On May 17-19, 2013 RWUL (Reel Worldwide Underground Link) a non- profit organization based in the US that promotes independent film and cinema in partnership with the Attukwei Art Foundation and the Goethe-Institut of Ghana will present: The 1st Annual “I Luv Africa” Film Festival in Ghana (ILAFF 2013)!  This new annual presentation will celebrate the work of independent filmmakers from Africa and throughout the Diaspora.  The “I Luv Africa” Film Festival in Ghana (ILAFF 2013) will be a three day event FREE to the public that will feature film screenings, workshops, a community art project, filmmaker appearances, and a special opening night Afterparty hosted by YAV Magazine.  The ILAFF 2013 will feature films from Mohamed Dione, Aimiende Negbenebor Sela, Nikyatu Jusu, Akousua Adoma Owusu, Terence Nance/Blitz the Ambassador, Edward Osei-Gyimah , Esosa Edosomwan, Kwesi Hutchful, Nana Yaw Yeboah, Ali Biko Sulaiman Kamanda, Nina Nordstromm, and Nana Oforiatta Ayim.  This year’s ILAFF 2013 in Ghana will also present a special feature film premiere of the critically acclaimed “Soul Food Junkies” from filmmaker Byron Hurt for our Pan-African selection.

RWUL Presents: “I Luv Africa” Film Festival in Ghana (ILAFF 2013)

ALL EVENTS FREE TO THE PUBLIC

Day One:  May 17, 2013 7pm-9pm Location: Goethe-Institut in Accra Ghana
Opening Night: Short Film Screening Series Q&A with Filmmakers
*Opening Night Afterparty @ Reggie Rockstone’s Office-Grand Pappaz Free Entry with ILAFF 2013 Pass

Day Two:  May 18, 2013 (Two Parts 1-8pm)
Part One: 1-4pm Location: AUCC in Accra Film Workshops & Special Screening of “Soul Food Junkies ”
Part Two: 6pm-8pm Location: Goethe-Institut in Accra Encore Screening of “Soul Food Junkies” & Special Music Video Selection by MixerPot LLC and Awards Announcement

Day Three:  May 19, 2013
Community Art Project with Attukwei Art Foundation 4-6pm Accra
Google+ Hangout Online Chat with Filmmakers 7pm

SPONSORED BY RWUL–GOETHE-INSTITUT GHANA –ATTUKWEI ART FOUNDATION– AUCC– BLEU* –BLACK SOULENT AFREECAN –YAV MAGAZINE –BGNB PRODUCTIONS –KUSI CONSULTING–MIXERPOT

RWUL © 2013  www.rwul.com

The show which will .be hosted at the Tamale Sports Stadium from 7 pm will see other Tamale musicians including  Deensi, Tuba Dagomba, Fancy gadem, kawastone, Choggy Boys and The last 2 Dancers .joining the Xtra large Music artiste at the event.

The tour expected to pas through Sunyani, Kumasi and Takoradi and end in Accra is also expected to raise funds to support a maternal health project, dear to her heart.

Organisers are selling tickets for  GHc10.00 (regular) and GHc20.00 (Vip) at some selected radio Stations, Smart Media offices, Parijani phones, Citi internet, Abuya Unisex collections, Mobile house, El-Classico collections and TacoRabama.

For bookng of tickets, you can reach organisers on  0262637000 – 0204469000 – 0244692792.

This event is supported by Gbanzaab Hotel, Sammandzo Hotel, TacoRabama Pizza house, Bar & Restaurant, Mariam Hotel and Smart Media Studios

Chief Marketing Officer of the telecom giant, Uche Ufodile, has revealed to Ameyaw Debrah that they are “trying to over deliver on the expectations from last year, so there will be a lot of surprises in store for guests at our red room.”

She adds that there will be a fun park to cater for those who would want to watch the event in an electrifying atmosphere.

“We are going to have huge TV screens at the Trade Fair and we are going to have it free for people to come and watch. In addition to that we are going to have some of the artists come through to perform as well. So if you are unable to come to the Conference Centre and you don’t want to watch it at home, and you want to watch it with a bunch of friends and music lovers, then Trade Fair is the place to be on Saturday.”

According to Okyeame Kwame,

The event is aimed at ‘shaking up’ the graduates to energize them, excite them and also to give them a chance to meet new people, make new friends and to welcome them to life after school.

