were also billed to perform at the event which was cancelled at the last minute.
Ghana’s Chef Failatu Abdul-Razak is on day 9 and so far clocked over 2023 hours and still counting as she attempts to set a Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon.
Initially scheduled to last for five days, Chef Faila’s cook-a-thon, which commenced on January 9, 2024, was initially scheduled to last for five days.
However, her team announced an extension to ten days, citing the need to clear pending attempts and other attempts in the future.
Her attempt has received wide support from various sections of Ghanaians who have been trooping to the Modern City Hotel in Tamale, where the event is being held, to give Chef Faila moral support.
Other Ghanaians have also been showing support to the daring chef via social media.
Multiple award-winning music sensation, Mohammed Ismail Sherif popularly known as Black Sherif, today, Tuesday, January 9, 2024, celebrates his 22nd birthday.
As part of his celebration, he paid a surprise visit to BET award-winning Ghanaian dancehall-reggae music icon Stonebwoy.
Stonebwoy’s house was the location of a viral video in which the two famous musicians are seen having a good time, drinking champagne and dancing to their hit songs.
Black Sherif burst onto the scene in 2021 with his monster hit “Kweku The Traveller.” Despite his relatively short time in the industry (less than five years), he’s already made a monumental impact not just in Ghana, but internationally as well.
He currently the reigning Vodafone Ghana Music Awards’ Artiste of the Year, and just recently added the BET Best Flow of the Year Award to his impressive collection.
Watch the video below.
Beautiful moment as Black Sherif pay surprise visit to Stonebwoy in his house to celebrate his 22nd birthday. #January9th 🇬🇭🔥 pic.twitter.com/9DfWYgFG3Z
Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams’ son Daniel Duncan-Williams popularly known as Deewills has caused a stir on social media.
Daniel went ranting yesterday, complaining about how he is being restricted as a pastor’s son.
The length at which Daniel wants to tarnish his father’s reputation is becoming a hard pill to swallow.
Daniel recently went into rehab to treat himself and has made an appearance again and this time he decided to leak intimate videos of himself.
We recently came across a post on X that mentioned his father tweeting about redemption and helping individuals get through tough times.
It appears that his tweet regarding his son’s situation struck the proper note. Well, from all indications, it’s clear that Daniel has fallen off the wagon again and this time round there may be no redemption.
Some people have even asked the man of God to stop wasting prayers for his son because he can no longer be saved.
German football legend Franz Beckenbauer has died at the age of 78.
Beckenbauer is regarded as one of the greatest players to grace the sport, winning the World Cup, European Championship, and countless other trophies during a storied career.
Ex-husband of Nigerian afrobeats songstress Tiwa Savage, Tunji Balogun, popularly known as Tee Billz, has threatened to teach Grammy Awards nominee Davido “a lesson” for allegedly disrespecting his family.
Music executive and estranged husband of the singer lamented that despite the “love” himself, Tiwa Savage and their son, Jamil showed towards Davido’s first daughter, Imade, he disrespected his family.
Tee Billz, who didn’t disclose how the singer disrespected his family, vowed that his family would be the last he would ever disrespect.
He added that he is waiting for the Grammys to be over, so he can spill the tea about the singer.
In a lengthy Instagram post, Tee Billz wrote: “Protecting one’s family is not just a duty; it’s the essence of a man’s character, a testament to his love and commitment……… After the love Jamil, the mother of my son and I have shown towards your daughter…… My Family is the last one you will ever disrespect in Nigeria.. It’s not a threat like I told Bobo! You’ve been getting away with disrespect David Adeleke… I’m not Uncle Dele or Amaju. I will teach you a lesson on their behalf also…… I gave you every chance but you thought it was another one! They warned you not to f*ck with me! I will teach you a life lesson about having money, sense, and respect ….. I pause till after you enjoy your Grammy like I told Tunde Ednut just from the kindness of my heart!!!”
His outburst is coming days after Davido and Tiwa Savage unfollowed each other on Instagram.
Nigerian disc jockey, Florence Otedola, popularly known as DJ Cuppy, has sworn to remain a lover despite the several heartbreaks she suffered in the past.
DJ Cuppy who doubles as a singer, whose engagement to British boxer, Ryan Taylor failed, revealed that a conversation with her grandmother changed her mindset about relationships.
The billionaire daughter DJ Cuppy disclosed that her grandma shared a special childhood story about her and it reminded her “how much of a heart I still have.”
Sharing a clip of her and her sisters with her grandmother via her Instagram page, she: “My grandmother shared a special childhood story about me. This is a moment I will cherish forever, it reminds me how much of a heart I still have. I am and will always be a lover. Btw, my real name is Ifeoluwa.”
DJ Cuppy’s most recent heartbreak was her failed engagement to Ryan Taylor.
The duo parted ways in July 2023, barely seven months after their shocking engagement in November 2022.
It seems popular Ghanaian actress Nadia Buari has welcomed baby number five (5) with her mystery husband.
The award-winning thespian took to her verified Instagram account on Sunday, January 7th, 2024 to share a photo of her holding a newborn, whose gender she kept hidden but looks like a baby boy.
