The MTV Staying Alive Foundation & MTV Base recently commissioned top Nigerian photographerKelechi Obi-Amadi to capture the first official images of the Shugacast and director Biyi Bandeleduring a sizzling photoshoot at the Protea Hotel, Ikoyi, Westwood, Lagos. The hot sex-and-relationships drama, currently shooting in Lagos, features a stellar cast including Maria Okanrende (@MariaOkan), Tiwa Savage (@TiwaSavage), Dorcas Shola Fapson(@MsD_Labelle), Okezie Morro (@okeziemorro), Chris Attoh (@ChrisAttoh), Emmanuel Ikubeseand Nick Mutuma (@nickmutuma). Other key cast members include: Sharon Chisom Ezeamaka,James Timini Egbuson, Kachi Nnochiri, Leonora Okine and Olumide Oworu. Further additions to the cast include Ugbeye Owumi, whowill be playing the part of“Bikiya”,Sani Mu’azu, whois cast as deceitful businessman “Solomon”, and Bikiya Graham-Douglas and KC Ejelonu who both play HIV counsellors. Efa Iwara takes on the role of David following the departure ofAdeyemi Okanlawon due to illness. Hip hop artist Don Flexy pops up as an in-house DJ at the “Badoo” club, and even irrepressible MTV Base VJ Ehis Okoeguale gets in on the act, taking time off from presenting “The Official Naija Top 10” to play the part of an MC. Other roles will be played by Silo Emem Bankole (a radio producer) and Charles Ukpong, (Sophie’s disapproving university lecturer). Two more Shuga characters are still to be cast with three guys and three girls competing for a coveted role in the prestigious drama, which airs around the world from 1 December 2013 (World AIDS Day). In the running are 26 year old student Bukky Babalola (Hills and the Valleys, Accident), 27 year oldNnenna Udeh (Tinsel), 21 year old Olatimehim Blessing (Lady Gaga); 26 year old Duke Elvis (The Johnsons, Murder at Prime Suite, The Chief Servant, Time of Our Lives, Man in the Mirror), 28 year old Lekan Olofinji(Man in the Mirror, Her Proposal) and 24 year old Aigbodion Izien (Echoes, Last 3 Digits). To vote for your favourite go to www.shuga.tv; voting runs until midnight on 25 August. Fusing sexual health messaging with gripping storylines, Shuga is part of a powerful 360-degree mass media campaign designed to raise awareness about HIV prevention and teen pregnancy in Nigeria. Key themes covered by the series will include: living with HIV; disclosing your status; getting tested; condom use; gender based violence; gender equality; women’s empowerment; family planning; teen pregnancy; transactional sex; multiple concurrent partners; stigma and discrimination of people living with HIV; and parent/child relationships/communication. Shuga is to be produced by MTV Base and the MTV Staying Alive Foundation in collaboration withNACA; the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation; and UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund). PEPFAR (The US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief) has also expressed a commitment to join forces with the campaign.]]>
Today, Black Stars forward Inaki Williams officially married his longtime girlfriend, Patricia Morales, in a joyful event that took place in Bilbao, Spain.
The couple’s special occasion started with a lovely ceremony at the beautiful Basilica of Begoña at 4 PM.
This was followed by a lavish reception at the renowned Palacio de San Miguel in Sodupe.
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The reception venue is a popular choice among fellow footballers, and it is expected to be a glamorous event with many notable guests in attendance.
In fact, the majority of the Athletic Bilbao team was present to celebrate with their teammate, with the exception of Simón and Vivian who could not make it as they were called up for international duty with Spain.
As an important member of the Bilbao squad, Williams was surrounded by his friends and teammates as he exchanged vows with his beloved partner.
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It was a heartwarming moment to witness. Additionally, Williams’ younger brother, Nico Williams, was given permission to leave the Spanish national team camp to attend the wedding.
The ceremony was a private and intimate affair, with only close friends and family present to share in the couple’s special day.
