Category: Entertainment

Ghanaian musician-turned-politician Kwame Asare Obeng, alias A Plus, has apologized to businessman and philanthropist Hassan Zein.

The apology posted on his verified Facebook page on May 14, comes after a defamation lawsuit initiated by Zein in 2022, citing damaging comments made by A Plus.

The legal dispute, according to court papers centered around defamatory statements made by A Plus that tarnished Zein’s reputation.

‘Dear Hassan Abu Zein, I am writing to express my sincerest apologies for any harm caused by my comments made about you. It has come to my attention that these comments were based on lies and misinformation spread by Stanley, your jealous friend. He is a dangerous guy. Very!!!

‘It may interest you to know that I’ve spent my adult life, fighting for the voiceless, underprivileged persons, especially women and children, and minority groups. However, I must admit that I was misinformed on this particular matter. I am grateful to you for the opportunity to apologize to bring finality to the ma
tter.

‘I deeply regret any distress or damage these false statements may have caused you and your reputation. It was never my intention to propagate falsehoods or tarnish your name in any way,’ A Plus’ post read in part.

He added ‘I understand the seriousness of defamation and the impact it can have on individuals and their livelihoods. As a people-centered person, I take full responsibility for my actions and assure you that I will take appropriate measures to rectify this situation.

‘Please accept my heartfelt apologies. I am committed to setting the record straight and ensuring that the truth is known. If there is anything I can do to make amends, please do not hesitate to let me know.’

Court documents reveal that Zein sought various reliefs, including a declaration of defamation, general damages amounting to GHS10 million, and an order for A Plus to retract the defamatory comments via the same medium used for dissemination.

Additionally, Zein requested a public apology from A Plus within seven days,
utilizing the same platform where the defamation occurred.

He also sought a perpetual injunction to prevent further defamation against his reputation as the International Human Rights Commission Ambassador at large.

The case, which had been progressing in the High Court in Accra, took a turn when A Plus, represented by legal counsel, opted to settle the matter out of court. The decision led to an amicable resolution facilitated by both parties.

On January 22, 2024, a settlement agreement was reached between A Plus and Zein, subsequently adopted as a consent judgment by Justice Kwasi Adjenim-Boateng on January 29, 2024.

The terms of the settlement include A Plus retracting the defamatory remarks and removing Zein’s image from the original platform of publication.

Moreover, A Plus committed to issuing a public apology to Zein through the same medium. As part of the settlement, A Plus agreed to pay 100,000 in costs to Zein, as stipulated in court documents.

Source: Ghana Web

Actor and musician LilWin has addressed the lawsuit brought against him by actress Martha Ankomah, disclosing that the matter has been resolved outside of the courtroom.

During an appearance on Hitz FM’s Daybreak Hitz on May 14, 2024, LilWin, known privately as Kwadwo Nkansah, shared that he and Martha Ankomah have reached an amicable resolution to their dispute.

He even mentioned the possibility of collaborating with her in a future film project, alongside other esteemed actors such as Van Vicker and Majid Michel.

The conflict between the two arose when Martha Ankomah initiated legal proceedings against LilWin in February 2024 following alleged defamatory comments about her.

LilWin had claimed that Martha Ankomah harboured contempt for Kumawood actors due to what she perceived as subpar script quality.

LilWin also criticized Martha’s role as a GTP Ambassador, suggesting hypocrisy in her endorsement of the brand despite her alleged disdain for local actors.

Reflecting on the lawsuit during his interview
with Andy Dosty, the Kumawood actor expressed surprise at Martha’s legal action, especially considering his own experience of facing criticism without resorting to litigation.

About the suit

On February 15, 2024, Martha Ankomah, through her lawyers, sued LilWin.

In a copy of the writ of summons obtained by GhanaWeb, the plaintiff, Martha, petitioned the Accra High Court for damages totalling 5 million Ghana cedis due to defamatory statements made by the defendant, LilWin. Additionally, she sought compensatory damages to rectify the harm inflicted upon her reputation.

“A declaration that the words, ‘Who knows you? If not for GTP and senior government officials who signed you on at GTP, who would have signed you? What kind of star are you? Even your own daughter doesn’t know you. I don’t even know why GTP bypassed the likes of McBrown, Mercy Asiedu, and co and made Martha Ankomah their brand ambassador. If you had been a male actor, you would have suffered. When you become an actress, and you become a star,
men take care of you; men rent accommodation for you; men buy you houses; men buy cars for you. You would have suffered as a man, but for the fact that you are female.

“‘It is men who look after you. You have become a star that is why men take care of your needs; you don’t use your money on anything’ published of and concerning the plaintiff and contained in paragraphs 8 and 9 of the Statement of Claim are defamatory of the plaintiff. Therefore, the plaintiff is seeking Damages in the sum of 5 million Ghana cedis for the defamatory statements made by the defendant. Compensatory damages for the damage done to the reputation of plaintiff,” parts of the summons read.

