New year, New look! DStv customers are in for a treat in 2018 when a new channel makes its debut on DStv Channel 103! “From Monday, 29 January 2018, the curtain will fall on VUZU AMP to make way for 1Magic on DStv channel 103 which will deliver the hottest entertainment to DStv Premium and DStv Compact Plus customers at great value” says Cecil Sunkwa Mills, General Manager, MultiChoice Ghana.  

On this rebranded channel, DStv viewers can look forward to an array of the latest and exclusive series like Ballers, Queen Sugar, Insecure, Survivor’s Remorse alongside riveting reality shows like Married to Medicine, Tamar & Vince, Real Housewives and more. VUZU AMP fans will certainly not miss out on any of their favourite programming as 1Magic will continue to serve a mix of compelling, relevant and entertaining shows adding to their existing, exciting viewing.  

1Magic will become the entertainment destination of choice for viewers who enjoy gripping local dramas, movies, telenovelas, reality shows and are also looking for the best in the latest pop-culture favourite programming in reality, series, drama and movies. 

Leading the pack is The Fixer which returns on 22 Jan from hiatus to dazzle Gladiator viewers with Kerry Washington’s Olivia Pope who will leave no stone unturned in this the much-anticipated series finale. Also returning on 22 Jan is another fan pop-cult must-see, How To Get Away With Murder led by Viola Davis continues in her role as the brilliant and charismatic professor Annalise Keating. Viewers will continue to revel in these two gripping series when 1Magic launches on 29 Jan.  

From February, 1Magic viewers will need to buckle up for more entertainment when the channels introduce more programming including Daytime Divas (season 1) which kicks off on 3 Feb, season 9 of Love and Hip Hop on 15 Feb, reality shows Rick Smile For Real on 15 Feb and The Next 15 (28 Feb) a new reality show which chronicles the lives of six former reality television personalities whose celebrity status has faded as they are no longer in the spotlight. 

In March, 1Magic is turning up the heat with a new series, Signed on 6 March. Signed is a new music competition show featuring Rick Ross, The-Dream and Roc Nation senior VP of A&R/artist management Lenny S and will thrill viewers with eight hour-long episodes, showcasing the trio of creatives in Atlanta as they seek to develop unsigned hip-hop and R&B artists with the finalists scoring an opportunity to be signed to Ross’ Maybach Music, The-Dream’s Radio Killa Records or Roc Nation. Still sticking to the music theme in March 1Magic will delight viewers with the much-anticipated documentary, The Defiant Ones which examines Jimmy Iovine and Dr. Dre’s partnership and their leading roles in a chain of transformative events in contemporary culture. 

“M-Net has identified a need to provide the very best in entertainment for DStv customers who straddle between a global-meets-local worldview. In its unique content offering, this channel aims to entertain and thrill viewers with the best content, curated to be exceptional and relevant to our viewers across the continent,” says Nkateko Mabaso, GM M-Net.  

1Magic will be unveiled on DStv Channel 103 on 29 January 2018. Don’t miss this exciting revamped channel visit www.dstv.com today to upgrade or subscribe to DStv Premium and DStv Compact+ to enjoy the best entertainment in Africa on your TV screen or anytime, anywhere on any mobile device via the DStv Now app. 

The Chairman of the AMWeF Endowment Fund, Percy Ayamba says the Endowment Fund is expected to enable the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) to better provide for its ageing or incapacitated members. The former C.E.O of Donewell said the decision to establish the Endowment Fund is to ensure the sustainability of the support AMWeF provides for its members. 

Mr Ayamba was speaking at the cash presentation ceremony to the five Music Industry Heroes honored at the recent MUSIGA Presidential Grand Ball. The five are C.K Mann, A.B Crentsil, Jewel Ackah, Obouba J.A Adofo and Nana Kwame Ampadu. The beneficiaries received GHC 5,000.00 each out of the GHC 10,000.00 they were promised with the balance being invested in their names with First Banc. 

