Carlos Sekyi, GHAMRO Chairman

Five music pirates who were arrested from their various hideouts in Accra recently by the tasked force of the Ghana Music Rights Organization (GHAMRO), have been jailed by the AMA Motor and Sanitation Court at Abeka in Accra.

The courts fined the five pirates 500 penalty units each (300 million old Ghana cedis) or in default collectively serve 10 years in prison for reproduction and distribution of audio and visual works contrary to section 42(1) of the Copyright Act 690.

Briefing the court on Friday, May 17, Inspector Hanson Armah stated that the complainant Eric Tetteh and GHAMRO taskforce members together with the police stormed Osu, La,  37 Lorry stations and its environs and found the accused persons namely Bernard Amakye, Awal Mohammed, Owusu Gabriel, Andy Obeng and Opoku Maxwell with their laptops illegally downloading songs for commercial purposes. They were arrested, sent to the Tesano Police Station and subsequently charged and arraigned before court.

Four of the accused persons pleaded guilty with explanation, whilst the 2nd accused Mohammed Awal pleaded not guilty to charges preferred against them.

Prosecuting witnesses Emmanuel Adjei and Eric Tetteh stated in open court that it took the GHAMRO Taskforce over two weeks to secretly monitor the unlawful downloading and sales of musical works of several artistes including Sarkodie, Daddy Lumba, R2 Bees, Hannah Marfo and Akua Serwaa by the accused persons, adding that their illegal activities were captured in pictorial form which they used as evidence exhibited in open court.

Judge Antwi Barima stated that music piracy had destroyed the careers of several brilliant creators including the late Snr Eddie Donkor and Akwasi Ampofo Adjei, and it was time to mete out appropriate punishment to offenders to serve as a deterrent. He said the “guilty with explanation” pleas of four of the accused persons “could not see the light of day neither could their respective explanations hold water”, and that the “not guilty” plea of Mohammed Awal was “highly vexatious, unmeritorious and frivolous” in the light of irrefutable evidence of Awal in the act of illegally selling songs of artistes.

After stating that “he who does not punish evil commands it to be done”, the judge convicted and sentenced the accused persons. He then ordered that all infringing equipment used by the accused be instantly destroyed on the court premises under the supervision of the court registrar and the prosecutor, which was immediately carried out by crushing, burning and finally dumping at a rubbish dump near the court premises.

Present in court throughout the proceedings were GHAMRO Chairman Carlos Sakyi and board member Mark Okraku Mantey, who called the ruling a monumental victory for composers and producers, many of whom had gone bankrupt due to blatant robbery of their music in practically every part of the country.

They promised to continue waging a relentless war on piracy to bring prosperity and relief to music owners and investors in Ghana.

Jackie Appiah

All roads are expected to lead to the Silverbird Cinema in Accra on Friday evening as the latest romantic comedy starring top actors, Omar Sheriff Captan, Adjetey Anang and Jackie Appiah among others, hits the big screens.

The movie would be unveiled at a red carpet grand premiere Friday evening.

In past weeks, various casts have been talking about their roles on various media platforms.

The calm-actor, Omar Sheriff Captan had last week created the impression that the movie would be his last before he moves on to his other dream of becoming a man of God.

The new movie, directed by Frank Rajah, is from the stables of Raj Films and Heroes Production.

It also stars USA-based Cameroonian actress Okawa Shaznay, Uche Iwuannyawu, Henry A Asiedu and Liberian-born-Ghanaian actress, Chichi Neblett among others.

This group of actors and a number of others would be gracing the red carpet, come May 24.

The new film is arguably the first film that paired the two actors, Jackie Appiah and Adjetey Anang as lovers.

It is the next romantic comedy to rock the movie scene. ‘Cheaters’ follows the stories of several young couples caught up in a web of love, lies and extra-marital affairs. It throws more light on the assumption that marriage is the only war in which one sleeps with the enemy. If the couple is inseparable, it usually takes five people to separate it and ‘Cheaters’ reflects just that. In this film, love is portrayed as a mysterious adventure that takes one through many twists and turns.

