People & Lifestyle
Q&A with William: TV producer, Ayerkie Narnor talks ‘Date Rush’, photography and more
Q: First of all, tell us about your criticisms why Date Rush?
A: I always find it difficult to answer this question. “who I am?” I’m a producer. I always see myself as a storyteller and a creative person that’s all.
Q: Why Date Rush?
A: Why not Date Rush? I don’t think there’s any special response to this question aside from the fact that my boss asked me to work on it so I obliged, that’s all.
Q: What goes into producing a show like Date Rush, especially looking at the sort of interest the show has generated?
A: First of all, it is a lot of work but it is also the desire to succeed. And I always say that there’s always room for improvement and growth. I think that’s the main reason why it’s been succeeding. We know there’s a lot more we can do to improve upon the program. I feel there’s a lot more to do but continuous growth is the secret of our success.
Q: As a producer what are some of the challenges you encounter on the show?
A: Errm, every new project is a challenge. Aside from me and the team having to put in our all, we’ve not had any technical challenge so far. I think one of our challenges is, for our first and second seasons, people didn’t really know about the show therefore, delays the audition process. But now that it is out there, i think we’ll no longer face that challenge.
A: Yes we’re happy at how far the show has come but we believe there’s a lot more we can achieve. We believe a lot more work can be put in, we believe a much wider audience can be achieved, so with that, i think it is 50/50. We’re excited about where it is, but we certainly believe there’s a whole lot more to be done.https://youtu.be/CWkXb914Fsc
Q: How do you respond to views that the show was borrowed or copied from South African TV content, Take Me Out?
A: You see, i learned that ideas are like birds, they fly around. There are several times I’ve had an idea and the next minute someone else is doing it. Just last night I was sent a message that Ayerkie, you said you wanted to do this, now this station is doing it, that’s the thing with ideas. Truly in this age that we’re in, we all do a lot of research these days. So what’s wrong in seeing that there’s an idea like this, we want to do something similar so we look at how this person did it, add and take out? I don’t think it is only ‘Take me Out’. There are other shows that are similar but not entirely the same thing. There are different versions, so what is so wrong about learning or taking cues and inspiration from other shows? You see, Africa we’re so hypocritical that it is not even funny. Back in the day we used to laugh at the Chinese that they’re the copycats of the world but today, they’re the champions of the world. You can only learn and make it yours when you see someone doing something right. I don’t think Date Rush would be accepted like it has if it was the exact thing they compare it to. If we say we live in a global village, then let’s learn from others.
Q: There’s been a lot of talks about whether Date Rush is scripted, is that the case?
A: It is not scripted. Like I stated in another interview, we only create an environment for people to free their minds and say what they want to say. It is a reality show so we try as much as possible to be real. When we start recording, these guys come in and out several times so they get used to us. So they’re no longer shy anymore, they’re not timid. As to why people think it is scripted, I do not understand but I think it is emanating from the fact that they’re on their own trying to create a series or production. So there are videos circulating of them reading scripts and people are associating it with Date Rush. That video has nothing to do with Date Rush.
Q: Who qualifies to be on the show because it seems everyone has a well-defined profile?
A: Everyone deserves love! So long as you’re single and mature, you have the right to be on the show.
Q: Did you envision Date Rush being this huge? Because undoubtedly on Sunday nights, Ghana is virtually on lockdown with the young and old all glued to their TV sets.
A: (Laughs) When we started working, all we wanted to do was a good job and we also enjoyed the show. Date Rush is one of the few productions that whiles recording, you’d find me dancing with a colleague. We have so much fun on the show that our main aim was to do something good.
Q: There’s something about the DJ, he seems to have a song that corresponds with every moment on the show. Is it tabulated?
A: The DJ has also grown with the show because you’d realize that in the middle of the season, everybody is noticing him because he’s has also done his homework. He has understood the terrain and the way the show works now, so he knows what type of songs to select. He has really done a good job with the selection of songs he plays, and also we try as much as possible to be African with our selections.
