Martin Hayford knew from the onset that he wanted to move hearts, souls and bodies with his maiden gospel album so apart from the uplifting vocals on the work, he also brought on board some very experienced instrumentalists to add more flavour to the songs.

The result is the well-produced 12-track debut collection called Awurade Bohye (God’s Promise).

Unlike some of us who would give up at the slightest obstacle, Martin never lost hope that God was capable of making his long wait to join the gospel train worthwhile.

“It was quite a struggle getting started and managing to move on to this stage,” Martin said. “Despite the challenges, I was filled with the assurance that God would fulfil his promises.”

The set time has definitely arrived for Martin and his album is filled with songs meant to encourage and give hope to anyone going through any form of crisis.

The title track is already generating some attention with a video already showing on television. “Even though the opportunity I had been looking for was yet to come, I knew it would definitely come. I was sustained with the words in Genesis: 28 verse 15 which says that God will not forsake us until he has fulfilled his promises.”

Awurade Bohye features Mama Cynthia of Daughters of Glorious Jesus fame. Her powerful voice combines effectively with Martin’s to make the song a must -listen- to.

Awurade Bohye tells us that when God’s appointed time comes, it does not matter who you are, what you have done or what you are going through, He will still fulfil his word.

The song boldly speaks to the lives of barren woman, the unemployed, the convict, the sick and anyone who may be losing hope with its encouraging references to other people in the Bible who went through similar situations.

Martin says that he is grateful to recording engineer, Nacy, who shared in parts of the vocals and also played keyboards on some songs, and all the other instrumentalists on the project.

Himself a trumpeter who has played with the then National Theatre-based Vision Band, Daughters of Glorious Jesus and No Tribe, Martin stayed away from his instrument throughout the recording of the album to enable him concentrate on vocals and the general shaping up of the project.

Musicians like Macky Flash on electric bass, trombonist Ayitey Appiah, guitarist Ackablay, trumpeter Osei Tutu, saxophonist Steve Mensah and keyboardist Ato Scott ‘Redcap’ Bennin, as well as backing singer Yvonne ‘Shee’ Ohene- Djan all bring their own styles of embellishment to the various songs on the album.

The album is full of inspiring songs which include Ebedu Woso on which Martin sings that whatever our problems are, God is able to overcome them so we should stop worrying, be patient and wait on Him.

On Nokonoko Be, which is done in Ga, he affirms that there is nothing that God cannot do, so we should bring our burdens before Him and He would give us rest.

It seems Martin’s strongest area as a gospel artiste, is in praise and worship. One can really feel the quality and range of his voice on some of the songs. One of them is Yesu Ayikoo, which is a remake of a popular praise song.

It is done in the slow vein and Martin passionately gives praise that the blood of Jesus has enabled him to be who he is.
Other songs on the album are Wonni Haw, Danaase, Onyame Fata, Ao Bra, M’egya and Ayeyi Nkoara. Some of them are, however, too long and Martin should check that issue on future albums.

He started singing around the age of 10 and like a lot of other gospel artistes, it was in church. He joined the school choir at St Augustine’s College and played the trumpet for various churches while he schooled at the Cape Coast Polytechnic where he studied Marketing.

Since then it’s been nothing but music for him, busy playing the trumpet for a lot of artistes. Martin says he is grateful to Messrs Michael Owusu Anderson, Benjamin Ato Simpson and James Scott Benin for all their encouragement and support.

To assure Ghanaians that he is definitely coming to jam with his fans at the “State of the Republic” concert on Saturday, July 19, American singer, Sean Kingston decided to do part of the show’s TV/radio commercial in Twi.

Twi is, arguably, the most widely spoken Ghanaian language and according to the organisers of the event, they suggested to Sean Kingston to do “a line or two” of the commercial in that language “to confirm to the people that he and Fat Joe are coming to Ghana for real”, Mr Eugene K. Chinebuah, Events Director of Exclusive Vista Entertainment (XVE), organisers of the show, told Showbiz.

“Ei Ghana, ete sen…?” — Sean opens the commercial with this line in Twi, which means in English, Ei Ghana, how are you doing…?

Chinebuah said XVE had planned to present the show as an icing on the various entertainment events marking Ghana’s 48th Republic Anniversary in the month of July.

He also hinted that as their first visit to Africa, Sean Kingston and Fat Joe may consider collaborating with some Ghanaian artistes on a few musical projects.

The Ghanaian singers expected to share the stage with Sean Kingston and Fat Joe include Wan Luv Kobolo, Asem, 5Five and 4×4.

“Sean’s mother, Janice Turner, may also come with the group to explore business opportunities in the country and Africa in general,” Chinebuah said.

He also said that the show will be covered by MTV Base and broadcast to the rest of the world in a bid to confirm Ghana as the best destination in Africa for popular international artistes.

He promised music lovers a good show, especially as the concert has attracted support from Coca Cola, the African Regent Hotel, Somovision, Accra Mall, Frankies, Hennesy, Bacchus and MKOGH.

