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The most anticipated movie of the year, 10 days in Sun City is finally upon us. This time AY takes us on a journey to the beautiful Sun City in South Africa with fellow cast members – Richard Mofe Damijo, Adesua Etomi, Gbenro Ajibade, Mercy Johnson Okojie, Falz, 2face Idibia, Alibaba, Alex Ekubo, Yvonne Jegede, Annie Idibia, Uti Nwachukwu, Fathia Balogun and more.

The premiere took place this weekend on Saturday 17^th June 2017 at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island Lagos. The movie is set to be released in Nigerian on Friday June 23^rd 2017.

Aside the A-list Nigerian cast, the hilarious star-studded comedy, shot in Sun City: Northern West Province of South Africa and Lagos, Nigeria also features Miguel Nunez Jr. a Hollywood actor and an equally hilarious South African cast consisting, the sensational Amanda Du Pont, comedian Thenjiwe Moseley, Celeste Ntuli and lots more.

10 days in Sun City is directed by award-winning South African-based Nigerian Director Adze Ugah, written by award-winning writer-director Kehinde Ogunlola and produced by Ayo Makun, Darlington Abuda and Kirsty Galliard.

South African tourism, has an incredible passion for innovation, culture and community, and we’re happy to help bring alive this movie alongside The Sun International who hosted the cast and crew to a variety of treatments Sun City has to offer.

One of Africa’s premier vacation destinations, Sun City in South Africa is internationally recognized for its superb resort, offering of hotels, attractions and world-class events. From adventure sports and safari options to a world-famous golf course and a wide variety of rides and games, Sun City provided the perfect background for the cast to enjoy the experience of a lifetime. Perhaps one of the stand out scenes from the movie is the Elephant Sanctuary scene which features the stars having an interactive elephant experience. Some of the breath-taking scenes in the movie to look out for are: Hartebeespoort Dam, which is an hour away from Sun City. Locally known as Harties, Hartebeespoort Dam is as famous for its sunset cruises as it is for the Lesedi Cultural village, a world heritage site which showcases the fascinating cultures and tradition of the people of South Africa.

The scenes in Johannesburg, which is only two hours away from Sun City, showcases the famous Sandton City and the world renowned Nelson Mandela Square. Soweto also made for a vibrant and colourful background to the movie, sitting thirty minutes south-west of Johnnesburg, scenes were captured from Hector Peterson Memorial and Vilakazi Street where both Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu lived.

South Africa continues to support increased economic cooperation between the Southern and Western African regions. This relationship is pivotal to maintaining an economically vibrant and resilient Africa that grows through partnerships between nations.

Mr Hloni Pitso regional manager for South African Tourism in West Africa, said of the partnership:

South African tourism is delighted to partner with the AY on the production of “10 Days in Sun City”!

“We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Mr AY Makun on what promises to be yet another blockbuster production. AY is a passionate, determined, dedicated and hardworking individual. This time last year on one of South African Tourism’s influencer hosting trips AY saw opportunities as he travelled through out South Africa. He did not hesitate to seize the opportunity when he decided that this had to be a location for his next movie. A year later, we are here in Lagos for the movie premiere to watch the much anticipated movie “10 Days in Sun City”.

We saw this partnership as an opportunity not only to showcase South Africa as a holiday and business destination but also as a platform to encourage inter-Africa travel. It is important for Africans to explore their own land and discover its people. It is through travel and tourism that we can learn about each other’s historical and cultural heritages.

Tourism, entertainment, arts and culture are the key sectors that have the potential to unify this continent through people to people relations for the better advancement of Africa. We are seeing this more and more lately through music collaborations, comedy and now movies. I trust we will see more of such partnerships and collaborations. Africa united, only greater things can come. “

For more details on the variety of experiences visit southafrica.net.

Twitter: Travel2SA1 Instagram: travel2sa

Mohammed Tanko, Ayo Makin , Jennifer Awoh, Hloni Pitso (Regional Manager South African Tourism at the 10 days in Sun City premiere

Lately, Gospel musicians in Ghana have been lashed for various reasons and the recent attack coming in from various angles indicates that, gospel musicians resort to supernatural powers, popularly known in Africa as ‘juju’, to propel them in their career more than hiplife artistes.

These rumors doesn’t seem to end anytime soon as our news are often fed by some fetish priests, traditional leaders, pastors and even industry players, confirming the alleged use of juju by these gospel musicians who are expected to use their songs to minister and win souls for Christ.

Contemporary gospel songstress, Patience Nyarko finds this very alarming and has dared accusers to as a matter of urgency come out with names of the supposed gospel musicians who seek for these black magic to keep them flourishing in the industry.

The ‘Wafom Kwan’ hit maker, explained that, it is of good if a name is being mentioned rather than just throw dust in the eyes of Ghanaians, to defame the image of the gospel ministry.

“My heart boils each time I hear on radio that gospel musicians resort to juju for career successes. It’s about time names are being mentioned to know the truth of these baseless accusations tarnishing the gospel ministry. These claims are repugnant and are undermining our integrity. I dare all those behind these accusations to come out with names or they ‘SHUT UP!’ forever”

“Why would someone even think that Gospel musicians seek for juju in their career and what is also preventing the accusers from mentioning names of the perpetrators ?” Patience questioned.

The Next Great Magician!