It was a beautiful celebration of love, and we wish Inaki and Patricia a lifetime of happiness together.
Below are photos from the wedding ceremony. Source: GhanaSoccerNet
On Saturday, August 5, the town of Osu was alive with the vibrant sights and sounds of a special event. This festival, known as the Dade Tutswaa, took place over two exciting days. It’s a meaningful celebration that happens just before the famous Homowo festival in Osu. The Dade Tutswaa Festival is a way for the people of Osu to come together, show their pride, and honor their ancestors. It’s a special time that brings the community closer and sets the stage for the even bigger Homowo celebration.
Background
The Dade Y3l3yeli Shifoo and Asafo Tutswaa, affectionately known as Dade Tutswaa, stands as a vibrant annual festival that resonates deeply within the heart of Osu, one of the seven traditional Ga-Dangme paramountcies in Ghana. This captivating festival is a tribute to both the military prowess of the Osu people and their ancestral deity, Dade, revered for its historical role in ancient warfare.
At its core, the Dade Tutswaa Festival serves as a unifying force, bringing together all four divisions of Osu: Kinkanwe, Ashinte, Alata, and Anorhor Guided by the Kinkanwe Asafo, the festival’s grand procession travels through each division, then final ending at Kinkanwe. This captivating journey meanders through the heart of Osu, paying homage to traditional homes and sites of significant historical importance.
As the procession weaves through the community, the revered flags of Kinkanwe: Antoa and Akonfode lead the way, accompanied by the Asafoiats3m3i (the Asafo captains), traditional leaders and community members. The procession goes into the Osu Castle, which has various traditional elements within that predate the building of the castle. It also visits ancient homes throughout the traditional area of the township. In every division that the procession arrives, the leading men and women offer drinks to the procession, the diety, and the Asafo.
Central to the festival are the captivating displays of musketry and traditional dances, symbolic of the revered Asafo culture of Osu. These dances, uniquely Osu’s, are a testament to the community’s cultural distinctiveness. The traditional colors of the celebration are red and white. On Saturday, the dominant color is red with a touch of white, and on Sunday, the dominant color is white with a touch of red.
Prior to the grand Saturday procession, the Asafo Company sends forth drinks as messengers of celebration to the leading traditional homes. This not only announces the festival’s arrival but also invites these homes to prepare for the Asafo warriors and the revered deity’s visitation. The lead figures of the festival, led by the Nii Shippi Nkpa (the battlefield commander), Dzaase Asafoats3 Nii Tempong Sarpei III (senior captain), alongside Asafoats3 Brenya under the Antoa flag, and Asafoats3 Dzahene under the Akomfode flag, ensure the festival’s seamless celebration.
Setting the stage
With the successful celebration, the commemoration and a testament to its unifying prowess. The festival has not only honored the valiant warriors of yesteryears but has also reinforced the bond that ties the community together. Through its captivating displays, vibrant colors, and deep-rooted traditions, Dade Tutswaa stands as a timeless testament to the resilience and cultural richness of Osu and sets the stage for this year’s Homowo scheduled to take place a few weeks from now.
It was nothing short of enjoyment and display of culture at the 3rd edition of Ghana’s most exciting food and music party, Akple Festival 2023. (more…)
Stonebwoy with Kirk Franklin and Fat Joe at Grammys
Almost as exciting as the 2023 Grammys was the array of festivities that preceded it, hosted and attended by some of the industry’s biggest names. (more…)
The 48th People’s Choice Awards took place in California on Tuesday night, with stars of music, television and fashion turning out for the occasion.
Among those in attendance at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica were Ryan Reynolds, who was honoured with the People’s Icon Award; Lizzo, who received the People’s Champion honour; and Shania Twain, who was named this year’s Music Icon.
Twain wore an attention-grabbing custom look by Rodarte for the occasion, featuring a leopard hood, mesh panelling and black velvet skirt.
See how more photos of the stars on the red carpet.