Other sponsors are the Graphic Communications Group Limited, Sparkx, Atlantis Radio and TV3. There will be after-parties at the Aphrodisiac nightclub and the African Regent Hotel.

Sean Kingston was born on February 3, 1990 in Miami, Florida, but was brought up in Kingston, Jamaica, after moving there at the age of six. His stage name, Kingston, is in respect of Jamaica’s capital - Kingston.

He released the single “Beautiful Girls” in 2007 and has since enjoyed massive fame around the world.

Fat Joe, the man who will storm Accra with Kingston is also known as Joseph Antonio Cartagena, born August 19, 1970.

He is an American rapper of Puerto Rican and Cuban descent, and is signed to Imperial Records. He is best known in Ghana for his hit song, “Lean Back”.

Ghanaian roots reggae artistes, based home and abroad, are stepping up their acts to get their ‘positive messages’ better heard here and the latest to step into the ring is Paapa Wastik.

Away from our shores over the last four years, the Cape-Coast-born and Mfantsipim School old student says he is back home for a few months from his Oregon base in the United States to promote his 13-track second album, Thanks and Praise and to make people aware of who Paapa Wastik is.

Paapa Wastik released his first album, Mama Afrika here a year before travelling outside. That was a blend of soca, hiplife and reggae which he called Roots Life music.

The new material is strictly roots reggae with different shades of the genre woven into a colourful tapestry of love and ‘conscious’ messages.

“I call the album Thanks and Praise because when I sit back and look at what the Most High has done for me, I cannot do anything but give thanks and praise to His mighty name.”

One of the reasons why Wastik feels so blessed was the opportunity to record four tracks on the Thanks and Praise album in the famous Tuff Gong studio in Jamaica. He was looking for a ‘live’ feel to some of the songs and was advised to go to Tuff Gong.

Wastik has no regrets that he heeded the advice because he got exceptional reggae instrumentalists, including percussionist Bongo Herman, regarded as the leading Nyabinghi drummer in Jamaica, to back him.

“I can say I was double lucky in Jamaica because I also had well-known reggae vocalists Lutan Fyah and Jah Marcus to feature on the album. They are artistes with the same mission as I and we enjoyed ourselves in the studio.”

Wastik affirms that all true roots reggae artistes have a mission not only to entertain but also to educate people with their music.
“We don’t sing music that will make people go astray. There’s no way we are going to sing profane songs. We do music that awaken people and lead them on an enlightening and righteous path.”

There are a couple of love-related songs but a big chunk of the material deal with serious social matters such as the need to teach children good ways, the search for justice and peace in the world, the evils of the Babylon system and being serious about life.

“It’s hard to say which is my favourite on the the album but I like Home Sweet Home a lot. I was taking a walk in the US one day and noticed how people, especially non- Americans, were hustling and suffering in a foreign land to make ends meets. The song was triggered by that realisation.”

Last year was a busy period for Wastik on the international reggae festival circuit. He featured in festivals in Jamaica, Canada and the US and he fondly remembers the 18th Annual Lafayette Reggae Cultural Festival in Louisiana on September 1 and 2.

“Lucky Dube was there with his whole band. We stayed in the same hotel and his room was next to mine. Apart from interaction backstage, we also talked a bit in the hotel.

I had not met him before but knew his music well and I was very glad to meet him.I couldn’t believe it when I heard about six weeks later that he had died.”

Other reggae festivals Wastik played last year included the Northwest Reggae Music Festival in Eugene, Oregon which also had Luciano, Ky-Mani Marley and Mutabaruka, the Reggae Rising Festival in Carlifornia and the Vermont International Reggae Festival.

“I have become familiar with reggae festivals and will hopefully organise one in Ghana next year. So many of the artistes want to come to Ghana and I know I’m the bridge now for them to do that.”

Though Wastik is fairly known in reggae circles in the US and Jamaica, his name does not ring a bell at all here. That’s why he plans to hold three shows in Accra, Kumasi and Cape Coast before he returns to his base in Oregon.

He was a little boy in Cape Coast with little hope of rubbing shoulders with known international artistes. In giving thanks and praises to God for his circumstances, he has also decided to set up the Support the Needy Children Project and would present books and other educational material to school children in Cape Coast before he travels back to the US.

If it happens, those school children will be among the people to look forward to a Paapa Wastik-led international reggae festival in Ghana next year.

Former Black Queens’ captain and the current best goal keeper, Abiba Memunatu Sulemana maybe taking off her soccer gloves in exchange for the microphone, as she gets into the studio to work on her debut album.

And indications are that in the next few months, she will outdoor her maiden album, “Ogyam”.

Speaking to The Chronicle at the offices of Happy FM, an Accra-based radio station yesterday, she gave the assurance that she was working round the clock to come out with something worth listening to.