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Nana Ampadu expressed their gratitude to the President of MUSIGA for his visionary leadership and efforts to support the ageing musicians. He commended the members of the Presidential Grand Ball for their efforts at ensuring the success of the Grand Ball.  

The President of MUSIGA, Bice Osei Kuffour expressed the Union’s appreciation to all the sponsors and supporters of the Grand Ball concept. He reiterated his commitment to working for the welfare of ageing and incapacitated musicians which is in line with the undertaking he made to the industry at his election in Tamale in 2011. 

Other speakers at the presentation ceremony were Alex Acheampong, a member of the Presidential Grand Ball Board; Georgina Bimpong of Kafina Events and the Grand Ball Secretariat and Daniel Appiah Kubi, Head of Asset Management, First Banc. 

Present at the event were AMWeF member and Queen of Highlife, Asabea Cropper; MUSIGA 1st Vice Presenter, Bessa Simons, 2nd Vice President, Rev Dr Thomas Yawson; Administrator, Rev Fiifi Khan Agyarkwah and the Director of Communications and Special Projects, Ahuma Bosco Ocansey. 

One of Ghana’s sought after musician, Deon Boakye, will on Friday, January 26 stage a live musical performance at the African Regent Hotel in Accra.

Deon’s career has been on the rise since debuting his solo hit single ‘Allewa’, which was released in 2009 with a feature from Cabum. That preceded with other singles like Dubai, New Year and Babiaa Awu.

He will be performing songs off his recent Green album which was released in September last year.

The talented HardBoy Music Group artiste who is noted for his lively and stage craft performance will be joined by the World League Band, a unique group that fuses and plays varieties of genres like highlife, afrobeats and jazz  to perform songs off the Green album like “Ooosh”, “Yellow Sisi” and “Genevieve” which features Kofi Kinata.

Speaking on a recent interview on Green LP, Deon explains the choice of the LP name and dishes out fans expectation on the artwork.

“Green is a symbol of fertility, happiness and progress toward attaining your goals.”

The 2017 VGMA unsung nominee since bursting onto the music scene has been consistent and has enjoyed massive coverage in the media for his exceptional vocals and composition of songs which led to his nomination for the unsung category in the VGMA’s.

The 17 track list album features the likes of Sarkcess Music hotshot Strongman, Cabum, Medikal of AMG Business, Joel Orleans, Cabum, Flowkingstone, Akitiwrowro, Kofi Kinaata, Eno, Jason EL-A and a host of others.

TubhaniMuzik’s production on ‘Konongo Kaya’ featuring Strongman has enjoyed massive reviews and airplay. Off his 17-track Green Mixtape, the tune delves into their relationship where the lady leaves them for another person because they are not financially stable but later wants to return when things are better.

Seventeen songs on the Green LP all but asks you to forget other rappers and musicians exist for a while, a classic.

According to the organizers of the event, ZoneThree6, the Green Experience will be an opportunity for the general public and fans to have a first time experience with Deon performing live.

Official sponsor of the Green Experience  is ALSALE SERVICE LTD, Importers of money counting machines, office equipment, air conditioners, sales of money counting machines, office equipment, air conditioners leasing/Rentals of money counting machines.

The Green Experience will be hosted by Dzifa Grey (Metro Tv) and green carpet will be hosted by ZoneThree6’s VJs, VJ Quabena Kevin, VJ Koko & VJ Eleanor

ZoneThree6 has carved a niche for itself as a leader in event and management in Ghana and Africa after the recent successful MADFEST which is headlined by Ayat annually. The show attracted a large following and was highly successful.

Full details of the Green Experience are below.

