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Yet another beautiful and sunny Saturday afternoon and our Housemates were enjoying their picnic thanks to our sponsor Airtel. And as usual the Housemates were tuned in to Natasha’s Talk Show that looks into the Housemates and their tendencies in the House.

First up on the Ruby House inquisition was Ghanaian stud muffin Elikem who had to answer a lot of questions about his ‘friend’ who was swapped a few days ago, Pokello. Natasha asked him how he felt when he spent last night without a bed partner. He told them that Pokello is a friend he always enjoyed chatting with especially before they slept and that it wasn’t nice sleeping alone but he’ll get over that.

When asked by Sulu what he’d do when Pokello is being pursued by a guy in the Diamond House, he simply said that there is nothing he would do but let her go. His fellow Housemates were not entirely convinced by his response especially because they know how close the two are. Natasha jumped in and said that Elikem was weak and because he knew that he couldn’t win the Pokello battle, he then resolved in letting her go.

Fatima wanted to know whether he’d continue shaving his chest hairs now that Pokello was no longer in the House, to which he responded he would shave or not depending on how he felt at that particular moment. Natasha couldn’t resist but open Elikem’s shirt and touch his chest.

Sulu stepped in with yet another question, asking Elikem whether he was eying anybody in the House now that his ‘friend’ is gone. Elikem responded by saying that no one can ever really know but if he’s eying anybody, he won’t say anything at that moment. Looks like Elikem has moved on from Pokello, the question is who is he moving on to?

By Bukelwa Nkungwana

The post Big Brother Africa The Chase update: Elikem under scrutiny appeared first on GhanaGist.com.

After a long drawn out love triangle that culminated in Strikes for both Sulu and Nando, Selly finally put a stop to all the madness by being brutally honest with Sulu.

During an intense Rendezvous Session this evening, there was not even a dollop of romance as the two hashed out their differences like mature adults. Sulu opened up and told Selly he was hurt when he found out Selly likes Nando and had actually gone as far as to choose him as herRendezvous Room date.

“I miss you but I won’t lie, I was really hurt by your actions”, Sulu said. Selly tried her best to explain herself with tact and sensitivity. “I heard Nando liked me and I was really curious to see what kind of person he is. He campaigned in the Diamond House to get me to the Rendezvous Room. I wanted to get to know him better. Everyone just blew things out of proportion”, Selly said.

When Selly pointed out how Sulu told everyone but her just how much he loves her, she was more than surprised. “You told everyone how you felt about me, but didn’t bother to tell me. After all is said and done, I like you in a way I can’t explain. I care deeply about you because you’re a nice person. However, I’ve never said I love you. I don’t want a romantic relationship with you.”

Sulu let Selly’s statement go over his head and didn’t seem to want to face reality. When he insisted on pushing Selly for more than friendship, Selly told him “Don’t try to control me and don’t try to force me to love you”, she said.

By the end of the date, Sulu seemed to have not fully accepted the fact that Selly might not love him as much as he does and urged her to consult him every time she has to make important decisions. Selly didn’t seem to have any qualms with that. What a sticky situation.

Do you love me?

What do you think of this whole situation?

The post Big Brother Africa The Chase update: Selly to Sulu – “I don’t love you” appeared first on GhanaGist.com.

Bola Ray and Wizkid

Nigerian star boy Wizkid yesterday refused to announce Dancehall star Samini to partner him to perform their smash hit ‘Time Bomb’ a track on the latter’s upcoming album at the third edition of Ghana Meets Naija.

According to signals picked, as two headlining artistes, after his performance, Wizkid was to announce Samini with the song and then leave after for the Ghanaian star to close the show.

What really happened? According to sources, Wizkid and his team refused the arrangement because of a beef between Samini and R2Bees who are currently in Los Angeles for the 2013 BET Awards.

The beef between the two Ghanaian artistes is unknown but for Bola Ray, the organizer of the show to intervene means all is not well.

“Bola Ray even went back stage to talk to Wizkid and his manager about it but they refused to perform with Samini.” said a source.

I’m wondering why two artistes representing Northern part of Ghana will be at loggerheads with each other. Couldn’t they settle whatever brought up the beef?

To Wizkid, what’s the solidarity with R2Bees all about? Hmmm!

