32 Ghanaians qualify for Glo X Factor boot camp

Thirty-two Ghanaian singing talents have pulled through to the next stage of the Glo X Factor singing reality show at the final phase of auditioning at the National Theatre in Accra.

The 32, drawn from a total of 50 aspirants who scrapped through preliminary selections in Kumasi and Accra respectively, are the survivors of rigorous screening by celebrity judges, Reggie Rockstone, Onyeka Onwenu and Jude Abaga.

Hundreds of youth, family and friends of contestants thronged the National Theatre yesterday to cheer on their favourites as they sang to impress the judges, qualify for a fiercely contested boot-camp in Lagos and inch close to the $150,000 prize money put up by Glo along with a career-breaking recording contract with the Sony Label.

Ghana's successful contestants incidentally included a Liberian and three Nigerians, all resident in Ghana.

The mood at the main auditorium of the National Theatre was electrifying as the three judges carefully gleaned out contestants for voice quality, showmanship and other qualities.

The auditioning exercise was not without some doses of humour as some contestants virtually sang themselves out of contention and others literally begged the judges to allow them to progress to the next stage with a promise of improving their show.

But judge Rockstone and his colleagues could not be fooled, as they ensured that only the best and most potentially gifted talents were selected.

The thirty-two successful contestants will join their Nigerian counterparts for the boot camp after candidates selected a fortnight ago in Port Harcourt and Abuja are auditioned in Lagos next week.

Emelia Brobbey`s “Frema” Movie Records Higher Sales

Celebrated actress and C.E.O. of End Time Films, Emelia Brobbey has successfully gotten into the movie market with her first production “Frema”. The movie which talks about two best friends Emelia and Gloria Sarfo, who accidentally fell in love with one gentleman, Bill Asamoah has become one of the well patronized movies in the movie shops.

Speaking to the director of the movie, Mr. Theophilus Amoabeng who is well known in the movie industry as Batman, he noted that he is not surprised at the rate at which movie lovers are patronizing the movie “Frema”. He said he knew it will come to that right from day one of production because of the story line and the suspense in the movie.

“We took our time to work on it. I must say that much also went into the production in terms of finance. The script was also good. I know people have difficulties in their first productions and Emelia wasn’t an exception but her own only happened in the production and I’m glad the movie is doing well in the market. We hope to avoid all these challenges especially on set and promise to come out with much more good productions,” Batman said.

The part 3&4 of “Frema” has been released a couple of weeks ago and response as in sales isn’t bad either according to some marketers. “I have been through a lot these days, so many challenges here and there but I will say in all, the good Lord has been very good to me. I sometimes feel like God loves me more than any other person on earth because it is always surprising the way God comes to my aid. I’m glad “Frema” is doing well and thank God for that. I hope with God on my side, I will be able to produce more educative movie stories. Stories that depict our Ghanaian culture and arts. I thank the media so much for their support in diverse ways. I will be working on something new soon so my fans and loved ones out there should expect more and should always remember me when they say a prayer” the beautiful actress said.

Parts 3&4 of ‘Frema’ is now available in all movie shops across the country and for more information on Emelia Brobbey, you can visit her website on www.emeliabrobbey.com.

“Venus Films Owe Me” - Actor Reveals

Veteran actor Mr. William Addo has revealed that respected movie producer, marketer and CEO of Venus films, Mr. Abdul Salam Mumuni, owes him.

The issue of Ghanaian film makers hiring the services of actors and allegedly not paying them is gradually becoming a wont and a bother to the actors. If Flex newspaper readers will recall, we published a story on 27th March, 2013 headlined; “A lot of Movie Producers owe me” – Ekow Smith.

In the said story, Ekow revealed to Flex reporter Attractive Mustapha Ayinde that many movie producers owe him. May be for fear of being banned or sidelined as Socrate Sarfo prefers to put it, Ekow Smith could not mention any movie producer who owes him in the said publication.

Due to Ekow's failure to mention a name, many are those who might have taken the story with a pinch of salt; but Flex newspaper put our ears on the grounds and through a phone conversation with one of Ghana's revered actors, Mr. William Addo, who holds a Masters in Acting and has over 30 years experience in acting, revealed Venus Film Production owes him for acting for the latter. Mr. Addo was highly embittered in evincing his ordeal.

“Venus films owe me as at now. I have decided never to work with him or take up any role in any movie he produces. In the past, I chased my money for several weeks before getting it. As you know, by the time you get the money, the value would have devalued, thus, time value of money.” Flex newspaper asked Mr. Addo if he does not mind us mentioning Mr. Salam's name in publication and he added; “I don't mind! I can't lie at my age. He owes me!” Mr. Addo however did not mention how much Venus films owe him.

To get the other side of the story, we tried all we could to contact Mr. Abdul Salam Mumuni to tell us his side of the story to ascertain the truth or otherwise of Mr. Addo's allegation, but all attempts proved futile as he failed to pick our calls or reply our text. We promise to dig deeper into this issue of film makers who hire the services of actors but allegedly fail to pay them for publication in subsequent times. 

