People & Lifestyle

Eff The DJ: Post pandemic blessings and becoming one of Accra’s hottest DJs

Published

2 years ago

June 13, 2022

Ask anyone about their most trying year and you will most likely hear about the COVID-19 pandemic and its effect on them.

The effects were felt in 360 degrees, affecting physical health, mental and all other aspects of people’s lives. For many, the pandemic lockdown era proved
pivotal. For Franklin Digber known in Accra, Ghana by the moniker Eff The DJ – it was the key that unlocked a whole new world.

Eff had been working in an Events and Activations agency for a number of years. His life was split like that of a superhero: working with brands as Franklin by day and going out after hours to
light up the Accra nightlife as Eff The DJ.

Unfortunately, once Covid-19 cases started to go up and Ghana went into lockdown, things turned bleak. Franklin’s agency laid off a number of employees to cut costs and at the same
time he was losing his job, the Ghanaian government issued a directive outlawing events and mass gatherings. Within weeks, Franklin’s corporate and creative career had both grounds to a
halt.

“The period forced everyone to sit for a while and reflect. I learned a lot about patience because I had to wait around a lot. But it forced me to think clearly about what I wanted.”

Since that time, Eff has become one of Ghana’s most sought-after DJs, with audiences and industry peers alike gushing over his unique skill. From random posts to personal testimonies,
he is aware of how people perceive him and credits his skillful way of playing music in a way that can only be likened to art, to his love for music.

Eff The DJ’s stage presence is almost as audacious as his artist name. If the music isn’t moving you, his infectious energy will. Unsurprisingly that same energy has opened myriad doors for the skillful disc jockey.

In the earlier days of Eff’s journey, he couldn’t envision that his part-time hobby would blossom into a full-time job year-round.

“It’s just funny how I arrived here. Pre-pandemic, I reached a point where some months DJing was bringing in as much or even more than my day job. It was a dilemma. I couldn’t see myself
resigning, and if I did, would I survive on just one source of income? I don’t have to worry about all of that anymore. This is all I do now and I love it.”

December is the peak season for DJs in the West African region: cities swell with returnees and tourists and promoters, artistes and organizers collaborate on blockbuster events in the months

prior, however, things can be a bit slow. In mid-2021, Eff found the perfect antidote to the off-season: a job as a resident DJ for Guide Radio 91.5FM, one of Ghana’s trendiest urban radio stations.

Those weekday responsibilities haven’t dampened his role as a permanent fixture of Accra’s nightlife, however. “ The city is so vibrant. There’s always something happening
somewhere. Why else would you meet a traffic jam at 2 AM on a Tuesday?”

The Ghanaian government named the year 2021 “Beyond The Return,” a successive initiative after 2020’s Year Of Return. The idea was to promote tourism and encourage the homecoming
of African descendants in the diaspora and Ghanaians living abroad. With December being the apex of Accra’s turn-up, the city has become the destination for anyone looking for seasonal
enjoyment.

The month is littered with events hosted at private venues, pubs and clubs, and Eff The DJ was at most, showing off his art. From Alley Bar’s 2nd anniversary, performing at
Afrochella, playing some nights at Polo Beach Club and regular nights at Front/Back…he was
the ‘IT DJ’.

One of his most exciting moments was getting booked to play alongside ‘the Kings of Amapiano’, Kabza de Small and DJ Maphorisa, for three consecutive events. This was a dream
come true for Eff, who had admired the South African DJs.

“The Scorpion Kings – The Kings of Amapiano are my idols but, honestly, Afrochella was one of my most significant events of 2021. It was one of the year’s most talked-about events, with
global sponsors and big stars. Sharing the stage with Wizkid, Stonebwoy, Kojo Antwi, Black Sherif, Gyakie, Manny Norte, Amaarae, Ari Lennox, DJ Loft, Kofi Jamar. It was so fun, and I’m
grateful. I worked with the Afrochella team at their 2019 festival and the Block Party they held in 2020, so being asked to return in 2021 was a great feeling It makes you realize people in the
industry are always watching and your consistency and dedication will eventually pay off.”

One thing the pandemic and the events surrounding it in his life did was make Eff pay attention to a career path he used to only consider as a side hobby getting him extra money. His new
reality pushed him to pay attention to his brand as a DJ. As EFF THE DJ. It wasn’t just a hobby anymore. It was becoming and had become his main and sole source of income. With this in
mind and a fully packed December, Eff saw and still sees the nightlife as not just a job, but a means to network and better his brand. According to him, there are limitless networking
opportunities if you’re in the right places to make moves.

Despite these upsides of networking and basically partying/having fun as a job, DJs are privy to the other side of the glorified Accra nightlife.

“I remember one of the worst events I had to play at. Everything was in shambles. Carpenters were still working at showtime, soundcheck was still happening really late, and my hospitality
wasn’t really being taken care of till I decided to hold the event hostage. I told them I was leaving, and that’s when management put things together.”

“Nightlife takes a serious up-turn because almost nothing is enough on some nights. A spot can run out of drinks, food and even DJs. As funny as that may sound because the DJs are event
hopping and completing their booking commitments all over the place. “Every night has its own adventure. Once I had to do a rehearsal with one of our A-list artistes for a show we had later that day… in Kokrobite. After I went on to perform a set in Osu, left Osu to Kokrobite for the show, and came back to Osu for another set which happened to end around 6:30 AM. I got home, slept, and got back to the job again later that day.”

With his wide-ranging taste in music, Eff doesn’t have a fixed method for how he satisfies his audiences either at events or on the radio. Instead, he advocates for constant preparation.
DJing can be volatile; conditions often change mid-event and preconceived plans can quickly disintegrate. According to Eff, it’s best to be versatile and move by his motto: ‘Formula no dey.’