Listen to ‘Time Bomb’ by Samini ft R2Bees

Source: GhanaGist.Com reporter

The post Wizkid refuses to perform ‘Time Bomb’ with Samini at #GhanaMeetsNaija due to beef with R2Bees appeared first on GhanaGist.com.

The post FIFA U20 World Cup: Egypt win pushes Ghana’s through appeared first on GhanaGist.com.

Just in case you are still wondering how Ghana can effectively win the war against the drug trade, KSM’s three wise men have all the answers.

Check it out.

ENewsGH

The post Video: How to win the War on Drugs in Ghana appeared first on GhanaGist.com.

There are things we do or can do for our partners to know that we sincerely love them but tattooing the name of my partner on any part of my body is a no – no for me.

The romantic relationship between the Ghanaian actress Yvonne Nelson and Nigerian musician Iyanya appears to have died but news about the two will come every now and then.

Once again photos of a tattoo of Yvonne Nelson’s initials (YN) on Iyanya’s wrist are out online. Probably it was done during their good times, now Mr. Lover boy has to deal with it for the rest of his life, well if it’s not a fake tattoo.

Check out the photos:

The post PHOTO: Iyanya tattoos Yvonne Nelson’s initials ‘YN’ on his wrist to show love appeared first on GhanaGist.com.

Steve Forbes arrived Nigeria for the launch of EbonyLife TV on DSTV happening on Sunday.The Editor-in-Chief of business magazine Forbes magazine as well as president and chief executive officer of its publisher, Forbes, Inc. was received with excitement by Mo Abudu and other members of the EbonyLife TV crew at the Eko Hotel.

Mr. Steve Forbes is the Keynote Speaker at the launch of Mo Abudu’s TV Network – EbonyLife TV tonight. The channel which can be found on DSTV; Channel 165 is set to change everything you think you know about Africa.

See more photos after the cut…

The post Photos: Steve Forbes arrives in Lagos for Mo Abudu’s Ebony Life TV on DStv appeared first on GhanaGist.com.

In case you didn’t know, footballer Asamoah Gyan has customized his Porsche Cayenne Turbo S.

Footballers and big lifestyles hmmm!

The post Check out Asamoah Gyan’s customized Porsche Cayenne Turbo S appeared first on GhanaGist.com.

Arsenal have made a £20m offer for Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney, 27, which will spark a rival bid from Chelsea.

Full story: Sunday Mirror 

Belgium striker Christian Benteke scored 19 Premier League goals for Aston Villa last season

But new Manchester United manager David Moyes, who officially starts his job on Monday, has already had a secret meeting with Rooney and wants the England international to stay at Old Trafford.

Full story: The Sun 

Chelsea have made a £45m bid for Napoli forward Edinson Cavani, although the offer does not meet the 26-year-old’s £52m buy-out clause with the Serie A side.

Full story: Daily Mail 

Manchester City’s interest has switched from signing Uruguay international Cavani to bringing in 29-year-old Brazil attacker Fred, who plays for Fluminense, and Benfica forward Oscar Cardozo, 30.

Full story: Daily Mail 

New City boss Manuel Pellegrini will attempt to sign Sevilla’s 27-year-old striker Alvaro Negredo, who has an £18m buy-out clause in his contract with the Spanish club.

Full story: Daily Mirror 

A new-look Arsenal frontline could feature 29-year-old Chelsea striker Fernando Torres partnering Real Madrid forward Gonzalo Higuain, 25, if Gunners manager Arsene Wenger gets his way.

Full story: Sunday People 

Aston Villa have placed a £25m price tag on 22-year-old Belgium striker Christian Benteke to put off interested clubs.

Full story: Sunday Mirror 

Villa have yet to receive a bid for out-of-favour forward Darren Bent, despite Newcastle, Fulham, Crystal Palace and Hull having been linked with the 29-year-old.

Full story: The Sun 

Newcastle have said it would take £25m for them to sell midfielder Yohan Cabaye, 27, as they seek to fend off interest in the France international from Arsenal, Manchester united, Monaco and Paris St-Germain.

Full story: Daily Star 

Alan Pardew has been in charge of Newcastle since December 2010.

Liverpool are willing to sell Jonjo Shelvey, 21, with West Ham, Norwich and Swansea keen on signing the midfielder.