G R E E N   E X P E R I E N C E   W I T H   D E O N   B O A K Y E

Venue: African Regent Hotel

Date: 26 January 2018

Time: 7pm

Live Band Music By The World League Band

Strictly by invite

Book your seat via thegreenexperience.deonboakye.com

Peace Hyde, Forbes Africa’s newly appointed Head of Digital Media and Partnerships/ Correspondent WA, is featured on CNN African voices as a leading change maker and a successful media maven.

Peace Hyde who is also the founder of education not for profit, Aim Higher Africa which has created over 500 grassroots businesses all over Africa, shares her inspirational story from the classroom in the United Kingdom to being one of the most celebrated and respected women in media both at home in Ghana and beyond.

In addition to hosting the hit flagship Forbes Africa TV shows, My Worst Day and Against The Odds with Peace Hyde, which interviews some of the most powerful men and women in the continent on the Pan African business platform CNBC Africa, Hyde also makes time to consistently inspire and empower younger millennials to strive to achieve their fullest potential through mentorship programs.

Congratulations to peace for all her hard work and impact.

Watch the full Episode below:

http://www.cnn.com/videos/world/2018/01/19/african-voices-peace-hyde-the-media-maven-of-ghana-a.cnn

Jessica Opare Saforo, co-host of Celebrity Fanzone on GH One TV has cautioned against pressurizing single ladies to get married against their will.

Addressing issues related to relationships and the pressure society often mounts on unmarried ladies, the beautiful presenter insisted that she finds the societal classification regarding relationship titles very unfair and quipped, “How does my getting married put food on your table?”

“We all get the pressure from family and friends. You hear it every day, when are you getting married? Whose business is it? Why do you care? How does my getting married put food on your table?

“A guy is called Mr. for his entire life whether he is married or not. A woman is called Miss and then possibly Mrs. There are all these classifications to show a woman or to straight away tell the status of a woman and it is so unfair. For me there should be a whole campaign of women even dropping this Mrs. thing. My name is Jessica, whether I am married or not shouldn’t matter,” she argued.

Actress and TV presenter Gloria Sarfo, who was also a guest on the show last Saturday backed Jessica’s arguments and indicated that she is bound to get married at a point in time but will do so at her own timing.

“I will definitely get married but I won’t allow anyone to pressure me into getting married. I will marry when I am ready,” she stated.

Jessica Opare-Saforo

Osarfo Anthony, a well-known Entertainment/Arts Writer and Critic in Ghana’s entertainment and media circles, is set to bless his marriage the Vedic way come Saturday, 27th January, 2018 at Kingsby Hotel – Achimota @ 2 pm prompt.

The ceremony, which follows Indian/Vedic culture and rite for blessing marriage, promises to be exciting to most of the event patrons. “The rite or ritual promises to be a bit mind-bending to some – since it does not follow our normal Ghanaian traditional way of marrying or blessing marriage” Osarfo hinted.

“My lady and I will sit before a set fire in the middle of the event whilst the Priest recites the mantras to invoke blessings from the Lord and all the powerful beings in the heavenly abodes” he explained.

Ghana’s King of Satire and host of multiple award-winning primetime TV show (‘The KSM Show) Mr. Kwaku Sintim-Misa aka KSM, has confirmed to be the Chairperson for the ceremony.

Revered Ghanaian Broadcaster, Communication, Arts and Culture and Media polymath, Kwasi Kyei Darkwah, fondly known as KKD – The Finest, His Royal Blackness, will be the official MC.

Dignitaries/celebrities expected to grace the event include: Paramount Chief of Nungua Traditional Area and President of Nungua Traditional Council, His Royal Highness King (Prof) Odaifio Welentsi III, Broadcaster, Tourism/Destination Manager, Communication and Media Consultant, Mr. Gilbert Abeiku Aggrey Santana aka Abeiku Santana.

Also are: Gospel Minister/Musician Gifty Osei, Celebrity lawyer, Maurice Ampaw, President of Musicians Union of Ghana, Bice Osei Obour, President of Arts and Tourism Writers Association of Ghana/Editor of The Heritage newspaper, Mr. William Asiedu, among others.