‘Coca Cola Shake Up’ is brought to you by Coca Cola and powered by One Mic Entertainment with support from 4syte TV. The rate is freeeee!!!!!!!

(Entertainment Wise) Justin Bieber can now put his feet up after performing to 95,000 fans in Johannesburg this weekend, admitting that that he is “excited to chill” as he takes a month-long break from his ‘Believe’ tour.

The 19-year-old arrived in South Africa last week where he performed in Cape Town on Wednesday before hitting the stage at Johannesburg’s FNB Stadium on Sunday and sang tracks from his latest album in front of 95,000 fans.

Ever the prolific Tweeter, Justin took to his page to share with fans: “That was a show! 95000 strong! #SoldOutStadium . Thank u Johannesburg! #BELIEVEtour.

“Great way to end this leg of the tour. Excited to chill for a bit but I will announce Australia, Asia, and S America real soon,” he added.

But his trip to the country wasn’t all work as Justin found some time to go on safari with his friends, sharing snaps on Instagram of the wildlife he came across.

Justin will commence the North American leg of his ‘Believe’ tour in San Diego on June 22, meaning the ‘Beauty and a Beat’ singer will have plenty of time to relax, although he has already made plans to add extra dates to the jaunt.

The Canadian star tweeted last week: “Confirmed more tour dates around the world. #BELIEVEtour is coming . Get ready.”

“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 Hi-Life legend George Darko, ever green Pat Thomas, sexy don dada Samini, smooth singer Irene Logon,Kofi Bee, Nana Kontihene and Kesse among others and all the artistes will perform with a live band.

There would 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 25th May, 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 Cenima, Baatsona Total and Airport Shell.
Dress code is a touch of African.

Come let’s dance to Ghanaian authentic Hi-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.

For corporate reservations, call 0244 627609.

More than 1,500 demos were entered in last year’s contest but only 12 contestants got the opportunity to enter the Hit-Maker House to be coached by three well-respected Ghanaian musicians.

They were coached by keyboardist Bessa Simmons of Osibisa fame; international soul-jazz performer Ofie Kodjoe and acclaimed producer/recording engineer, Zapp Mallet.

Some new aspects have been introduced to this year’s MTN Hit-Maker competition. Apart from dropping their demos at MTN service centers across the country, contestants can also be part of a nationwide radio selection process.

In this process, wannabe musicians would go to selected radio stations to sing their songs. Listeners would then be entreated to call or text to vote their favorites. Finalists would be invited back to the stations to sing on their instrumentals for the public to vote again.

The regional winners would be invited to Accra to vie for a place in the final 10 against contestants selected through demo drops.

The 10 selected finalists would be housed and taken through rigorous training sessions and music production processes. At this stage, television shows would be organized for the contestants to perform their songs. Contestants with least public votes would be evicted till only four contestants remain.

A grand final showdown would be organized for the last four to perform alongside established artistes.

The MTN Hit-Maker season two has a prize package of a recording and artiste management deal worth GHC100, 000.00 for the winner and GHC 50, 000.00 for the first runner-up. The third and fourth-placed winners will also receive some handsome prizes.

MTN Hit-Maker will also reward the sound engineer with the Best Beat on the show and weekly prizes for Best Performer, Best Appearance, Highest ‘Texters’ and more.

Hitmaker is supported by the MTN Ghana Foundation under the auspices of the Youth Empowerment Program in partnership with the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA).

Ivan Quashigah’s Farmhouse produces the MTN Hit-Maker show.

(GhanaFilla) This third edition of Ghana’s biggest musical concert, the “Ghana Meets Naija” concert is set to be rolled out soon with its customary official launch event on the 22nd of May, 2013.

As has become synonymous with the mega-concert, all pre-event activities are rolled after the official launch event which also serves as a platform for organizers to interact with media personnel and provide all the necessary information concerning the event.

Following in last year’s overwhelming success and the remarkable growth of the “Ghana Meets Naija” brand over the last 2 editions, anticipation is naturally rife amongst industry players and rave folks alike as the 29th June date draws closer.
As with previous years, the rumor mill has already been inundated with numerous predictions with regards to which Ghanaian and Nigerian artistes may have endeared themselves enough to fans in both countries over the last year, to merit being given the honor of performing on the prestigious “Ghana Meets Naija” platform.