Tue 20 Jun 2017, 18:10 | Discovery Family (136)

The world’s best magicians compete against each other for the ultimate accolade of The Next Great Magician. The series sees the best of the world’s magicians perform their very best tricks and illusions. Both in front of a studio audience and out on location, the magicians astound and delight the public and celebrities with their mind-blowing tricks. Six incredible acts compete in each episode, and there’s a twist: the magicians must judge each other to determine the winner of the episode. Each episode’s winning act goes through to the grand finale where they will perform a brand new illusion in the quest to be crowned The Next Great Magician!

Dear Mandela

Thu 22 Jun 2017, 19:00 | BET (129)

When their shantytowns are threatened with mass eviction, three ‘young lions’ of South Africa’s new generation rise from the shacks and take their government to the highest court in the land, putting the promises of democracy to the test.

Michael Jackson: Searching For ……….

Sun 25 Jun 2017, 18:00 | Lifetime (131)

Based on Bill and Javon’s book, Remember the Time: The Last Days of Michael Jackson, this movie will chronicle those intimate moments between Jackson and his children, document the professional turbulence that engulfed Jackson in financial trouble and forced him back to rehearsals for the ill-fated This Is It tour that led to his early death, and help answer the question that fans around the world want to know: What really happened to the King of Pop?

Genius

Sun 25 Jun 2017, 18:05 | National Geographic (181)

Though his scientific endeavors continue to inspire awe, few know the entire story of how Albert became Einstein, or how tumultuous the private life of the 20th century’s most brilliant icon truly was. National Geographic’s new 10-part global event series, Genius explores his extraordinary professional achievements along with his volatile, passionate and complex personal relationships, to reveal the man behind the mind. Genius is based on Walter Isaacson’s book Einstein: His Life and Universe.

Revolting Rhymes scored a hat-trick this weekend: first winning Best Storytelling at Shanghai International Film and TV Festival in China, then Best Animation at the Banff World Media Festival in Canada, and finishing off with the Cristal for Best TV Production at Annecy in France, the world’s premier animation festival.

Produced by Magic Light Pictures, Revolting Rhymes was animated at Magic Light’s Berlin studio and Cape Town’s Triggerfish Animation. Revolting Rhymes is an adaptation of Roald Dahl and Quentin Blake’s classic book of surprising fairytales. The animation premiered on BBC One at Christmas 2016, opened the New York International Children’s Film Festival in February 2017, and won Best Animated Short at TIFF Kids in Toronto, Canada last month.

Triggerfish’s Mike Buckland and Sarah Scrimgeour also presented at Annecy on Revolting Rhymes’ post-production pipeline – an honour in itself.

This is the second year in a row that Triggerfish has worked on a project which has won at Shanghai, BANFF and Annecy, following the success of Stick Man, an adaptation of the Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler classic, also produced by Magic Light Pictures for the BBC. Stick Man went on to win 11 international awards, including four at Kidscreen.

Triggerfish’s hat-trick follows just days after the release of the National Film and Video Foundation’s (NFVF) second Economic Impact Assessment on the South African film industry, which found that the sector’s GDP contribution had increased from R3.5billion in 2013 to R5.4billion in 2016.

“With South Africa officially in recession, it’s more important than ever that our economy finds new avenues for growth,” says Triggerfish Animation CEO Stuart Forrest. “The animation sector is still the smallest part of the film industry, according to the NFVF’s study, but our three awards on three continents this weekend are further proof that we are punching above our weight. We believe that with continued government support, animation can become a key, job-intensive growth sector in South Africa.”

At Annecy, Triggerfish also pitched Mama K’s Super 4 as part of Animation du Monde. Created by Zambia’s Malenga Mulendema, the show follows four African teenagers who are recruited for the low-budget superhero operation of a former secret agent. Mama K’s Super 4 is a result of the Triggerfish Story Lab, supported by The Walt Disney Company and The Department of Trade and Industry.

Triggerfish is currently animating an adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s The Highway Rat, their third BBC One Christmas collaboration with Magic Light Pictures.

The whole of Ghana woke up one early morning to read a very big headline; “DKB IS A BORING COMEDIAN”. This was said by Her Excellency, former first lady Madam Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings after she witnessed the comedian perform at the Easter comedy show few months back.

The news spread like wild fire, it was the topical issue for close to a month and it raised so many questions about DKB and #GHcomedy in general. Many believed there was bad blood between the former First Lady of the Republic and the King of comedy.

DKB reunites with Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings

That wasn’t the case when the two were spotted at the sendoff party for the UNAIDS ambassador to Ghana, Mr. Girmay Haile at Labadi beach hotel having a good time. The two were seen taking pictures, dancing, and engaging in a very interesting conversation. It was a Mother and Son affair. Irrespective of what the media said about them during the brouhaha, Madam Konadu and DKB have nothing against each other.

Ghana showbiz needs a lot of these resolutions and burying of hatchets to enable there to be serenity coupled with positivity which enables growth.

DKB reunites with Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings

Source: Fenuku Augustine

Reggae/Dancehall act, Stonebwoy, real name Livingstone Etse Satekla and his sweetheart Dr. Louisa Ansong got married last Friday. Few days after the ceremony, official photos of the ceremony have been released.

