Buzz
Black Star International Film Festival (BSIFF) 2018 ends on a high note
Black Star International Film Festival (BSIFF) 2018[/caption]
After eight days of educative and entertaining activities, one can comfortably say that the Black Star International Film Festival (BSIFF) 2018 ended on a great note. The closing ceremony took place at the Silverbird Cinemas, Accra Mall with a special screening of Spike Lee’s Blackkklansman which happened to be screening for the first time in Africa. Brief review of BlakKklansman BlackKklansman, which is based on a true story, tells the story of two undercover detectives; one black and the other of Jewish decent, who infiltrate the ranks of the White Supremacist group, Klu Klux Klan (a.k.a KKK) to expose the activities of “the organisation” as its members call it, and attempt to take it down along with its leaders.
The movie exposes a secret agenda of the KKK; to get a pure white American who supports its philosophy into the White House and important positions in order to “cleanse” America. It ends with clips of recent real world clips of violence perpetrated by White Supremacists in America after the Trump’s election victory; hinting the fears African Americans and other Africans in the diaspora currently live with.
For me, it was a perfect climax for the festival, which has since its inception championed the the agenda to use film as a development tool and provided the platform for discussions on important issues that affect society.
BlackKklansman lived up to the theme of BSIFF ’18 as it started a conversation about the development of Africa and it’s people right in the cinema.
The selections for BSIFF ’18 were in line with the festival’s theme, as the various filmmakers told uniquely different stories of social issues through their lenses. Most of these films were not the sorts we regularly see in cinemas.That was a unique thing about the festival this year; guided by the theme, it gave the opportunity for filmmakers addressing important issues across the world the platform to show their works to the world. Black Star International Film Festival 2018 The festival started on 11th August with an opening ceremony at the Silverbird cinemas and Idris Elba’s film directing debut “Verdie” as opening Film. It was attended by the Second Lady of the Republic of Ghana, Hajia Samira Bawumia, who pledged her support to the festival.
Each day of the festival saw screenings in the form of pop up cinemas, open air cinemas etc at venues such as Jamestown Cafe, Lokko House, Serallios, Silverbird cinemas, as well as panel sessions at the African Regent Hotel, Kempinski and NAFTI.
Amongst other things, guests had the rare opportunity to meet and interact with filmmakers, learn from experts and establish networking connections.
There was a Gala Awards Ceremony on the seventh day of the festival. It was attended by several known names and faces in the film, entertainment and tourism fraternities.The President of the Republic of Ghana, who was scheduled to be the Guest of Honour was conspicuously missing from the event. However, he was represented by the Honourable Minister of Tourism Arts and Culture, Mrs Catherine Afeku.
For me (and others), the absence of the president was quite unfortunate as events of this nature that are striving to and actually putting Ghana on the map need to be supported by Government. The general public should be made to know that these events are endorsed and supported by government, not only in words but also in action; a message I believe the President’s presence would have loudly and clearly communicated. However, his absence did not mar the beauty of the night as he was well represented by the sector Minister, Hon. Catherine Afeku.
The great musical and poetry performances during the night will not be soon forgotten.
This year, BSIFF introduced a new non competitive category named after the theme of the festival. Films that made it into that category are,
- Ghana for You – Adamas Mensah
- Vagabonds – Amartei Armar
- Survivors – Arthur Pratt
- Corruption – Pascal Aka
- Both Saved – Afotey
- Best Women in Film:- Back to Natural: A documentary film
- Best Documentary:- “DNA- Using Genealogy to Change My (Slave) last name” and “The Rescue List”
- Best Animation:- A Kalaband Ate My Homework
- Best African Rising:- Watu Wote
- Best Short Film:- Little Fiel
- Best Feature:- Cleft Lip
Buzz
King Promise thrills fans at sold-out show in Singapore
Ghanaian singer King Promise has made history by being the first Afrobeats star to headline a concert in Singapore. (more…)
Buzz
Ice Spice remix stamps Cash Cobain’s “Fisherrr” as the Song of the Summer
Billboard Rookie of the Month, and multi-hyphenate NYC star, Cash Cobain has just linked up with Ice Spice for the long-awaited video remix for “Fisherrr”(feat. BaySwag) [18m+ Streams]. After bubbling the past few years with R-rated anthems over his own ethereal production – creating the playful “sexy drill” sound that he’s pioneered and taken to mainstream heights, Cash Cobain is stamping himself as a serious song of the summer contender with this remix.
Following up his two smash singles “Dunk Contest” (8m+) and “Fisherrr” (pronounced, ‘for sure), Cash is primed for his moment in the spotlight –– hitting 1M Monthly Listeners on Spotify, Top 3 NYC Shazam Charts, having occupied the #1 + #3 slots of the NYC Apple Music Charts, hitting #45 on the Urban Radio Charts and counting, and now landing Ice Spice’s third feature ever –– in the words of COMPLEX, “the summer of 2024 is looking very slizzy”. On the highly-anticipated remix, Ice Spice is simply in top-tier shape.
Adding her signature magnetic ‘it-girl’ flair, charming cadence, and instantly-coinable one-liners, she bolsters the lightning-hot single into astronomical territory with the opening lines –– “Got an attitude but I’m feelingless, so I ain’t mad at you, And I’m tatted too on this fatty-tude, I’m the baddest boo”.