Q: One question on the minds of people is whether the people who pair on the show actually go ahead with the dates? Do you have any follow up mechanisms?
A: We do, you realize that with every episode, we show you the previous couples, the dates they’ve been on, and what they’re saying and what they feel. Like we keep saying, Date Rush is only a platform for singles to connect. What you do afterward is up to you. We’d love it if tomorrow someone walks up to us that we’re getting married. We will gladly shoot that production. If you’re a young man and you truly want to go on a date, you will at least go out with 6 or 7 people before getting the right person. I’m not saying you have to sleep around. So yes, we do.
Q: Has the show recorded any marriages so far?
A: Not yet, in fact, I didn’t want to give it all out. I mean the season is not yet done so whatever happens we’d put it out there for you all if we have a success story or unsuccessful stories.
Q: Your host, Nii Kpakpo, what went into that choice?
A: (Laughs) First of all Kpakpo is fabulous, he’s great and the show in itself we wanted humor. Kpakpo is a very funny character but brilliant as well. And we wanted that combination that’s why we went in for him and we so do not regret it. He gives us humor but he’s witty and knows what to say at the right time.
Q: How is it like dealing with such a character?
A: He makes the work easy and fun because he knows his stuff.
Q: Would you say he has lived up to expectations?
A: He definitely has lived up to expectations. I think Kpakpo has done a good job, there’s nothing to be said.
Q: What has been the A factor about him?
A: The fact that he is a funny person, his jokes, and you see, there are people who try to be funny but are really not funny. Kpakpo is not that kind of person. He is funny naturally and that is what is working for us. He doesn’t force it so he doesn’t look fake.
Q: How is reality TV shaping ideas of men and women roles?
A: This is an interesting question. I think we’re in the time of reality TV or productions that are real. I mean when you go on Youtube, people are living their lives and they’re showing it and people buy into it. Shows like the Kardashians, Married to Medicine, House Wives of Atlanta, etc. Yes it is dramatized but it’s all reality TV and I think it is really big online and that’s the world we’re in now and definitely, Africa is part of this world. The only thing is, we as a people have our own identity and culture. I’m not a copycat, I do not believe in copying people but I believe in getting inspirations and building upon that inspiration to make it mine. There’s nothing wrong with getting an inspiration, the only mistake is taking inspiration and failing at it.
Q: Has our culture sort of limited our creativity in any way?
A: No, not necessarily. The only limitations have got to do with our minds, it has nothing to do with our culture. Sometimes when we say culture we make it seem as if it is some grandiose or weird thing. I mean if you have to come here every morning, that is your culture so our culture is never a limitation. It is just who we are and what we do. It is just that we have it in our minds that as blacks, people were limited. So we’re not as forceful and adventurous as we should.
Q: What key elements should a great reality show have?
A: (Laughs) I think every reality show is different so I think it is basically knowing exactly what you’re doing and what you’re looking out for. With Date Rush we’re really big on humor, fashion and dance so we harness on those things.
Q: In 2010, you took part in a beauty pageant, Miss Malaika with Berla Mundi, how did it go for you?
A: It was such an eye-opener. It is an opportunity I’m also grateful for. Yeah, we had the opportunity to travel to Egypt where you know Egypt is the hub of African identity, and getting to experience that looking at what we saw and learned, was a huge turnaround for me. I’ve always been passionate about who i am and where I’m from, but being part of that pageant and seeing and learning what we did when we traveled was an experience I’d always cherish.
Q: Would you say your exposure to the world of Entertainment has better positioned you in life?
A: Not entertainment necessarily, but it was more of an awakening, self-identity, getting to know who I am as an African. I think when you have a true sense of identity, you do not have any limitation or whatsoever, so whatever you do gives you a certain kind of confidence and belief.
Q: Do you still do photography?