I was just acting – LilWin’s initial response to the lawsuit

During an appearance on Daybreak Hitz in late February, LilWin clarified that the controversial video, which caused considerable speculation, was actually a scene from an upcoming movie project he was involved in.

He emphasized that the snippet circulating online had been extracted fro
m its original context.

“The video I did is a movie. I was acting… I was not angry. I had done some makeup,” he claimed.

Source: Ghana Web

A Ghanaian-born filmmaker, Ayebea BZ Darko, has won the African Magic Viewers Choice Award for best-unscripted series in the year under review in Nigeria.

Ayebea BZ Darko won the award for her popularly acclaimed reality TV series dubbed ‘GH Queens,’ which has aired on Akwaaba Magic, Show Max and GHOne TV.

Season 1 of GH Queens was first launched in 2021 and season 2 followed in 2022-2023 with Ayebea BZ Darko as the show’s executive producer.

Before launching GH Queens, she worked with TV3, a national free-to-air television station in Ghana.

She also worked on concepts such as Dirty Rave and Afrochella, and her work has always captured the essence of Ghanaian culture while pushing boundaries and breaking new ground.

Her reality TV series brought together a diverse cast of talented women, providing a platform for their unscripted stories to be heard and celebrated far and near.

The two seasons of the show has captivated audiences across Ghana and beyond and has sparked conversations and inspired a new ge
neration of entertainers in the country.

Ayebea BZ Darko is a natural storyteller who was raised in Ghana amidst the vibrant rhythms and rich cultural tapestry of the country. Her recognition in the world of entertainment has come years after she dedicated herself to mastering her craft and showcasing it to the world.

Ayebea BZ Darko always had a deep appreciation for music, art, and storytelling from an early age. And this recognition has only come to indelibly cement her place in the world of entertainment.

This latest Africa Magic Viewers Choice award for best-unscripted series is a testament to the success of GH Queens and has further solidified her place as a trailblazer in Ghanaian entertainment, proving that dreams know no bounds when fueled by passion and perseverance.

As she continues to champion the voices of Ghanaian women and women in general, Ayebea BZ Darko remains a shining example of the transformative power of art and the boundless possibilities of the human spirit.

Part of the citation
of the award reads:

‘Outside of her cinematic endeavors, AYEBEA BZ DARKO is an avid traveler and culinary enthusiast. Her adventures in far-flung corners of the world inspire her storytelling, infusing her films with a rich tapestry of cultures, flavors, and traditions.

“With each frame she captures, AYEBEA BZ DARKO challenges stereotypes, shatters boundaries, and celebrates the resilience and beauty of the human spirit. As she continues to illuminate screens around the world, she reminds us of the transformative power of storytelling and the indomitable strength of the human heart.’

Source: Ghana Web

Ghanaian star, King Promise, has said he is confident he will secure the prestigious Artiste of the Year award at the upcoming 2024 Telecel Ghana Music Awards.

In an interview on TV3’s New Day, King Promise commended all nominees listed for the upcoming TGMAs but said that due to his hard work and track record, he is on the path to winning the Artiste of the Year award.

‘I feel like everybody who is in there is a worthy competitor, respect for everybody but I feel like my work speaks for itself. Everyone can tell that we have really been putting in a lot of work…I am here to contribute my quota and gladly accept the Artiste of the Year at all costs,’ he stated.

King Promise acknowledged the evolution of Ghana’s music scene and praised the Ghana Music Awards for annually honouring the dedication of artistes.

The TGMA awards ceremony is scheduled for June 1, 2024, at the AICC.

This year, King Promise has garnered three TGMA nominations: Artiste of the Year, International Collaboration of the Year, and Mo
st Popular Song of the Year.

Source: Ghana Web

Ghanaian actor and television host, Akrobeto, has criticized Dormaahene Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyemang Badu II, for pointing fingers at Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, as the instigator of the ongoing chieftaincy dispute in Sampa within the Jaman North District of the Bono region.

Previously, the Dormaahene had accused the Asantehene of intensifying the Sampa chieftaincy conflict through his interference.

He alleged that the Asantehene’s actions were an affront to both the judicial system and the Bono chiefs who had historically dealt with such matters.

In a bold move, he conveyed these accusations to Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia and his delegation during their visit to the Bono Regional House of Chiefs, declaring unequivocally that Otumfuo Osei Tutu II was the catalyst for the enduring Sampa crisis.

However, in response to these claims, Akrobeto has expressed his disapproval of what he perceives as the Dormaahene’s persistent jealousy and attempts to tarnish the Asantehene’s reputation.

Speaking to at
tendees at the Adaekese festival at the Manhyia Palace, Akrobeto delivered a stern rebuke to the Dormaahene.