One adds a bit of infidelity to the mix and he or she has the perfect recipe for disaster.

Movie enthusiasts are encouraged to wait until May 24, to watch how these love-torn couples struggle to make it through another overrated love-fest called Valentine’s Day.

By Francis Addo

Bola Ray (middle) in a pose with Edem (left) and WizKid

On June 29, Ghanaian music fans would witness the much awaited historic musical concert dubbed ‘Ghana Meets Naija’, at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC) in Accra at 8:00p.m.

The music concert, organised by the nation’s entertainment powerhouse, Empire Entertainment, would witness an unprecedented list of some of the biggest names in both Ghanaian and Nigerian music, and probably Africa as a whole, in a concert only fit for the gods of music.

One would wonder if the conference centre would be able to handle the enormity of this event, considering the long list of ‘giant’ artistes billed to rock the concert.

Among artistes to be on stage for the groundbreaking event are music heavy weights  R2Bees, who just won six awards including Artiste of the Year at the 2013 Ghana Music Awards; Edem, Okyeame Kwame, Raquel, E.L., Xo Senavoe, Dr Slim, Dobble  among others.

The Nigerian line-up includes Wizkid, Burna Boy, Timaya and a host of others.

The event was announced with an official launching ceremony on Wednesday at the Holiday Inn Hotel in Accra.

Nathaniel Kwabena Anokye Adisi, aka Bola Ray, CEO of Empire Entertainment speaking at the launch noted that the concert was built on the solid foundation of harnessing the talents of both countries for unity.

He promised that the event which was in its third edition would not just be a night of glitz and glamour but something that had never happened in Ghana’s entertainment scene before.

Some of the artistes at the launch ceremony promised to give fans nothing but fun.

Empire Entertainment has become synonymous with organizing the biggest and most entertaining raves in the country and building on from last year, the ‘Ghana Meets Naija’ brand has become entrenched in the minds of music fans as the ultimate musical mega jam.

As such, nothing less than spectacular performances, an electrifying ambiance and an absolutely exciting show can be expected on the night of June 29.

‘Ghana Meets Naija’ concert is brought to you by MTN and RLG with support from Hennessey and powered by Empire Entertainment and Media GH.

By George Clifford Owusu

EL

E.L, the versatile singer, songwriter, and producer, will on Saturday June 1, stage a live musical concert at the Alliance Française in Accra.

E.L, who has promised to perform his favourite hit songs to satisfy patrons who will attend the show, is expected to surprise the audience with a blend of different varieties of music inspired from various sources.

The event, which is expected to attract a large number of music fans, as well as stakeholders in the music industry, will kick off at 8:00pm.

This would be his first public performance after his ‘Something Else’ won the overall best ‘Album of the Year’ over the weekend at the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMAs).

His stagecraft and creative performance on stage during the Vodafone Ghana music Awards held last Saturday earned him the credential as one of the most thrilling hip-life artistes in the country.

E.L is noted for his unparalleled and irresistible stage presence that gets his audience asking for more anytime he performs.

E.L says he is ready to unleash an extraordinary performance on the night; one that his fans have never witnessed before.

E.L. is an enterprising young music icon who has appeared on many musical concerts held in the country and performed with music stars like Sarkodie, J. Martins, 9ice, Fabulous and Rick Ross.

A natural performer with good stagecraft, any time he grabs the microphone on stage, music fans see him as a real music icon whose presence will boost the image of Ghanaian music on the international scene.

Unarguably, one of the biggest producers cum rappers, he has lent his blend of hip-hop/afro beat sounds and voice to major hits for the likes of  Sarkodie’s ‘You Go Kill Me’, ‘Dangerous’, D-Black’s ‘Get on the Dance Floor’, Reggie Rockstone’s ‘Rockstone’s Office’, Asem’s ‘Check Your Weight’ and many more.

This event is powered by The 12 with support from BBNZ, Heel the World, Bob Pixel Photography, George Britton and Edge 53, BuzzGH, HypeNation, Lynx TV and YFM.

By George Clifford Owusu

Don Jazzy

Some selected award winning musicians from Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa have been invited to perform at the launch of Big Brother Africa show on Sunday May 26.

