Category Archives: Showbiz

News, Showbiz

Yaa Pono loses dad On Christmas Day

Leave a comment

Renowned Ghanaian Rapper, Solomon Adu Antwi, professionally known as Yaa Pono has lost his dad.

The festive celebrations took an unexpected turn for the ‘Obia Wo Ne Master’ hitmaker and his family on Xmas day as he announced the death of his father, Mr Adu Antwi via an X (Formally twitter) post today, December 28, 2023.

”Really hard 4 uptown losing my Dad on a Christmas Day .Jah guide you on your journey,,,Mr Adu Antwi ..,” he wrote.

It will be recalled that the popular crooner, in an interview on Angel FM in 2022 stated that his father has been instrumental in his rise to fame, without whom he could not have achieved the feat. Yaa Pono averred that his father broke his back to become the responsible man he has been over the years as a parent.

“My father is everything to me, and he has bestowed everything he has on me. He picked me up and drove me to where I am now, for which I am grateful.”

The rap icon thus released the song “Yegya” from the “Sovran” album to express gratitude to his father for all that he has done for him saying “if I were my dad, I wouldn’t have survived”.

By: Afia Owusu/myxyzonline.com//Ghana

Showbiz

Former PA Sues Vin Diesel For Assault, Actor Denies Charges

Leave a comment

US actor Vin Diesel’s former personal assistant is suing the Fast & Furious star, accusing him of sexual assault during the 2010 filming of Fast Five.

A lawyer for the actor, real name Mark Sinclair, said his client “denies this claim in its entirety”.

Asta Jonasson claims in the lawsuit that the actor pinned her to a wall as he performed a sex act on himself.

She is further suing for wrongful termination, claiming his company fired her hours after the alleged attack.

Ms Jonasson’s lawsuit, which was filed in Los Angeles on Thursday, alleges that the sexual battery took place in Atlanta’s St Regis hotel during the filming of Fast Five.

She says in the lawsuit that Mr Sinclair, 56, physically overpowered her in his hotel suite and “ignored Ms Jonasson’s clear statements of non-consent” as he groped her.

The lawsuit alleges that after she “screamed and ran towards the nearby bathroom”, the film star “pinned her against the wall with his body” and performed a sex act on himself.

“Mere hours” after the incident, the lawsuit says that she was contacted by the actor’s sister Samantha Vincent – who runs his production company One Race Films – and was fired.

She is also suing the actor’s sister and his production company.

Ms Vincent did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

It adds: “Ms Jonasson felt helpless, her self esteem was demolished, and she questioned her own skills and whether a successful career would require her to trade her body for advancement.”

The former assistant also claims that another executive from the company propositioned her in the same hotel a few days before the incident with Mr Sinclair.

In addition to sexual battery, her lawsuit includes claims of gender discrimination, illegal retaliation, emotional distress and wrongful termination.

Bryan Freedman, a lawyer for Mr Sinclair, said in a written statement to CNN on Thursday: “Vin Diesel categorically denies this claim in its entirety.

A lawyer for Ms Jonasson said in a statement to BBC News that her client “seeks to hold Vin Diesel and those who allowed and covered up his sexual assault accountable for their egregious actions”.

In addition to the Fast & Furious franchise, Vin Diesel is known for films including Guardians of the Galaxy, XXX and Riddick.

Mr Sinclair is also a producer for the Fast & Furious series and is one of the highest grossing actors in Hollywood.

 

Source : BBC

News, Showbiz

Play Ghana songs always – Akufo-Addo’s daughter to radio stations, DJs and nightclubs

Leave a comment

The Executive Secretary of the Creative Arts Agency, Gyankroma Akufo-Addo, has called on various media organizations, Disk Jockey (DJs) and owners of nightclubs in the country to prioritise local songs during their shows.

According to the daughter of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the Play Ghana initiative seeks to ensure that songs by Ghanaian artistes are played most of the time in the media and various nightclubs to help improve the visibility of locally produced songs.

She indicated that her outfit is putting measures in place to ensure that the local content law is amended to enable the enforcement of the Play Ghana Songs initiative.

“So the Play Ghana initiative is not an initiative just for Christmas. Coincidentally, it has come around the Christmas season, as obviously, this is the biggest season for our creators. We are pushing to play Ghana songs forever. It is not something that is just stagnant and is something that is just going to be a gimmick. We are here to play Ghanaian music forever,” she said during the minister’s press briefing held at the Ministry of Information.

