People & Lifestyle
African Icon Oliver Mtukudzi’s life celebrated in new Robert Mukondiwa semi-bio
Oliver Mtukudzi, the Zimbabwean born and world acclaimed afro-pop and contemporary artiste, may have died in 2019 after amassing a massive 60 plus album discography but his life is set to take a new twist as he finally gets celebrated in an upcoming fast paced, witty and sometimes heartbreaking book by Zimbabwean journalist and author Robert Mukondiwa.
While there have been other books about Mtukudzi most notably one scathing one by his former publicist and another academic look at his music by an American critique, very little has been written and certainly nothing to celebrate his larger than life prowess that made him an African icon and cultural ambassador.
The book entitled ‘Oliver Mtukudzi and me-A Life In Song And Media’, which is set to be released by the fourth quarter of this year, carries many behind the scenes never been spoken attributes of Oliver Mtukudzi presenting him as a father, friend, foe, and a lot more attributes that leave one endeared to him years after his death.
It is especially intriguing that the story is told by a journalist whom, over close to two decades reporting on mainly arts issues in Zimbabwe, had many close calls with the late artiste not least of all being one of the writers who broke the controversial scandal that blighted his career of an affair with a band member yet went on to become one of the writers Oliver trusted with fair analysis as well as very private glimpses into his life.
Opening with an encounter back in 1994, the writer not only offers a comprehensive story of Oliver Mtukudzi, but life in Zimbabwe in general, race relations, the post-independence world under Robert Mugabe, as well as the challenges of being a journalist in Zimbabwe.
He tells a story of betrayal as he gives us a tour in his mind and personal struggles. How he celebrated Oliver Mtukudzi and was conflicted when information fell on their lap that he and a co-journalist Garikai Mazara both could not ignore yet they knew the story had the potential to destroy a man who was arguably Zimbabwe’s most loved musician.
What the book becomes is a story written in perhaps the most powerful Zimbabwean storyteller of his generation, his wit is unmatched and his honesty and openness about both himself and his private world working near some of the biggest names in the African arts industry is a centerpiece of this fine work.
Reading excerpts of the book, one gets the same vibe, wit, poignancy that you get reading the Trevor Noah blockbuster ‘Born A Crime’ as it often makes fun of otherwise very serious and painful subjects. Amongst these are issues of race relations as well as growing up as a young black boy in post-independence Zimbabwe where previously marginalised voices like that of Mtukudzi were beginning to find their voice and space on freshly liberated airwaves.
While his first book, The Judas Files, was a work of fiction and remarkably dark, there are tonnes of beautifully told light stories in this book that will leave you rethinking African life in general and Zimbabwean life in particular.
Maybe it was about time someone told a story of Oliver Mtukudzi’s private moments, thoughts, and anecdotes he told about how he made music. His legacy cannot only be contained in a negative book and academic approach alone; for a man who played at world acclaimed festivals including Coachella, Womad and countless other international festivals, his story no doubt had to be immortalized in the written word as it is in music.
Reading excerpts from this book gives you the momentum of following it at the pace of a movie. You cannot help but get the feeling that it is works such as this that will one day make their way onto the big screen as film adaptations as the story of African film starts to grow amongst especially African storytellers and the rise of more platforms like Netflix.
In much like the Fela Kuti biopic ‘Finding Fela’, writer Robert Mukondiwa shows us that there are many strong stories in the arts like that which he tells of Oliver Mtukudzi, that are worth making in celebration of continental heroes of the arts.
According to the project [publicist, September and November are slated as possible months of the official world release of ‘Oliver Mtukudzi and Me, A Life In Song and Media’.
People & Lifestyle
Ghana Welcomes Starlink: Revolutionizing Connectivity
The National Communications Authority (NCA) in Ghana has recently approved the satellite broadband application of Starlink, a service by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, making Ghana the eighth African country to welcome this revolutionary internet service.
This development is set to challenge existing internet providers in the region, offering multi-gigabit speeds and lower latency through satellite technology.
Ghana to become eighth African country to approve Elon Musk's Starlink.
It is currently available in seven African countries: Mozambique, Eswatini, Zambia, Malawi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Nigeria. pic.twitter.com/OpJ0dI1WsW— Clovis T (@clovist237) April 27, 2024
Users have expressed satisfaction with Starlink’s service, citing significant improvements in speed and reliability compared to traditional providers. The service is currently available in seven African countries: Mozambique, Eswatini, Zambia, Malawi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Nigeria.
Recently got Starlink, and so far better than any residential internet provider I’ve used in this country tbh
— remi (@alo_aderemi) April 27, 2024
This expansion is expected to foster healthy competition and better offers, breaking the monopoly enjoyed by some internet providers. As Starlink continues to expand, it promises to revolutionize network access and connectivity in Africa, providing a much-needed boost to internet access across the continent.
People & Lifestyle
#AOTY2023: King Promise vs. Stonebwoy
The debate over King Promise’s candidacy for Artist of the Year has sparked a lively discussion among social media users, with arguments both for and against his potential win.
Those saying King Promise should rather win song of the year and not Artiste of the year cuz Patapaa too had one big song, did Patapaa do all this? Greg is winning this, forget the Stonebwoy shouts pic.twitter.com/ICfLI1nBaf
— Twilight (@the_marcoli_boy) April 27, 2024
Supporters highlight his sold-out shows in Asia and the impact of his music, while critics point to other artists like Stonebwoy and Black Sherif, questioning the fairness of the awards process.