Check the photos below …

Livingstone Etse Satekla – Stonebwoy and Dr. Louisa Ansong wedding

Full Credits:

Coordination: Think Mahogany

Venue & Decor: Unique Floral

Live Band: Patch Bay

Car Services: Eurostar Limousine

Wedding Cake: Bakeshop Classics Event

Lighting Effects: Gig Kits

Drinks: Bottles Solutions

Local Drinks: Vicca Juice Plus

Bride’s Hair: Allure Spa

Brides wig install: Laced and Slayed

Bride’s Make-up Artiste UA: Valerie Lawson

Bride’s Dresses: She By Bena

Bride’s Fascinator: Hatboxco

SuperSport has scored broadcast rights on all platforms (including television, internet and mobile) to an array of major international football, including the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship as well as the UEFA Euro 2020 Qualifiers and the European qualifiers for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

In addition, there’s another jewel in the football crown with the all-new UEFA Nations League, a new competition to be contested by the national teams of the 55 member associations of UEFA, also signed by SuperSport.

These acquisitions guarantee major European football for each season from 2018 through to 2022.

“UEFA is happy to continue and further strengthen its relationship with Supersport,’’ said Guy-Laurent Epstein, Managing Director Marketing at UEFA Events SA. “Supersport is a long-standing UEFA partner and we are confident SuperSport will deliver great coverage and promotion of the UEFA 2018-2022 national team football portfolio to fans across Sub-Saharan Africa.”

UEFA Euro 2020, in particular, is shaping as a milestone event given that it will celebrate the 60^th birthday of the European championship and will, unusually, be held in 13 cities in 13 different European countries.

The European qualifiers will also offer high-quality action as 55 teams chase down 24 spots available for the championship. This will be played from March 2019 to March 2020.

“These are tremendous acquisitions,” said Gideon Khobane, chief executive of SuperSport. “The European championship traditionally energises our viewers who thrive on watching the superstars in unrelenting competition. The UEFA Nations League is bound to develop an avid following, too, and SuperSport looks forward to adding this to our already substantial football offering.”

For more information log on to www.dstv.com

BET Networks announced today that R&B’s brightest stars Mary J. Blige, Maxwell, Xscape and El Debarge along with some of hip hop’s hottest talent including A$AP Rocky, French Montana, Gucci Mane, Swae Lee, Khalid and SZA, and musician Kamasi Washington will perform at the “BET Awards 17”.

The iconic annual show will also have performances from previously announced hit makers including Bruno Mars, Chris Brown, Lil Wayne, DJ Khaled, Big Sean, Future, Migos, Trey Songz, Tamar Braxton, New Edition, Post Malone, Roman GianArthur and Jessie Reyez. The “BET Awards 17” has set the standard for one of the most intently unconventional, news-provoking broadcasts.

Hosted by stand-up comedian Leslie Jones, the 2017 “BET Awards” is sure to include unforgettable moments, appearances and performances you won’t want to miss! The “BET Awards 17” will air on 27 June 2017 at 6pm(GMT) on BET (DStv channel 129).

In addition, hit makers Remy Ma and Irv Gotti, actors and comedians Deon Cole, DeRay Davis and Kofi Siriboe, along with the cast of “Detroit” (Algee Smith, Jason Mitchell, Laz Alonso Jacob Latimore) join as presenters at the “BET Awards” 2017. Previously announced presenters include Yara Shahidi, Cardi B, Issa Rae, Jamie Foxx, La La Anthony, the cast of Universal Pictures’ “Girls Trip” (Regina Hall, Tiffany Haddish, with Jada Pinkett Smith and Queen Latifah), Trevor Noah, Robin Thede, Cari Champion and Demetrius Shipp Jr. These names represent some of the most accomplished talent and rising stars in the industry today.

BET Networks also revealed iconic R&B group New Edition will be honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the “BET Awards 17.” In addition, multi-Grammy Award winning hip-hop artist and singer-songwriter, Chance the Rapper, will receive the evening’s Humanitarian Award presented by Walmart.

Africa will be greatly represented at the prestigious event with singer and humanitarian Yvonne Chaka Chaka and social activist Ilwad Elman being awarded with International Global Good Star and Power Awards. Eight leading African artists including AKA, Nasty C, Babes Wodumo, Wizkid, Tekno, Mr Eazi, Davido and Stonebwoy will all vie for the Best International Act: Africa category. “Amazulu” hitmaker Amanda Black and Tanzanian performer Ray Vanny are nominated for Viewer’s Choice Award “Best International Act”, in conjunction with performers from the UK, South Korea, Canada, Australia and Jamaica.

As previously announced, Beyoncé dominates this year’s nominations with a total of seven including ‘Best Female R&B/Pop Artist,’ ‘Best Collaboration’ with Kendrick Lamar for “Freedom,” ‘Video of the Year,’ and ‘Album of the Year’ for Lemonade. Bruno Mars follows with five nods including ‘Album of the Year,’ ‘Best Male R&B/Pop Artist,’ and ‘Video of the Year’ for “24K Magic.”

Other nominees include Solange, nominated for four awards and who is up against sister Beyoncé for ‘Best Female R&B/Pop Artist.’ Chance the Rapper and Migos receive four nominations as well, Chance the Rapper nominated for ‘Best Male Hip-Hop Artist’ and ‘Best New Artist’ and Migos for ‘Best Group’ and ‘Best Collaboration’ for their #1 hit “Bad and Boujee” with Lil Uzi Vert Award.