Full story: Daily Mail 

Yossi Benayoun’s agent says West Bromwich Albion are among several clubs interested in the 33-year-old midfielder, who is a free agent after being released by Chelsea.

Full story: Skysports.com 

The Baggies are also keen on recruiting Chelsea striker Demba Ba on a season-long loan.

Full story: Sunday Times (subscription required) 

Wolves winger Bakary Sako, 25, wants the League One club to lower their asking price so he can move to Fulham, who are unwilling to pay £4m for the Frenchman.

Full story: The Observer 

OTHER GOSSIP

Wayne Rooney will seek assurances about his prospective role in the Manchester United team when he meets this week with manager David Moyes.

Full story: Sunday Telegraph 

Newcastle United’s contingent of French players face being ­ordered to take intensive English lessons by manager Alan Pardew.

Full story: Sunday Mirror 

AND FINALLY

Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas says he will quit football management within a decade – and then take part in the Dakar Rally.

Full story: Sunday Mirror 

Mexico striker Jesus Escoboza has shown he is a true predator in front of goal after running on and scoring against Mali at the Under-20 World Cup – despite losing his boot.

Full story: Metro 

The post Sunday’s gossip column appeared first on GhanaGist.com.

What do we have here? After denying him the privilege of tasting her goodies,Pokello has made an about turn and has started calling Elikem her man.

This is a far cry from the time when the Zimbabwean hottie was in the same House as the Ghanaian. Last week Friday, Pokello was separated from Elikem when she was switched from the Ruby House to the Diamond House.

In the early hours of this morning, Pokello went about town, referring to Elikem as her man. “My man owns and rides a bike”, she told her fellow Housemates as they chatted in the bedroom.

Seems time apart has changed Pokello’s mind about Elikem. Pokello and Elikem are super close. However, it seems Elikem’s affections have waned since as early as last week.

After wanting her for weeks, the Ghanaian brewed a plan with Evicted Chaser, Bolt, as well as Fatima, to set the Zimbabwean straight.

Source: BBA

The post Big Brother Africa The Chase update: Pokello: Elikem is ‘my man’ appeared first on GhanaGist.com.

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There must be something fishy somewhere with the truth concerning Ghanaian sultry actress-Yvonne Nelson and her former ‘Kukere’ boyfriend-Iyanya. These two have incessantly being washing their dirty linen in the public.

Ever since they called off their romance blues, it is from one story to the other, today they are revealing who lied most, tomorrow, another is lyrically beefing the other and now wait for this, it is out that Iyanya has Yvonne Nelson’s name tattooed on his wrist.

According to a close source, “Iyanya has a tattoo of Yvonne Nelson’s initials on his wrist and that’s the picture below. Iyanya supposedly got the tattoo when he was still dating Yvonne, while he was deeply in love with her, meaning their relationship was a lot more than just sex …”

Our candid opinion to the two is that they should cease from the ‘public show’ of abuses and always remember that relationship is the only war where you connect with the enemy.

Source: Adeyemi Adebayo Victor

The post Yvonne Nelson and Iyanya: Who ‘fooled’ who? appeared first on GhanaGist.com.

Singer Stephanie Benson last night inside the Labadi Beach Hotel in Accra released two singles ‘Good Bye’ and ‘Good Feeling’ premiered the video for ‘Good Feeling’.

The video was directed Abraham Ohene Djan of Ohenemedia.

Such a lovely video I must say.

Check the video out.

The post Stephanie Benson drop ‘Good Feeling’ video appeared first on GhanaGist.com.

In the morning, Ama K. Abebrese and Prince David Osei presented the 7GMT news on TV3.

Now it’s the turn of rapper and leader of HipLife trio, 4×4 Captain Planet (Sylvanus Dodji Jeoffrey) who is currently partnering award winning actor Majid Michel to read the Mid Day News now.

Like is said earlier on, tune in now and please don’t worry too much about their stiffness and goofs.

The post Holiday Special: Majid Michel and Captain Planet (4X4) present Midday news on TV3 appeared first on GhanaGist.com.

Jackie Appiah

Touted as the African Oscars – Nollywood & African Film Critics Awards (NAFCA) Winners will be announced Live! on September 14th at a red-carpet event at the legendary Warner Theatre in Washington D.C. The prestigious AfricanOscars -NAFCA are presented by Nollywood & African Film Critics USA. This year’s award promises to the biggest ever and will be graced by over 200 actors and filmmakers. In attendance will be African dignitaries, diplomats and business leaders.

