Two Awards Events Clashing On May 3rd: Ghana Music Awards & ACRAG Awards

The saying that cut your coat according to your cloth is really about happening in our entertainment industry if care is not taken in the month of May.

We are in an industry which is hungry for awards, therefore it has always been our prayers that more awards schemes will come into existence. Whilst looking for these awards schemes to come our way, we often forget that we have issues with our entertainment calender and  event venues.
 

It is only in Ghana that our economic factors also contribute to dates of events therefore we always try to fix our entertainment events close to the end of the month or at the beginning of the month. In one of our interviews with the Public Relations Officer of Charterhouse George Nii Armah Quaye, we remember vividly that he (George) stated clearly that this year`s Ghana Music Awards will be held on 3rd May all things being equal.
 

Therefore on our event calender as a news team, we have marked 3rd May as a day set aside for the annual Ghana Music Awards to come off at the Accra International conference center. So when on Entertainment Review on Peace fm, a representative from the organizers of the erstwhile ECRAG /ACRAG awards also announced that their awards event is set and has been slated for the same 3rd May, we knew there will be trouble and fire on the mountain.
   

Competition is key and we at Flex newspaper would push for a healthy competition, yet if the benefit is for the same people, then there is no need for any competition or whatsoever. In fact, it will be suicidal for the industry if we will have two awards meant for the same people on the same day. Surely, one of the awards will suffer a lot of issues if that should happen.
    

On this note, it is our prayer that Charter house and the ACRAG organizers will look into the future in peace to iron this issue out. Of course, the VGMA is big but should it clash with the ACRAG on the same 3rd May, something funny might happen at both events.

Elvis R Baidoo 

Do Managers Date Their Female Musicians (part 1)

The issue of musicians breaking up with their managers is nothing new in our industry and the gospel musicians are not the only culprits who suffer these break ups. But latest observation and investigation done by Flex newspaper among some gospel musicians reveal that, business relationship gets sour when husbands intrude the activities of the musician and the manager.

                                                                                   It is in the wake of this gesture that is how come Evangelist Diana Asamoah has been able to work with his manager Anane Frimpong aka Frimprince for this long time. The observation, although without any empirical cases as evidence comes in some subtle manner that only those who have deep attention to that genre of music can attest to that fact. 

    

The business of music with single ladies has always proved to be one which is free from troubles as the lady moves freely without husbands following them or better still seeking for second opinions from husbands after business meetings. Flex newspaper before coming out with this story did an informal survey with some recognized artistes managers where we asked them if they will date female artistes should they decide to manage them.
 

Shockingly, a greater percentage of our respondents said the best way to keep the work going will be to date these musicians as managers because with that, there will not be any distractions or whatsoever from other men outside the music business. Knowing the emotional needs of women in general, it is always close to impossible to attach one`s self to a woman without some amorous feelings from one of the parties.
  

Take a tour in our industry and examples of managers mostly men, dealing with single ladies will not be a far fetched experience. For instance, Becca has been working with her manager Kiki Banson of EKB records for a good number of years, currently Duke Banson also manages AK Songstress and Salah under his Paradise Entertainment record label whilst Creppy also handles Raquel like nobody`s business. Jam Master Jay is also holding down Kaaki and former KFM manager James Oberko was also in the news as being the manager of female rapper Eno, though it is not too clear if he is still managing her in recent times.
    

As much as the guys from the secular world might have the courage to come out boldly that they are dating their female artistes or they have interest in them, same cannot be the case in the gospel world. They will always hide behind the Bible to deny having any feelings for their artistes, yet things will be knocking things down there. No wonder most of the female gospel musicians get married and their music career as well as their relationship with the managers get sour. To be continued next week in Flex newspaper with more facts and analysis....!!!

Elvis R Baidoo

Shocking: Raw Pornography On Our Tv Screens!

Have you ever watched any pornographic movie before? Did you learn something from it or it affected you negatively? I sincerely believe a pornography movie has the tendency to provide good or bad results depending on the motive of whoever watches it.

In these modern days, parents find it very difficult to educate their children on relationships, sexual and reproductive health issues and most of the time, children who try to experiment sex through relationships end up entangling themselves in teenage pregnancy and the likelihood of contracting any sexually transmitted disease.
   

As a result of this, I am always happy when I come across any Radio or TV programme with the sole aim of providing education on relationships, sexual and reproductive issues. Quite unfortunately, programmes of this nature are in the minority as compared to other kinds of programmes.
   

In as much as programmes on relationships, sexual and reproductive health issues are very important, care needs to be taken in its delivery. About two weeks ago, I watched one of such programmes on TV. This programme (name withheld) is very popular on TV as well as Radio and has been running for some years. In fact, the programme is hosted by a notable person in the country. The host is more of a celebrity in Ghana.
   

I really enjoyed the edition of the programme but a particular segment of the programme got me wondering if things were being done in the correct manner. I remember vividly that the segment was meant to educate viewers on a particular sex position called the KUNG FU position. I checked my time at that moment and realized it was 11:45pm. Indeed it was very late. As the host and the panelists on the programme discussed the KUNG FU sex position, all I realized was that a video of a gentleman and a lady was running on my TV.
 