The big night will also see 28 new housemates being revealed to audiences in over 50 African countries for season 8 of Big Brother Africa, The Chase.

Multi award-winning record producer, singer, songwriter and musician Don Jazzy, D’ Prince and Wande Coal will be on stage for their collaborative performance.

Audiences can look forward to sassy and upbeat tunes from Kenya’s very own award winner STL, who promises to deliver an unforgettable and lasting performance with her distinct pop, soul and rap sound.

One of South Africa’s leading Afro Pop music groups, Mafikizolo will also serenade audiences with their soulful and rhythmic tunes on the big launch night.

The continent can expect a sensational performance that will ignite the Big Brother live show stage.

The line-up will also include a slot for some comic relief from Kenyan stand-up comedian Daniel Ndambuki, popularly known as Churchill.

The highly talented entertainer has also become a household name with his TV show called ‘Churchill Live’.

The Award Winning Leading Change through the Art of Narrative Management Programme is expected to rock the La Palm Hotel, Accra on June 10, 2013, and Golden Tulip Hotel, Kumasi on June 12, 2013, respectively.

The main objective of the Art of Narrative Management Programme is to use story telling as an enabler to the transformation of organisations and enhance performance and productivity.

The Art of Narrative Management Programme is a joint collaboration between Quality Life Company of South Africa, MacTay Consulting of Nigeria and Learning Organisation.

A statement jointly signed by Dunne Edelstein CEO of Quality Life Company of South Africa, Tayo Rotimi CEO of MacTay Consulting of Nigeria and Isaac Sackey CEO of Learning Organisation, stated that the programme will equip participants with powerful intervention and individual processing tools that will positively transform their organisations.

The training programme will be facilitated by the renowned story teller, writer and professor of English Literature Professor Dorian Haarhoff. He has a range of publications to his name and brings with him a deep belief in a passion for and a keen understanding of the power of stories in professional and personal life. Through his skills, experience and insights, Dorian uses story telling as a catalyst for the transformation of organisations and enhancement of performance and productivity.

The Art of Narrative Management Training is designed for Chief Executives, Chief Directors, Directors, Managing Directors, General Managers, Functional Heads, Managers, Decision-Makers and Strategic Planners.

VIP

Award winning music group VIP has released its much anticipated video for its ‘Follow Me’ hit song from the group’s ‘7/11’ album.

The video was released three days ago ahead of Vodafone Ghana Music Award (VGMA), the major event on the music calendar.

The ‘Follow Me’ song was produced by EL while the video was shot and edited by Phamous People. Its first day release on Wednesday on youtube had over 1000 views and keeps rising by the day.

The group was nominated for Artiste of the Year, Hip Life Song of the Year, Best Group of the Year, Hip life /Hip Hop Artiste of the Year and Best Music Video of the Year categories.

Over the past 10 years, VIP has sold over five million records, making the group one of the best selling recording artistes in Africa.

The group is made up of Zeal (Abdul Hamid Ibrahim), Promzy (Emmanuel Promzy Ababio) and Prodigal (Joseph Nana Ofori). They are described as charismatic trio who have revolutionized the African music industry by creating award-winning compositions that blend High Life, Hip Hop and traditional African music.

VIP’s dedication to artistic innovation has resulted in record-breaking recognition with a list of esteemed accolades including countless international awards, multiple city tours and performances.

By Francis Addo

Kwaisey Pee and friends

All is set for high-life singer Kwaisey Pee and his musician friends to rock the capital with melodious authentic high-life tunes in an event dubbed:

“Celebrating AU Day with Kwaisey Pee and Friends”, come May 25, 2013 to celebrate the African Unity day which also happens to be a holiday across the continent.

Musicians billed to perform on the night alongside Kwaisey Pee include Burger high-life legend George Darko, ever green Pat Thomas, sexy don dada Samini, smooth singer Irene Logon, Kofi Bee, Nana Kontihene and Kesse and all the artistes will perform with a live band.