A full list of the “BET Awards 17” nominees is available here.

For more information on the BET Awards, visit www.dstv.com www.betafrica.tv, like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BETinAfrica, or join the conversation about the channel on Twitter and Instagram @BET_Africa using the hashtag #BETAwards17.

Multichoice takes pride in ensuring that we comply with the law in all Jurisdictions that we operate in and are mindful that culture is the foundation of the nation as family values underpin the society.

In tandem with our internal quality control measures, we also ensure all third party suppliers are adequately briefed on country specific regulatory requirements and provisions. MultiChoice has therefore contacted the Channel Suppliers on the various recent complaints made against the Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon and Nicktoons channels with regards to their programming and wish to clarify as below:

Turner with regards to the Cartoon Network channel:

“With respect to the issues raised by customers, we ensure our channels and programming are suitable for children and do not contain the content and messages unsuitable. In Africa, as in all markets, we always seek to be respectful of local laws, cultures and sensitivities and, in some instances, this means we do show amended versions of US original series. We constantly review feedback from our audiences to ensure that this is the case and this is a responsibility that we take extremely seriously.”

Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) Africa response on Nickelodeon and Nicktoons channels:

“We acknowledge the concerns expressed by customers. While we explore a variety of options, we will suspend the shows in question in Africa. Although, Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) Africa and Nickelodeon Africa are committed to diversity and inclusiveness, VIMN also respects the varied cultures and regulatory codes of the markets in which we operate.”

Sun City, South Africa’s best resort home to many thrilling activities with something for everyone to enjoy is showcased in the latest Nigerian movie titled 10 days in Sun City produced by award winning comedian and actor, Ayo Makun, popularly known as AY.

The movie which has A-list Nigerian actors including Richard Mofe-Damijo; Adesua Etomi; AY; Falz The Bad Guy and a host of others is an action-comedy which exposes the opulence and grandeur beauty of Sun City.

AY who is confident that the 10 days in Sun City movie will shatter his existing World Guinness Book of Records movie, A trip to Jamaica earnings urges Nigerians to go see the movie which will automatically inform their decision to go holiday in the resort.

According to AY, producer of the movie, ‘Initially this movie was supposed to be shot in Paris. However, after my very first visit to Sun City I changed my mind and recrafted the script to be in tune with what I saw at the resort. I bet you, when you see this movie which will be in the cinemas from 23 June this year, Sun City will definitely be the next holidays and celebrations destination for Nigerians.”

Raul de Lima, GM Sun City Resort; Darkey Africa, South Africa Consul General in Lagos and Jennifer Beattie, Group Manager, Africa Sales & Marketing, Sun International.

For Jennifer Beattie, Group Manager, Africa Sales and Marketing at Sun International, owners of Sun City Resort, the 10 days in Sun City movie is an ideal platform to showcase the exceptional offerings of the Sun International properties.

‘Whether your journey takes you to Johannesburg, Cape Town, North West or Port Elizabeth, all in South Africa, Sun International has a substantial presence of iconic properties that will create the ideal hospitality to suit your taste, stated Jennifer.

Jennifer continued, The Maslow, our business-friendly hotel in the heart of Johannesburg business district; Table Bay in Cape Town’s Victoria and Alfred waterfront area; Sun Boardwalk in Port Elizabeth, birth province of Mandela and of course Sun City with the majestic opulence of The Palace of The Lost City will wow Nigerian travellers.’

Raul de Lima, General Manager of Sun City describes the resort as one stop destination that caters for every need of the traveller.

‘We are famously known as a world within a city because Sun City ideally caters for all the needs of a traveller offering tailor-made experiences that last a lifetime, Raul mentioned.

The premiere of the 10 days in Sun City movie at the Federal Palace Hotel in Lagos brought together the who is who in the entertainment industry in Nigeria.

History was made in 1979 when Sun City was opened in the North West province of South Africa to become the best holiday resort.

Home to the Valley of Waves and sprawled along the border of the Pilanesberg National Park, Sun City Resort enjoys the fine distinction of being the only surf-and-safari destination within a two-hour drive of landlocked Johannesburg. Whether you’re looking for a romantic stay with your partner, a fun weekend getaway with friends or a North West holiday with the whole family, Sun City Resort has it all.

Make it a beach day on the palm-fringed shore of the Roaring Lagoon or discover the ruins of a mythical civilisation at the Maze of the Lost City. Embark on a Big Five safari into the heart of the African bush, or above it, in a hot-air balloon when you stay at Sun City in the Pilanesberg. Improve your golf handicap at two world-class golf courses, or measure your swing against that of Ernie Els at the South African Hall of Fame located at Sun Central. Find your groove on the dance floor at Encore, or find your fun at Sun Central where two levels of action-packed, family entertainment venues give you even more great things to do at Sun City.

Choose from four internationally recognised hotels at Sun City. Indulge in the lavish opulence of The Palace of the Lost City or the cool sophistication of the five-star Cascades. Book your stay at the always-on Soho to enjoy access to Sun City’s thrilling nightlife, or treat the kids to an adventure holiday at the family-friendly Cabanas. You could even own a piece of Sun City when you sign up with the Sun Vacation Club.