The long-overdue collab from the two Bronx natives is seamless, with her being a tailor-fit alongside the ethereal, dreamy production and silky smooth verses from Bay Swag and Cash. With the recent releases of “Dunk Contest” (watch Genius ‘Open Mic’) and now the Ice Spice-assisted remix for “Fisherrr” (feat. BaySwag), Cash Cobain is using his collaborative momentum from last year to continue elevating his signature sound, showcasing its influential and ever-growing widespread appeal in the process. In the words of Cash:“It’s a beautiful record. It feels amazing, it feels like NYC is back stronger than ever with me and Spice -– two Bronx legends. Get ready for the song of the summer.”
Last month, Cash took over NYC with his birthday show, ‘Slizzyfest’ at Irving Plaza –– a night that was slated as a stacked lineup of NY’s finest, with rumors of an A-list superstar surprise set. After chatter spread online and the hype reached a fever pitch, the crowd became too much to handle and the show was ultimately canceled –– but Cash wanted to give the fans their money’s worth so he ventured into Union Square and threw a makeshift show with his crew, a Bluetooth speaker, and hundreds of adoring fans (read ‘I Went to Cash Cobain’s Slizzyfest and All I Got Was That Classic NYC Feeling’ via Rolling Stone + statement in Billboard).
Also in Billboard, Cash recently teased potential collaborations with Frank Ocean, Travis Scott, Don Toliver (seen filming a music video here), Lil Yachty and more –– a surefire sign of the worldwide stardom soon to come. These recent releases arrive on the heels of a career-defining year in 2023 that closed with the production of PinkPantheress‘ “Nice To Meet You” (feat. Central Cee), which debuted at #20 on Billboard Hot 100 (he also starred alongside her in a nationally-syndicated Apple commercial for the new MacBook).
This was preceded by producing Drake’s “Calling For You” (feat. 21 Savage), which debuted at #5 on the Billboard Hot 100, DJ’ing at Travis Scott‘s Cactus Jack x Audemars Piguet event, and releasing his critically-acclaimed debut solo album Pretty Girls Love Slizzy with Giant Music.
Please find links to stream the new “Fisherrr” Remix (feat. Ice Spice) below, and stay tuned for more announcements:
|
Buzz
Tobinco Pharmaceuticals LTD donates drugs worth GHc 155k to Lekma Hospital in celebration of World Malaria Day.
In commemoration of World Malaria Day, Tobinco Pharmaceuticals Limited exemplified its commitment to healthcare by donating an anti-malaria drug worth GH155,000 to the LEKMA Hospital in Teshie. (more…)
Buzz
Celestine Donkor Sets the Record Straight on Weight Loss Surgery Speculation
Award-winning Ghanaian artist, Celestine Donkor has addressed speculations regarding her potential pursuit of weight loss surgery, clarifying that she hasn’t made any decisions in that regard. (more…)
Buzz
Akua Music unveils heartfelt music video for hit single ‘Miss You Bad’
Akua Music, the acclaimed singer-songwriter known for her soulful melodies and emotive lyrics, has just released the highly anticipated music video for her latest single, ‘Miss You Bad.’ The video, directed by Joseph Amino, captures the essence of the song’s message and showcases the singer’s raw talent and creativity. (more…)
My wife sent her nudes to her Dubai lover while I was on my sick bed – Erico speaks on divorce
I underestimated the extent of my influence – Serwaa Amihere apologizes
Afronita’s mum was against me managing Endurance Grand alongside her daughter – Quables
Stonebwoy performs ‘Activate’ with Davido at sold-out Madison Square Garden show
REPORT: Dulcie Boateng’s Porials Pitch leads to arrests over ‘unregistered products’
Celebrating 25 Years: Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s Reign
Mr. Beast in Ghana: Surprising Visit Sparks Excitement
Stephen Appiah to contest John Dumelo and Lydia Alhassan in MP race for Ayawaso West Wuogon
Rebecca Osam: A Champion for Women’s Empowerment in Africa
King Promise thrills fans at sold-out show in Singapore
Buzz1 week agoMy wife sent her nudes to her Dubai lover while I was on my sick bed – Erico speaks on divorce
Buzz2 days agoI underestimated the extent of my influence – Serwaa Amihere apologizes
Buzz1 week agoAfronita’s mum was against me managing Endurance Grand alongside her daughter – Quables
Buzz1 week agoStonebwoy performs ‘Activate’ with Davido at sold-out Madison Square Garden show
People & Lifestyle6 days agoREPORT: Dulcie Boateng’s Porials Pitch leads to arrests over ‘unregistered products’
Gossip6 days agoWATCH: Irene Logan sings ‘At Last’ as she dances with her husband at their wedding reception
Buzz1 week agoGhana’s New Train from Poland Crashes During Test Run
Buzz4 days agoKofi Kinaata Credits Samini’s High Grade Family for Musical Breakthrough
Buzz3 days agoWhy single mothers struggle to find partners – Joselyn Dumas
World News3 days agoKanye West reportedly planning to launch porn studio
Buzz1 week ago“Life has humbled me so much” – Mercy Johnson
Gossip5 days agoGospel singer KODA passes on, after reportedly battling a kidney disease