Please visit www.AfricanOscar.com for tickets, donations and sponsorship information.

GENERAL CATEGORIES

Best Film

1.    Alan Poza

2.    Ninah’s Dowry

3.    Weekend Getaway

4.    One Night in Vegas

5.    Le Silence Pure

Best Indigenous Film

1.    The Blessed Curse

2.    The Hands of Fate

3.    Le Silence Pure

4.    Deceit of the gods

Best Drama

1.    Alan Poza

2.    The Hunters

3.    Le Silence Pure

4.    Weekend Getaway

5.    Ninah’s Dowry

Best Comedy

1.    Alan Poza

2.    Mrs. Somebody

3.    American Mama

4.    Wife for Ozobia

5.    Unguarded

Best Docu-Drama

1.    A Wish-Brest Cancer

2.    The Hand of Fate- HIV

3.    Boys Cry-Bullying

4.    Ninah’s Dowry-Dowry

5.    Le Silence Pure

BestTV/Online Series

1.    Wife for Ozobio

2.    African Connection

3.    Adams Apples

Best Short Film / Trailer

1.    Fetus

2.    Unspoken

3.    Hungry For You Honey

4.    Five

Best Cinematography

1.    A Wish

2.    Alan Poza

3.    Ninah’s Dowry

4.    Weekend Getaway

5.    One Night in Vegas

Best Screenplay

1.    Letters to My Mother

2.    Boys Cry

3.    Alan Poza

4.    Ninah’s Dowry

5.    One Night in Vegas

Best Editing

1.    Weekend Getaway

2.    Alan Poza

3.    Ninah’s Dowry

4.    One Night in Vegas

5.    Boys Cry

Best Sound

1.    Page 36

2.    Ninah’s Dowry

3.    Turning Point

4.    One Night in Vegas

5.    Boys Cry

Best Original Score

1.    America The True Dream-The Fetus

2.    Crazy World-Somewhere in Baltimore

3.    Zahara Loliwe-Pink Poison

4.    False Engagement-False Engagement

5.    Pariwo-Mind of the Enemy

Best Visual Effects

1.    The Blessed Curse

2.    One Night in Vegas

3.    The Hunters

4.    Temperamental

5.    The Fetus

Best Costume

1.    The Price

2.    Unguarded

3.    Page 36

4.    African Connection

5.    Le Silence Pure

Best Makeup

1.    The Blessed Curse

2.    The Fetus

3.    Temperamental

4.    Ninah’s Dowry

5.    The Price

Best Actor in leading Role

1.    Majid Michel – The Price

2.    Ramsey Nouah-Weekend Getaway

3.    Adjetey Anang – The Hunters

4.    Jim Iyke-Blood or Wine

5.    Anurin Nwunembom-Ninah’s Diary

Best Actress in leading role

1.    Beverly Naya-Alan Poza

2.    Jackie Appiah-The Hunters

3.    Iretiola Doyle– Torn

4.    Mbufung Seikeh-Ninah’s Diary

5.    Genevieve Nnaji-Weekend Getaway

Best Actor in Supporting

1.    Adjetey Annang-Letters to My Mother

2.    Eddie Watson-Letters to My Mother

3.    John Ijie-The Hands of Fate

4.    Kofi Adjorlolo-The Price

5.    Uti Nwachkwu-Weekend Getaway

Best Actress in supporting role

1.    Kalsume Sinare-The Price

2.    Patience Ozokwor – American Mama

3.    Ini Edo-Weekend Getaway

4.    Beverly Naya-Weekend Getaway

5.    Monalisa Chinda-Weekend Getaway

Best Child Actor in a Film

1.    Oley Saidykhan -The Hands of Fate

2.    Elijah Kondeh-Boys Cry

3.    Boakai Kimbo-Boys Cry

4.    Ceareh Hamilton–Boys Cry

5.    Marisha Nayee-Angel & the Mailman

Best Director in a Film

1.    Charles Novia-Alan Poza

2.    Pascal Amanfo- Letters to My Mother

3.    Tom Robson-Mrs. Somebody

4.    Desmond Elliot –Weekend Getaway

5.    Victor Viyuoh-Ninah’s Dowry

DIASPORA CATEGORIES

Best film in Diaspora

1.    Le Silence Pure

2.    Page 36

3.    One Night in Vegas

4.    Boys Cry

5.    Unguarded