“I don’t want to do any shoddy work so I am in serious talks with artistes such as Tinny, Kwabena Kwabena, Obour and others to come on board my project”, she said.

For the agile goalkeeper, who also features prominently for Ghana Post Ladies soccer side, has thrown much into the project to make it a success.

Come Saturday July 5, Accra and its environs would witness another historic pool party which will feature both Ghanaian and international artistes from the United States.

The pool party which is being organized by Empire Entertainment, will take place at the Tesano Sports Club as part of activities marking this year’s Republic Day celebrations.The event is expected to attract thousands of music fans, students from the various tertiary institutions in the country, tourists and organised groups.

The event which kicks off at 12 noon would witness the performance of selected hiplife music stars like K.K Fosu, Samini, Ebo’o, Bandana, A-Plus, King David, Nana Quame, Morax, 4X4, Kwabena Kwabena, 5 Five and a host of others who will thrill music lovers with some tracks from their latest albums.

Some of the nation’s most sought-after celebrity DJs, like Bola Ray, DJ Black, and Nii Aryee Tagoe, would also hit the turn-tables, taking revelers on a musical roller coaster.

According to the organizers, music lovers would be treated to food bazaar, cultural dance by an entertainment group and music from a spinning group.

On the guest list are well-known television and radio personalities, music celebrities as well as the 4Syte crew.Besides gorgeous packages that await music fans who will attend the show, the first 500 people would be given free T-shirts and other souvenirs from sponsors.

Empire Entertainment was established with the objective of organizing cutting edge entertainment programmes, managing artistes, radio and television production among other showbiz ventures.

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The record has been set straight about singer Samini’s involvement with Madhaus Inc., a newly established record company in Accra. Samini’s manager, Tony Pundaning told Showghana.com that there hasn’t been any agreement whatsoever between his artist and Madhaus.

The media interpreted talks between the two parties as seal to a full record deal. “We were just in talks to find out what they were bringing to the table,” he said.

Many have been under the impression for the past weeks and months that Samini was actually one of the signings on the Madhaus label. There have even been rumours of a new Samini album on that label but his management team says; ‘no, not that fast-don’t believe the hype’.

Tony also revealed the upcoming release of a new Samini single in the next few days, a precursor to his third album. The MTN music ambassador is to release an album on Samini Music record label for the first time this year. Some observers refer to it as ‘the real Samini album’. The album features reggae giants Steel Pulse, Etana, Nigeria’s sweet singer- Faze, the Ghanaian who runs things in the UK- Sway, Double HP from South Africa among others.

High expectations await Samini’s next release but his manager says it’s designed to set another standard altogether on the music scene, not just in Ghana but also across the globe.

The ‘Star of the Future’ has become a little more competitive with the series witnessing its first eviction.

Max Joe’s dream was cut short as he had to bow out of the competition although he would have wanted more time to prove his musical abilities to Judges Bibi Brew, Zapp Mallet and Doreen Andoh.

As viewers watched a tense eviction show, Max was mentioned as the evictee after Anita had been crowned winner of the Golden Moment with her rendition of Alicia Keys’ ‘If I aint got you’ while Ike was awarded for receiving the highest public votes for the week. Performance wise, Max’s rendition of Westlife’s, ‘More than Words’, was not as on point as he probably would have wished during his first performance.

He suffered miserably from stage fright which affected his pitching and his choice of song did not help much to bring the excellent vocal talent that ensured him a place at the finals.

In a chat with Max after his eviction from the competition, the aspiring music star said, “My eviction from the competition was normal.

After all next week someone else will be following; that is how all competitions are like. The fact that I am the first to go however does not mean that I am less talented than any of the others; it was just my time to go.”

To make the series even more exciting, an audio edition is aired on Radio Gold, Capital Radio in Kumasi and Skyy Power Fm in Takoradi so that those who miss the TV editions can have a chance to listen to the performances.

Additionally MTN subscribers can call 1758, the voting code, to listen to the immediate past performances to help in their judgment. They can also download the songs by their favourite contestants to use as ring tones.

For those viewers who have been sending votes via text messages to MTN short code 1758, they can have a certain measure of hope that their favourite contestants might escape next week’s evictions.

Nana Kweisi Bediako who prefers to be called Nana Bee has one of the latest inspirational gospel music album which is loaded with powerful sound and lyrics that touch the heart of the listeners. The worship songs are good to start a new day and very good when going to bed.

Nana Bee’s musical team comprises almost the best Gospel group in the states - Apostolic Instincts who has backed them up believing that with God nothing is impossible.

Nana Bee’s project titled “Melodies From Above” features a variety of inspirational songs for every age which is good of him.

After a successful album launch in USA, Nana Bee is currently in Ghana, his homeland to do massive promo and hopes to cross over to the music market.