The beautiful lady ready to be served by Osarfo for life is called Badu (name for the 10th child in the Akan tribe). She also goes by the name Atma Devi.

She’s expected to be enstooled as the next Queen Mother of her hometown Twenedurase in Kwahu, Eastern region, Ghana. Atma is based in USA. Both are initiated and staucnh devotees of the International Society for Krsna Consciousness (ISKCON) or Hare Krsna movemnt for short.

Osarfo Anthony, who can boast of over 10 years experience in the arts, culture, showbiz and media fraternity in Ghana, is one of the best Arts Writers in Ghana – having used his write-ups to push several arts related agenda and policies. He’s currently the CEO/Managing Editor of online entertainment portal – Presspeep.com.Come support. Come celebrate.

Tayema Records recording Artiste, Venunye who was on a radio tour last month to talk about his 2018 music calendar on Jubilee Radio Keta, Global FM Ho, Heritage FM Hohoe etc. Announced his projects and intentions for the year 2018.

In an interview with presenters from the above mentioned radio stations, he said “I will be releasing twelve songs in total this year, one song each at the end of every month”. As if that wasn’t enough mind blowing for a fast rising Artist from Volta Region to do, he also mentioned to outdoor at least three music videos this year. He also added that this time around he is coming with a twist to his music.

Earlier this week, the singer-songwriter posted an artwork which consists of six songs which he would be releasing at the end of every month till June this year.

His first Single on that artwork which is “Va Midzo” an Ewe language phrase meaning “Come Let’s Go”, is set to be the first release. This song is produced by the Bank of Beats President himself Shottoh Blinqx and Mixed by Tayema Records Sound Engineer Jayphano.

C.E.O of Rufftown Records and group member of RuffNSmooth, Bullet has stated that Ghanaian musicians are ungrateful.

He made this assertion at a press conference to unveil the record label’s newest artistes Danny Beatz, Brella and Mz Forson over the weekend 21/1/2018 at Premier Apartment, Accra.

He mentioned the oftentimes, young musicians tend to be humble and submissive when they are new to the game but quickly turn their backs on their labels or management when they become, forgetting what has been done for them.

Bullet advised the new signees of Rufftown Records and Midas Touch inc., stating that if they are able to remain humble and work hard at perfecting their skills, the sky will be their starting point.

Three signees Danny Beatz, Brella and Mz Forson will be managed by a collaborative effort of Rufftown Records and Midas Touch inc. the two record labels will stare the day to day affairs of the artistes with regards to financing, marketing, and distribution.

The artistes however as part of their contracts are expected to record five albums each. The current hottest sensation Ebony is also managed by the same label.

By Nii Ayi Mensah Lartey

The nominations for the 90th Academy Awards were announced Tuesday morning by a dapper, genial Andy Serkis and the always-intoxicating Tiffany Haddish.

Serkis became famous for motion-capture performances in films like The Lord Of The Rings films and the new take on Planet Of The Apes. Haddish hit big in Girls Trip this year and has earned countless admirers for being joyfully herself at every opportunity.

And while the nominees they announced weren’t exactly unexpected given what we already knew – big showings for The Shape Of Water, Dunkirk and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri — they had enough freshness and enough room for new voices that they didn’t feel rote. Agree or disagree, they didn’t simply represent a full list of the films and the performances that sounded the most “Oscars-y” from the directors and writers who had been nominated before.

MultiChoice wishes to remind all broadcasters and the general public that SuperSport International has the exclusive broadcast rights to the “DEFEND TO GLORY” boxing bout between Emmanuel Tagoe, also known as “Game Boy” and Fernando Saucedo which will be available on DStv HD Channels: SuperSport 8 and SuperSport Select 3 from 7pm Saturday, 27^th January 2018.