Without mincing words, it was a pure pornographic movie involving the man and the woman having pleasurable sex in what the host described as KUNG FU. I was shocked to the bones and only if I am not exaggerating, this movie ran for about ten to fifteen minutes and within this time, the man and woman having sex was shown without any intermittent break. In as much as the video was meant to educate viewers on the KUNG FU sex position, I realized that other sex positions were employed by the ''sex players''.
  

One disgusting thing about the video was the close shots of the vagina of the woman which had some grey hair. The host and the panelists upon seeing it, made some funny remarks amidst laughter. In all these, I know the programme is meant for education, but is it so necessary to have pornographic movie shown on TV just to describe different sex positions? Do you think Ghana Television (GTV) would do such a thing even after 12 midnight?
    

I am not an expert in this respect but I believe it would have been more appropriate if pictures of various sex positions are rather used for the sake of education. The showing of a pornographic movie on TV with the excuse of using it for educational purposes is quite unfortunate and disappointing. So far as the production of pornographic movie is unlawful in Ghana, I see no reason why its broadcast should be encouraged on our TV screens. For now, I am not too sure if there is any law that forbids or allows any television station from showing any pornographic movie on its screen. Perhaps, the laws of Ghana are silent on this subject.
   

After watching the programme, I was shocked to the marrow. The host should have considered other things. The TV station has the most important duty of ensuring that this unfortunate thing is not repeated or else in subsequent editions of Flex Newspaper, we will give details of the programme, the host as well as the TV station that airs the programme. I rest my case.

Elvis R Baidoo

The Dome`s Come Back Undecided

A close source to the management of the Dome located at the Accra International Conference Center, has told Flex newspaper that the Dome is gone forever.

According to our source, management of the Dome shall not bring back the Dome because it does not generate profit; contrary to the general believe that it does. Also, they shall not bring the Dome back because maintaining it comes with a huge cost compared to the revenue it generates; thereby making it more of a liability than a viable asset.

Our source stated “expect the Dome no more!” Though our source sounded very sure of his information, Flex newspaper contacted the Project Manager of the Dome, Mr. Fennec Otchere for clarity. “Well, please don't give such rumours attention. Whether the Dome will come back or not, let's wait and see”.
   

“If it will come back, time will tell, if not, time will tell. I cannot give you any exact clarity on this story.  Remember I work in a corporate body so I can't just give you my opinion. At the right time, we shall release a press statement concerning the Dome.”
  

After some months of closing down the Dome, the crew of GH One TV's 'The Pundit' went to the Dome with their cameras to film the supposed new state of the Dome. Unfortunately, absolutely no repair works had been done to the building.
   

They did not find workers on site. Their footage revealed the old Dome we've all visited all these years. They did not have the privilege of speaking with any management member as at the time they went and left the place.
  

Flex newspaper went to the Dome in December 2013 to also inspect the place. After our inspection of the entire place, it was obvious no repair works had been done to the Dome. We could not find any management member to speak to as well.
 

“The Dome was closed down for renovation for improved sitting style, sound system and security detail. The venue should be ready by December 2013” said Mr. Fennec Otchere on Peace FM's Entertainment Review show one Saturday last year.
  

The closure of the Dome was announced some few days after The Weekend Globe newspaper reported of a looming disaster of the Dome if its conditions weren't appraised for onward renovation. Mr. Otchere however repudiated remarks that sought to create the impression that their closure of the Dome was precipitated by the said newspaper's report.
  

The Dome was built temporarily for the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD XII) in 2008. It was supposed to have been demolished after the conference but some private individuals showed interest in its management. We should all wait and see if it will come back or not, as advised by Mr. Fennec Otchere.                                                                                                                                                                          By Elvis Rancey Baidoo

"Stop Accusing Arts-Politicians" – Hon Fritz Baffour

Honourable Fritz Baffour has cautioned people in showbiz to stop accusing him and others – arts politicians for not supporting the creative arts industry.

Some people in Ghana's creative arts industry sometimes get the privilege of entering into politics for what we often term as public service. These art-politicians are often lambasted by players in the showbiz industry for not lobbying, advocating or supporting their first love – creative arts, when they get into political leadership. One person whose name always comes under such criticisms is Honorable Fritz Baffour. 

  

To get the side of our arts turned politicians or art-politicians, Flex newspaper had an exclusive interview with Honorable Fritz Baffour. 'Honorable I'm not recording you so please feel free and share; there will be no 'Fritz-leaks.' Honorable Baffour burst into laughter slap happily!
   

Flex newspaper asked Honorable Baffour if he has heard such criticisms against him and other art-politicians before. “Of course I have! I once remember listening to radio and hearing Kwabena Kwabena accusing me of not doing anything for the creative arts industry after entering into politics.”
   

What has honorable Fritz Baffour done for the creative industry ever since you got into active politics? Flex newspaper asked. “Well, for your information I've always been in active politics since my youthful days. Fact is, I've done a lot for the creative arts industry all my life because I am an artiste and will forever be.
   

