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Hot &FAB: Chris Attoh and Leonora Okine in MTV Shuga Promo Shots
The MTV Staying Alive Foundation & MTV Base recently commissioned top Nigerian photographerKelechi Obi-Amadi to capture the first official images of the Shuga cast 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.]]>
People & Lifestyle
In Photos: How Osu celebrated ‘Dade Tutswaa’
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.
People & Lifestyle
Photos and details from Otumfuor’s 73rd Birthday in Mayfair, London
Otumfuo Nana Osei Tutu II and his entourage had everything figured out after the King Charles Coronation on Saturday 6th May, 2023. (more…)
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Show-Stopping performances and more at Akple Festival 2023
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…)
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PHOTOS: Here are all the stars Stonebwoy met at Grammy Weekend
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…)
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Photos: Red carpet fashion from the 2022 People’s Choice Awards
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.
Photos
Ijekimora activates new single “Fire” with intimate concert in Accra at Tunnel Lounge – SEE PHOTOS
Ijekimora – The Nigerian Afrobeats Singer has activated her new single “Fire” in Ghana with an intimate concert held on Friday, November 25, 2022.
“Fire”, her latest single which features South African Heavyweight, Busiswa, had a first time performance before audience at the plush restaurant located at Airport Residential Area, same premises as Silver Fox Ghana.
The night saw Ijekimora serenading audience to not just her latest single “Fire” but as well as her previously released songs “Sexy Papa”, Temptation” and “Stand By Me” (which featured Seyi Vibez). The night was also used to highlight her upcoming EP titled “Kimorality”.
The gig was steered by her Management as part of plans to fully activate her here in Ghana and the West African Region. Ijekimora is a Nigerian by birth but stayed in Dallas, USA, for a long time before relocating to Nigeria to pursue her music career. The Singer who has a soft spot for Ghana says she sees Ghana as her second home. Ever since she decided to go mainstream, she always does a Media Tour in Ghana prior to her releases.
Stream “Fire” here on Digital Stores: https://azuri.lnk.to/Fire
Listen on Audiomack: https://audiomack.com/ijekimora/song/fire
Watch “Fire” Official Video featuring Busiswa: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdIKUm9dlks
Below are some exclusive images from her activation concert at Tunnel Lounge:
Connect with Ijekimora on social media via her handles below:
Facebook – Ijekimora
Instagram – @ijekimora
Twitter – @ijekimora
Snapchat – @ijekimora
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