A: It been a while I must say. Sometimes I miss it. I hardly do photography these days but I’m working on a book that is about photography and poetry so once in a while I’ll find time, travel, take some pictures and probably write. But the way I used to do photography then, the events, studio work, I don’t see my self doing that anymore. I definitely will do travel photography. I’ve been working on a book about photography.
Actually, I’ve had that book for years but this time it definitely has got to come out!
Q: What inspired that book and is it all about Photography?
A: It is photography and poetry. I traveled to Begoro, they have this beautiful place like a small village of rocks in different shapes and forms, so beautiful! I just had to capture that also, I love to write, I love poetry. So I did something on poetry and added it to the photography. I’ve had that book for 6 years, it was actually a project I started in Uni.
Q: As a creative person, what really inspires you?
A: Anything at all. I’m one of those people when i look into the clouds i see shapes and forms. Animals and faces, sometimes when i look at the wall, i see a pattern and stuff so everything inspires me. Music, people, nature, anything around me inspires me.
Q: How do you translate it into what you do?
A: I translate it into writing, photography, poetry production, etc. anything creative.
Q: Would you say you’re at your Apex?
A: Hell No! Not at all, i don’t think I’ve even achieved 1% of what I want to achieve. I feel there’s a lot more to give and a lot more to do. Look, sometimes when i sit back and I’m watching Date Rush, i cringe! I see the mistakes we do and i cringe but an ordinary person will watch and say it is perfect. There’s a lot more to be done creatively, technically and for me as a person, there’s so much more to give and do.
Q: Any advice to people who aspire to venture into production or showbiz?
A: It’s a tough industry, never give up, do not compare yourself to other people. Be highly focused on exactly what you want and where you want to be. Our industry is all about show business; You have a lot of people showing but having nothing after the show. Understand that it is not just a show, it is a business, so have a plan and don’t give up. Keep pushing, eventually, they will see your worth.
Q: You appear to be calm, is that your nature?
A: I’m a very calm person but also strong-willed. I can also be very difficult when things are not going as they should. But hey, at the end of the day when you keep pushing, everyone else will understand why, when you succeed.
Q: Lastly, the now-famous Ignatius and Freelove brouhaha. People have tagged it as unfair treatment from Ignatius and totally disrespectful to women. Do you find any fault with what he did or to you it is just a show and he’s free to do what he wants?
A: (Laughs) Can I ask a question? Yes.
Do you remember the episode where Freelove said she didn’t like a guy because of his ears? Yes, that’s all i have to say. How is it unfair if she turned her rush off on someone because of his ears and someone else has turned his rush off on her. Let’s be fair. I mean, women, sometimes we act as if the things we do, when the guys do it to us it is like it can’t be done and shouldn’t be done and it’s weird and stuff. They turn their rushes off all the time on guys, so what’s the big deal? And another guy comes in to turn their rushes off, after all, beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder!
Alright, thank you so much, Ayerkie.
A: Thank you, too.
Interview by: Willam Lamptey
People & Lifestyle
Social Trends: Elite Prom Night: Ugandan High Schoolers Arrive in Choppers & Supercars
Entebbe, Uganda – Elite High School’s prom night showcased opulence as students arrived in helicopters, Tesla cars, Mercedes-Benz, and Lamborghini, sparking social media buzz and discussions on the source of such wealth in a developing country.
Elite High School typically attracts attention from a wide range of people due to their extravagant Prom parties. The 2024 Prom party followed suit and garnered attention from government officials. On May 4th, a Saturday, students were eager to attend their Prom, which occurs before candidates start their final exams.
Beautiful scenes from Elite High School prom in Entebbe, Uganda
pic.twitter.com/qdZLuOtObC— YabaLeftOnline (@yabaleftonline) May 6, 2024
Most students arrived dressed in their best attire, while some even hired luxurious cars. One student arrived in a helicopter with his date. After getting out of the helicopter, they were escorted into a luxurious car that transported them to the Prom venue.