“Otumfuo is not a minor chief to be disrespected at will. It’s unacceptable to fabricate and hurl insults at him whenever it suits you. The actions of the Dormaahene are nothing but pure jealousy.

“He who is favoured by God is beyond the reach of human alteration. Greatness is bestowed by God, not self-proclaimed. So, if you find yourself spreading falsehoods, it’s nothing but envy!”

Source: Ghana Web

Monica Kemoli-Savanne, Spotify’s Senior Artist and Label Partnerships Manager in Sub-Saharan Africa, says, ‘Our commitment at Spotify is to support and empower women in the music industry, helping to create a more level playing field.

Seeing artistes like Ayra Starr come from the continent to gain global recognition serves as a true testament that Africa is full of talent; all that is needed is a platform.”

“It has been a great journey to witness the growth of female artistes who are also inspiring generations to come, which also speaks to our commitment to equally support female artistes.’

Spotify hosted 15 EQUAL activations and over 14.8 million artiste discoveries stemmed from EQUAL playlists, and EQUAL artistes received 11,800 editorial playlist adds, all in 2023, further demonstrating the program’s impact and reach.

Ayra Starr, whose February release Commas already has over 35 million streams on Spotify, spoke on her expressive musical style, which has helped her craft a niche in the music industry,
and what it means to be selected as Spotify’s EQUAL artist.

‘I am grateful to become a Spotify EQUAL Ambassador. It means so much to me to be able to represent women in Afrobeats and African women in general. There are so many women in music right now, and the EQUAL program is doing a great job highlighting their hard work,’ she said.

We sat down with Ayra Starr to delve deeper into her music and creative journey.

How is the Spotify EQUAL program significant, from your perspective?:

There are so many women in music today-behind the scenes, in front of the camera, musicians, sound engineers-all these women are working hard, and Spotify EQUAL is doing a great job of highlighting all their hard work.

What does this mean to you as a person, being Spotify’s equal artist for the month, both from an African and global perspective?:

It means everything to me because I am a girl, and I have to support my gender and level the playing field.

To someone who has never heard your music, how would you describe the so
und, tone, and style?:

I would describe my sound as highly vibrational, eccentric, unique, and beautiful.

Are we expecting any music from you anytime soon?:

Yes. I have a new single with Seyi Vibes called ‘Bad Vibes’ and I can’t wait for you guys to hear it. It’s amazing, and it’s one of those songs that makes you feel good. The best part about it is that it’s not just a regular Afrobeat record; it’s like genres intertwined.

Source: Ghana Web

Ghana has a new world record holder in the person of Ace Liam, a one-year-old artist.

He has been confirmed as the Guinness World Record holder for the Youngest Male Artist.

His attempt occurred in Accra between January 18 and January 20, 2024.

His feat as a GWR record-holder was announced at a press conference on Tuesday, May 14, 2024.

The confirmation letter from GWR read in part: “We are thrilled to inform you that your application for Youngest artist (male) has been successful and you are now the Guinness World Records Title Holder!”

Chantelle Eghan, the new record holder’s mother disclosed that he started painting when he was six months old.

She thanked Ghanaians for their support during her son’s record attempt.

The previous record holder, Dante Lamb, achieved the feat at the age of three in 2003.

My son Ace Liam is officially the @GWR Title holder as the Youngest Artist.

Thank you Ghana ???? for your support in making this possible.#guinessworldrecord #worldrecord #young #artist #youngestartis
t pic.twitter.com/BeOP1jmTlm

– kuukua The Artist (@chantelle_eghan) May 14, 2024

Source: Ghana Web

Popular actor cum media personality, Chinedu Ani Emmanuel, better known as Nedu Wazobia, has declared that a man who permits his wife to maintain a close male friendship does not fit the mold of a “real man.”

He firmly believes that such a scenario should not be acceptable to a man who respects himself.

In a stern warning, Nedu Wazobia advised men against allowing their romantic partners to have close male companions.

In a video posted on his Instagram, Nedu articulated: “A genuine man should never, under any circumstances, let his partner, be it a girlfriend, fiancée, or wife, to keep a male best friend. It’s a boundary that should not be crossed. Trust me, a true man stands by this principle.

“Moreover, it’s unbecoming of a man to engage in conflict with another over a romantic interest. A dignified man steers clear of such altercations. If you happen to chance upon your partner being unfaithful, remember, it’s not the other man who owes you respect. Hence, direct your concerns towards your partner, not
the third party.

“Additionally, pursuing someone who shows no interest in you is futile. Refrain from it. It’s neither productive nor beneficial.

“Lastly, a man of principle doesn’t frivolously invest in a partner who doesn’t contribute positively to his life. ‘Value’ here transcends monetary worth; it encompasses mental, spiritual, and emotional support as well.”

Source: Ghana Web