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I’d like to see more films that speak to mental health challenges in young people – Naa Ashorkor
I’d like to see more films that speak to mental health challenges in young people – Naa Ashorkor
Ghanaian actress and media personality Naa Ashorkor fell in love with Enyonam, her character in Akwaaba Magic’s drama series To Have and to Hold, the moment she heard about her.
She was also drawn in by the special bond between her character and her two friends – Akosua (Lydia Forson) and Kuukua (Zynnel Zuh) – because it dispelled society’s narrative of pitting women against each other. Instead To Have and To Hold highlights the female experience in Ghana, and gives voice to very important issues that are “difficult to have and even more difficult to admit” as Ashorkor puts it.
She admits that she’d like to see more of such stories on Ghanaian TV, especially the ones that speak on mental health among young people. “It’s an uncomfortable topic, but it’s a real challenge many young adults are battling with now,” she says.
In the interview below, Ashorkor also talks more about her character, what it means to feature in one of the most-watched shows on Showmax in Ghana, the highlight of her 13-years acting career and more.
What did you think of Enyonam when you first heard about this role?
I fell in love with Enyonam from day one mostly because of her commitment to her husband, irrespective of the challenges they had. She had rich friends, she knew what a “good life” looked like, yet she stayed true to love – until he let her down of course.
I also loved the sisterhood the girls share. There are many narratives in the media these days pitting girls against each other. It’s pretty cool to see a story where girls show up for each other and have each other’s back.
Do you have friends like Akosua and Kuukua in real life?
Yes. As a child, I remember having so many aunties who weren’t related to my mother. Those were her girls, who stuck by her at all times. I learnt the importance of these bonds very early in life, so yes, I have friends like Akosua and Kuukua in real life.
To Have and To Hold is one of the most-watched shows on Showmax in Ghana. How does this make you feel?
Amazing, feels good to be part of the winning team. We put in a lot to make this project successful. We worked hard on this project! I am happy Ghanaians love it.
The show highlights the female experience in the modern world by tackling important issues such as surrogacy, physical abuse and sexual harassment. How does it feel to be part of it?
Shows like THTH mirror society. The stories are a reflection of the realities of many women in our society. Some of these conversations are difficult to have, and even more difficult to admit. It feels good to be a part of this show because it tackles the “hard stuff”.
What stories would you like to see told more on Ghanaian TV?
I’d like to see more films that speak to mental health challenges in young people. It’s an uncomfortable topic, but it’s a real challenge many young adults are battling with now.
Were there any instances where you saw yourself in Enyonam’s experiences?
Yes! She’s an amazing friend and I’d like to think of myself as one.
Enyonam has been so unlucky in relationships. Where would you want to see her story go in season two? Would you want her and Nii (Adjetey Anang) to get back together?
Yessssss. Nii is the love of her life and everyone deserves real love. Love conquers all – or it should. Also, Nii is a good man. I’m hoping they come back together.
How was it acting alongside Adjetey Anang?
Adjetey is every actor’s dream co-star. I always enjoy working with him. He’s very professional. Our scenes together were very easy and exciting.
How about sharing the screen again with Lydia Forson?
I love Lydia with all my heart. It’s always a real delight to work with her. Sometimes, we forgot we were acting!
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learnt from your character in Season 1?
Good people make mistakes too and that does not make them bad. When Enyonam fell for another man (Steve played by Prince David Osei), it broke my heart. But I guess that’s a lesson worth learning: no one is perfect.
You’ve been acting for 13 years, which role would you say has been the highlight of your acting career?
Playing Akasi in the film The Perfect Picture. It gave birth to my career in acting. It was my first major role and so many years later, I’d say it’s the major reference point for most people who write about my acting.
Binge all 26 episodes of To Have and To Hold S1 on Showmax.
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From Good Deeds to Grooves: Mr. Drew’s Seleey Concert Lights Up Mallam
The third edition of Mr Drew’s annual event dubbed Seleey Concert was held last Saturday 25th November, 2023 at the Kokroko Station in Mallam.
The musical concert, which was put together by Big Lala Entertainment Ltd, attracted several thousands of avid music lovers from far and near Mallam-Gbawe.
Fameye, Bisa KDei, Kofi Mole, Lasmid, Sefa, Keche, Fancy Gadam, Olivetheboy, Krymi, Quamina MP, Kelvynboy and J Derobie were among the many artistes who graced the massive stage with never to be forgotten live performances at the concert, dropping back to back hits which kept the teeming crowd entertained. There were also eclectic dance performances by Incredible Zigi and his Afro Zig crew, the iTwinz and other notable dance groups.
The man of the night, Mr Drew, also mounted the stage to give live renditions of his hit songs backed by the band masters and crowned it with an amazing delivery of his 2023 hit song Case with the help of the featured artiste; Mophty Legacy, which charged up the crowd for a great ending.