Sky view of Elite High School Entebbe, Uganda.🔥🤯🙆🏾♂️ #elitehighschoolentebbe #elitehighschoolentebbeprom #prom pic.twitter.com/qGXktXRPCw
— #MrInfluencerUg 🇺🇬 🇳🇬 🇬🇭 (@MrInfluencerUg1) May 6, 2024
According to an interview with our presenters, Pam Malaika, and MC Ollo, sources revealed that the helicopter was hired from Bar Aviation at $1200 (approximately Ugandan Shillings 4.5 million), while the car, a V8 2022 Model, was hired for 6 hours at 3 million Ugandan Shillings.
Prom scenes from Elite High School Entebbe, Uganda.🔥🤯🙆🏾♂️ PART 2#elitehighschoolentebbe #elitehighschoolentebbeprom #prom pic.twitter.com/bAVdtgA6bC
— #MrInfluencerUg 🇺🇬 🇳🇬 🇬🇭 (@MrInfluencerUg1) May 6, 2024
Minister John Muyingo, however, expressed dissatisfaction with the Prom trends, stating, “Are these things happening in Uganda? Where are we going? Money is a scarce resource; it shouldn’t be given out and spent like that.
People & Lifestyle
Social Trends: Ghana’s ‘Beans’ Dilemma: Prices Surge to 50 Cedis
Ghanaians have taken to social media to express their disbelief and frustration over the recent surge in bean prices, with some reporting costs as high as 50 Ghanaian cedis for a single serving.
Happy Monday ! pic.twitter.com/34LvVaMXge
— theladybaaba🫦 (@lady_baaba) May 6, 2024
The conversation, filled with humor and sarcasm, has highlighted the broader issue of the rising cost of living in Ghana, including the increased prices of other staples such as gari and plantain.
Read Also: Several uprooted trees cause damage to properties in parts of Accra after downpour
How can beans with plantain and egg be almost 50gh??
We must not accept this. There is no way one egg should cost more than 5gh even in this current cost of living. https://t.co/hadibCenXd— Abdul-Muhaimin (@Mister_Glen) May 6, 2024
Despite the serious underlying issue, the posts have provided a light-hearted take on a challenging situation.
People & Lifestyle
Telecel Cash Now Available as a Payment Option on Google Play in Ghana
Telecel Mobile Financial Services Ltd, operators of Telecel Cash, in partnership with Cellulant, a leading technology company, has announced the availability of Telecel Cash as a convenient payment method for Google Play users in Ghana. This integration enables Telecel Cash customers to seamlessly purchase apps and services directly from Google Play, enhancing their digital experience.
This initiative is part of a broader effort to expand payment options and improve transaction ease for Google Play users, especially in regions where the use of traditional credit cards is uncommon. By incorporating Telecel Cash, Telecel Ghana and Cellulant are providing a seamless, secure, and convenient payment method tailored to the needs of the Ghanaian market.
Richard Gesimba, Vice President, Cellulant Checkout Business Unit, highlighted the significance of the collaboration. “Our partnership with Telecel Ghana aims to innovate and deliver payment solutions that address the evolving needs of African consumers. This integration makes it easier for them to access a world of apps and content on Google Play without traditional banking facilities.” He noted.
Philip Amoateng, Director for Telecel Cash, emphasized the benefits for customers. “The inclusion of Telecel Cash as a payment option on Google Play significantly enhances our service offerings. It offers our customers a straightforward and secure way to enjoy all the features and capabilities that Google Play has to offer. We are committed to enhancing our customers’ digital experiences and ensuring they can access global digital content with ease.”, he added.
Google Play, a digital distribution service operated and developed by Google, is the official app store for the Android operating system. It allows users to browse and download applications developed with the Android software development kit and published through Google.
The availability of Telecel Cash as a payment method on Google Play is expected to boost the platform’s usage in Ghana, where mobile money has become a dominant force in financial transactions.