Sun City Resort is famous for hosting some of the most iconic events in South Africa, including the annual Nedbank Golf Challenge and the Miss South Africa beauty pageant. A massive selection of conference venues across Sun City Resort provides you with expertly organised meetings, conferences and exhibitions. You’ll find the right venue for any event, whether you have six or 6 000 attendees.

And with convenient, direct flights to Sun City from Johannesburg and Cape Town, it’s easier than ever before to find your fun at the best resort in South Africa.

10 Days in Sun City movie gives you a glimpse into the world within a city at Sun City

Egg Films’ Sunu took home Gold, two Silvers and Bronze in the Entertainment, Entertainment for Music and Media categories at Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, the world’s most prestigious advertising awards.

Sunu won for directing the music videos and brand films for One Source, Native VML’s campaign for Absolut starring Khuli Chana, Sarkodie, Victoria Kimani and other African musicians.

“For a long time, South African creatives looked overseas for inspiration,” says Sunu, who shot One Source in Ghana. “In contrast, One Source is a celebration of the creative revolution taking place across the continent as we embrace who we are as Africans. All credit to Native VML, Absolut and Pernod Ricard for seeing the opportunity in showcasing Africa in a completely different light on a global stage.”

Khuli, Native VML’s Jason Xenopoulos and Ryan McManus, and Pernod Ricard’s Melanie Campbell presented One Sourceas a case study on the mainstage during Cannes Lions – an honour in itself, considering other speakers included the likes of Facebook’s Sheryl Sandberg, Nobel Peace Prize winner Juan Manuel Santos, and stars like A$AP Rocky, Steven Gerrard and Halle Berry.

One Source topped South Africa’s iTunes charts and was nominated for Best Music Video at The South African Music Awards and Metro FM Awards. The campaign was also the most nominated and most awarded campaign at South Africa’s Bookmarks.

“This was a collaboration of truly talented people,” says Egg Films’ producer Kerry Hosford. “We’re immensely grateful to have been able to work with a brave agency and client who allowed us to make work that stands out, at a time when so many brands in SA are playing it safe.”

Going into Wednesday night’s awards, Egg Films and their sister company Arcade Content had all seven of South Africa’s shortlists in the Entertainment and Entertainment for Music categories at Cannes Lions, as well as the only Media shortlist from South Africa. These converted into a Grand Prix, a Gold, two Silvers, and two Bronzes.

See more of Sunu’s ads at https://eggfilms.tv/south-african-commercials-director/sunu/.

The Vitamilk Girl Talk Monthly Birthday Hangout has been a remarkable event since its inception. After numerous surprises, 12 solid months of fun and excitements, liked and loved female celebrities cum personalities have had their share of the cake.

Noted for innovation, Girl Talk has put unexpected but pleasant twists to the experience. Randomly, regular ladies on their social media platforms are selected for the experience twice every month and male celebrities who deliver them a cake and other presents surprise them.

This initiative is such that, randomly selected ladies will be thrilled to hangout with male celebrities, hence the second edition of MAY hangout dubbed “Hangout With The Guys”.

Twenty-five lucky ladies were treated to a grand dinner with renowned actor Adjetey Anang at Lord of the Wings, East Legon on Friday. The event was fun filled with interesting activities like pick and act, table football amidst educative discussions.

Other May born who weren’t selected had the chance to join the fun and interact with Adjetey Anang and climaxed the night by cutting the Girl Talk birthday cake from Oriental Ghana.

Vitamilk Ghana and Lord of the Wings sponsored the May Super Hangout. Oriental cakes also supported the event.

To get to be a part of these excitements all you need to do is like Girl Talk World on Facebook, follow girltalkworld on instagram and just drop your birth date and or that of a loved one.

Please note that your birth date will only register if you and follow.

Girl Talk May hangout with the “Guys”

On 10 June 2017, the Girl Talk team led by Kwabena Kwabena surprised Esinam Seade, the immediate past SRC president of the University of Ghana, Legon. She was all dressed up for a supposed breakfast with her friend who unknowingly to her was a Girl Talk accomplice.

Esinam’s first surprise was seeing and hearing family, friends and colleagues from the SRC she least expected to see, walk to her amidst shouts of ‘surprise’ just as she came out of the Limann Hall.

Just when she was trying to come to terms with what had happened, Kwabena Kwabena and the Girl Talk team emerged from a luxurious stretch limousine with a cake, Vitamilk products and a necklace from Aphia Sakyi Jewelry singing happy birthday.

She literally jumped out of her skin when she saw Kwabena Kwabena. She made her wish, blew out her candles and cut her cake after it had been presented to her.

The event retained an aura of excitement as Kwabena Kwabena invited her as well as her friends and family over for brunch at the plush Best Western Plus, Accra Beach Hotel (erstwhile Dutch Hotel) located at Nungua. They were chauffeured in the limousine to the hotel where they had a lot of fun.

She was as happy as a clam and as she posted videos on her facebook page captioned “the biggest birthday surprise”. According to Esinam, Kwabena Kwabena is one of the most outstanding musicians she looks up to. So it was indeed remarkable for her to have spent time with him on her birthday.

This initiative was sponsored by Vitamilk, and supported by Best Western Plus Accra Beach Hotel.

To get to be a part of these excitements all you need to do is like Girl Talk World on Facebook, follow girltalkworld on instagram and just drop your birth date and or that of a loved one.

Please note that your birth date will only register if you and follow.