Source: Flexghana

Why I Acted In The Soft-Smut Movie 'Dirty Secrets' - Tonto Dikeh

When few years ago controversial actress, Tonto Dikeh featured in a soft-smut movie called 'Dirty Secret', many tongues wagged. The actress was lambasted by many movie critics, who condemned the film and also Tonto for her role in the film.

In the said movie, Tonto Dikeh interpreted her role like someone, who is well grounded in the act she was acting in the film. She acted the role of a spoilt child, who sleeps with her father and her boyfriend.
Her father, played by Jibola Dabo, was a gynandrous, who also sleeps with his daughter's boyfriend played by Muna Obikwe. At a point in time, they all had a trio. Apart from the storyline, the three major acts played their roles like a smut movie.

But in a recent interview, Tonto revealed why she agreed to act in the film and interpreted it well. The Ikwere, Rivers State-born celebrated actress disclosed that she agreed to play the role because it was a true life story of a girl.

Tonto said she met with the person the storyline talked about. “Actually, that's a true life story,” she revealed. “I met the girl it happened to and that's why I agreed to do the movie,” she added.

Credit: Nigeriafilms

It is Not Wrong For Sound Engineers To Sing - Appietus

Flex newspaper has observed that a lot of sound engineers who are supposed to concentrate on their studio works, rather leave the studio to promote their own songs and perform on bigger platforms.

Nacy, Appietus, Roro and Moris D’Voice are some of the engineers who have excelled in this phenomenon. We got closer to some top engineers in town to ask them what they think about engineers leaving their studios to the stage:

Appietus-It is not wrong for engineers to sing, release their own songs and perform on stages. We have seen producers like timberland and Dr Dre come on the front line to do music so there is nothing wrong with it.

Hammer: I personally think it`s not a bad idea. If you are an engineer and you think you can sing I don’t have any problem with that. I can’t sing, I feel like I can teach people the fundamentals of music. I support them with their rap, I don’t see myself rapping and singing, I don’t see myself in the spot light. That notwithstanding recording engineers doing music is not a bad idea since they can be the best singers.


Infectious:  You are easily recognized if you are a singer and an engineer the same time. Some engineers do that because they want their names out there and I think it`s a positive move.

RoRo :  It is good to see music engineers do their own music and perform it on bigger stages, I remember some years back when I started this agenda, some engineers were insulting me but now I can see that those who used to insult me are now doing music. If any engineer can do music and do it well, it is good for the industry.

Ephraim – I started singing before I entered into the engineering field except that the industry got to know me through my engineering works. Aside, it is good for sound engineers to sing if only they will do it well.

Credit:  Mustapha A. Inusah

Jay- Z Set To Perform In Accra, Ghana

Hip hop’s Legend, Jay Z announced his world tour  which includes seven stops in Africa, according to Billboard.

The tour kicks off on September 9th in Poland and will make stops in Accra, Lagos, Cape Town and Dar Es Salaam, among other African cities.

Here’s a look at Jay-Z African stops on his world tour:

Oct. 4: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania (Diamond Jubilee)
Oct. 6: Accra, Ghana (Accra Conference Center)
Oct. 7: Lagos, Nigeria (Ocean View)
Oct. 9: Luanda, Angola (Cine Karl Max)
Oct. 11: Cape Town, South Africa (Belleville Velodrome)
Oct. 13: Durban, South Africa (ABSA Stadium Outer Fields)
Oct. 14: Johannesburg (Coca Cola Dome)

Rihanna Is My Target, I Would Love To Marry Her - Wizkid

Nigerian music superstar Wizkid has revealed that he will love to marry Barbados-born music star Rihanna should the opportunity present itself.
The 23-year-old Pakurumo hit singer is currently basking in international music success and while he is receiving a lot of attention from other women, he rather has his eyes on Diamonds singer Rihanna.
Listing five of his wildest and craziest dreams on the Volt on Channel 0, Wizkid disclosed that: “I will like to marry Rihanna.”

“I just wanna wake up in the morning looking in her face. Gosh that will be lovely,” he noted beaming with smiles.

Well with Rihanna’s relationship with Chris Brown once again hitting the rocks, Wizkid might have a shot at her as she could be on the hunt for a new man.

This will not be the first time the talented musician is professing love for a female celebrity.
Last year, he disclosed in an interview on The Juice on Ndani TV that he had a crush on 34-year-old Nollywood superstar actress, Genevieve Nnaji.

According to Wizkid, ‘I really had a crush on Genevieve until I met her and I realized she was my aunty. I love her. When I was a kid, I loved watching her movies. I met her when I was with my older uncles, they told her to come meet their boy (me) and I said ‘Good evening ma’. It is all good though, I still love you Genevieve.’

When teased by Toolz, host of The Juice if he could still date the 34-year-old screen goddess, he said, “Yea, definitely, but I doubt she would date me.’

Wizkid also disclosed that his wildest and craziest dreams include, robbing a bank with the help of his friends, robbing a shoe store and wearing a new pair every hour.