No person, media station or event organizer is permitted to undertake a public screening, live or delayed broadcast or re-broadcast on any free to air, pay TV channel, social media platform or carryout radio commentary of this boxing bout or any other DStv programmes without the authorization of MultiChoice as such conduct will constitute a direct violation of and interference with the programme and channel distribution rights of MultiChoice and other third parties.

Any violation of the foregoing will be met with exemplary civil and criminal sanctions available under the law.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Cecil Sunkwa-Mills

General Manager, MultiChoice Ghana

Oprah Winfrey has told the US magazine InStyle that she does not “have the DNA” to be US president.

She has been widely touted as a future Democratic contender for the 2020 elections after a rousing speech at the Golden Globes earlier this month.

But she told InStyle: “I’ve always felt very secure and confident with myself in knowing what I could do and what I could not.

“And so it’s not something that interests me.”

Donald Trump, when asked at the time about a possible run against Ms Winfrey in 2020, said it would be “fun”, adding: “Yeah, I’ll beat Oprah.”

Oprah Winfrey is a household name in the US, taking on issues that many people could relate to during her long-running chat show. She has also produced and acted in movies and now runs her own cable channel.

She was picking up the prestigious Cecil B deMille award for outstanding contribution to entertainment, at the Golden Globes in early January, when she made her now famous speech.

She spoke powerfully on themes of race, gender, power and the ‘Me Too’ campaign against sexual harassment.

When she told “all the girls watching here… to know that a new day is on the horizon!” many took it to mean that she might consider a bid for the US presidency.

“And when that new day finally dawns, it will be because of a lot of magnificent women … and some pretty phenomenal men, fighting hard to make sure they become the leaders who take us to the time when nobody ever has to say ‘Me too’ again.,” she said.

Source: BBC

Oprah Winfrey

The Publisher of Ovation Magazine, Chief Dele Momodou has said Ghana is blessed to have president Akufo-Addo as her leader.

Speaking Wednesday on Starr Chat, the renowned publisher said despite his opposition to Mr. Akufo-Addo during the 2016 electioneering, he admires his acumen.

“When God has put someone in authority, you must respect him [because] it is not easy to be president of any country,” he told Starr Chat Host Bola Ray adding, “and Ghana is blessed to have leaders like Nana Akufo-Addo and all the others before him.”

Describing Akufo-Addo’s speech during the visit of French president, Emmanuel Macron to Ghana last year as apt, Chief Momodou said: “There’s something I like about leadership, I love intellectual leaders.”

“In fact the speech Nana [Akufo-Addo] made when the French president [Emmanuel Macron] came to Ghana; it went viral and I was one of those people who promoted it,” he disclosed.

Not surprise Mahama lost

Chief Momodou is widely known to be an ardent supporter of President John Mahama told Bola Ray he was not surprised he lost the 2016 elections to President Akufo-Addo.

Akufo-Addo garnered 5, 716, 609 votes, representing 53.84 percent to snatch the presidency from former Mahama who secured 4,713,277 votes, representing 44.40 percent.

The NDC also lost more than 40 parliamentary seats to the NPP, which gave the latter majority in Parliament. Akufo-Addo won the election after a third term bid.

Chief Momodou said despite openly declaring his support for Mahama in that year’s election, he knew deep down that retaining the power will be a herculean task.

“Because there were a lot of similarities to [Goodluck] Jonathan in Nigeria,” he told Bola Ray when asked if he had seen Mahama’s defeat coming in 2016.

The International Committee of AFRIMA (All Africa Music Awards) celebrates the life of an African music icon and activist, Hugh Masekela as he passed on peacefully at his country home, Johannesburg, South Africa after a protracted battle with prostate cancer on January 23, 2018 at the aged 78.