Best Drama Diaspora Film

1.    Turning Point

2.    Page 36

3.    Boys Cry

4.    Unguarded

5.    One Night in Vegas

Best Screenplay Diaspora Film

1.    Turning Point

2.    Page 36

3.    One Night in Vegas

4.    Boys Cry

5.    Unguarded

Best Cinematography Diaspora Film

1.    Turning Point

2.    Page 36

3.    One Night in Vegas

4.    Black Money

5.    Le Silence Pure

Best Actor in leading role Diaspora Film

1.      Igoni Archibong-Turning Point

2.    Pascal Atuma- Secret Past

3.    Egbi Perez-Page 36

4.    Montel Swaray-Temperamental

5.    John Dumelo – One Night in Vegas

Best Actress in leading role Diaspora

1.    Yvonne Nelson –One Night in Vegas

2.    Jackie Appiah-Turning Point

3.    Uche Jombo- Unguarded

4.    Marie Solo Peters– Le Silence Pure

5.    Fatima Koroma – Nurses from Hell

Best Actor in Supporting role Diaspora Film

1.    Ernie Hudson- Turning Point

2.    Jimmy Jean Louis-One Night in Vegas

3.    Ash Da Vito-African Connection

4.    Van Vicker – One Night in Vegas

5.      Michael Blackson- One Night in Vegas

Best Actress in supporting role Diaspora Film

1.    Merlisa Langellier -Page 36

2.    KD Hubert-Turning Point

3.    Sarodj Bertin–One Night in Vegas

4.    Gloria Washington- Nurses From Hell

5.    Chisom Oz Lee – Unguarded

Best Director in Diaspora Film

1.    Mitchel A Jones–Boys Cry

2.    John Uche-One Night In Vegas

3.    Robert Peters– Le Silence Pure

4.    Don Okolo-Page 36

5.    Bethels Aguomoh-Ungurded

NOLLYWOOD & AFRICAN PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS

Favorite Actor

•         Benedict Johnson

•         Joseph Benjamin

•         Majid Michel

•         Emmanuel Mensah

•         Chamberlyne Okoro

Favorite Actress

•         Ify Hollywood

•         Omotola Ekehinde

•         Fatima Jabbe

•         Monalisa Chinda

•         Queen Amina

Favorite Director

•         Kule Afolayan

•         Prinze Whyee

•         Ibrahim Ceesay

•         Pascal Amanfo

•         Kathryn Fasegha

Favorite Screenwriter

•         Emem Isong

•         Andrew Campbell

•         Pascal Amanfo

Favorite Male Artiste Diaspora

•         Koby Maxwell

•         Sky J

•         Dacapo

Favorite Female Artiste Diaspora

•         Katumbella

•         Twissa

•         Soleil Diva

•         Uba Unwudiwe

Favorite Artiste of the Year

•         Yemi Sax

•         2 Face Idibia

•         P Square

Favorite Song of the Year

•         2 Face Idibia

•         Flavour

•         2 Face Idibia

Favorite Video of the Year

•         Timaya

•         P Square

•         Flavour

THE NAFCA SPECIAL HONORS

The NAFCA Special Honors was established in 2011 by the Nollywood & AfricanFilm Critics’ Awards to grace the lives and achievements of African luminaries. These honorary awards are awarded to recognize contributions over the whole of a career, rather than or in addition to single contributions of an individual. The NAFCA Special Honors also recognize outstanding community leaders whose professional careers have been marked by extraordinary personal and professional accomplishments. The NAFCA Special Honors were presented for the first time in 2011 to President Nelson Mandela.  Recipients of this award in subsequent years include President Yahya Jammeh of The Gambia.

