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Photos: Okyeame Kwame walks on water as he launches digital channel
The man of symbolism, Okyeame Kwame, decided to walk on water when her performed during the launch of his set of digital interactive platforms last Friday. The digital platforms would allow him to take his music directly to his fans and get up close and personal with them. The move would see all his social media accounts being merged to offer a unique end user experience. As a musician, more importantly is the fact that it shows friends of Okyeame Kwame where they can get all his music and videos; www.mtnplay.com.gh. At his launch at the African Regent Hotel, Okyeame Kwame said :“There are some issues in the music industry which causes musicians to lose a lot of revenue. One such worrying issue is distribution. I say this because the existing distribution channels in the country does not create a platform for the music to find its patrons.” It is rather the patrons who must find the music. This causes loss of Revenue to the musician. Even if patrons find music in traffic, it is difficult to choose because the retailers have a few CD’s in hand. There’s also the skepticism of the CD not playing once bought in traffic. It is also difficult to transfer the music to the phones that most people use to listen to music. Solution: 1. Technology has tried to solve this problem through internet platforms like iTunes, Amazon and many others. But we know the problems that made it cumbersome in Ghana; i. Internet fraud has made it difficult to buy in West Africa ii. Also the availability of VISA Debit and Credit cards are a problem and African Artistes are drowned on such sites. It became increasingly important to find a platform that gave prominence to African Artistes and also makes payment easy on buyers and shows transparency and also ensures continuity for African Musicians. And mtnplay.com.gh was introduced to me. MTNPLAY has come up with brilliant solutions to make the artistes and patrons feel at home on this platform. 1. The difference between mtnplay and the other platforms are that you can download to your phone, PC, Tab, iPad or whatever device you have and it is very user friendly “I am delighted about this,” Kwame says. “We want to reach out to the many more people who would want to see and hear from us on daily basis.” Creating this platform in the most centralized form, which can at a click reach millions of people, only affirms how serious Okyeame Kwame takes the average fan which he calls ‘friend’,” he adds. “This is to allow us to fully embrace the digitization of the craft we are involved in, and see ways of sustaining the interest. So far, with what we’ve done in the past, and with what we have launched today, I am convinced we are doing something right.” At a ceremony to officially announce the service at the African Regent Hotel, Kwame also officially announced that his latest single – ‘Try’ (Another Time), which features Nigerian musician J Martins, is available for download from the mtn.play.com.gh. The video for the song he announced will be released in the coming weeks. One of Ghana’s finest musicians, with an incredible street credibility and following, Okyeame Kwame has lived through the many phases of the Ghana music industry, and has morphed into a fine act over the years. His embracing of what is acceptable best practice in the world of music is testament of just how serious he takes his craft. ]]>
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…)
People & Lifestyle
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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