“Most of the things I do are behind the scenes so maybe you don't get to see. Some too I do through committees in parliament. I can't just wake up in open parliament and start talking for the creative arts industry! There are mechanisms, committees and other avenues for pushing the agendas of the arts industry in parliament!”
 

What have you done for the creative art industry? Flex newspaper emphasized. “A lot! I am the chairman of the Museums and Monuments Board; I am a member of GAG – Ghana Actors Guild; I've supported the National Theatre in many ways; I supported the organization of the late Omar Hunter's funeral; I've been lobbying the World Bank to give funds for the creative arts industry.
 

“I've been advising some artistes, for instance, I've given people like KSM, Funny Face and others advice on comedy; I write and coach young writers on how to write; I just finished shooting a movie without charging a dime; I once hosted the Fritz and Friends, a lot!”
   

Your final words, “I will advise those who criticize art-politicians to stop doing so. We go there (politics) to push the interest of the arts but they are behind the scene works.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          By Elvis R Baidoo

Collaboration Of Movie Stars Is For Business

Venus Films boss Abdul Salam Mumuni has set the records straight when he told Flexy on ETV`s Talkshowbiz that the collaboration between English movie makers aka glamour and Akan film makers aka Kumawood is purely to boost sales of movies on the market.

Though Abdul Salam Mumuni himself has denied it on several occasions that the glamour movies in the country were not selling, he could not hide the facts anymore when he was stretched beyond limits for his decision of putting together Kojo Nkansah Lilwyn and Jackie Appiah in one movie which seems to be the trend in the country as much as movie making is concerned. Read his response on the show.

    

“Now we have realized that the movie market does not support most of the glamour movies but the Akan people are still selling like hot cake. Because of that as a business person, I want to cut losses, so I thought it wise to combine Kojo Nkansah Lilwyn and Jackie Appiah to increase my sales. There is no other reason why we have decided to do that, but it is purely on business grounds” Abdul Salam said hurriedly whilst rushing to continue shooting on set.
    

If readers would recall, the subject of Akan movie makers feeling ostracized has come under strong criticism as there have been reports that the English film makers always feel superior than their Akan counterparts in the movie industry. It was in the wake of this that some Akan movie people decided to boycott the Ghana Movie Awards when they realized that their independent categories had been merged to their disadvantage at the just ended Ghana Movie Awards.
  

Based on this assertion, a non-harmful statement made by colleague actor Ecow- Smith Asante nearly sparked fire among actors in this country. Despite everything, it is an undeniable fact that our people in the Akan movie industry are still making more profits therefore their ability to shoot and produce more movies for the market. Out of this market flooding, the Film Producers Association of Ghana -FIPAG issued a directive to limit the number of movies released unto the market to forestall the decline of movie sales.
    

Whether it will work out or not is another story as Flex newspaper is gathering that a series of meetings to make this directive work does not seem to be ending anytime soon. A call to the Public Relations Officer of the Association Ola Michael confirmed this marathon meeting which does not seem to be ending soon.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    By  Elvis R Baidoo

Any Challenger For Blakk Rasta This Year?

The time for awards in this country is near, therefore there is the need to make mention of some individuals whose name are synonymous to awards in the country.

Blakk RastaHitz 103.9fm reggae presenter and musician Blakk Rasta is among such names which are synonymous to awards in Ghana. As much as Flex newspaper is concerned, most awards with anything to do with reggae categories in it has Blakk Rasta on it and mostly he wins hands down almost all the times.  

    

Currently, two awards are very close to us in the months of February (Ghana DJ Awards) and May (Ghana Music Awards) and Blakk Rasta will surely be nominated in if not all, the reggae DJ awards to be specific. Our checks have proven that Blakk Rasta has been nominated again in the Dj Awards and in the Reggae category so there was the need to ask him his strength against his contenders and he gave Flex newspaper the following words.
    

“What I am about to tell you, I have never said it anywhere before. I am always possessed when I am on radio. Because sometimes I play back and listen to myself with surprise on my face that wow, did I really say that?  It is about the energy and the passion at which I use to work. Reggae on radio is all about creativity and the passion to change society. Anytime I am selecting  music on my show, I pay attention to the down trodden and I make sure I listen to the songs first before airing them. I therefore know the impact of the songs I play on the society as well as my strength of being a good story teller” Blakk Rasta told Flex newspaper.
   

He continued “do you know that when I am on radio I don't answer my calls, I don't do Facebook and any other thing? My boss, my friends or staff members can come to the studio and yet I will not recognize them. My eyes are always closed in the studio and I hardly even sit during my presentation. The long and short of it is that I am always possessed when on radio. Despite everything, I liked Prime I and Culture B sometime ago but now they are all not active again. Currently, I think Fiifi Sellah of Pluzz fm and one Black Binghi in the Volta region are doing so great” he told Flex newspaper.
    

“The difference is that I make commentary on most of the songs I play but my other colleagues do not do that. Yeah I have been nominated and we hoping the awards will go well this year too” he added. Now we are waiting for that bold reggae presenter who will be able to beat Blakk Rasta to it this year in the reggae awards: Any challenger?

Elvis R Baidoo