Bill Cosby is planning a series of talks about sexual assault in the wake of his own sexual assault court case ending in a mistrial.

“Mr. Cosby wants to get back to work,” his spokesman Andrew Wyatt said on WBRC’s “Good Day Alabama” in Birmingham. “We’re now planning town halls and we’re going to be coming to this city sometime in July … to talk to young people because this is bigger than Bill Cosby.”

“This issue can affect any young person, especially young athletes of today, and they need to know what they’re facing when they’re hanging out and partying, when they’re doing certain things that they shouldn’t be doing,” he continued. “And it also affects married men.”

“Laws are changing. The statute of limitations for victims of sexual assault are being extended. So this is why people need to be educated,” added spokeswoman Ebonee Benson. “A brush against the shoulder, anything at this point, can be considered sexual assault and it’s a good thing to be educated about the laws.”

On June 17, a jury decided that it could not reach a verdict on charges that Cosby drugged and molested a woman at his home outside Philadelphia in early 2004. Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele immediately announced he would retry the case against the legendary entertainer, and Judge Steven O’Neill said the trial would be within the next three or four months.

“We will evaluate and review our case. We will take a hard look at everything involved and then we will retry it,” Steele said at a news conference. He confirmed that the alleged victim, Andrea Constand, would testify again at the new trial. “She’s entitled to a verdict in this case,” said Steele. “We will press forward to try to get that done, to get justice done.”

Cosby was charged with three counts of aggravated indecent assault, all focusing on the alleged assault of Constand, 44, who was then manager of the women’s basketball team at Temple University, where Cosby was a member of the board of trustees. The criminal complaint was filed in December 2015, just days before Pennsylvania’s 12-year statute of limitations was due to expire. Constand is just one of dozens of women who have accused Cosby of giving them pills and then sexually assaulting them but she is the only woman whose alleged assault became the focus of criminal charges.

Variety

NCIS season 14, currently broadcast on DStv’s M-Net every Saturday at 5:30pm has been lauded as the #1 drama series on U.S. television for the eighth consecutive year.

The series is the most watched drama TV series in the world, according to Eurodata TV Worldwide. On Tuesday 20 June at the 57th Monte-Carlo Television Festival the global powerhouse series received the prestigious 12th International Television Audience Award for a Drama TV Series. NCIS has now won the award three out of four years.

The annual International Audience Award is presented jointly by the Monte-Carlo Television Festival and Eurodata TV Worldwide. It rewards programs that delivered the highest ratings in 2016 worldwide across five continents in three categories: Drama TV Series, Comedy TV Series and Telenovelas/Soap Operas.

International Audience Award nominees were pre-selected among the top 15 imported fiction programs in 61 countries, representing almost 3 billion potential viewers. NCIS garnered more than 47 million viewers worldwide in 2016.

Cecil Sunkwa Mills, General Manager, Multichoice Ghana Limited, expressed his excitement at the feat chalk by this series and thanked all subscribers in Ghana for their patronage. He added that “we would continue to explore the world to bring the biggest series, sports and international shows relevant to our subscribers in Ghana.”

So there’s this on and off relationship I have had with fitness for over 15 years. Starting out from the makeshift home gym of bars and flywheels, in my off-campus hostel, in Casidy, Ojo.

To be honest, I feel I was more committed then, judging that just with the bench press and the protein from the tiny pieces of fish on our meals at Iya Nosimo’s buka, I was able to gain 12 kg of muscle. It was some fun times, but I also got to realize that exercise can actually improve your immune system.

You see, while growing up, it wasn’t uncommon for me to fall ill due to bouts of the flu or malaria; it was more of a monthly occurrence and it frustrated the bejesus out of me. But here I was, having stumbled onto this, while living a healthier and fuller life.

As the years rolled by though, the dark side with fitness began to become a burden for me, the expectations and desires and self-pressure (let alone the societal pressure). The constant pointing to the fact that I had lost weight or the concern if I was sick, whenever life got in the way of my regime.

You see, I have one of those body types that gains and sheds very quickly, so I have to keep a high activity level to maintain my gains; but then the balance often tilts towards trying to keep my body buff as against just staying in shape.

Since 2014 though, I have gotten more and more intense with my training, diet, cardio, safe to say that I have been pushing the boundaries and watching my body and health improve with it. Started running 40km/week this year, with 4 days of weight training.

My goal is to add another 10 kilograms to my already 101kg body mass, while at the same time cut down my body fat to 10%; as at the time I set this goal, I was told it was unrealistic, it’s June and as much as I’d hate to admit it, i think they were right. While I’m at about 14% body fat, I have not crossed the 101kg range; sometimes, falling to 97kg.

I’ve put myself on a complex protein diet, shakes, amino acids and all, but very little change. The intense cardio is working wonders though but the bodymass has refused to turn up to the party and I can honestly say that it’s beginning to get frustrating. I have read many fitness articles, offering all sorts of solutions but yet to find the one to help me reach my goals. This said, I will not give up.

Funny thing though, this frustration is not unique to my situation, I and some can’t gain while others can’t shed. You’re either not big enough, not small enough, not ripped enough, not fit enough and if you somehow reach that goal, you will set new ones and start to pursue that; and while the ultimate fitness goal remains elusive, it’s the pursuit of this higher ideal that will keep you fit for as long as you can.