Masekela was nominated for three nominations at the 2017 AFRIMA Awards in the categories of ‘Best Male Artiste in Southern Africa’ for his recent single ‘Shango’, ‘Album of the Year’ for his recent album ‘No Borders’ and for the ‘Best Artiste in African Jazz’. These three nominations show that the legend waxed strong till his last breadth. Masekela was scheduled to be at the host city, Lagos, Nigeria, for the 2017 AFRIMA Awards in November but was unable to make it due to his ill health in spite all his efforts.

The President and Executive Producer, AFRIMA, Mike Dada, stated that “it is a huge loss for the continent and African music. Masekela’s music had the depth, the lyricism and the instrumentation that place the legend in the class of world music classics with a definitive signature of its African sound. The music icon will be greatly missed but his music and struggle for free and prosperous Africa will always be in our hearts and minds.”

Masekela gained global recognition with his distinctive Afro-Jazz sound and hit song-Soweto Blues. He creates music from his Africa’s experiences and is known for excellent use of trumpet, flugelhorn, trombone and cornet
instruments.

Born in April 4, 1939 and ventured into music as a child when the anti-apartheid chaplain, Archbishop Trevor Huddleston gave him a trumpet as a gift. He found escape from the racial chaos in South Africa in his days with music. He later joined the Johannesburg Native Municipal Bras Band, Uncle Suada. In later years, Masekela studied the art of music in London’s Guildhall School of Music and the Manhattan School of Music, New York.

The legend had released 49 Albums from the 1966 to 2016 and featured legends like Paul Simon, Lady Smith Mambazo, Mariam Makeba and others. He was nominated for the Grammy Awards for Best Contemporary Pop Performance
– Instrumental in 1968 for his single ‘Grazing in the Grass’, an anti-apartheid piece which sold 4 million copies among other nominations.

AFRIMA will pay tribute to Hugh Masekela in a glorifying spectacle at its fifth edition scheduled to hold in November 2018.

Hugh Masakela

Founded in 2012 in a small 20 x 20 ft room in the north kaneshie neighborhood of Accra, Black Avenue Muzik has gradually grown and spawned some of Ghana’s biggest talents continentally even with its humble beginnings.

Founded by multiple award winning Ghanaian hiphop / Afrobeats Artist D-Black, under the Black Avenue Muzik umbrella in his first 5 years of being an entertainer racked up over 50 award nominations worldwide including being the first Ghanaian hiphop act to be nominated at the Bet Awards in the category of Best African Act (2012) and the only Ghanaian rapper to have won at the prestigious Channel o Awards in South Africa for Best West African Act. From Somebody Ft. Kwabena Kwabena, Get on da dance floor with D Cryme to My Kinda Girl with Sarkodie to the continental hit ‘Vera’ as well as his massive smash records with Castro ‘Personal Person’ & Senior, D-Black has stood the test of time under the BAM umbrella. Joey B’s two year stint at BAM produced him the monster hit ‘Tonga’ by in-house producer Dj Breezy as well as won him the Best New Artist of the Year award that year at the VGMA’s. Dj Breezy’s VGMA producer of the year nominations and win in 2015 highlighted him as the brain behind numerous Number 1 records from D-Black, Castro, EL, VVIP, Joey B, and the continental smash hit from Nigerian Superstar ‘Patoranking’s’ My Woman My Everything.

Forward to 2018, after a successful label launch in the last quarter of 2017 , the label which now boasts a 10 office complex , 2 music studios , a marketing and advertising department, a video editing suite, a design and print team plus a promotional unit and an artist management centre, unveils the label acts and producers and are ready to roll.

Introducing to you, the newest members of Black Avenue Muzik, Dahlin Gage (Afrobeats, Dancehall, Hiphop), Kobla Jnr (Afrobeats), Nina Ricchie (Pop, Afrobeats), the winner of the most recent MTN Hitmaker Reality show ‘Freda Rhymz’ (Hiphop), the controversial Wisa Greid (Highlife, Afrobeats), Osayo (RNB, Afrobeats), S3fa (Soul, Afrobeats, RNB), Rony Turn Me Up (Music Producer) with Dj Breezy as head music producer and music director of the label.

