Buzz
Ghana votes to not submit a film to the 93rd Academy Awards

The Ghana Committee for The Academy’s International Feature voted to not submit a film to the 93rd Academy Awards.
4 films were submitted to the selection committee but, none of them adequately represented the human spirit of Ghana or it’s culture, while some lacked technical agility and complete adherence to submission rules.
Leila Djansi, who serves as an advisor on the committee said Ghana needs education/training in the art of storytelling.
“The Oscars are not unattainable. And as a committee, we know how to package the Ghanaian to be up on that stage. The network is available. But, the filmmakers need to part of that package. Their storytelling strength needs to be part of that package. Many times we’ve organized workshops to educate but the folks who show up for the workshops do not make up the active filmmakers. There is an ego and personal interest problem within the players, there are delusions of grandeur and the industry will remain dormant and recycle based if that doesn’t change. If Oscars is your goal., it begins from the script.
It’s not an afterthought. So you watch films that have won or made the shortlist from countries similar to yours or within the same economic power. Submitting or submitted films do not count. Anyone can meet submission requirements and submit but until you’re part of the shortlist, it means nothing so gravitate towards films that have been shortlisted or films that have had festival success. Above all, be original, find your soul and tell a story that is living and breathing”.
Lesotho and Sudan submitted films for the first time. With the former submitting “This is not a Burial, It’s a Resurrection, the latter submitted You Will Die at 20.
Sister-filmmaking Nation, Nigeria submitted the Boko Haram inspired “The Milkmaid.” South Africa also submitted Toorbos, a story of a young woman dealing with her own ideals in her marriage.
The shortlisted films from 2020 were:
Czech Republic, “The Painted Bird”
Estonia, “Truth and Justice”
France, “Les Misérables”
Hungary, “Those Who Remained”
North Macedonia, “Honeyland”
Poland, “Corpus Christi”
Russia, “Beanpole”
Senegal, “Atlantics”
South Korea, “Parasite”
Spain, “Pain and Glory”
Acting head of the committee George Bosompem is hopeful that subsequent workshops will see an active brood of filmmakers attending and engaging to give Ghana a chance next year.
Buzz
Africa’s Hottest Pop Newcomer Tyla Celebrates New Single “Been Thinking” At Her 21st Birthday Party In Hollywood