She further added, “We are asking every single radio station, DJ, nightclub owner, and nightclub promoter to play Ghana music first. So this is not something that is just an initiative that will be pushed every Christmas. It is something that we are starting for Christmas and we are hoping to lead, to be able to change and amend the local content law.”

Ghanaian artistes have been fuming about the lack of support and promotion of their songs which impedes their success.

Showbiz

Actor Andre Braugher dies aged 61.

Leave a comment

Andre Braugher, the star of Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Homicide: Life on the Street has died aged 61 following a brief illness.

Braugher often portrayed a police officer during his career, performing both in dramatic and comedic roles.

He won two Emmy Awards, from a total 11 nominations across his career, for his roles in Homicide and Thief.

Terry Crews, who played Terry Jeffords in Brooklyn Nine-Nine, paid tribute to Braugher’s “irreplaceable talent”.

“I’m honoured to have known you, laughed with you, worked with you and shared eight glorious years watching your irreplaceable talent,” Crews posted on Instagram.

“This hurts. You left us too soon. You taught me so much. I will be forever grateful for the experience of knowing you. Thank you for your wisdom, your advice, your kindness and your friendship.

“You showed me what a life well lived looks like.”

Born in Chicago, Braugher graduated from Stanford University before attending The Juilliard School for drama.

He was nominated for 11 Emmy Awards – including four for his role as Captain Raymond Holt in Brooklyn Nine-Nine.

He won in 1998 for his role in Homicide: Life on the Street, and in 2006 for his performance in Thief, in which he played the leader of a heist crew.

Braugher’s breakthrough came in the 1989 film Glory, where he played a soldier in a black Union regiment in the American civil war.

Directed by Ed Zwick, the film also starred Matthew Broderick, Morgan Freeman and Denzel Washington – who won his first Academy Award for his supporting role in the film.

Braugher’s television career flourished playing detective Frank Pembleton in the gritty Baltimore police show Homicide: Life on the Street, for which he won an Emmy Award in 1998.

He most recently starred in She Said, the biographical drama which sees Carey Mulligan and Zoe Kazan play the investigative journalists who broke the Harvey Weinstein story.

He played Dean Baquet, the New York Times executive editor who oversaw the two reporters.

The actor’s other film credits include Primal Fear, which saw him star opposite Richard Gere, Salt, with Angelina Jolie, and City of Angels, alongside Meg Ryan and Nicolas Cage.

But many will remember him best for his role as Captain Ray Holt in Brooklyn Nine-Nine, which saw Braugher star alongside Andy Samberg, Stephanie Beatriz, Joe Lo Truglio and Melissa Fumero, playing New York police officers in Brooklyn’s fictional 99th Precinct.

David Simon, whose non-fiction book Homicide: A Year on the Killing Streets inspired the show Homocide: Life on the Street, said Braugher’s death was “too damn soon”.

“I’ve worked with a lot of wonderful actors. I’ll never work with one better,” Simon, who also created The Wire, said on Twitter.

Actor Marc Evan Jackson, who played Braugher’s on-screen husband in Brooklyn Nine-Nine, shared a picture of the pair hugging while on set, wearing their wedding rings.

Joe Lo Truglio, who played Detective Charles Boyle on Brooklyn Nine-Nine, posted on Instagram about being on set with Braugher.

He wrote: “What you probably don’t know is that Andre could sing too, and did often at lunch, belting bassy vocals from his dressing room to whatever new music he found. At first, it was odd but then very quickly it made all the sense in the world because the man was so full of song and that’s why the world took notice.”

Chelsea Peretti who starred alongside Truglio as Gina Linetti in the show, said that she was “forever lucky to have gone on such a journey” with Braugher.

Ryan Case, who directed the US sitcom, posted a thread of her favourite memories of Braugher on X, writing: “My ‘challenge’ editing him in the Brooklyn pilot was finding takes where he wasn’t smiling. We wanted to save that for the end. He was like a giddy school child doing his first comedy and it was so wonderful.”

“If there weren’t men like Andre in this business I probably would’ve quit it a long time ago. The world is worse without him,” she added.

Dirk Blocker, another co-star, known for his role as Michael Hitchcock, said: “Fiercely intelligent, remarkably kind, supportive, generous and possessed a deep and extraordinary talent, and had even more to offer. I am devastated. I love him. The nine years I was able to work with him and to just be in his presence was truly a blessing.”

Viola Davis, who worked with Braugher for a live staging of Good Times, wrote on Instagram: “Heart-breaking. You went way too soon. I loved every minute of working with you.”