Well, I’m now on a regime of one gallon milk – one gallon water a day for the next 30 days. Apparently, the water is meant to help me cut the fat while the milk will help speed up my muscle gains(That is if I don’t get constipated first). But, I have learnt that keeping an open accountability system helps me and would love to hear about your struggles too, because I believe that we are stronger together.

Africa’s leading media personality and Forbes Africa correspondent, Peace Hyde was amongst a handful of special delegates to be given a personal tour of Africa’s largest oil refinery by Africa’s richest man Aliko Dangote.

The $12 billion Dangote Oil Refinery will be 40% larger than the current largest refinery which only has a capacity of 450, 000 barrels per day. The plant will also house Africa’s largest urea plant with a capacity of 3 million tons per annum as well as 1,100kms of sub sea pipeline infrastructure to handle 3 billion SCF of gas per day which will be produced for commercial use.

The multiple award winning correspondent who also hosts the successful Forbes Africa My Worst Day show which has seen her sit down with Africa’s billionaires including Aliko Dangote and Africa’s richest woman Folorunsho Alakija, was part of a special group who were given a personal tour of the refinery by Dangote which is set to open in 2019.

Aliko Dangote and Peace Hyde

Source: Brenda Omawumi

The Hague Summer and The Hague African Festival (THAF) belong together. For the ninth time in a row, enthusiasts of African and related sounds can enjoy the festival. On July 16th, THAF will go back to the roots to The Hague Zuiderpark!

THAF moves from the Spuiplein to the place where it all began nine years ago. The atmospheric Zuiderpark Theater is the place to be for the festival this year. The beautiful, green forest and watery surroundings of the Zuiderpark serve as natural picture frame for an ideal experience for young and old.

As in the past, this year The Hague African Festival will feature a special program with musical talents, with old, known and exciting new bands from all over the world:

** Ebou Gaye Mada is a sabar player and rapper from Gambia. As a member of the well-known Gaye and Mbye family of Banjul, he combines traditional sabar music with his rich experience with world music: from mbalax to kaseko, and from reggae to jazz. Together with his band Boka Halat, Ebou performs vibrant performances full of positive energy.

** From Ghana comes the upcoming & promising artist Kyekyeku. A must see because of the energetic highlife shows that the ‘guitarist’ together with his band 5 Days No Light-Off presents. Highlife, palmwhine and afrobeat: Kyekyeku has been on many stages in African countries, but also in Paris and Brussels. Now, the virtuoso will be on the THAF stage raising the audience to great heights. Come and see!

** Newen is an energetic, passionate Chilean band that performs afrobeat like nobody else. ‘Afrobeat in the spirit of Fela Kuti’ is the main genre of the band and it sounds extremely exciting. Recently they played with the late great Fela Kuti’s sons the Stars of Heaven! This fits perfectly into the worldwide afrobeat revival that has been going on for several years. ** Rabasa is a typical exponent of the Cape Verdean diaspora. From Rotterdam, Rabasa’s music is firmly rooted in Cape Verde musical traditions. Characteristic is the full and warm sound of the group, of which the four brothers Ortet form the core.

Promising Hague talent

This year there is a special stage for the Hague’s talents at the THAF. There are promising Hague talents from all walks of life – especially with African connection – the space given to a wide audience to showcase their skills. At the special amateur stage, bands, dancers and other artists showcase their skills (13:30 – 15:00).
Interested parties can send a piece of video with their musical performance to info@thehagueafricanfestival.com

Children’s village with special kids’ program

The youngest among us will definitely not be skipped at THAF 2017. Between 12.00 and 13.30, a cultural program full of music, theater, workshops, stories and a children’s playground be top on the agenda for the kids. Musical kids (and parents) can show their talent to the audience on the grand stage. In the special African tents, djembé classes are given and an educational program can be followed on how people live in Africa.

African market

Of course, the special African market cannot be missed. You can stroll along the stalls where you can buy the best African art, goods or try delicious African meals.

African Artists & Entertainers Exhibition In the atrium of The Hague City Hall is the special African exhibition Celebrating African Artists & Entertainers. African music heroes from former times like Fela Kuti, Manu Djibango, Osibisa, Koffi Olomide, Lucky Dube, Akon, K’naan, Khaled, Dobet Gnahore, etc., are the inspiration for the exhibition organized by Topaze. Monday June 12 – Saturday June 24, 2017 in the Atrium of The Hague City Hall.

For more information about The Hague African Festival: thehagueafricanfestival.com/en THAF will take place on 16 July in the Zuiderpark in The Hague (12.00 – 22.00) Watch this website closely for more news about and around the festival.

Debonair Afrik is causing a stir in the ever dynamic fashion and modeling industry as the annual educative workshop Style Lounge was organized.

Debonair Afrik has come to stay as the leading African Fashion house whose business is to offer its services to suit the needs of stakeholders in the fashion industry.

Style Lounge 2017 as organized by Debonair-Afrik for the social, educational and cultural integration of designers, photographers, models and everyone in the fashion industry. Its aim is to assemble all talents and disseminate knowledge, both practical and theory to everyone and to foster healthy relationships among designers, models and everyone at large. The two-day event which took place at the Impact Hub Accra,Osu on Saturday and Sunday where the designers gave us a peek into the incredible indigenous talents and culture of Africa and how we emanate authenticity and craft at every given opportunity.