Ghana Music.com caught up with Nana Bee for an interview before he left the States for Ghana. Read on and let your comments be heard on what you think of him. Mean while he has promised Ghana Music.com that we will be the first media to show his video. Meanwhile you can click on the following links to know more about Nana Bee - www.nanabeeonline.com

http://cdbaby.com/cd/nkbai

http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?playListId=281471830

http://www.musicstack.com/show.cgi?t=M&find=nana, and http://favebot.com/media/4455201-Melodies-from-Above.

Ghana Music.com: For the sake of those that are now hearing about Nana Kweisi Bediako for the first time, tell us about yourself?
Nana Bee: Nana Kweisi Bediako (aka. Nana Bee) was born on resurrection Sunday April 10th, 1977 to Kwame Adu Bediako and Emma Sampomaa (a choir member) in Accra. Growing up in Accra, Ghana (West Africa) as the second oldest of four children.

Nana heard everything from gospel legends; Kofi Abraham, YABSs, Kusi Berko, Mary Ghansah, Rev. Yawson, Rev. Eric Kwapong, Ron Kelony, Don Moen, Elija Saforo to jazz icons like Osibisa, great Highlife legend; Nana Ampadu, just to mention a few. Those different styles of music, as well as a strong presence in the church, helped to shape Nana as a singer. In my youth age, I was a member of the Living Praise bible church youth choir and drama, the lead singer of the Joyful Way Incorporated (Mfantsipim branch and an executive member of the Scripture Union and a Praises and Worship leader.
In 1997, Nana traveled to the United States where he joined the Apostolic Church (Royal Assembly) and again founded another music/drama group known as the Apostolic Instincts. He also became the Praises and Worship leader under the leadership of the Late Apostle Oswald Boafo who mastered Nana’s gift. Nana Kweisi and his musical group have ministered in many churches here in the US. Nana Bediako is married to Linda who performed on his debut album; “Melodies From Above” and they have a beautiful daughter named Jada.

Ghana Music.com: Who served as influences for you growing up spiritually?
Nana Bee: I was born into a strong Christian home made up of active members of the Presbyterian Church. As a kid I always attended Sunday school. Most of my friends are in the ministry. I also thank God for the life of Pastors like Rev. Francis Yost (Principal of New Life Bible School), Pastor Harrison Acheampong, Apostle V. O. Boafo and Rev. Agyemang Duah.

Ghana Music.com: Tell me about your album “Melodies From Above” who featured on it and who you’ve got helping on production plus some of the albums concepts?
Nana Bee: This work was produced both in Ghana and in the United States. I was blessed to work with great professionals like Andrew Morgan (Ghana), Benjamin Boafo, Shaderach (aka Sha), Sasu Bediako(aka. Sas B ) & Morris Baby Face, Elder Appiah and the Soul Winners, Boris Kurganov (a renowned Jazz musician in NY), Great African drummers - Francis and Senam. This album also introduced few great singers who are part of the choir and they are Nelly Obeng, Emmanuel Adama, Linda Bediako, Victor Boafo, Miriam Boafo and Edmond Hammond.

In terms of the album’s concept, the music is not confined to only traditional styles but also a blend of jazz, African and salsa, along with modern and traditional gospel. There are vibrant horns, great percussions and powerful saxophones by Boris.

Our single motivation in singing is to spread the gospel. In his debut album, “Melodies from above” we appeal to people of all ages and lifestyles, especially to those who might miss the traditional message, that we tried to create a new breed of Ghanaian Gospel that everyone will love. There are the Highlife, Hiplife, Reggae, worship, R&B, Sukuse, Praises and a pinch of the Spanish taste with some South African touch.

Ghana Music.com: What do you wish to achieve with the album?
Nana Bee: My ultimate goal is to inspire everyone especially the youth to believe in themselves, knowing that Heaven is their limit and that God has placed a unique gift in them. We live in the dispensation were God promised he will pour his anointing upon all flesh; the sons and daughters shall prophesy. Most of the songs encourage us to press on towards the goal and not give up. It is my prayer that the broken hearted will receive hope in the Lord and also be firmly rooted in him. Also to the Youth, it does not matter what you’ve been told in the past; “someone’s opinion about you does not have to be a reality” God has the final say.

Ghana Music.com: Tell me about “Melodies From Above” and how your involvement with that came about?
Nana Bee: “Like the porters house, he took some clay, begun to mold and created a beautiful vessel. In this vessel he placed melodies from above and a symphony, which is heavenly inspired. That vessel is; Nana Kweisi Bediako. All the songs are so inspiring and inspired by the Lord. I see this project as a great testimony about my life and how far the Lord has brought me. There is nothing about this album that the Lord did not give me or inspire. I was praying one morning concerning the album, and the Lord gave me this title “Melodies From Above”, since musical melodies were first orchestrated in Heaven. Steve Kelly has fallen in love with the album title and working on a project with it.