Speaking to BBC News earlier this year, Homicide writer and producer Tom Fontana praised Braugher’s screen presence, charisma and energy.

“I had never seen an actor like that on television,” said Fontana. “His rhythms were so unique.”

Braugher’s other notable credits include Benjamin O Davis in Tuskegee Airmen, Dr Ben Gideon in Gideon’s Crossing – which won him a Golden Globe nomination – and Owen in Men Of A Certain Age, all roles which won him Emmy Award nominations.

Mike Royce, who co-created Men Of A Certain Age, said on Twitter: “This is impossible for me to process. He was best actor in the world. An incredible human being. An incomprehensible loss.”

According to the Hollywood Reporter, he had been cast as the male lead in a Netflix-backed murder-mystery The Residence, set at the White House.

Braugher died on Monday after a brief illness, his publicist Jennifer Allen told the PA news agency.

He is survived by his wife, actress Ami Brabson, who he met on the set of Homicide, and his three sons.

 

 

Source : BBC

Showbiz

Cardi B reveals she has split with husband Offset

Leave a comment

Cardi B is hoping for “a new beginning” after splitting from her husband Offset, the rapper has revealed.

Addressing fans in an Instagram Live clip shared by a pop culture account, The Bongos rapper confessed: “I’ve been single for a minute now… I want to start 2024 fresh.”

It means the couple may be calling time on their five-year marriage.

Migos rapper Offset has not yet publicly commented on the split with his wife.

Speaking to her followers on Sunday night, Cardi B said: “I don’t know if you guys have been getting clues from me, from my lives or from my stories when I put certain music or find my unfollowings…

“I’ve been single for a minute now… I just don’t know how to tell the world.”

The Bodak Yellow rapper added: “I want to start 2024 fresh, open. I don’t know, I’m curious for a new life, new beginning.

“Yeah I’m excited.”

The announcement follows a denial from Offset after rapper Blueface accused him of having an affair with his ex-partner.

“I ain’t never talk or touch that lady,” Offset tweeted.

The split also follows reports the couple unfollowed each other on Instagram last week.

Cardi B and Offset, whose legal names are Belcalis and Kiari Cephus, have had a turbulent relationship since marrying in 2017.

Both Cardi B and Offset confirmed they had separated in December 2018, before reuniting.

Later in September 2020, it was reported Cardi B had filed for divorce, before calling it off after getting back with her husband.

The couple share daughter Kulture, aged six, and son Wave, aged two.

 

 

Source : BBC

Showbiz

‘Loliwe’ hit-maker Zahara dies aged 35.

Leave a comment

Award-winning South African Afro-pop singer Bulelwa Mkutukana, popularly known as Zahara, has died, the country’s culture minister announced.

She had been in hospital, reportedly with liver complications, and the government had been assisting the family “for some time”, Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Zizi Kodwa said.

The songstress won fame in 2011 with her album Loliwe, loved across Africa.

In 2019, Zahara opened about up her battle with alcohol addiction.

Last month, the family confirmed she had been admitted to hospital and called on South Africans to keep the musician in their prayers.

She passed away on Monday night in a Johannesburg hospital, state-run SABC news website reports.

While her family is yet to release an official statement, fans have been grieving and sharing fond memories on social media.

“Zahara and her guitar made an incredible and lasting impact in South African music,” Mr Kodwa posted on X (formerly Twitter).

“She left us with such beautiful music,” one X user posted.

Zahara, who released five albums, won dozens of awards both local and international. In 2020, she was named in the BBC’s 100 Women list.

The songwriter also used her platform to speak out about violence against women in South Africa, something she revealed had happened to her.

In an interview with a local radio last year, Zahara said her music was not for recognition but to bring comfort to broken souls that need healing.

 

Source : BBC

News, Showbiz

A naked woman crossed his path – Edem’s management speaks on fatal accident, says rapper is fine

Leave a comment

The management of Edem has given its account of how the rapper was involved in a road accident, an incident which according to reports, has resulted in the death of a woman.

A statement issued by George Wiredu Duah, Head of Brands, Public Relations, and Corporate for VRMG, indicated that Edem escaped death when an unidentified woman unexpectedly crossed his path.

“On Sunday, 10th of December, the musician after his appearance on United Television had an accident on the George Walker Bush Highway, where a ‘naked’ woman crossed his path out of nowhere,” the statement read.