So far, only fast-rising Nigerian act, Burna Boy, who took over the nightlife scene in GH and Naija with his two hit singles, “Like to Party” and “Tonight” has been officially confirmed to be performing this year, according to the event’s social media pages.

According to a release signed by Empire Entertainment’s Public Relations Manager, Derick Addai, the full list of performing artistes will be unveiled at the official launch event set for 22nd May, 2013. Also to be unveiled at the event will be the numerous exciting packages put together by the event’s corporate partners MTN and RLG, for music lovers across the country as part of this year’s event.

The ‘Ghana Meets Naija’ concert is largely regarded by many music lovers as a musical showdown of sorts to establish supremacy between two countries whose musical trends have continuously influenced and rivaled each other in every way.
Organizers have however consistently maintained that concert is aimed at celebrating what the two countries have in common as sister countries and not a battle for musical supremacy.

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

DJ Black, Kess, Mic Smith, Mensa, Abrantie, Billy Ocean and killer Fingers have been nominated in various categories and will be raising the flag of Ghana high at Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa on that day

Sensational Efya will on that night be rocking the show whilst actress Yvonne Nelson and music group group R2bees will also presenting awards to winners.

The AGDA is aimed at recognizing the growing importance of disc jockeys to the African and global music scene .

The awards is powered by Stronghold Entertainment StatsMedia Group in conjunction with Geobeck Ent.

Scheduled to take place at the Ridge Arena of the plush Alisa Hotel, the full course dinner event designed to honour and celebrate our hard working musicians and music industry players will be nothing short of entertaining. With a sundry, yet exciting and seasoned array of performers including Raquel, Celestine Donkor, Afriyie Wutah and Nii Lante among others, the much anticipated night will leave lasting memories of joy and otherwise on the hearts and minds of the many artistes vying for the 10 categories that will be rewarded on the night.

These categories include the Gospel Album Of The Year which was won by Gifty Osei’s ‘Fefeefe’ album last year, Music for Development, won by Okyeame Quame, Producer Of The Year, won by Apietus on Okyeame Quame’s ‘faithful’, Sound Engineer Of The Year, won by Kaywa, Traditional Artiste Of The Year, awarded to Guy One, Lifetime Achievement and MUSIGA Merit Honours bestowed on Pat Thomas and Diana Hopeson respectively and of course, the ever competitive song writer of the year award, going to none other than Okyeame Quame on the track, faithful. The other two are the instrumentalist of the year and the record of the year awards.

“In the past we have also rewarded the best male and female vocals on the industry night, but various pundits and industry gurus have strongly critiqued this arguing that it’s more talent than technical related and must be taken to the main night. They also advised that the record of the year was more of a technical award that ought to be given on the industry night.

So these are the two major changes that have been made to the industry night. As with all other events organised by Charterhouse, we will throw in our expertise to make this event a memorable one and God willing, it will go great…” Nii Ayite Hammond – VGMA board chairman and head of Productions at Charterhouse and GHOne.

So all is set. The VGMA’s are here and though the party started a few weeks ago in Koforidua, the real deal starts this Friday 10th May with the Industry Awards at the Ridge Arena, Alisa Hotel. It all begins tomorrow. The event is strictly by invitation.

The 14th edition of the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards is supported by Golden Tulip, star bear, GhOne Entertainment TV, powered by Charterhouse and brought you by Vodafone.

For further information and latest information on the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards, visit www.ghanamusicawards.com and on www.facebook.com/GhanaMusicAwards

Organizers of the event 18. Com with massive support from Event Exp Pro said that the event is a pre-mother’s day jam and as such they have lined up the best in music, comedy and poetry for the night.

The celeb mothers –Juliet Ibrahim, Caroline Sampson and House of Adjeiwaah together with fans who will trip to the venue will be thrilled with performances from Akwaboah, Kesse, Dflex Apaatse, 2Ras and Diojo serenaded with Poetry from Rhyme Sonny plus comedy from DKB.