Presentations of The NAFCA Special Honors are made yearly during the second weekend in September at the Nollywood & African Film Critics’ Awards also known as the African Oscars. The award categories include: • LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS • IMAGE AWARDS • PATRIOT AWARDS

Lifetime Achievement Awards

• HE Hon. President Jonathan E. Goodluck (Federal Republic of Nigeria)

• HE Hon. President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (Republic of Liberia)

Image Awards

•HE Hon. First Lady Dr. Patience Goodluck (Federal Republic of Nigeria)

•Amobi Okoye – Humanitarian (USA)

•Curtis Jackson – Humanitarian (USA)

•Hon. Speaker Tambuwal-Humanitarian (Federal Republic of Nigeria)

Special NAFCA Patriot Awards

•Hon. Engr. Noah Dallaji – Humanitarian (Nigeria)

•Hon. Kabiru Nuhu Poloma – Humanitarian Nollywood Friendly (Nigeria)

•Hon. Prince Tom Ateke – Humanitarian/Nollywood Friendly (Nigeria)

The post Jackie Appiah, Yvonne Nelson, John Dumelo, Majid Michel nominated for Nollywood & African Film Critics Awards appeared first on GhanaGist.com.

Ghanaian housemates Selly and Elikem are both up for eviction following Monday morning’s voting session, While Elikem has immunity as head of house, Selly may have to fall on her buddy, Melvin to save her during Monday evening’s nomination and save and replace show.

Pokello scored the most Nominations in the Diamond House this week. Pokello might just be on the next flight home. The sexy Zimbabwean scored the most Nominations during this morning’s tense Nominations Sessions. However, Pokello seems to be a strong contender because she has been on the Nominations list before and has dodged the Eviction bullet. Will she be lucky this time around?

Bimp, Melvin and Cleo all Nominated the Zimbabwean because she is a strong contender and has high chances of survival, while Beverly told Big Brother how much of a dictator Pokello is. “She’s a know it alland says things with conviction, even if they are not true”, Beverly said.

Nando was Nominated by Pokello because “he is a wild, lost soul”, while Bimp makes the Nominations list for the first time because he has never been up. He and Cleo have enjoyed a relatively stress free time in the House because they have managed to avoid the Nominations list time and time again.

It seems the Diamonds have kicked off a game plan that involves shaking up Housemates they feel have been coasting along every week, without feeling the pinch of being Nominated.

A huge surprise that came out of today’s Diamond House Nominations is that Nando had the gall to Nominate Selly. Nando and Selly are in the throes of a mind boggling relationship which earned Nando his first Strike.

Last week, Big Brother came down on Nando like a ton of bricks, after he attended the Channel O party with a steak knife on his person. Some of The Chasers believe the Tanzanian had the knife on him to protect himself in case a fight broke out between him and Sulu, who also likes Selly.

Diamond House Nominations:

Pokello – 4

Bimp – 3

Nando – 3

Selly – 3

Cleo – 3

Hakeem – 1

Melvin – 1

Beverly – 1

Dillish – 1

Fatima is wanted out of the game and she is wanted out now.

Fatima is treading on thin ice this week, after scoring five Nominations; the highest this week in the Ruby House.

The Malawian was Nominated by Sulu,Feza, Oneal, Angelo and Annabel, who all seem perplexed by her erratic mood swings. “She’s been giving so many people the cold shoulder. I really don’t get her”, Sulu said, while Feza told Big Brother how Fatima is too tense and negative for her liking.

Oneal was as candid as they come with his reasons as well. “Fatima is a flip flopper”, he said, without missing a beat.

Fatima on the other hand threw her dagger at Feza, citing her as the strongest female in the game. “I think it’s time to get rid of all the females”, Fatima said.

This week’s Head of House, Elikem comes in a close second with three Nominations, from Feza, Oneal and Annabel. Oneal pulled the trigger in Elikem’s direction because “He is easily manipulated and emotional”.

Ruby House Nominations:

Fatima – 5

Elikem – 3

Annabel- 2

Feza – 2

Oneal – 2

Natasha – 2

Source: Bigbrotherafrica.com

The post Big Brother The Chase Update: Selly, Elikem, Pokello, Nando, Cleo, Fatima up for eviction appeared first on GhanaGist.com.

IN 2011 I made my maiden trip to the Africa Movie Academy Awards in Nigeria. In the hotel where the Ghanaians contingent lodged were also other nationals from other African countries.

A day to the awards as reporters were busy wrapping up stories before the main night, a wedding ceremony which was taking place at the hotel went disarray and nearly came to a halt, when the wedding guests who sighted actor Majid Michel in the hotel lobby abandoned the ceremony and for close to one hour were taking photographs with him.