“Edem’s car turned upside down after the impact but the artiste is very fine. Edem is currently complying with the police service for due process as the case is still under investigation,” it added.

The statement further mentioned that Edem had guaranteed his readiness to aid in investigations whenever necessary.

“Edem has assured his availability to assist investigations when need be,” it said.

Edem in court

Earlier, Graphic.com.gh reported that Edem appeared before the Kaneshie District Court, on Monday, December 11, 2023, on charges related to an accident leading to the death of an identified woman.

According to the report, Edem was driving an unregistered Honda Touring vehicle at the time of the incident.

Edem was charged with two counts: careless and inconsiderate driving, and negligently causing harm.

During the court proceedings presided over by Nana Abena Asor Owusu Amenyo, the rapper did not enter a plea.

However, he was granted bail in the amount of GH¢50,000 with two sureties.

The court has scheduled his next appearance for February 15, 2024.

Source: Ghanaweb

News, Showbiz

Kikibee’s murder case: Girlfriend granted GH₵200,000 bail

Leave a comment

An Accra High Court has granted GH₵200,000 bail with one surety to the alleged girlfriend of Benett Agyekum Adomah alias Kikibee.

Mam Yandey Joof, a hotelier, filed for bail pending trial at the High Court (Criminal Court 5).  Joof is facing a charge of murder following the death of her boyfriend, Kikibee, the owner of Kikibee restaurant.

Kikibee is said to have behaved strangely in Joof’s apartment.  She and a friend rushed him to the hospital, but he (Kikibee) allegedly died shortly.
Joof, who has been appearing before a Madina District Court, has had her plea reserved.

Mr Muniru Kassim, in a plea for bail pending trial, told the court that after receiving the autopsy report, the charges against his client had no bearing on the facts presented.

Mr. Kassim said the deceased, according to the postmortem report, died of “severe fall due to alcohol ingestion.”  According to him, Joof had a fixed address, worked at a hotel, and had people of sufficient means to stand surety when bail was granted.

Mr Kassim admitted that Joof was in an amorous relationship with the deceased before his sudden death.

According to the defense counsel, three months before the incident that resulted in Kikibee’s death, he (Kikibee) left the country and returned on October 7, 2023.  He said around midnight, the same day, the deceased visited Joof’s apartment at East Legon.

The defence counsel said about 0130 hours, Kikibee began hallucinating and said that “some people were after him.”

He said that Kikibee broke some items in the apartment and made so much commotion that the occupants were awoken.

Joof then went downstairs and asked a friend of the deceased to assist her with the matter.

“It was at this point that when the applicant (Joof) was downstairs waiting for the arrival of the deceased friend that the deceased fell heavily creating a budding noise.

“When the friend arrived, they went upstairs, and they found the deceased lying unconscious. He (the deceased) was rushed to the hospital where he eventually died,” the defence counsel told the court.

According to counsel, “the facts do not support the charges and charge does not contain any ingredients of murder.”

Miriam Boakye Yiadom, a State Attorney, objected to the bail application, claiming that it was not the first time that Joof had applied for bail before the court.

She said Joof filed for bail on October 18,2023.

According to the state attorney, the bail application had been turned down by another High Court  She said investigations were underway and prayed for the court to decline the bail application.

 

Source: Graphic.com

News, Showbiz

Gov’t And Corporate Bodies are not investing in creatives because of their extravagant lifestyles – Da Hammer

Leave a comment

Renowned Ghanaian music producer, Edward Nana Poku Osei, popularly known as Hammer of The Last Two has detailed reason why members of the Ghanaian entertainment industry do not receive assistance from the government and corporate bodies.

Speaking with Kwame Dadzie on Joy FM’s Showbiz A-Z, Hammer who doubles as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of The Last Two Music Group opined that quite a number of people in the creative sector do not portray that they need help.

His comment comes after  pleas from some creatives for the government to give creative entrepreneurs tax incentives so more investors will be interested in injecting money into the system.

According to him, these celebrities live extravagant lifestyles unbecoming of people in need of any  financial assistance, stressing that these celebrities who drive in luxurious cars have other sources of income apart from music.

“We are not displaying suffering to them. We are buying cars with different amounts of money. We are flexing. Most people in the creative [music] industry are not buying cars with the music money.

If you are doing Forex Trading at home and you buy an X Class, and you are pulling up in it and a tax man is looking at you, what are you talking about? We have to speak the truth to power. Let’s show them we are suffering. But we can’t go around shopping at expensive places, driving the biggest cars and expect them to feel for us,” he said.