This also demonstrates Telecel Ghana’s commitment to enhancing customer experience and expanding digital accessibility.
People & Lifestyle
Tips for a Successful Physician Assistant Job Search
Thanks to staffing shortages across the healthcare industry, many healthcare organizations today rely heavily on PAs. In fact, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the demand for PAs will increase 28 percent by 2031. However, men and women who choose to pursue a career as a PA may struggle to secure open positions that meet their needs. They must differentiate themselves from other applicants to land their dream jobs. How can they do so?
Highlight Work Experience
Employers want to know each physician assistant’s work experience when evaluating candidates. Clinical rotations allow PAs to practice their skills, but a physician assistant also must work well within a team and contribute meaningfully to that team. The PA will work closely with others in the industry, including doctors and nurses. They must collaborate effectively to provide the highest level of care. Share this teamwork on the CV or resume to attract more attention. This single step will be of help finding PA work that meets the individual’s needs.
Consider a Speciality
Many PAs enter the industry expecting to work in general practice. However, once they hone their skills, they find they are drawn to a particular specialty. To generate more job offers within this specialized field, the PA should focus on starting immediately upon graduation or gaining experience in another healthcare area before moving to their desired specialty. Never accept a job in a specialty that is not interesting, as doing so could diminish the joy this job should bring.
Additional Training and Certifications
PAs should take advantage of continuing education seminars, classes, and more. Doing so will allow them to advance in their careers and open up more job opportunities. Every PA must complete an accredited physician assistant program and be certified by the NCCPA before practicing. However, having these qualifications won’t be enough to allow a candidate to stand out when applying for open positions. Complete a postgraduate residency, earn a certificate, or collect CE credits and share this information on the resume. Employers appreciate having workers who take the initiative to advance their skills because they know the company benefits from this added expertise.
Loan Repayment Options
Look into employers who offer to satisfy all or part of a student loan when applying for PA jobs. While a PA makes a nice salary, paying back student loans can put a big dent in their monthly budget. Hospitals often offer loan repayment options for individuals who take positions as PAs within the organization. However, don’t overlook Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) and NHSC-funded loan repayment opportunities.
Why Medicine?
Every PA should share the story of what led them into medicine. Employers like to see that the candidate views the opportunity as more than a job. If one is secured, be prepared to share this same story during the interview. It’s important to provide an authentic story, as employers can pick up on material written by the PA just to include information. They easily distinguish between this and a compelling authentic story.
Thanks to the number of job openings in this field, finding the right PA job shouldn’t be challenging. However, finding the right candidate for an open position or the right position for a candidate takes time. Consider working with a staffing agency to make the process easier. This agency will help clients narrow the available options to find the right fit for each open position. When this connection is made, all parties win.
People & Lifestyle
Valerie Owusu and Emmanuel Addae get 25 years to life in prison for beating their child to death
Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced that Valerie Owusu, 28, and Emmanuel Addae, 28, of Corona, Queens, were found guilty of Murder in the Second Degree after a jury trial, for the 2021 beating death of Owusu’s 5-year-old son, King Owusu.
“This little boy was beaten and suffered for days at the hands of these defendants, one of whom was his own mother, until he unfortunately succumbed to his severe and extensive injuries,” said District Attorney Tierney. “Thanks to the thorough investigation by the Suffolk County Police Department, the relentless pursuit of justice by the prosecutors assigned to this case, and the jury’s careful consideration of the evidence presented, the defendants have been held accountable for this horrific crime.”
The evidence at trial established that between March 30 and April 1, 2021, Owusu and Addae brutally beat King with at least four different instruments inside of their apartment in Lefrak City, Queens. The couple watched King’s physical condition deteriorate for approximately three days until King lost unconsciousness. During that time, both Owusu and Addae did not call 911, take King to the doctor, or provide any medical care to the child.