Day one saw the likes of Molly Keogh co-founder of Osei-Duro, Rania Odaymat a renowned creative director, Nuel Bans and Ngozi Dickson a Human Resource Manager talked and educated all in attendance on topics ranging from Ethical Fashion, Creativity and Originality, Creating Look books and Campaigns and Sustainable Fashion Practices.

Day two saw a fashion presentation from upcoming designers and established fashion brands from the Ghanaian fashion scene. Three designers from the Debonair Afrik Incubator; Anthony, Owuswaa, and Augustina showcased collections for the fashion presentation to the delight of the audience.

Next was the collection from Julie whose styling of the models won the admiration of all who were seated. The collection saw models styled from garments with unique colors and amazing fashion accessories to match with.

The Chiko collection by Quofi Akotua during the style lounge 2017 displayed a variety of androgynous styles that painted a wild and sexy portrait of men with their garments screaming ‘I’m an epitome of male perfection’. There were trousers with matching shirts, jumpsuits and long shirts. Some of these had ring-belt chokers and ring bandanas customized and tailored to fit. This collection was inspired by truth and beauty in all things including those that are or seem to be hidden.

Nathaniel Nunoo of Nuna couture presented his ss17 “vintage Sackar” collection. The collection employs the concept of minimal and regal to create finest Ready- to-wear pieces. The collection was inspired by sketches of beautiful women in chick designs he found in his grandfather’s sketch pad who was a tailor in the United Kingdom (UK).Most of his garments got the audience swooning and cheering when the models took to the runway. A particular favorite which is a dress cape, although it is simple; it is elegant and classy for both formal and informal events

Larry Jay couture presented to his new collection named TIMELESS COLLECTION. Timeless Legacy by Larry Jay Couture entails ethical fashionable pieces like oversized wax print shirts and fitting pants/joggers, oversized silky tunics, shorts, open front cardigans, shawls, infinity scarves, etc. These clothes and fashionable pieces (choker neck piece, jute, back sling, etc.) which were made with elements such as silk, fleece, leather, wax prints etc. were brought to live.

Osei-Duro’s fashion presentation spear heads the need and encourages the practice of sustainable ethical fashion. The brand produces textiles and garments in Ghana applying traditional techniques including hand dyeing and weaving. The collection showcased a variety of garments which had a story to tell, from the processes of fabric production to the final products which were evident in the choice of colors and types of fabric. Audience applauded to the wonderful designs as models posed for photographs of which the most popular among the collection was a high waist pantalon, dotted patterned blouse with a flattering hat complete it all.

The event drew down it curtains as the Street Style session took place. All in attendance for the day two of Style Lounge 2017 didn’t disappoint The concept of street style fashion was evident in the colors and choice of clothing worn to the event with the cameras ever ready to capture.

Patrick Kwabena Stephenson is an economic consultant with almost a decade of experience in economic, financial, and public policy analysis.

Having graduated as an Accounting major from the Bachelor of Science in Administration programme from the University of Ghana Business School – where he served as the President of the student body, he subsequently trained at the post-graduate level as a development economics and finance professional from the same institution and the Chartered Institute of Development Finance based in South Africa.

His interest in development of Ghana and Africa pushed him into the public policy circles, where he critically subjects policies to rigorous tests for consistency, value for money, sustainability and impact on beneficiaries.

With interests in private enterprise development, innovation, economic and public policy, civic engagement, youth development, empowerment of women and minority groups, he brings to bare the skill of critical inquiry in the major socio-economic developments.

His experience includes consulting for institutions in the financial industry, multilateral and bilateral development space, and multinational risk & research institutions, across a wide range of themes such as strategy, resource governance, policy evaluation, industry analysis, community development assessment, trade facilitation and regional integration among others.

The desire to see the youth properly engaged within the public policy and governance discourse, without losing sight of the experience other stakeholders bring to bare impelled him to actively contribute to public policy and governance debates and conversations, through which he has become an model to many.

His knack for policy advocacy frequently earns him a seat at the policy table with top business leaders in Africa and across the World such as the just ended World Economic Forum for Africa in Durban South Africa themed; Achieving Inclusive Growth through Responsive and Responsible Leadership, which focused on addressing challenges posed by growing youth unemployment and impact of headwinds for commodity-dependent countries, while understanding how Africa can strengthen its economic resilience and create jobs.

In his spare time, he volunteers with youth organizations in mentoring, leadership, and community development projects.

Sun City, South Africa; from the eyes of Nigerian story tellers – AY Makun’s new movie, 10 days in Sun City premieres in Lagos, Nigeria

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Sun City showcases charm of the resort in #10DaysinSunCity movie

Watch: The Ghana-set music video with Sarkodie that wowed Cannes

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Girl Talk and Kwabena Kwabena surprise SRC President of University Of Ghana

Bill Cosby to hold ‘Town Halls’ on sexual assault following mistrial

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Tunji Andrews pens his personal Fitness struggles most finance geeks can relate to

Peace Hyde tours Africa’s Largest Oil Refinery with Aliko Dangote

Back to the park with The Hague African Festival with Kyekyeku as Headliner!

PHOTOS! Debonair Afrik annual educative workshop Style Lounge

Meet Patrick Kwabena Stephenson, new face of GHOne TV’s #GHOneNews