Ghana Music.com: Who are the Apostolic Instincts too?
Nana Bee: The Apostolic Instincts is a music, drama and currently a choreographic group that was founded 10 years ago when I joined the Apostolic Church (Royal Assembly).
The main goal is to spread the Gospel through singing and acting. The Lord laid this vision upon my heart to start a group like this that will help keep the Youth out of the streets and be entertained in the church.
Ghana Music.com: An interview at this point in time would be incomplete without this question? You are based in the US, how will you promote your album in Ghana?
Nana Bee: By the Grace of God, I have Adom FM and Peace FM currently promoting the music in Ghana. Websites like yours, and other Ghanaian websites will also be used to promote the album. I also have a couple of producers who have shown interest in the album and will like to promote it and also take care of the marketing.

Ghana Music.com: Are you successful in the ministration of God’s word though music?
Nana Bee: It depends on what we see as successful. In terms of winning souls for Christ, bringing hope for the broken hearted, as a multivational speaker and inspiring the Youth, I will say that I am very successful. I do not use only music, but been a part of what I use in the ministration of God’s word.

Ghana Music.com: Can you list some of the titles of the songs?
Nana Bee: Yesu De Me Esie Ne Mo (I wrote this song on 9/11), “Aseda Nka Wo Din”, “Never Give Up”, “Kristo Akantuo” and “ Yewo Nyame Bi”.

Ghana Music.com: And I’m curious to know who has approached you and revealed to you that your gift has inspired them as an artist over the years?
Nana Bee: What I have been doing most of the time is lead Praises and Worship in my church and during National Conventions and many leaders through the years have told me that the gift that the Lord has blessed me with has inspired them as a Praises and Worship leaders. In terms of artist, I will mention just a few; Minister Annette Aggrey, Felicity Asamoah, Sylvia Asamoah, e.t.c.
Ghana Music.com: At this point in your career, what are your expectations as a Minister of Music and a new artist?
Nana Bee: As a Minister of Music and a new artist, my expectation is to appeal to people of all ages and life style through the type of gospel music we sing. It is also my prayer that anyone who hears the sound of our voices will be blessed, and if not saved, will come to the saving knowledge of God. We also want to reach out to the needy in our society. Not only spiritual need, but also physical and financial needs. It is also my prayer that, the Ghanaian community will embrace us.

Ghana Music.com: For those of us who’ve experienced the presentation and power of Nana Kweisi Bediako and your Apostolic instincts, it really is a spine-chilling awe-inspiring experience. What has been your formula for combining incredible singers and musicians?
Nana Bee: One of my formula for combining incredible singers and musicians is that, I listen a lot from every member in the group regardless of their age. I also believe God has placed unique gifts into everyone. I encourage everyone to be bold and come out with what ever they have. When Jesus chose the twelve, He did not choose only set of intellectuals but rather those who have availed themselves to work. That is how I choose people in the group. One might not play an instrument very well or may not be able to sing but can act or good at packing and arranging instruments or driving us from place to place. So everyone is very important and I treat everyone with great respect. When you make people feel very important, they will give you 110% of their time. Another aspect is that, we come before the Lord saying we are just a clay Lord; so mold us and place within us instruments of praise.

Ghana Music.com: In conclusion, what are both fans of Nana Kweisi Bediako, gospel and christian music lovers and unbelievers going to experience in terms of its distinction from our awesome God?
Nana Bee: All fans, gospel and christian music lovers and unbelievers will experience the love, power, and the anointing of God. Knowing that, just as you are,God loves you and he is the God of second chance and new beginnings. He can also pick up the rejects and beautify it to glorify Himself.

Ghana Music.com: Any last words you’d like to add?
Nana Bee: “The later shall be greater than the former”. This is just a reflection of what is going to happen. Our desire is not to entertain but to lift the listeners up to where God wants them to be. Also if God can use me, then He can use anyone who is willing. In the nut shell, this album will inspire the unbeliever to accept Christ, the one who feels like sliding back to press on, the one who presses on to stay right there, the worshipers to move to higher heights and deeper depths. I love you all and stay bless.

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As part of activities marking its one year anniversary, Oman Fm will on Tuesday July 1 organise a music bash at the forecourt of the station located at Madina in Accra.

Artistes billed to perform include Slim Busterr, Amakye Dede, Ohema Mercy, Isaac Showboy, Obour, Sidney, Philipa Baafi, Paa Solo, Chemphe, 4X4 and a host of others.

Oman Fm which invaded the airwaves a year ago has managed to carve a niche for itself with massive support from top presenters like Fiifi Boafo, host of its morning show and Boiling Point; DJ Awana; Okyerefuo; Delay as well as Emanuel Ohemeng, head of current affairs; and director of programmes, Moses Okine; and Nana Okyere Awurukuo, news editor.

The station was rated among the best five by the National Media Commission with good coverage of news among others.

It is the only station in Ghana which broadcasts its morning show live on Net 2 television.

According to the head of talk shows and current affairs, Emmanuel Ohemeng, some the programmes lined-up for the anniversary celebration include a road show, and corporate dinner for its loyal clients and listeners.