On April 1, 2021, Owusu and Addae brought King to a family member’s home in Brentwood and left him there to die. The Suffolk County Police Department was called after the family member returned home the same day and discovered that the boy was deceased. The child was taken to Southside Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
The medical examiner who conducted the child’s autopsy testified that King was beaten from head to toe, and that his injuries, which were too numerous to count, caused his death.
On March 22, 2024, Owusu and Addae were each convicted of Murder in the Second Degree, a Class A felony, after a two-and-a-half-week-long jury trial heard before Supreme Court Justice Steven A. Pilewski. Each defendant faces up to 25 years to life in prison.
Owusu and Addae are due back in court for sentencing on May 1, 2024. Owusu is being represented by Rene Myatt, Esq. Addae is being represented by Raymond Baierlein, Esq.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Elena Tomaro of the Homicide Bureau, Assistant District Attorney Scott Romano of the Major Crime Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Detective Patrick Portella and Detective James Hughes of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Homicide Squad.
People & Lifestyle
Nana Kwame Bediako and The New Force Launches Its Virtual CrowdFunding Platform – Save Ghana Fund.
“My responsibility is to serve you; your responsibility is to give me the chance and the opportunity to serve you “– Nana Kwame Bediako,Founder and Leader of The New Force Movement
Accessed by the short code *887*2024#, The New Force has launched its virtual crowdfunding platform which is called Save Ghana Fund. Published as part of the launch on the 6th of May, the rather simple and candid video message by the leader of The New Force urges the people of Ghana to support the movement and the cause. Poignantly, Nana Kwame Bediako’s message encourages the nation to part ways with the culture of vote-buying by political candidates as the practice affects the legitimate and free choice of voters and in addition mismanages the true aspirations and investments of the people.
A call to you and to everyone who cares about the future of Ghana, The New Force movement seeks to ensure our commitment to the nation and to each other in the pursuit of equality, empowerment, and equity for all in our society. The Campaign is built on three key values, VISIBILITY, ACCESSIBILITY and TRANSPARENCY.
In his very short and candid video message accompanying the launch, the leader of The New Force movement emphasized that vote-buying tarnishes our democracy by perpetuating mismanagement of the resources of the nation and as well the culture of corruption, it in addition mismanages the aspirations of the people of Ghana and goes against the grain in the effort to improve the integrity and quality of our political structure, our quality of governance and our quality of life as a people. In the ingenious proposal, Nana Kwame Bediako, the leader of The New Force movement urges the citizens of Ghana to turn the tables on the system; to see our redemption in the call and initiative to identity a true leader and then to invest in this leader of our choice, in the candidate who has the right vision for the nation; and with that mindset to collectively support the bid of The New Force by donating to the movement and to its cause.
‘The responsibility of the leader is to serve you’, Nana Kwame Bediako candidly tells his audience in the launch of the virtual crowd-funding platform, ‘and the responsibility of the citizens is to give the leader the chance and the opportunity to serve the nation. … Remember the government does not make the people, the people make the government, the leader urges. … Let’s build a new nation.
Standing as an independent candidate in the 2024 Republic of Ghana presidential elections, the leader of The New Force movement, Nana Kwame Bediako, the long-awaited inter-generational leader, is an unparalleled source of pride and hope for Ghana, the answer to the call of the youth.
For updates on key aspects of the campaign SAVE GHANA FUND, please visit www.nkb.com.gh/donate
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Funeral arrangements announced for late Nollywood actor Junior Pope
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Social Trends: Elite Prom Night: Ugandan High Schoolers Arrive in Choppers & Supercars
Social Trends: Sarkodie, Gyakie & Jay Bahd: London Studio Vibes
Social Trends: Ghana’s ‘Beans’ Dilemma: Prices Surge to 50 Cedis
Telecel Cash Now Available as a Payment Option on Google Play in Ghana
Tips for a Successful Physician Assistant Job Search
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