There will also be a side attraction in form of a fashion show by B’venag Clothing to entertainment crowd and give the event a runway touch.

The night of great African tunes made in Ghana is scheduled for Saturday May 25, 2013 at the plush Golden Tulip Hotel in Accra.
Tickets for the event which are already out is selling at GH¢50 for regular and GH¢80 for VIP. Tickets are available presently at Koala, Osu, Silverbird Cinema, Baatsona Total and Airport Shell.

Dress code is a touch of African. Come let’s dance to Ghanaian authentic high-life music, whiles we join hands to celebrate Africa through quality entertainment.

The event is sponsored by Vitamilk, Media pharmacy, Mr Delivery Man, B’venag Clothing and Accessories and Golden Tulip Hotel, Accra and powered by Planet One Multimedia.

Bobie Ansah

One of Ghana’s most listened to radio presenters, Kwabena Bobie Ansah, who is the host of Sinipi, a talk show programme on Agoo 103.5 Fm, yesterday declared that as a radio presenter, his duty was to use the radio to educate Ghanaians about issues affecting society.

He told BEATWAVES in a chat: “It is my duty to educate the people on issues affecting their day to day activities. As a radio presenter I will use the opportunity I have on radio to educate everybody including listeners”.

Disclosing how he was going to do that, Bobie said as radio has become very powerful, he was going to use his talk show programme, Sinipi, aired from Monday to Friday between 2:00pm and 6:00pm, to push up the sinking image of the Ghanaian culture, effectively link up various categories of people seeking one thing or the other and also use the medium to fight against diseases and social issues like the degradation of the environment.

He also envisaged that his programme would enable him to have time to come up with far-reaching ideas and also afford him time to pursue the huge role he has been assigned to.

Bobie’s activities on radio have probably inspired many people to consider a career in radio and he is gradually making his way to the top as his admirers keep increasing every day.

Since his entry into radio, Bobie has won the hearts of a myriad of radio listeners and has become a household name.

He made a lot of impact when he hosted Asempa FM’s talk show, Ekosii Sen, paving the way for him to be counted among the best when it comes to talk shows on radio.

He told BEATWAVES that he would not rest until he reaches the top, adding “the sky is my limit. I will work hard to maintain the good image I have attained so far as I’m a presenter and always think of satisfying my listeners and admirers in whatever I do”.

By George Clifford Owusu

Guru

“The Empire Champagne Party,” unarguably, the biggest and most exclusive rave on the Accra nightlife calendar returns and this year’s edition would take place on Saturday May 25, 2013, at the plush Villa Monticello.

The Empire Champagne Party is a formal event that brings together thousands of attendees with the objective of allowing rave folk  to socialize and enjoy the very best of entertainment from excellent music, party lounges, exciting performances and an exquisite mix of assorted champagne and finger foods against a backdrop of the most alluring ambiance.

Last year’s edition, held at the Event Haven (inside the Trade Fair Centre-La), saw an eclectic mix of corporate gurus, A-list celebrities and the city’s “movers and shakers” in attendance.

All were undoubtedly swept away by the stunning and unique setting that transformed the venue into several party lounges; the black and white lounge, the white lounge and the VVIP lounge with each offering a surprisingly diverse mix of different raving experiences for all attendees.

Keeping up to its pre-event billing, guests were treated to glasses and bottles of the world’s most premium champagne brands, Moet & Chandon as well as Veuve Cliquot; all of which were provided by Moet & Chandon.

This year , organizers -  Empire Entertainment,  have promised to deliver an even bigger and more enchanting  event that would up the ante on the standards set with last year’s event  and once again redefine the art of raving in the city as has become synonymous with all Empire Entertainment events over the years.

This year’s edition is set to feature three exclusive party lounges which would each offer a different party experience for attendees. There would be the Moet and Chandon Lounge (standard), the Veuve Cliquot Lounge (VIP) and the Dom Perignon Lounge (VVIP) all set inside Villa Monticello on the night. The rates for the event are Standard – GH¢30, VIP –GH¢50, and VVIP –GH¢80.

The Empire Champagne party is supported by Moet & Chandon and Big Ideaz.