“My beautiful blessing,” she captioned the photo alongside a heart emoji.
Nadia’s post has sparked both confusion and congratulatory messages as her many fans and netizens wonder when she got pregnant.
Nadia Buari is known to be a private celebrity. She has kept her family away from the public eye, only posting her kids without ever showing their faces.
Nadia Buari out with four adorable daughters in Dubai
Recall that, in 2019 Nadia Buari disclosed in an interview that she is married with four adorable children including twins. She, however, did not share information about the man she was married to or when and where she got married.
The Chief Executive Officer of Lynx Entertainment, Richie Mensah, has named Da’Hammer of the Last Two as the best Ghanaian music producer of all time.
In a post on X, Richie wrote: “Can I just say this? The best Ghanaian producer of all time will always be Hammer.”
Obviously pleased by Richie’s post, Hammer replied: “it hits different when a great man honours you.”
The comment has already started generating conversations among music fans and buffs considering the weight of the person behind it. Richie, a singer, songwriter, music executive and record label owner has etched his name in the annals of Ghana’s music as one of the most influential actors in the industry. He has worked with for artiste such as Asem, OJ Blaq, Eazzy, Ziggi, Kuami Eugene, KiDi, Adina, among others.
Edward Nana Poku, popularly known as Hammer of the Last Two is a prominent figure in Ghana’s music space who played a pivotal role in revolutionalising hiplife during its primordial stages in the early 2000s.
Da’Hammer’s groovy hop hop beats gave life to songs released by the likes of Obrafuor, Tinny, Kwaw Kese, Paa Dogo, KG and PM, Sarkodie, Edem, Agbeko, and others.
After taking a foray into bread business for about a decade, he announced his comeback to active music business a few months ago.
He has therefore announced the release of his latest music anthology, ‘Upper Echelon’, this year. According to him the album will feature some of the brilliant music talents in the country.
Asked if he would try to venture into other genres with his return, he said on Joy FM’s ‘Showbiz A-Z’ that he would rather stick to his hip hop induced productions than get into areas that fall outside his forté.
The much-awaited Miss Upper East Ghana 2023 beauty pageant concluded with great enthusiasm and excitement as the winners were crowned at a stunning event held on, January 1, 2024, at GNAT hall, Bolgatanga.
After a rigorous and highly competitive competition, Aburinya Rebecca Awenpam, known by her stage name Apagmi, emerged as the winner of the Miss Upper East Ghana 2023.
Representing the Builsa District, Apagmi showcased exceptional grace, beauty, and talent throughout the event, impressing the judges and capturing the hearts of the audience.
As the deserving winner, Apagmi was awarded a brand new Chevrolet Spark 2010 model, a symbol of her victory and a testament to her remarkable journey. In addition, she received 400 Miss Upper East Ghana branded exercise books, highlighting the pageant’s commitment to education and empowerment.
The first runner-up position was claimed by Atipogbila, representing the Bolga municipality. She captivated the audience with her elegant presence and strong stage presence, making her a favorite among the judges. As the first runner-up, Atipogbila was awarded a generous cash prize of GH₵5,000, along with a rice cooker and 300 branded Miss Upper East Ghana exercise books.
The second runner-up position was secured by Awinpangbe, representing the Bawku West District. She wowed the audience with her poise, confidence, and exceptional communication skills. She received a cash prize of GH₵2,000, a tabletop fridge, and 250 Miss Upper East Ghana branded exercise books.
The event was graced by prominent personalities, including traditional leaders, government officials, renowned fashion designers, and celebrities. The crowded venue was filled with excitement and anticipation as the contestants showcased their beauty, talent, and intelligence in the various segments.
Ms. Fiona Koranteng, the Chief Executive Officer of Fiona Foods has disclosed that growing up, she admired sexy dancers (strippers) to the extent it became her dream job.
The popular Ghanaian chef said at that time, her direction wasn’t carved towards the food business or any other ‘respectable job’, as many would perceive.
In an interview with TV3’s Cookie Tabila, Fiona recalled discussing her plans to become a stripper with her parents and the interesting reactions she got from them.
This was after she was asked if food was her ultimate dream job since childhood.
Cookie: “While you were growing up, I am sure you were often asked what you would want to be. At that time, I’m sure most people said they wanted to be doctors, teachers and so on. When you were asked, did you say food?”
Fiona responded, “I wanted to be a stripper, I wanted to be Cardi B. I don’t know, I just thought it was fascinating. I wanted to be a stripper, dancing on the pole and so on. I actually told my dad and he said I was a fool and that wasn’t going to happen. They didn’t call it stripper then. They were called sexy dancers.”
Asked where she drew such inspiration from, Ms. Koranteng recalled, “There was a stripper in Vienna City, Circle. There was a lady there at that time that was so beautiful. She was everything! I wanted to be her.”
She said her parents’ disapproval and several other factors later quenched her zeal. “My parents thought I was going mad. At some point, they will bath me with prayers. So, I knew that wasn’t going to happen so I had to cook,” she added.