It was a sight to behold as almost everyone left the groom and his bride to be to take photographs with the Ghanaian actor. This made the pastor and few others feel rather dejected but they had no option than to wait and continue when the fans had finished with their photo-taking spree with the Ghanaian actor.

I quickly put some few words together which I captioned ‘Nigerians ‘kidnap’ Ghanaian actor Majid Michel ahead of Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA)’ and posted the story on my blog.

In less than an hour, with the help of my colleagues in Ghana who copied and shared on their various blogs, the ‘kidnapping’ story went viral.

Some journalists from Nigeria who were considered as a force to reckon with wondered why something happened in their country, they didn’t get to hear about it yet it’s already buzzing on the internet. In fact they were ‘envious’. Movie stars from other part of Africa who were also lodging at the hotel and were present during the ‘kidnapping’ were impressed and commented that, if that, if that had happened in their own countries, it would have taken weeks before the story will appear online.

A week before the news came online? Not in Ghana. Showbiz reports and related issues have seen a major growth in Ghana since the emergence of what has come to be called the “new media”. The new media, according to Wikipedia, is the creation of content, publishing, distribution and consumption via internet-enabled digital.

It is also believed that the Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) sector, which is based on a free market approach, has promoted new media use. Most popular aspects of new media to Ghanaians include Internet with nearly 2.5 million users and its associated mobile and desktop applications. Also popular are multimedia content accessible via mobile devices like smartphones and tablets and computers.

The emergence of social media is having a positive effect on the new media in Ghana currently. It has encouraged many journalists to take advantage and to go into blogging. A blog is a discussion or informational site published on the World Wide Web.

In Ghana, like in many other countries, reporters in the showbiz field have embraced the new media and taken full advantage of it and exploring it to meander the way into the hearts of many readers. The new media has given jobs to many in a form of blogging.

When City People Media Group, organizers of the City People Entertainment Awards announced the full list of all Ghanaian nominations for 2013 edition of the awards, a new category ‘Showbiz Blogger/Writer of the Year’ was created.

The category is for writers and bloggers who have affected the entertainment industry in grand fashion mostly online.

In the category are Ameyaw Debrah (ameyawdebrah.com), Adeyemi Adebayo (ghanaweb.com), Obed Boafo (enewsgh.com), Eugene Osafo-Nkansah (peacefmonline.com) and yours truly Ebenezer Anangfio. It doesn’t matter who wins, the important thing is that, the organizers have seen the importance of the showbiz writer and blogger.

These are personalities who are constantly promoting and making ordinary talents; established fashion designers, models, singers, rappers, and movie stars among others. These are guys whose works of promoting Ghanaian talents have gained recognition in the Diaspora.

It would have been extremely difficult for all the foreign awards scheme to notice and nominate talents from Ghana in their awards if it has not been for the emergence of the new media. These guys behind always churning out all kinds of articles to put them in the limelight or open their activities to the rest of the world.

Perhaps it would have taken the organizers of the BET Awards many years than it took them to notice the exploits of Sarkodie and finally award him. Same would have happened to Ghana’s previous nominees – Kojo Antwi, D-Black and recently R2Bees.

It would have even taken a long time for the BBC to get hold and screen to its global viewers Castro and Asamoah Gyan’s African Girls song which was a major hit during the World Cup in South Africa. I wonder how CNN would have gotten a copy of Uncle Obama a track released during the run-up to the America Elections in 2012 recorded by Ghanaian model, Deborah Vanessa.

I can cite several instances how showbiz writers/bloggers made their search and job easy and when someone does a good job, it’s imperative that the person is acknowledged. It’s shameful that, it has to take a foreigner to do this.

It’s not too late for event organizers to start recognizing Showbiz writers/bloggers, after they make the people you award every year the stars that they are today. Some read about them on television, others discuss them on radio whiles the rest write about them in newspaper and online.

By the way, if you want to vote for me, Text T3 to 1736.

By Ebenezer Anangfio

eanangfio@hotmail.com or tweet @anangfio

The post A season of blogging! appeared first on GhanaGist.com.

Despite her plump size, popular host of Gh One’s E-Talk show, Amanda Jissih has a way of “arresting” the attention of anyone when she pops up at an event.

Often spotted to exude a confidence that depicts one’s “good feelings” about her body, the actress cum TV and radio presenter has over the years intimidated people with her confident posture though most people in the Showbiz industry have a different view about plus-size ladies.