He said Kencity, operators of Oman FM, Net 2 Television and National Agenda newspaper, is a media empire which also manages stations like Spice FM in Takoradi and Ashh FM in Kumasi.Oman FM now has 18 affiliated radio stations throughout the country.

Annually, July 1st has been a date to highlight on our calendars as we look forward to getting some very much needed R&R. Most people though, have also marked this date as the traditional Meet Me There day, where they bask in the golden Ghanaian sun all day on the Labadi beach. It is almost traditional and culturally essential. Watch Wo Se Mbaa Pewo by Kwaw Kese

This year, this tradition will be proudly broken to make way for what many will undoubtedly come to term as “an entertainment revolution” - a fine blend of the expected and the unexpected.

The aptly dubbed Real - Public - Day will bring Accra to a halt when some of the nations most sought after celebrity djs, DJ Blow, DJ Kwame and Black Santino hit the turn tables, taking revelers on a musical roaler coaster splashed by a bevy of music genres. Hiplife artistes - Asem and Edem will remind the crowd why their new music top the charts and Black Prophet and the Vibration Kings will redefine meaning of live reggae tunes.

The real July 1st facelift will be engineered by the reigning King of of the streets - Kwaw Kesse aka Abodam! In April 2008 Kwaw Kese took home 6 GMA awards, quickly snatching the social title of King of Hiplife. Since then, he has blazed stages across the nation and is preparing to take his craft and following to other parts of the world. On Real Public Day however, Kwaw Kesse will relaunch himself as a performer with a 100 by 40 foot stage beneath his feet and 1000 watts of rhythm and bass blurting out of his cordless mics. Backed by a bevy of dancers and a live band, Kwaw Kesse will bring some semblance of a full set concert to Labadi beach - this has never ever been seen or heard of before!

“Kwaw Kesse is fast moving away from being just a rapper. He has all it takes to be a performer and this is where Real Public Day is going to take you - to experience the Real Abodam! He will perform his hits as he lyrically interacts with his crowd” says Fenik, his manager.

The regulars of Labadi beach will not be exempt from this whirl wind of an experience - the food, the assorted drinks, the childrens’ fun games, the beach sports and sun bathing.

When the sun kisses the sky and the roaring waves hit the golden sands, revelers will remember why on this rare occasion, the La pleasure beach is not just a place to while away the day, but a solution to their quest to find a way to experience Real Public Day with the entertainment industry’s finest movers and shakers.

Labadi Pleasure Beach will indeed witness a super entertaining facelift, which has undoubtedly been a long time coming! The fresh sea breeze will not be the only element to create overwhelming excitement and relaxation on the golden sands! RealPubliq day will be an all day affair, with a bevy of food stands offering a variety of mouth watering local dishes and ice cold beverages to compliment the sunshine!

So update your calendars, pda’s and mobile phones because on July 1, 2008, all roads will be leading to the La Beach. Come with your family and let’s chill out.

Jackson natives and hip hop artists Kamikaze and DJ Phingaprint are again globe-trotters with a week-long trip to Ghana in West Africa to perform for the country’s Republic Day activities.

The holiday marks Ghana’s anniversary of becoming a republic in the British Commonwealth in 1960.

The pair also traveled the Czech Republic in August 2007 for a month on tour.

They leave today for Africa, a first trip there for each. “Actually, this is one of the to-do things that was on my life list,” Kamikaze says of visiting Africa. “I’m kind of excited about the prospect of traveling outside of the country again. They have a real good appreciation for hip-hop in other countries and it actually rejuvenated my love for it as well. … It’s going to be a cool thing.”

Phingaprint has been to Europe multiple times during festival season, and looks forward to immersing himself in another culture - “just getting with the people and seeing how they do things out there, noticing the similarities and the differences, maybe even getting some ideas from them on some of their craft.”

They are scheduled to headline several concerts in Accra and Cape Coast through July 3. The tour is sponsored by the Rhyme or Reason Foundation of Cape Coast and coincides with the foundation’s hip-hop conference that week. Foundation founder Carol O’Conner’s goal is to develop a sister-city relationship with Jackson and hip-hop artists from Ghana, according to a news release.

“Kamikaze and Phingaprint have a huge following overseas and we wanted to introduce Africa to some Mississippi hip-hop,” O’Conner is quoted.

“She kind of looks at Ghana and Jackson as having the same type of music scene that’s developing as far as hip-hop is concerned. They have a scene called hip life,” Phingaprint says. “It’s like hip-hop, the only difference is the music, maybe. The music has sounds that are most definitely indigenous to the country - Afrobeat type sounds or even reggae.”

“They’re getting a strong hip-hop scene over in Ghana and the thing that I’ve found is that overseas, those hip-hop artists look at American hip-hop artists as the masters of their craft,” Kamikaze says.

Cultural exchange is high on their to-do list. “Most definitely, for one, to make contact, make alliances or relationships to the point where we can commute back next year or the years following and also encourage them to come back here,” Phingaprint says.