Franklin Digber aka EFF The DJ is poised to take his brand to the next level. How does he intend to get there? Simply sticking to everything he’s practiced since he started and to keep
practicing and maintaining hard work, consistency, building and maintaining solid relationships, and resisting mistreatment from people.

“When it comes to support, in my opinion, DJs may also need the kind of investment that artists signed to record labels get. There’s so much a good budget and efficient management can do
for a DJ’s career but personally, I look forward to doing more, developing more artist – DJ relationships and brand partnerships, and traveling to do more events outside the country. I
honestly wish I did that earlier in my career..”

People & Lifestyle

Celebrating 25 Years: Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s Reign

Published

2 hours ago

April 26, 2024

Ameyaw Debrah

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

Published

2 hours ago

April 26, 2024

Ameyaw Debrah

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
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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.

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

Published

2 hours ago

April 26, 2024

Ameyaw Debrah

Stephen Appiah to contest John Dumelo and Lydia Alhassan

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.

People & Lifestyle

Rebecca Osam: A Champion for Women’s Empowerment in Africa

Published

3 hours ago

April 26, 2024

Ameyaw Debrah

In a heartfelt social media post, Rebecca Osam, Managing Director of Reflo Company Limited, Reflo’s TV, and Femme Fatale Productions Limited, has pledged her full commitment to empowering young women.

Rebecca expressed her desire to move beyond mere inspiration and instead build a deeper connection with young women, offering guidance and support to help them achieve their goals.

Her passion for women’s empowerment stems from her experiences growing up in Africa, where she witnessed firsthand the oppression and lack of opportunities faced by women. This drove her to co-found The Florence Mensah Foundation with her mother, aiming to empower African women and girls, and encourage them to recognise their worth, strength, and potential.

Through her foundation and personal endeavors, Rebecca seeks to provide a supportive platform for young women to thrive. She aims to be a relatable figure, offering mentorship and encouragement to help them overcome challenges and achieve success on their own terms.

Rebecca’s dedication to empowering young women proves her leadership and commitment to creating positive change in her community. Her efforts serve as an inspiration to others, highlighting the impact one person can have in driving gender equality and women’s empowerment.

As Rebecca continues her work, her message resonates with young women across Africa: “Anything is possible, and I am here to support and cheer you on every step of the way.”

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People & Lifestyle

Caradise Ghana Car Rental Facilitates Transportation for Global Christian Forum held in Accra

Published

4 hours ago

April 26, 2024

Ameyaw Debrah

Caradise Ghana Car Rental has once again successfully facilitated the transportation of over 240 participants from 60 countries across the globe for the recently ended Global Christian Forum in Accra, Ghana.

Numerous buses hauled the various participants from the Airport to their designated hotels from the 12th to 15th of April, 2024. Participants were then transported from their hotels to the conference grounds daily for the gathering of devoted Christians from the 16th to the 19th of April, 2024.

The forum began with a vibrant, joyful worship service held at Accra Ridge Church. The Rev. Dr. Casely Essamuah welcomed participants to Ghana and to the Fourth Global Gathering, and participants spent the day sharing their faith stories with one another across the litany of differences represented.

The forum was climaxed with a dinner and 25th anniversary celebration at the Action Chapel Internation Church hosted by Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams.

After the forum, the participants took the opportunity to visit the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park and Mausoleum where they learnt about the great Pan-Africanist, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and Ghana’s journey to inpendence.

The participants also spent a day in Cape Coast where they learnt about the millions of enslaved, dehumanised African men, women, and children at the Cape Coast Castle. Witnessing first hand how Africans were forcibly taken captive to the Americas, Caribbean, and Europe as objects of lucrative trade.

People & Lifestyle

DJ Khaled Announces Second Annual We The Best Foundation Golf Classic On June 12 & 13 in Miami Beach !

Published

5 hours ago

April 26, 2024

Ameyaw Debrah

GRAMMY® Award-winning, global megastar DJ Khaled proudly announces the return of his annual WE THE BEST FOUNDATION GOLF CLASSIC for the second year in a row.

For 2024, the mega-popular charity event expands to two days on Wednesday June 12 and Thursday June 13 in Miami, FL. Given the demand by countless superstar artists, A-list athletes, and entertainers to participate, he needed to stretch the proceedings over two days!

Once again, the event will be sponsored by Jordan Brand, and all proceeds support the We The Best Foundationand its numerous efforts to bolster education. Stay tuned for the multitude of exciting confirmed guests, and more.

Khaled created a cultural groundswell and personally appeared on ESPN’s SPORTSCENTER to break the news of the second installment of the WE THE BEST FOUNDATION GOLF CLASSIC today. Watch HERE.

Regarding the return of the WE THE BEST FOUNDATION GOLF CLASSIC, he commented, “Last year, the WE THE BEST FOUNDATION GOLF CLASSIC brought out so many friends and family to make a difference, play some great golf, and have an incredible day for a great cause. This year, we’re going even bigger, and we thank everyone for their continued support. TEE UP AND BLESS UP!”

Last year, the inaugural WE THE BEST FOUNDATION GOLF CLASSIC hosted Serena Williams, pro golfers Michael Block and Bubba Watson, Odell Beckham, JR., Shannon Sharpe, Victor Cruz, Jalen Rose, Terrell Owens, Marcus Jordan, Jeezy, Quavo, The-Dream, Swizz Beatz, Timbaland, Fat Joe, Cedric The Entertainer, Joey Fatone, and more. The foundation raised over $500,000 which benefited the enrichment of children and youth through educational programming, scholarships, and extracurricular activities.

More guests and partners for 2024 will be unveiled soon.