Connect with us

People & Lifestyle

From working with Michael Jackson, David Bowie and more…the life of Ghanaian instrumentalist Nii Afla Sackey

Published

on

IMG 20200306 WA0034 1

With over 27 years of music experience and working with the likes of the late Michael Jackson, David Bowie, Ginger Baker and other celebrated figures in the music world. Nii Afla Sackey better known as Afla is described as a gingered up self driven Ghanaian performing artist, producer, dancer, an impeccable drummer / instrumentalist filled with fervor to breath a new life of value and relevance through African sounds.

• Early Life

Born and raised in Accra – Ghana to the late Ransford Sackey & Harriet Nelson on 27th October. Afla lived most of his life as a child with his mum and sister at Korle-Gonno/Mamprobi.

He had his basic education at Korle Gonno Methodist School, continued at Ebenezer Secondary School in Accra. Later, he traveled to the UK to do his degree and masters in music at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Life as a child for him was filled with ups and down but he remains grateful for every step in the way. Because it has shaped him to be the person he is today.

Advertisement

• Music Career

His stage name Afla is a traditional name given to every first grandson in the family in the Ga community. He launched his career as an artist during his childhood days at Korle Gonno Methodist School when a destiny helper / teacher discovered his ability to play drums dexterously. The teacher recruited him to be part of his professional drumming and dancing group. This sparked his interest in drumming, dancing and later music.

He is associated with Afro fusion, Afro funk, Afro beat and Afro jazz. The icing on the cake is, he has added hip life to his music catalogue. With 2 albums and several singles, Afla has solidified his stand as a Ghanaian living abroad, making praiseworthy impact with African sounds. He is one of the best selling afrobeats artist in UK spreading African sounds across the globe to effect great impact.

Respectively, he has performed to a whole sea of crowd at different venues in Western world. Aside that, he has a strong orchestra that vibrates on stage whenever they perform. This has led to so many successful music collaborations with many musicians. The drum specialist looks forward in collaborating with Shatta Wale, Samini, Kwame Eugene, Stonebwoy, Manifest and a host of other talented acts because of his love for their sounds.

It’s important to note that, he fathoms music in a dynamic manner therefore he produces his own music. He recently started working with a producer called Raz Olsher in the UK. Truth be told, he can’t wait to work with renowned producers like Possi Gee, MOG Beats, Chensee Beats, Fortune Dane, etc.

Advertisement

• Uniqueness

Best known for his own unique blend of sounds, he expresses his thoughts, ideas and inspirations through drumming. Just by the sound of his drum, you’ll know Afla is on fire. Away from that, he uses sounds to connect people from different walks of life under one umbrella.

• Challenges

Nobody is exempted from enjoying his or fair share of lives challenges. Touring for a long period of time and not seeing his family for a while is one of his greatest challenge. Also, moving from one music venue to the other without enough sleep to him is a herculean task sometimes.

Yet, since music is his chosen field he got no excuses to make. Managing a whole bunch of musicians all by himself is equally a major challenge. Life has been quite challenging but it taught him how to hustle and work hard. As an artist, challenges has helped develop his intellect and enhanced his career.

Advertisement

• Upcoming Projects

He has been working on his forthcoming album titled ‘Destination’ which will be released soon in April. Away from that, he has 2 interesting collaborative music albums that will be released later this year. Finally, he’s also preparing to shoot his second video for his second single ‘Lets Party’.

• Greatest Achievement

Been able to keep his band actively running for 13 years is his biggest achievement.

• Inspiration

Advertisement

Working with the younger generation in music inspires the creative genius in him.

• Legacy

Building a foundation that will help the less fortunate younger generation to gain knowledge in any field of their choice academically that will help shape their future.

• Advise To Upcoming Acts

His advise to upcoming acts and youths in general is, they should dream big, believe in it, work hard towards it with the attitude of not giving up no matter what happens along the way and it will definitely yield great results with time. Also, they must always put hard work and focus in whatever endeavour they embark on.

Advertisement

And be very honest in the way they relate to people they deal with along the way and that will open so many doors for them as everyone loves to work with a trustworthy and hard working person.

Connect with him on;

Facebook: Afla Sackey

Instagram: AflaSackey1

YouTube Channel: Afla Sackey

Advertisement

Written by: John Claude Tamakloe.

Advertisement

People & Lifestyle

Celebrating 25 Years: Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s Reign

Published

on

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.

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.

Advertisement

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.

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.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

People & Lifestyle

Mr. Beast in Ghana: Surprising Visit Sparks Excitement

Published

on

Mr. Beast

World-renowned YouTuber Mr. Beast, known for his philanthropic acts, has been spotted in Ghana, specifically in Accra and Tema, sparking excitement among locals.

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.

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.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

People & Lifestyle

Stephen Appiah to contest John Dumelo and Lydia Alhassan in MP race for Ayawaso West Wuogon

Published

on

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.

Advertisement

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).

Advertisement

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.

Continue Reading

People & Lifestyle

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

Published

on

IMG 20240426 WA0091



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.”

img 20240426 wa00917316400868815534883 3
Continue Reading

People & Lifestyle

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

Published

on

1 2

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.

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2

 

Continue Reading

People & Lifestyle

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

Published

on

unnamed 3

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.

Continue Reading

Trending