At an exclusive birthday party at The Classic Cat, during 2023 Grammy Week, African superstar singer/songwriter TYLA celebrated the release of her latest single “Been Thinking” with Epic Records. Attendees included British rapper, singer and songwriter Ms. Banks, music producer DJ Blaq Pages and notable media from various media outlets, radio, and brand partners. Tyla made an explosive entrance to the packed house by strutting to the stage for a surprise performance of her latest single “Been Thinking.”
Listen to “Been Thinking” HERE.
Watch the video HERE.
Since its release last Friday, ‘Been Thinking’ was featured on Rolling Stone’s weekly list of Songs You Need To Know as well as OkayAfrica’s list of The Best South African Songs Out Right Now.
(Photo by Natasha Campos/Getty Images for Epic Records)
Epic Records Head of A&R Ezekiel Lewis, Tyla, Chairwoman/CEO Sylvia Rhone
(Photo by Natasha Campos/Getty Images for Epic Records)
Tyla & DJ Blaq Pages
(Photo by Natasha Campos/Getty Images for Epic Records)
Additionally, Tyla has been making waves internationally by fusing Amapiano with pop R&B vocals, earning her critical acclaim from PAPER Magazine, I-D and CLASH.
Her debut single ‘Getting Late’ featuring Kooldrink has amassed over 5.5 worldwide million views. She followed it up with the incredible DJ Lag collaboration ‘Overdue’, which soundtracked the trailer for Netflix’s Blood & Water. Tyla returned with ‘To Last’ in 2022 to great acclaim, earning praise from CLASH and The Independent.
Last year, Tyla turned up on “To Last.” It has tallied nearly 1 million cumulative streams thus far and continues to gain traction at DSPs. Out Now dubbed it “dreamy,” and HITSnoted, “Tyla’s music shimmers with the euphoria of South African amapiano, as she puts her vibrant personality on full display.”
Get ready for more soon!
(Photo by Natasha Campos/Getty Images for Epic Records)
(Photo by Natasha Campos/Getty Images for Epic Records)
ABOUT TYLA
Tyla’s music pushes boundaries. Infused with her vibrant personality, her songs offer an innovative take on pop and R&B, shimmering with the euphoria of South African amapiano, and an otherworldly approach to production that makes every track feel like something totally new. The Johannesburg native introduced herself internationally with her debut “Getting Late” featuring Kooldrink, and “To Last,” her new singles via Epic Records, push her artistry forward and solidify her versatility as she bounds toward her goal. But despite her big dreams, Tyla is doing her best to remain carefree. She never anticipated that “Getting Late” would permeate beyond South Africa, much less reach the U.S., but realized something was happening when people all over the world were making TikToks to the song, eventually resulting in millions of streams. Tyla’s emotionally rich music began when she was just 12, penning songs in her diary, which led to writing and singing more seriously as a high schooler. Ever since, she’s been guided by her intuition, which has her primed to build out her fan base and maximize her reach. She’s focused on the year ahead, performing and crafting her debut studio album, with the same intention from when she began. Signed to Epic Records through a joint venture with Johannesburg/New York-based Fax Records, and co-managed by We Make Music and Africa Creative Agency, Tyla is poised to achieve international dominance with style, soul, and spirit.
Buzz
Check out all the activities for Despite’s 61st birthday celebration

Ghanaian millionaire, Dr. Osei Kwame Despite is celebrating his 61st birthday today, February 2nd. (more…)
Buzz
Abeiku Santana’s singing at Despite’s birthday celebration sets Twitter ablaze

Although it is the birthday of one of the richest men in Ghana, Dr. Osei Kwame Despite, Radio and TV personality, Abeiku Santana has taken the spotlight. (more…)
Buzz
30-year-old Eunice Dwumfour shot and killed outside her home in New Jersey

New Jersey Councilwoman Eunice Dwumfour has been found shot and killed outside her home Wednesday night, according to reports. (more…)
Buzz
Sarkodie posts funny meme to express actions he’ll take concerning the many controversies surrounding him

Award-winning rapper, Sarkodie has responded to all the criticism he has faced ever since his feature on Bob Marley & The Wailer’s classic, “Stir It Up” was released. (more…)
- Buzz1 week ago
Juliet Bawuah resigns from Media General
- Buzz17 hours ago
30-year-old Eunice Dwumfour shot and killed outside her home in New Jersey
- World News3 days ago
R. Kelly sex-abuse charges dropped by Chicago prosecutor
- Buzz6 days ago
A tearful Jessica Opare Saforo finally reveals real reason why she quit her job at Citi FM
- Buzz4 days ago
Watch: Ibrahim Mahama pulled out all the stops for his 52nd birthday celebration
- Buzz6 days ago
Working in the media in Ghana took the best parts of my life-Jessica Opare Saforo
- Buzz2 days ago
“It was their job”-Stonebwoy blames Jubilee House security for Meek Mill video brouhaha
- Buzz3 days ago
Bob Marley’s family has desecrated his legacy by featuring Sarkodie- Blakk Rasta
- Buzz1 week ago
From The Hennessy Mansion To A High Profile NBA Game: M.anifest’s Trip to Paris
- Buzz2 days ago
Afia Schwar banned from engaging in social media beefs, insults, and attacks for 2years
- People & Lifestyle2 days ago
The Pelican Hotel in Accra is Aleph Hospitality’s first property in Ghana
- Buzz1 week ago
Stonebwoy stirs up Jamaican audience with a stellar performance at the Rebel Salute Concert