But for bubbly Amanda, who is affectionately called Mandy Jay, she definitely knows how to make her size look attractive and be an object of envy to other ladies.

Speaking with Showbiz last Friday, Amanda said that she had never looked down on herself because of her size.

“I know how to make the slim ladies feel intimidated when they are around me. For me, I don’t believe that I must feel pity for myself because I am plump. No, I won’t buy that idea because we all can’t be the same. I am not bothered about my weight so I don’t know why people should be bothered. So far as I am healthy, I am very much OK so people should stop talking about my weight” she said.

The eloquent presenter and publicist said that discovering who she was really helped in appreciating her natural and God-given looks, hence, she could only care less about what others thought of her.

“It is about time people in the showbiz industry stopped looking down on plumb size ladies. I will not go through a lot to be what I am not because somebody wants me look like that. If you are confident in what you are wearing, the rest of the world would always appreciate it. I love to be comfortable and just to be me.

“I always want a touch of sexiness and class in everything I do. Sincerely, I know that I give the slim girls a lot of competition.  I don’t really follow trends. What works for one person doesn’t work for another” she added.

Commenting on her sense of fashion, Amanda who usually comes under criticisms from the public for sometimes revealing too much flesh on set remarked “I don’t have to show them, they are there” and jokingly added “wouldn’t mind being in bikinis at the beach if that is what I feel comfortable in”.

When asked how her man feels about her weight, Amanda was rather hesitant to answer but later remarked, “Do I even have one?  It has become more challenging to even get a man because people think you are a celebrity and you are of high class”.

She told Showbiz that past experiences in her relationship has made her more cautious and could not hide her disappointment about her failed relationship with Bright Blinks of Buk Bak fame who she dated for long.

She however debunked the rumours that were rife in the media circles last year that she once dated Praye Tintin of the hip life group Praye.

“I have vowed not to ever date any man in the showbiz industry in Ghana again. I have learnt a lot and I thank God for what happened” she added.

Prior to her being the host of Gh One’s E-Talk show, Amanda had had a stint with media operations for over a decade.

She was the host of Hitz FM’’s entertainment programme, “All About Love” and produced Bola Ray’s “Drive Time” show on Joy FM.

She also hosted Beauty and Style on Metro TV and co-produced Leila Djansi’s “Ties that Bind”.

Her acting skill came to light when she starred in television series “Home Sweet Home” and “Wofa K” and hopes to take her acting career to new heights.

“I have shot a couple of local movies. I prefer the local movies to the English speaking ones because they pay really well and I don’t want any exposure which has no reward monetarily”.

With plans to storm the music industry, Amanda hinted of the release of her debut single which she featured Eugene Baah popularly known as Praye Honeho by the end of the year.

She is a product of Mfantsiman Secondary School and the Ghana Institute of Journalism and the second of three children.

Her last words, “Be confident in yourself and know who you are and where you want to be. Don’t let anyone define you”.

Source: Graphic Showbiz

The post I don’t pity myself because I’m plump appeared first on GhanaGist.com.

After what has been a dramatic couple of weeks; it would seem that trouble-magnet Selly is now looking for a drama free stay in the House.

Over the past five weeks Selly has seen herself at the centre of some alcohol drama with Pokello that saw the Ghanaian get her first Strike in the House. She also found herself slap bang in the middle of a love trianglewith Sulu and Nando that culminated in both fellows also getting slapped with one Strike each.

The Diamond lady has now had enough as she told her girl pal Cleo this evening, “I don’t want any more drama”. The two Diamond dames turned the kitchen into their own little therapist’s office as the young actress poured her heart out to the Cleo; who listened attentively and offered advice.

From their conversation it is clear that the Ghana woman is not yet over Nando but the problem is that she does not know where she stands with him. “He is so complicated and I don’t have time for that. We only have 91 days in the House” she griped.

Like a little lost puppy she searched for guidance in her friend. “Should I withdraw more” she asked sincerely. “No you have withdrawn enough from him. Just give him time to come to you to tell you about his feelings,” Cleo counselled.

Oh Selly girl if you really want no drama then maybe it’s time to consider staying away from playboys; no?

Source: BBA

The post BBA UPDATE: “I don’t want any more drama” – Selly appeared first on GhanaGist.com.