Get the details again – Date: 11th May 2013 / Time: 8pm / Venue: Paloma Hotel (The Lexington Bar) on the circle Ring Road. Rate: GHC20 FLAT

The event – Divas Ball 2013 is a night to say ‘AYEKOO’ to our celebrity mothers! It is sponsored by Abrantie School of Cosmetology, Afriken Novelty, Selina Beb Bags, Akiboat Impressions, Urban Fusion Photos, Signup international and Spring Entertainment but Proudly Powered by
18.com.

Swag Boyz GH an Event and Cosult Firm with the interest of the SHS folks at heart presents the PRISON BREAK RELOADED PARTY .One event which has been dubbed the official party to mark the break of the Academic year. It’s on at VIENNA CITY Night Club, Circle-Accra on the 18th of May, 2013 between the hours of 9pm till You see Mama and Daddy’s ‘10 missed calls’. Come party with the stars!!.Any one is legible to be part of this once in a life time get-together.

Schools such as Pope John’s, Ideal College ,St. Thomas Aquinas, OLA Girls, Aggrey Memorial, Ghanata, St.Roses, St.Mary’s, Methodist Girls, K.S.T.S, Sogasco, Ketasco, WASS, Adonten, Ghanass, Odasco, and many more have already booked their places for the event.The damage is a cool GHC10.

Acts expected to pass though and rep their schools include Kwaw Kesse, D-Black, Bra Kevin Beats, Edem, Joey B, Trigmatic, Keche and many more yet to be confirmed.This could be the opportunity to have exclusive photo shoots with your favourite stars.

For Info : SWAGBOYZGH.TK , @SWAGBOYZ_GH on Twitter or Facebook SWAG BOYZ GH.

0271913632

Tickets are sold at Charter House, X-Men and Koala Supermarkets.

Ghana’s Afro pop singer Rebecca Acheampong aka Becca, who has carve a niche for herself in the music scene in Ghana and some parts of Africa will outdoor her latest music album on May 16, this year.

Becca, whose live stage musical performances have won the hearts of many music fans across the African continent told BEATWAVES that her much awaited new album will be extraordinary.

Reports available indicate that Becca’s management which is currently planning a world class album launch to unleash her new album is considering several venues for the upcoming historic launch.

Becca, who has achieved a lot with just one album and more than three hit singles, wants to introduce something new in her music career and something Ghanaians have never seen before to match up with the kind of musical work on her new album.

Becca’s anticipated album launch has generated a lot of expectations among a large number of music fans and the general public.

Those who have had the opportunity to listen to some of the songs on the album find it difficult to describe what to expect from the Afro pop singer this year.

BEATWAVES gathered that Becca also has a good gospel song on the album and just an album to her credit, Becca has won for herself several awards in Ghana and Nigeria.

The sensational Afro-pop artiste, who launched her musical career in Ghana on November 2007 with her maiden album ‘Sugar’, is among a few music stars who have been consistent on the music platform.

‘Sugar’, which has the hit song ‘You lied to me’, was once adjudged Record of the Year. ‘You Lied to Me’, which featured Kwabena Kwabena, also earned Becca four other nominations some years back.

Becca also featured Hugh Masekela, a great musician from South Africa on her track ‘I love you’. This ethereal beauty has been hard at work on a follow-up album since her maiden ‘Sugar’ collection came out at the end of 2007. She has already put out singles meant for her new album- the very popular ‘Daa Ke Daa’, ‘Eti Sen’ and African Woman’.

Rick Bacchus, a US based music producer and artiste manager, who was in the country some time ago was impressed with Becca’s performance on the music scene so far, adding that although her talent is amazing, she was not getting the right opportunity to showcase it.

“JAMMING ”which is his second video of Gemini to be released this year will be premiered on a LIVE Google+ Hangout with fellow artistes E.L, Edem, Captain Planet (4X4), Boss Chic Lousika and host of other stage rock artiste in Ghana.

Live FM’s new baby Jeremie and programmes manager of YFM Jay Foley will host the premiere on Friday 10-05-13 at exact 11pm.

Director of the video and CEO of 2131, Jay Foley is very optimistic music loving funs will consent to Gemini’s versatility and creativity after the premiered of the video.

You can join the premiere and chat with Gemini as he premieres “JAMMING” on Google +.

The Glo X factor reality show according to Adom News has finished its audition in Nigeria and its heading towards Ghana.

The audition for the Glo X Factor Music Reality TV Show is moving to Ghana after a successful completion in Nigeria, a statement from Glo said.

The Nigerian auditions were held in Abuja and Port Harcourt, and the Ghana auditions are slated for May 4 – 5, 2013 at Goldren Tulip, Kumasi; and for May 11 – 12 2013 at Alisa Hotel in Accra.

The three judges, Hiplife grandpapa, Reggie Rockstone, Nigerian musical legend, Onyeka Onwenu, and Africa’s Number 1 rapper, MI, have expressed excitement at being part of the history Glo is making in Africa with the musical talent reality TV show.

The three judges thanked Globacom for bringing them aboard the show and for offering a rare opportunity to African youths to explore their talents.

Rockstone said he was excited because X Factor is designed to find new talents. “I am optimistic because there are a lot of talents here in West Africa. I have seen them, and I am delighted I am one of those who will help unearth them.”

He said: “The $150,000 prize money is very enticing and the opportunity to have new talents stimulated my interest in the show. I can only be scared about new comers, and the part I love is that I’ll double as judge and coach. That is awesome.”

Onyeka, popularly called the Elegant Stallion, said, “I am greatly excited to be part of this great show and I will definitely have fun while the competition lasts. I promise to be fair in my judgement, add humour to the game, be a good ambassador of Glo and display the greatest form of integrity which Globacom is known for”.

MI commended Glo for making history as the first company to bring the show to Africa. “I am very happy about this. It is going to be the biggest ever reality show in Africa and that’s the truth. It’s more than just about Nigeria or West Africa. It’s about the whole of Africa. I’d be glad if another great artiste comes out from this pack to upstage people like us but such a person has a lot of work to do because he needs the X Factor to get to the top of the pack.”

Nigerian radio station Beat FM’s Tolu Oniru popularly called Toolz, who was unveiled as the presenter of X Factor is equally excited, saying “it’s the biggest ever reality show that Nigeria and Africa have ever seen. N24 million isn’t a child’s play; no other musical show has beaten that. And you know this year marks the 10th anniversary of Globacom and this programme, I believe, is part of the company’s modest way of thanking its numerous subscribers”.

The statement said after the Ghana auditions, the judges will return to Nigeria for the Lagos auditions scheduled for Saturday, May 25, and Sunday, May 26.

Members of the diplomatic corps, company executives, stakeholders in the film business, politicians and people drawn from other sections of society chatted, nibbled on finger foods and sipped their drinks, all looking forward to the festival to be held from June 25 to June 30 at the Silverbird Cinema in Accra.

When it does happen, film fans would have the opportunity to see works from Ghana and across the continent as well as films from the African Diaspora.

Movies that festival officials say would be shown include Jack the Giant Slayer by American director, Brian Singer; Tribe by Nollywood director, Ifeanyi Onyeabor; Warrior Queen by American director Hezekiah Lewis and No Time to Die by our own King Ampaw.

“Ghana has been an eye-opener in filmmaking for many other countries across the continent and a first-class film festival has been long overdue here,” said King Ampaw who is also the chairman of the AIFF board.

“ We are working hard to help make African films more visible on the global scene and we are sure AIFF would eventually grow to be the key international Anglophone film festival in sub-Saharan Africa.”

David Dontoh, AIFF’s Communications Director pointed out to Showbiz that only meritorious awards be given out this year and that competition for awards would begin next year.

Guests that have been slated to be in Accra for AIFF, Dontoh said, include Ayuko Babu, founder of the Pan African Film Festival in the United States; Sir Ridley Scott, English film director and producer; Idris Elba, British television, theatre and film actor; popular Nigerian actress Genevieve Nnaji and Burkinabe film director, Gaston Kabore.

The festival’s Executive Director is Osmo Kwame Addo. He is also the CEO of Katamadara Concepts which is partnering Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City to organize the festival.

Addo said at the press launch that he was hopeful the AIFF would trigger the international film community to shine a bright light on Ghana every year.

Deputy Minister of Information and Media Relations-designate, Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, before formally launching the festival, congratulated the organizers for “adding a landmark venture to the arts and culture calendar of events in this country. A team of film producers and actors came down from Kumasi for the press launch.

The AIFF is presented by PZ Cussons and supported by His Majesty’s Freight Services, Viasat1 TV. Silverbird Cinema, SIC company, TV3, AIT and Graphic Communications Group Limited.