On Friday 24th November, prior to the main event, Mr. Drew donated to the New Gbawe Cluster of Public Schools as a social responsibility to give back to the society that raised him. Items donated include; bowls and spoons to aid in the school feeding programme, whiteboard markers, board cleaners, exercise books and stationery. Refreshment was provided by ‘Yah!’ ice cream to over 1000 pupils. Boxes of Indomie noodles from Indomie Ghana were also donated to the school.
A football match between the youth of Mallam and the Gbawe youth Alliance was played at the start of Saturday as part of the activities preceding the main event to foster unity amongst the youth and people of those communities.
Video games were set up by the Canvic Records Esports teams, where young enthusiastic players took turns to battle each other for video game supremacy. Other physical games were also available including snooker, table tennis and foosball.
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Yhaw Hero hits the ground running with debut EP “Yours Faithfully”
After garnering so much attention and buzz, Ghanaian artist, Yhaw Hero has finally released his debut EP “Yours Faithfully”. The project is an open letter from the rapper to his fans, as he gives them more insight into his life and his thought process.
Before the EP dropped, fans got served ‘Bra Fie’ and ‘11 Six’. ‘Bra Fie’ was a song of assurance from Yhaw to his mom–who hadn’t seen her son in a while, that he would return once he’s made it on the streets. ‘11 Six’ on the other hand, is a song that delves into the struggles of the youth and the bad leadership that plagues our political space. It’s a song that serves as an advocacy and even a protest of the status quo.
The EP has seven songs and one feature from Nigerian star, Jeriq. It shines nonetheless, thanks to its nifty writing and production. “Yours Faithfully” has been gradually climbing the charts since its release with fans and critics already giving it a positive reception.
Yhaw Hero’s “Yours Faithfully” EP is available on all digital streaming platforms globally here: https://azuri.lnk.to/
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Twitter/X: @yhawhero__
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BOOMPLAY RECAP 2023: BLACK SHERIF, SARKODIE, WENDY SHAY, DIANA HAMILTON & MORE ARE TOP ARTISTS
From the captivating music releases in the year accompanied with trending sounds and viral dance challenges to the rave exploits of Ghanaian artists, 2023 has been another great year for Ghanaian music.
As the year draws to its end, Africa’s premier music streaming and download platform, Boomplay, unveils its yearly report of music consumption on the platform that reflects music streaming data of local music scenes. Tagged #BoomplayRecap2023 to signify the year under review, the report is segmented into three to focus on country, artist and user insights of 2023.
The streaming platform recorded an increase in its catalogue to 120 million songs with over 10 million plus artists and 7500 plus content providers in the year under review. The most popular music genres on Boomplay in 2023 include Afrofusion, Afrobeats, Amapiano, Gospel, Gengentone and HipHop & Rap.
According to the Boomplay Recap 2023 for Ghana, these are some of the categories of top artists and most streamed songs of 2023:
Top Male Artist
1. Black Sherif
2. Sarkodie
3. Stonebwoy
Top Female Artist
1. Wendy Shay
2. Diana Hamilton
3. Gyakie
Top Rising Artist
Banzy Banero
OlivetheBoy
Skyface SDW
Most Streamed Songs
1. Country Side – Sarkodie ft. Black Sherif
2. Konongo Zongo – Black Sherif
3. Oh Paradise – Black Sherif
Most Streamed Albums
1. The Villain I Never Was – Black Sherif
2. Jamz – Sarkodie
3. 5th Dimension – Stonebwoy
View the complete Boomplay Recap 2023 for Ghana and other countries list here: https://www.boomplay.com/RecapPr2023/
Also, one can find Boomplay Recap 2023 lists for all key African countries on the Boomplay app including specially curated playlists of all categories, genres and artists. Boomplay Recap for Artists 2023 and your unique My Boomplay Recap 2023 (Recap for Users) coming soon.
About Boomplay
Boomplay is an Africa-focused music streaming and download service which houses millions of songs, videos, and entertainment news. Boomplay users can stream their favourite songs for free and subscribe to access premium features such as ad-free streaming and saving music for offline play. Boomplay currently has over 90 million monthly active users (MAU) with a rich catalogue of over 120 million songs from around the world. The service is available globally on mobile through the Google Play Store for Android, App Store for iOS and on the web via www.boomplay.com. The company has regional offices in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and Tanzania.
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I Will Soon Release A Campaign For Bawumia – Diana Asamoah
Contemporary Ghanaian Gospel singer/songwriter, Diana Asamoah has hinted at releasing a campaign song for the newly elected Flagbearer of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Mahamudu Bawumia. (more…)
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I Was Once A Pupil Teacher – Diana Asamoah Reveals
Ghanaian gospel music sensation, Diana Asamoah, has revealed that she was once a pupils teacher before venturing into music. (more…)
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