He said he will love to have a private party with Beyoncé, Rihanna and Nicki Minaj in one room. All the three divas to himself.
The Holla At Your Boy singer added that he will love to also chew his chicken bones in public.

Mercy Johnson Appreciates Husband On His Birthday

Mercy Johnson is the envy of many women right now. On Wednesday, she was on social media showing appreciation to her dear husband. The couple recently moved into their new house which we reported to you and brought you pictures. Below are some of Mercy's post on social media...

People Say I Smoke Like Bob Marley - Samini

Ghanaian dancehall sensation Emmanuel Andrew Samini says because he lives a ‘classy lifestyle’, his haters are now spreading rumours that he smokes like international reggae legend Bob Marley of blessed memory.

Bob Marley was noted in history for having over 13 children with numerous women aside his wife, Rita Marley, so it may not be too farfetched for one to relate Samini who is currently married to two women and has four children to him.

Perhaps it is the wee smoking link that may be a below the belt punch.
“My jeans are always tight fitted, car is tinted and because of the heat in Ghana I mostly put on only singlet. Five star lifestyle, six more chick and because of this haters say I smoke like Bob Marley,” line from Samini’s new ‘Bob Marley’ mixtape stated.
The mixtape which was sampled off Sarkodie’s controversial illuminate track was released online on Monday.

“My enemies are stack behind; they are just like big watermelons. They can’t move; they are like a kid in front of a mirror.”

According to Samini, everywhere he goes he hears rumours that he smokes like the legendary Marley but that rumour is false.

PHOTO: Only In Ghana - Cat Watching Court Proceedings

Chris Brown Fined For “Scary” Artwork On Compound Wall

Chris Brown took his affinity for graffiti to the side of his house via some colorful, monstrous blobs, and some of his neighbors have complained bitterly about the graffiti. He now faces a $367 fine, which could increase significantly.
Brown has responded publicly via Twitter.
Patti Negri, president of the Hollywood Dell Civic Association told the L.A. Times that the art is frightening local children. “There are lots of babies, lots of children, and they’re literally frightened. It’s like devils on the wall — big scary eyes and big scary teeth, and just the whole vibe is not what we’re used to.”
She said that she hopes they can all just get along. “I know a $300 fine is probably pocket change. But hopefully and maybe, he’ll just see the light and decide to be a good neighbor … We’re happy to have him — if he just tones it down.”
On the other hand, Brown said the children are better off indoors if his monsters are too much. He tweeted, “Keep em inside then! It’s art. There are scarier creatures on Harry potter. Get a f–king life!”
His attorney, Mark Geragos is not yielding to the neighborhood association either. He said it’s a matter of the first amendment and the fine threat is the latest in a series of harassing moves.
“I’m scared of neighborhood busybodies like this. They’ve called animal control. They have sicced parking [enforcement] on him, and now they reached the heights of ridiculousness here. Shame on them.”
L.A. city code officials have ordered Brown to remove the “excessive signage” within 30 days.

I Write Great Songs Because I Am A Man Of The People – Okyeame Kwame

Ghana’s two time “Songwriter of the Year Award Winner” and Rap Doctor Okyeame Kwame who has received much commendation for successfully churning out masterpieces and classic tunes and winning the prestigious award of “Songwriter of the Year winner” back to back has disclosed his source of inspiration for the quality he possesses in writing.
In an interview with NY DJ on Homestretch Bumper to Bumper on Kapital Radio, Okyeame Kwame disclosed he draws inspiration from the day to day activities of the people around him as he is a man of the people. He said;

I lived at Fanti New Town in a compound house where about 30 different families lived together so I saw a lot of things which have made me a better person, given me the exposure I need and most of all the people skill that makes me understand people so when I’m writing for a lot of people, I know exactly what to put down. …… Oseikrom did the magic.

Speaking on the Industry awards, Okyeame Kwame said he was amazed to pick up the award as he was pegged against Akwaboah, another great songwriter he commends so much for his writing abilities. He further stated jovially that he was only present at the awards to eat the food provided by Charterhouse as their food always tasted nice.
He was very thankful to Kapital Radio for the immense contribution and support given him all this while and promised to dedicate his next award to the station.
Okyeame Kwame, this is  a friendly advice, please next time, eat before going for the awards else you might be disappointed.
Credit: NY DJ

Yvonne Nelson Finds Love Again, Now Dating Singer Dammy Krane

Yvonne Nelson & Dammy Krane

Ghanaian actress Yvonne Nelson has found love again after ending things with Ice Prince and Iyanya. She’s now dating Hypertek signee, Dammy Krane. The two have known each for a bit but only started dating about five weeks ago after Dammy appeared in a movie with her.

Dammy is said to be so madly in love with Yvonne that he wrote a song for her called “Really Love You” which leaked last week. See Yvonne’s Tweet last week… In the song, Dammy sings: “Senior broda mi Johnson. Sey you know my taste. Shomo Yvonne Nelson. I no just want Ur Waist, because…I do, I do really love you.”  

See a video of them together and listen to the song