Hammer, to a greater extent divulged that some celebrities are doing this just to show off, adding that it has its own implications.

“If you want to show that your works are promoting the tourism industry, show it. Prove that you are an up and coming artiste and you can’t afford these things,” he added.

News, Showbiz

Burna Boy and Davido Inspire Me; I learn from them – Sonnie Badu reveals

Leave a comment

Award-winning UK-based Ghanaian gospel singer/songwriter, Sonnie Badu has not too long ago revealed that he is inspired by Nigerian music giants, Burna Boy and Davido.

According to Mr. Badu he draws inspiration from the versatility and success of these two Afrobeat stars, adding that he learns from them in order to make great impacts in the gospel fraternity as they are doing.

Speaking as a guest on UtV’s United Showbiz hosted by Mzgee last weekend, the gospel sensation shared how he finds inspiration in the musical journeys and experiences of these two artists. He further expressed admiration for the ‘Alone’ and ‘Available’ hitmakers’ unique musical style and the global impact of their Afrofusion sound.

“I am inspired by Davido and Burna Boy, I have seen the kind of music they do , so I like to learn what they are doing so I can do it in the gospel space. I can’t say I don’t listen to secular music, that would be a lie , I do hear it and I enjoy it. I do listen to secular music to see what I can do better,” he said.

Soonie Badu further opined that there is nothing wrong in listening to songs that are not gospel songs. He revealed that he sometimes listens to a few other genres aside from gospel music inorder to learn and pick something from it and apply it in his space. He also emphasized the importance of drawing inspiration from various genres and artists, even outside the gospel music realm.

News, Showbiz

Rhythms On Da Runway wows audiences with fusion of fashion and music

Leave a comment

The 2023 Rhythms on Da Runway unfolded last night at the Christianborg Castle in Accra on Saturday, December 2.

This year’s theme: The Aqua Edition served as a visual feast for fashion and music enthusiasts.

Renowned CEO of Nineteen 57 clothing, Kofi Okyere Darko (KOD), curated an enchanting showcase featuring diverse fashion talents, advocating for proper care of water bodies.

This event has secured its place as a December calendar staple in Ghana, offering a platform for contemporary Ghanaian fashion, arts, crafts, and music.

It is Ghana’s premier music and fashion exposé, uniting influences from Ghana and the African diaspora.

Distinguished industry figures like Rex Omar, Bessa Simons, Otokunor and MP Sam George graced the occasion, alongside the legendary Pat Thomas.

Musical brilliance took centre stage with electrifying performances by Tic Tac and Wutah, ensuring an engaging experience for the audience.

Abundant food and drinks complemented the evening, marking the 2023 Aqua edition of Rhythms on Da Runway as a resounding success.

 

 

 

News, Showbiz

There are no Ghanaians in my church — Sonnie Badu

Leave a comment

Ghanaian musician and preacher, Sonnie Badu, revealed that his church in America lacks Ghanaian members. According to the preacher, he doesn’t understand why there are no Ghanaians in his church, but any Ghanaian wanting to be part of it can stay if they are comfortable; otherwise, they can join Assemblies of God or Pentecost.

Speaking to Agyemang Prempeh on Power Entertainment, the “Flood Gate” crooner emphasized that if the majority of his church congregants were Ghanaians, it wouldn’t have made as much impact. Real impact, according to him, is when you are accepted by strangers, not your own people.

“If 80% of my church members were Ghanaians, it wouldn’t have been as impactful. Being in America and impacting your own people is not true impact. Real impact is when you go to strangers, and they meet and accept you,” he explained.

Despite this, he mentioned that he lost half of his congregants due to COVID-19. Before the pandemic, he had over 600 people, but afterward, the number reduced to 350.

However, he highlighted that his Tuesday services are the most significant because people come from London to America for deliverance service, and some drive for 6 to 9 hours to attend.

“Before COVID-19, we had over 600 to 650 people in the church within 5 years. Due to COVID-19, every church was shut down, and at some point, only 10 people were allowed in the church auditorium, which included the media team, me, and protocol. So we lost two years to COVID-19. The faith of people in America is different from Africans. If an African is sick, they will start praying and seek spiritual intervention, but an American will go to the hospital if they are sick. Now, I have around 350 congregants in my church. On Tuesday nights, people come from London for deliverance service, and others drive for 9hrs or 6hrs. Tuesday nights are our biggest nights.”

 

 

 

By:Afia Owusu/myxyzonline.com/Gh