“For me, Phinga and I are going to be ambassadors for the state of Mississippi,” Kamikaze says. “When we go over there, we are going to put our best foot forward because we’re going to be representing all of the citizens of Mississippi.”

Kwabena Kwabena is one of the most popular high life artistes in the country today whose songs are enjoyed by many Ghanaians especially, women. Many people will attest to the fact that he has a romantic voice which he normally uses in singing love songs to attract the attention of isteners particularly, women.

Interacting with The Saturday Statesman last Wednesday, he claimed he was soon going to release another earth-rocking album.

Kwabena Kwabena then willingly told this reporter a lot of things about himself.

You are popularly known as Kwabena Kwabena, can you tell us your real name and a little about yourself?
My name is George Kwabena Adu. I’m thirty years of age and a Ghanaian from the Central region.

How did you get into the music industry?
I just find myself in a situation where I had to help someone and that person happens to be a CEO of an organization. On realizing that I can sing, he offered to help me. So the show began. Aside this, I also sing in church and play instruments. That’s how I developed the art of singing.

Which year was that?
Roughly about 10 years ago; that was 1992.

What is the title track of your first album?
‘Aso’

Why the title ‘Aso’?
‘Aso’ is the name of a woman. She dated a guy for so many years and the guy went through a whole lot just to satisfy her, but at the end of the day ‘Aso’ went in for another guy. So it was just a piece of advice to guys who are into courtship.

Did this incident really happen to you as many people have been wondering? And do you really believe that story?
Not really; and I want to clear the air today. Well, it didn’t happen to me as people are saying, but my very close friend fell into that situation. That’s why I thought it wise to use it to advise my fellow men.

Which album did you launch late last year?
The title of that album was ‘Dabi’, which literally means one day. That was just the pre-launch, but I’m yet to release the full package of it in a few weeks time.

How does the title ‘Dabi’ affect the lives of people?
It’s just like in everything one does, you will one day understand things better, so in short, one day you will get to understand this song.

Why did you join Madd Haus?
I didn’t just join them, they rather were looking for an artiste and fortunately for me, I was called on board.

And are you comfortable with this new management?
Of course! I’m so much comfortable because they have everything in place that every artiste will need to enhance his/her skills. Their attitude towards work as well as conditions is simply satisfactory. In fact everything here is just ok for me.

Do you write the songs on your own?
Yes all the songs are written by me.

What are some of the things you think are affecting the music industry?
As for problems, there are a whole lot. We have improperly structured copy right system in the country; royalties are not being paid well and other petty, petty things which need to be addressed. We just hope that things will fall in the right places in due course.

Do you see any improvement in the industry from the 70s to this generation?
I wouldn’t like to compare but what I will say is, every season or every year has its own people who enjoy a particular music. So in this situation, those in the 70s and 80s enjoyed the kind of music they had at their disposal, and we in this generation are also enjoying ours, and so basically that is how I see it.

In what ways has this profession affected your life?
It has really brought a lot of changes in my life — both positive and negative. The positive aspect is, I have over 1,000 people who are enjoying my music and what I do. The negative part is that, I no longer enjoy my freedom as I used to. I no longer walk along the road side because people will recognize me and crowd around me. It is very, very frustrating.

How many music awards have you received so far?
Two. That is Male Vocalist of the Year and Song Writer of the Year 2006.

Do you see this as a privilege, as there are others who have been in the system for quite a long time before you came in yet, they haven’t even received a single ward?
No. I don’t see it in that way. It’s just a matter of putting in hard work and delivering to the audience what they like.

I am aware that you just got married last year. How are you coping with the situation?
It’s normal with me, and she is also coping well with it because we dated for a very long time before getting married so she understands the nature of my job.

As handsome as you are, I know a lot of ladies will fall for you. Did you ever encounter such a situation before marriage?
(Laughter) And do you think I’m that handsome?
I can’t really tell, but that’s what people are saying about you.

You see, in this world, it is normal for any guy to have admirers, but at the end of the day you will by all means get married to only one person. Even after marriage, there were rumours that I’d broken many hearts just because I married early, so it was like a shock to people. But hey! Such is life. One has to move on. Besides this, I am getting older; I am 30 years now, and I need to set up a family and make babies. I mean babies!

What do you do outside singing?
I’m a draughtsman, a builder and a construction technician, but music has taken a better part of me. However, I will go back to school very soon to read architecture.

What do you do in your leisure hours?
I swim and watch movies especially, the foreign ones, because they are well-directed and structured. I also look out for the ones which have passion for originality. Not that I don’t like the local ones. I do like them if only they entails these features.

What will you say about those who rush into the industry and soon disappear?
It’s not about they rushing into it, but that they don’t really understand how the industry operates. You will also notice that some producers who invest in the industry sometimes lose at the end because you wouldn’t feel anything in the songs produced. So it takes a lot of hard work before you would be able to sustain it. And these days, due to this pirating business, if you don’t have money, it will take a very long time before you can come out with a second album.