The D-Black led label will see single and music video releases from every one of these artists in the first quarter of 2018 as well as the release of an All Star Song and Music Video.

The first official release from the label for 2018 is from the lovely, delectable songstress ‘Sefa’ in ‘Marry Me’ featuring Dancehall Vet ‘Jupitar’ on Tuesday 30th January available on everywhere.

Welcome to the new era of Black Avenue Muzik.

The management team of seven (7) headed by Daniel Obeng Fianko (Cedis) are on course to showcase Ghanaian music at its fullest potential to the rest of the world.

For information / bookings / enquiries , Email :bookings@theblackavenuegroup.comor call +233 24 437 0760

In a high-octane opening performance,nominated rapper Kendrick Lamarkicked off the 60th Annual Grammy Awards with a bold medley of songs from his album DAMN. He was joined onstage by a cadre of male dancers in military attire, before U2’s Bono and The Edge also showed up for their “XXX” collaboration. In between Lamar’s song segments, comedian Dave Chappelle offered some unexpected commentary.

Kendrick Lamar performs during the 60th Annual Grammy Awards in New York on Jan. 28, 2018.

“I just wanted to remind the audience that the only thing more frightening than watching a black man be honest in America is being an honest black man in America,” Chappelle said wryly before the camera switched back to Lamar and his dance crew. Throughout the incendiary, politicized performance — it opened with a flag waving in the background, included the title “This is a satire,” and ended with a choreographed sequence in which all of Lamar’s dancers were shot down — Lamar maintained a singular focus.

Kendrick Lamar performs during the 60th Annual Grammy Awards in New York on Jan. 28, 2018.

He then picked up the first award of the televised show tonight for Best Rap/Sung Performance for his collaboration with Rihanna, “Loyalty.”

Source: Time

Multi-talented creative artiste Andy Afranie is keen on making an impact in the creative arts space. A professional graphic designer, web developer, video editor and a portrait painter, Andy who holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology and Philosophy from the University of Ghana, Legon and a Diploma in Graphic Design and Website Development from, IPMC has vowed to use his God given talents to work for the betterment of mankind.

Andy has a maiden album out. The album dubbed “Strokes of a Worshipper” which features amazing tracks like Welcome, Left-Right, Yes we can, Praise Medley, Worship Medley, Hosanna, Happy Birthday and Oguamma. The distinctive album is marked by catchy Afro fusion with contemporary grooves which have both a soothing and uplifting effect on the listener.

Following on the success of the album, Andy has released a video of “Welcome,”  one of the tracks on the album. The colorful video portrays Andy Afranie as a pastor who resorts to charms to mislead unsuspecting Christians until the Holy Spirit invades his life and forces him to repent. Upon changing his character, he blesses the Holy Spirit with a lovely portrait painting. The song exhorts Christians to forsake the ways of the world and depend solely on God for their sustenance.

“Welcome” which features a blend of English, Twi, Ibo languages has an infectious feel that immediately grabs the listener and was produced by Mr Kwakye and Owuraku for Rhythms Africa Studio. The video was directed by P-Stills.

Andy Afranie who is currently under the management of AAM Records is best known for his Afro-African and contemporary soothing rhythm and impressive song writing style.

Considering the amount of talent in the gospel music space, Andy brings to the table creativity and variety by effectively combining different shades of fine art in his musical craft. He has developed a unique style, blending the art of music with painting on and off stage and this makes his performances a sight to behold.

As a way of fusing his music with his art, his ministrations are often accompanied by sessions where he unveils stunning portrait paintings of his invitees. Some of the personalities he has unveiled include Dr. Sonnie Badu at Spiritlife Revival Ministries, Rev. Steve Mensah, Rev Jane Mensah and Stanley Mensah at the Charismatic Evangelistic Ministry (CEM), Rev. Bishop Hampel (UK) and Rev. