Yesterday saw the end of the first session of the two-day Vodafone Music Awards (VGMA) Event.
The event saw performance from a lot of notable artistes. Although the event had an entirely different approach this time around, it was very entertaining. The event saw Takoradi artiste, Kofi Kinaata make history as he became the first artiste to win the ‘Songwriter of the year award’ thrice.
The young highlife sensation is admired by both the the young and old due to his unique style of music which is very deep and inspiring.
In spite of making history, the ‘Behind The Scenes’ hitmaker failed to turn up at the event.
He has however taken to twitter to apologize to the event organizers for not being able to grace the occasion. Taking to twitter, he wrote
Apologies to TV3, the VGMA and everyone for not showing up at both the interview and the show last night. Went through a lot yesterday but I’m okay now. Benin beans is NOT from God! Repeat after me.
It is this controversial tweet that has gotten a lot of people to be worried about the history maker. The last part of the tweet said;
Benin beans is NOT from God! Repeat after me…
The word Benin on social media has recently been attributed to spiritual powers as the West Africa country is noted to be home of African spiritual powers. This might mean that the highlife sensation was probably talking about spiritual attack.
Legendary Highlife muscian KK Fosu has apologised to fans for his substandard performance at last night Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA).
KK Fosu wrote this on his social media page:
Hello Team, family & well wishers, i’m here to address an issue which I believe are of much importance to the general public and particularly for Charter house, organizers of VGMA.
“On Tuesday, 25th August 2020, I led a “No Good Roads No Vote Demonstration” at my hometown “Mangoase” and it’s environs which attracted thousands of people in the area.
“Unfortunately I lost my voice and that subsequently made me struggle with my voice thus taking a toll on my performance at last night VGMA.
“I am sorry and apologise for the soo many expectations that were not met. I thank you all a lot for believing in me and I appreciate your support from time immemorial.
Such thing we pray won’t happen again. Thank you. Am still your Vocalgod.”
Member of Parliament for North Tongu Constituency Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has revealed that the Mahama administration was able to reduce teacher absenteeism at the basic and second cycle levels from the 27 per cent they inherited to 7 per cent.
He told host Abena Tabi on The Key Points on TV3 Saturday, August 29 that the administration also managed to remove 65 per cent of the schools that were under trees.
This, according the former Deputy Minister of Education, was as result of the remarkable investment Mr Mahama and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) made in the educational sector.
Contributing to a discussion on the track records of the NDC and the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr Ablakwa said: “I will situate what we did in three broad spectrums: quality, access and equity.
“If you look at quality you will notice that former president Mahama was committed to improving outcomes and so looked at all the gamut of issues that has to be invested in and has to be addressed.
“So you take for example teacher absenteeism, we met it at 27 per cent and through a vigorours campaign, meeting with the teacher unions and putting in place the right systems because it is not fair that parents will pay fees, children will go to school and there are no teachers to teach them, by the end of our four-year mandate teacher absenteeism had reduced from 27 to 7 per cent.
“You take the nature of our rural schools. We counted not less than 4000 schools under trees [and] you are competing with students in Singapore, students in Finland and these are yardsticks. If you look at their class environment it is friendly, the child is looking forward to the next day of school and so we decided to embark on a programme which we call Elimination of Schools Under Trees. And the records will show that we managed to eliminate about 65 per cent of the schools under trees which we met across the length and breadth of this country.”
He further revealed that the best Basic Education Certificate Examination as well as the West African Senior Schools Certificate Examinations (WASSCE) results topped under the NDC administration due to these and other investments.
“For four consecutive years Ghana was adjudged the best WASSCE performing nation because of these investments that were made. We carried out an inventory of teachers we realised that some 3400 vacancies exist so far as Maths and Science teachers are concerned and we recruited teachers to fill that vacancies,” he said.
Reacting to his comments also on the same show, Deputy Minister of Education in charge of Second Cycle Education Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum said the NDC only tackled the symptoms of the problems in the sector and left the actual problem.
“If you solve teacher absenteeism and not take a look at the school leadership and accountability you are not going to get anywhere.
“When it comes to education you have to be mindful of what you are doing. You may end up solving the
“If you look at quality you will notice that former president Mahama was committed to improving outcomes and so looked at all the gamut of issues that has to be invested in and has to be addressed.
“So you take for example teacher absenteeism, we met it at 27 per cent and through a vigorours campaign, meeting with the teacher unions and putting in place the right systems because it is not fair that parents will pay fees, children will go to school and there are no teachers to teach them, by the end of our four-year mandate teacher absenteeism had reduced from 27 to 7 per cent.
“You take the nature of our rural schools. We counted not less than 4000 schools under trees [and] you are competing with students in Singapore, students in Finland and these are yardsticks. If you look at their class environment it is friendly, the child is looking forward to the next day of school and so we decided to embark on a programme which we call Elimination of Schools Under Trees. And the records will show that we managed to eliminate about 65 per cent of the schools under trees which we met across the length and breadth of this country.”
He further revealed that the best Basic Education Certificate Examination as well as the West African Senior Schools Certificate Examinations (WASSCE) results topped under the NDC administration due to these and other investments.
“For four consecutive years Ghana was adjudged the best WASSCE performing nation because of these investments that were made. We carried out an inventory of teachers we realised that some 3400 vacancies exist so far as Maths and Science teachers are concerned and we recruited teachers to fill that vacancies,” he said.
Reacting to his comments also on the same show, Deputy Minister of Education in charge of Second Cycle Education Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum said the NDC only tackled the symptoms of the problems in the sector and left the actual problem.
“If you solve teacher absenteeism and not take a look at the school leadership and accountability you are not going to get anywhere.
“When it comes to education you have to be mindful of what you are doing. You may end up solving the symptoms of the problem and not the real problem itself.”
The Ghana Committed Drivers Association (GCDA) has expressed total disappointment in former President and flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) John Dramani Mahama for promising to legalize and regulate the operation of motorbikes, popularly known as Okada, should he win the December 7 polls.
The drivers consider the legalization of motorbikes for commercial purpose contradictory to the Road Traffic Regulation 2012 and Legislative Instrument (LI) 2180, which ban commercialization of motorbikes in Ghana.
Chairman of GCDA Charles Danso, in an interview on Yensempa on Onua FM on Wednesday, August 26 stated categorically that legalizing okada is like introducing genocide in Ghana.
Mr. Danso wants former president Mahama to be dragged to court for publicly announcing his intention to legalize the operation of okada in the country for commercial purposes.
“Former President Mahama needs to be dragged to court because what he is saying is like introducing genocide where people are given guns to kill.
“We have laws which forbid motorbikes to be used for commercial purposes and this same law was gazetted when Mr. Mahama was president,” he stated.
The Road Traffic Regulation, according to Mr. Danso, only allows Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) to register motorbikes for courier services but not for commercial purposes hence do not understand the rationale behind former president’s intent.
Mr. Danso lamented on the mutilation Okada had had on the society, counting the huge number of lives lost through motorbike accidents as well as those who have been rendered inoperative.
He bewailed that okada has caused more harm in society than good and therefore drivers would forever resist its legalization by any government.
He threatened that the day the government would commercialize operation of okada in Ghana would be the same day all road safety laws regulating commercial drivers would cease.
The chairman for committed drivers thus appealed to political parties to desist from politicking with issues of national interest.
Socialite Efia Odo believes pastors and preachers, in general, do not have any supernatural power as people perceive to heal the sick and restore their health.
According to her, these pastors are just as natural mortal human beings like any other person thus they must not be seen as doctors who are tasked to heal people of their ailments.
Efia Odo in a Twitter post bemoaned the quantum of trust some people have reposed in pastors with the baseless belief that they have the power of God to save the sick from dying.
Her comment comes on the back of a woman she claims died in her neighbourhood due to negligence and her decision to entrust her health into the hands of a pastor.
“If you or someone in your family falls sick, DO NOT TAKE THEM TO A PASTOR BECAUSE THEY DO NOT HAVE THE CAPACITY TO “HEAL”. Pastors can not heal because they are humans with no super natural powers. A woman in my hood just died due to negligence”
However, comments she has received as far as this view is concerned do not seem to entirely agree with her point of view. Many still believe God has the power to heal the sick and has deposited that power in pastors.
Popular Ghanaian radio presenter, Nana Benyin Anumel has labelled Shatta Wale’s ‘Kumerica’ song as whack.
The Ultimate FM presenter in a post sighted by Zionfelix.net opined the Shatta Movement boss failed to meet his expectation after he tried to ride on the Kumerica trend.
Though the song was not what he expected from Shatta Wale, Nana Benyin commended Shatta Wale on his smartness.
He was also shocked about the silence of artistes who hails from Kumasi ‘Kumericans’ on the buzz.
The Brands Manager at Ultimate FM in Kumasi wrote: “Shatta rides on the KUMERICA buzz and the typical ‘siano’ artistes are still wondering what it’s about….
“The song is whack but I like the smartness……That’s Showbiz!”
Following the trend of Kumerica, Shatta Wale joined the campaign by releasing his version of the drill.
This comes after he asked five rappers in Kumasi (Kumerica) to get in touch for them to work on the Kumerica anthem.
Multiple award-winning dancehall star, Shatta Wale, has finally dropped the full version of his Kumerica song which is quickly going viral.
The song which is hip hop and rap themed, was dropped on social media and it starts off with some sort of funk.
Shatta Wale showed solidarity to the Kumerica squad with the song.
He had earlier revealed that he was working on something for the Kumerican boys after they sent him massive shoutouts following his feature with American superstar, Beyonce.
Now, true to his promise and recent video to drop a song soon, the Ayoo hitmaker has delivered.
LISTEN BELOW:
Just like the Kumerican boys would do, Shatta Wale bragged about his matchless wealth and also claimed all his boys were rich as well.
Zionfelix.net earlier reported that Shatta Wale had dropped a teaser video of the Kumerica song.
In the said video, the dancehall star was seen driving around town in his new BMW car which he purchased over the weekend.
Some parts of the same video showed the popular Kumerica boys sampling the song and jamming to it.
Kumerica has become synonymous to the Ashanti Region of Ghana. The young men who created the trend could be seen showing off wads of cash and also seen wearing blinks.
Kofi Mole, fell while performing on stage at the ongoing VGMA 2020.
The 21 edition of Vodafone Ghana Music Awards went down a few hours ago with a galaxy of music stars performing to their fans.
When it was the turn for the ‘Aposor Gangster’ Kofi Mole to perform he came to stage seated in in a shopping trolly with an escort by a beautiful lady.
He fell off the stage just when he got out of the trolly to start performing his songs.
The day 1 of the 2020 edition of the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards-VGMA just ended a few hours ago with so many surprises and embarrassing moments on stage.
One of the embarrassing moments of the night was when Kelvynboy’s trouser got torn during his performance.
Kelvynboy’s black and white stripped fitted trouser couldn’t withstand the pressure from his big tighs as he moved up and down whiles he stunned guests with his multiple hit songs.
TAKE A LOOK AT A PICTURE OF THE MOMENT KELVYN BOY SUFFERED A WARDROBE MALFUNCTION;
On the same stage, Kofi Mole whiles performing fell off stage. The moment was not a pleasant one to behold.
The Nigerian government has expressed worry about what they believe to be unfair treatment of Nigerians in Ghana.
In a long press statement, they talked about the recently demolished Nigeria High Commission property, the closure of Nigerian owned shops and constant deportation of Nigerians.
They made mention that since 2018, 825 Nigeria nationals have been deported from Ghana.
The Nigeria Government also talked about the high cost of residence permit in Ghana compared to their country.
See press release below;
Federal Ministry of Information and Culture, Nigeria. Click
Actor Chadwick Boseman, who played black icons Jackie Robinson and James Brown before finding fame as the regal Black Panther in the Marvel cinematic universe, has died of cancer, his representative said. He was 43.
Boseman died at his home in the Los Angeles area with his wife and family by his side, his publicist Nicki Fioravante said on Friday.
Boseman was diagnosed with colon cancer four years ago, his family said in a statement. Black Panther’s Chadwick Boseman: ‘Everybody’s minds are opening up’
“A true fighter, Chadwick persevered through it all, and brought you many of the films you have come to love so much,” his family said.
“From Marshall to Da 5 Bloods, August Wilsons Ma Raineys Black Bottom and several more – all were filmed during and between countless surgeries and chemotherapy. It was the honour of his career to bring King TChalla to life in Black Panther.”
Boseman had not spoken publicly about his diagnosis. It is believed he married his long-term partner, the singer Taylor Simon Ledward, earlier this year. The couple had no children.
Boseman paid tribute to Ledward in his acceptance speech at the 2019 NAACP Image Awards in Los Angeles, where he won the trophy for outstanding actor in a motion picture. He said: “Simone, you’re with me every day. I have to acknowledge you right now. Love you.”
Chadwick Boseman arrives at the 2018 Oscars.
Chadwick Boseman arrives at the 2018 Oscars. Photograph: Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP
Born in South Carolina, Boseman graduated from Howard University and had small roles in television before his first star turn in 2013. His striking portrayal of the stoic baseball star Robinson opposite Harrison Ford in 2013’s 42 drew attention in Hollywood.
Boseman died on a day that major league baseball was celebrating Jackie Robinson day.
“This is a crushing blow,” actor and director Jordan Peele said on Twitter, one of many expressing shock as the news spread across social media.
The 21st edition of The Vodafone Ghana Music Awards came off today but has been segmented into three days spanning from Friday, August 28 to Sunday, August 30 2020.
The new arrangement was necessitated by the outbreak of the COVI-19 which had forced for the event to be postponed from May to August.
As a result, for the first time, the VGMA was staged without the presence of the fans who make the event pomp and glamorous.
Performances from Kofi Mole, Eno Barony, Strongman, Fameye, Ras Kuuku, Kelvynboy etc., gave a perfect touch and created the perfect euphoria for a big show which was watched by millions of Ghanaians behind their television sets and via the internet.
Below Are The List Of Winners For The First Night:
Instrumentalist Of The Year –––Winner: Emmanuel Bludo
Male Vocalist Of The Year ––– Winner: MOG Music
Female Vocalist Of The Year ––– Winner: Celestine Donkor
Songwriter Of The Year ––– Winner: Kofi Kinaata
Record Of The Year ––– Winner: Okyeame Kwame
Best Music Video Of The Year ––– Winner: Cina Soul
Best Music Group Of The Year ––– Winner: DopeNation
Producer Of The Year ––– Winner: M.O.G Beatz
African Act Of The Year ––– Winner: Burna Boy
Best International Collaboration Of The Year ––– Winner: Sarkodie ft. Rudeboy (Lucky)
Tomorrow August 29, will also see the presentation of awards to deserving individuals. The much-coveted ‘Artiste Of The Year’ is expected to be presented tomorrow with many tipping Sarkodie as the winner.
Sunday, August 30, 2020, will mark a concert by musicians to appreciate the efforts of the frontline health workers who have sacrificed and contributed immensely towards the collective fight against Coronavirus.
Ghanaian songwriter and rapper, Kofi King Arthur aka Kofi Kinaata has become the first artiste to win three times at the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards as far as the ‘Songwriter Of The Year Award’ category is concerned.
This record was set after his hit song ‘Things Fall Apart’ emerged winner of the ‘Songwriter Of The Year’ category at this year’s virtual award ceremony.
Kofi Kinaata, has, in the process, beaten the likes of Okyeame Kwame and Kojo Antwi who have won it only twice respectively.
‘Susuka’ and ‘Confession’ won in the same category at the 2016 and 2017 VGMAs respectively.
In a sharp tweet, Kofi Kinaata wrote: “First time in the history of #VGMAs! An artiste has won this Songwriter Award for the 3rd time ✌🏾+☝🏾= 3 Thanks to God! 🙏🏾 Thanks to all my fans worldwide. #TeamMooove”
Musician turned politician, Kwame Obeng Asare aka A Plus has publicly confessed his dislike for Kojo Oppong Nkrumah who is the Information Minister and Member of Parliament for Ofoase Ayeribi.
In an interview with Kofi TV, A Plus said he will not tolerate the presence of the minister if he should meet him. According to him, his dislike for Kojo Opppong Nkrumah will highly influence his decision to ignore the exchange of pleasantries.
“Kojo Oppong Nkrumah used to be my friend; now, I don’t like him. I won’t lie and say we’re in a good relationship. I don’t like him. If I see him, I’ll pass; but if he greets me, I’ll respond. We must accord people respect,” he noted in the interview.
In detailing the cause for this stance, A Plus said Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, when he was a journalist in the lead up to the 2016 elections labelled the candidature and the fight against corruption by Akufo-Addo as unfit and unpurposeful.
Therefore, A Plus believes Mr Oppong Nkrumah should not be tolerated around the party especially when his role to ensure the victory of the party in 2016 was minimal and inconsequential.
“In 2016, I dedicated my time and risked my life for him [Oppong Nkrumah]. I went to Ofoase Ayirebi to help him win the parliamentary elections. I did it for free, I just wanted to help him to win.
“So when you win and go for a radio interview on corruption and I’m mentioned that I have criticized the government about its way of fighting corruption and you create an impression that ‘A Plus is not a serious guy, he has fallen out with the government so no one sho
A Plus angrily retorted that the fact that Kojo Oppong Nkrumah is a minister does not mean they are ‘co-equals.’
“I’m not your co-equal. You are a government appointee, I run my own business. I’m not an appointee. The government tasked me but revoked it after three months thinking I’ll die as a result. I have survived it. Out of my free will, I supported your campaign and it meant I meant well for you. So if you become a minister and think you have power, don’t think you can use that power to disrespect people who genuinely supported you.”
A Plus has always been on the neck of the Information Minister since he was appointed. His social media posts do not cease to tag the young politician as corrupt, ungrateful and sycophant. He has launched several attacks against Kojo Oppong Nkrumah which the minister is yet to react or respond to.
However, many sympathizers of the NPP believe all the shenanigans being exhibited by A Plus is because he feels he has been sidelined by the government and as a result of the abundance of bitterness that has piled in his heart, decided to attack appointees of the government who are clean and blameless.