The disappointment of a debut album has been enough to give many a new artiste second thoughts about continuing with music but for Eugene Zuta, quitting music is not an option even if his debut album Woye Onyame is not hailed by the public.

“I will not stop doing music even if this album fails because I am not a professional musician. It is a calling from God so no matter what happens, I have to pursue it.

There will be other albums after this. That means I’m not expecting to fail,” Zuta said.

According to Zuta, he decided to release an album to declare the dealings of God in his life. Woye Onyame is an album born out of my gratitude to God for all the things he has done in my life. I want to proclaim his goodness and also use myself as a model to encourage people to get closer to Him.”

His inclination towards praise and worship is very evident on Woye Onyame as all the songs run along those lines. His style reminds one of another gospel artiste, Nii Okai, who happens to be his mentor.

Fa Me Ye is a song that is dear to Zuta’s heart because “All my life, my dream has been to be of use to God so it is my passionate appeal to Him to use me for as long as he sees fit.”

He pleads that God should cleanse him and make him pure so that he can better be of service to him. In the slow vein, one can feel how serious the issue is to Zuta because he sings so passionately.

A song that will definitely touch hearts is Boji Nyongmo, a duet with Naa from the Harbour City Mass Choir. A praise piece done in Ga, it is also in the slow vein and exalts God in all His holiness and glory.

For anyone who wants some time alone with God, this song is very appropriate.

Adea Woaye is in the mid-tempo vein and encourages us to give God all the thanks and praise because he deserves it for all that he has done in our lives.

On Altar Call, Zuta combines song with speech as he makes an appeal to all to give their lives to Christ. He says that they do not sing because they are talented but because they are grateful to God for salvation and then he sings one of the popular Methodist hymns Pass Me Not. Since it is the last on the album, it is very fitting and quite an innovative way to end.

Other songs on the album are Worship Medley (a collection of worship songs), Ahere Mi, Wiase Nyinaa, Nyame Ne Wo and Mpaebo Tiefo. There are special appearances by Nii Okai and Kofi Dua Anto.

For as long as Zuta can remember, he has been singing his heart out for God. “I started singing when I was about 12 years old at the Trinity Presbyterian Church and I have never looked back.”

He was active with a gospel group at Ghanatta Secondary School in Dodowa and was the music director of Echoes of Calvary, the resident choir of Ghana Fellowship of Evangelical Students (GHAFES) at the University of Cape Coast (UCC) for two years. He was instrumental in the release of their first album, Calvary Ndwom.

He was also a member of the UCC Mass Choir and chairman of the Network of Music Directors at UCC. For those who have been at UCC for a while, Zuta’s name is a familiar one. He has also been a backing vocalist for Nii Okai.

Feed brought to you by: Ghana Music Watch Latest Ghanaian music videos.

Song: Ghetto Fantasy
Artiste: Gee Kay
Album: Collection for Connection

Hey rosy, come make I take U inna fantasy
Mi haffi wind your body inna mi garden
Come baby flow like a butter-fly (4real!!)

CHORUS 2times

I no go ever leave you lonely
Babe, come lets go
From now till ever
We’ll be rolling, babe
Shortty make we roll tonite

RAP 1

Wanna roll lets go…
I go carry U go places
Meet different people different faces
Like in the club with VIPs
I’m feeling big, like B.I.G
With Jimmy B Reggie Rock
And other rap MCs (whoa!!)
Wait a minute make I call kings
G-double on a record deal, mo doll for sure
Lets go, tell me how you like it
Make we rock and roll oh oo!
My man G money told me
And I told P money homey
By the time money coming (lets go)
Crazy bricks, crazy this and crazy that
I no dey kolo for your nyash girl
Why you de kolo for my cash girl
My rap money go buy you bung on the hills
My rap money go pay your bills
My rap money says for you I will
But you jus ha haaa

(BACK 2 CHORUS)

RAP 2

If I should holla at dem shortties
I be G double E to the K A Y
My flow nice and slow babe that’s my style
Mi I’mma star to be for people to see
World afro rap mega star (Hey!!)
I’m big and bad, I’m bad on tracks
Bigger than the biggest, better than the best, yes
Better yet, still wanna brake bread with brothers
That’s been holding me down
So any time U down jus call on me and I’ll be around.

BRIDGE

C’MMON C’MMON (O girl) I like the way U move that thing
(O girl) c’mmon make you shake-am shake-am
(O girl) I no go ever let you you go
(O girl) come make you walk me home
(O girl) I like the way U move that thing
(O girl) come make you shake am oo…
(O girl) I no go ever let you go
(O girl) come make you walk me home
O…HEY…ehh…eh..
ONE TIME, B-MASTA, HERE’S ANOTHER ONE
KINGS PRODUCTION(BACK 2 CHORUS) 2Times

Intro 2 fade