You are telling me King Promise isn't Artiste of the Year? let's be serious 😂pic.twitter.com/k8KDiilWsP
— Twilight (@the_marcoli_boy) April 26, 2024
The discussion showcases the diverse opinions and passion surrounding the music industry in Ghana and beyond, with users engaging in playful banter and humorous remarks while presenting their arguments.
Ur artist of the year our artist of the year my artist of the year their artist of the year @stonebwoy #StonebwoyForAOTY 🔥🔥🔥🔥all this history was made just last year December @GHMusicAwards pic.twitter.com/R0biHkhdEx
— Hernandez Gh✊🏾🔥 (@HernandezGh35) April 27, 2024
People & Lifestyle
‘Dubai in Accra’ set to thrill Ghanaians on Sunday, April 28
In the heart of Accra, excitement buzzes as the city eagerly anticipates the grand spectacle known as “Dubai in Accra,” set to take place this Sunday 28th April 2024 at the prestigious Stanbic Heights, Icon House Airport. (more…)
People & Lifestyle
Celebrating 25 Years: Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s Reign
Today marks the 25th anniversary of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s reign as the Asantehene, the King of the Ashanti Kingdom.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II: Celebrating 25 Years of Local and Global Impact.
Showing on @GTV_Ghana and streaming on all our social media platforms on Sunday, April 28, at 8:30PM.#Asanteman #OurCultureOurHeritage pic.twitter.com/g3u0Ql5q6i
— GTV Ghana (@GTV_Ghana) April 26, 2024
The celebrations, which began with spectacular fireworks witnessed by Otumfuo himself, will culminate in the Silver Jubilee anniversary on Akwasidaekese on June 12 at Dwabrem, Manhyia Palace.
This milestone is a testament to Otumfuo’s impactful leadership, dedication to the Asante people, and contributions to education and research as the Chancellor of KNUST.
❤️ @AkwaboahMusic meets The King of Ashanti Kingdom Otumfoc Osei Tutu II. pic.twitter.com/wdvlulV7Ez
— FELICIA OSEI (@Osei_Feliciaa) April 26, 2024
The event is being celebrated across Ghana, with well-wishes and congratulations pouring in from various quarters, highlighting the significance of this occasion for Asanteman and Ghana as a whole.
People & Lifestyle
Mr. Beast in Ghana: Surprising Visit Sparks Excitement
World-renowned YouTuber Mr. Beast, known for his philanthropic acts, has been spotted in Ghana, specifically in Accra and Tema, sparking excitement among locals.
Wow, Mr Beast is in Ghana! Look at how boys are gathering to take pictures with him. pic.twitter.com/46gawXYWnJ
— Big Kay🇬🇭 (@OfficialBigkay) April 26, 2024
His visit has led to discussions about his choice of Ghana over other African countries, with some suggesting that the country’s popularity as a tourist destination played a role.
MrBeast is in Ghana and no one is talking about it? Make I step out more times I go get new phone or car saf pic.twitter.com/AUP9CSoDoV
— Kofi Ntim (@NtimBarima) April 26, 2024
Mr. Beast’s presence in Ghana is part of his global outreach, as he recently gifted a Ghanaian $25,000 as part of his X (Twitter) giveaway.
Read Also: Producers of 'Beast of No Nation' return to filming in Ghana, causing upset in parliament
The YouTuber has been seen exploring the country and interacting with locals, with many expressing their desire to meet him and participate in his charitable endeavors.
People & Lifestyle
Stephen Appiah to contest John Dumelo and Lydia Alhassan in MP race for Ayawaso West Wuogon
Former Black Stars captain Stephen Appiah is set to enter the political fray by rubbing shoulders with notable personalities in the upcoming general elections.
The former Juventus midfielder is believed to be lacing his boots to face the likes of John Dumelo and the incumbent member of Parliament for the Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency Lydia Alhassan.
While Dumelo and Alhassan represents the NDC and NPP respectively, Appiah is expected feature in the elections as an independent candidate.
This was revealed by the Spokesperson of the Ayew family Fiifi Tackie via X on Friday afternoon.
“Stephen Appiah to contest Ayawaso West Wuogon constituency as an independent Parliamentary candidate,” he wrote.
If Stephen Appiah affirms the reported news, he will be following in the footsteps of other renowned figures in Ghana football who have indulged in politics recently.
Earlier this year, all-time top scorer of the Black Stars Asamoah Gyan was appointed as the sub-committee chair of Youth and Sports in the campaign committee of Dr Bawumia, the flagbearer of the ruling New Patriotic Party.
In acceptance of the appointment, Gyan emphasised the need to share hos ideas garnered through experience in the game.
Anas took $100,000 to stop documentary release – Kwesi Nyantakyi
‘I have enough experience to contribute to sports – Asamoah Gyan reacts to political appointment
“I always ask myself, how do we create change if we don’t want to change? How do we spectate without being on the bench, and how do we score without being on the field?… All I know and will ever know, all I love and will ever love is SPORTS.” he stated.
Another figure in Ghana football who recently announced his intention to engage in partisan politics is Kwesi Nyantakyi, former Ghana Football Association (GFA).
The former football administrator showed up as one of the candidates to contest in the NPP primaries for the Ejisu constituency following the demise of incumbent John Kumah.
However, it didn’t pan out well for the former Wa All Stars owner as he lost disappointingly.
He garnered a paltry 35 votes after close to 1,081 delegates had cast their votes in the parliamentary primary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) held in the Ejisu Constituency on April 13.
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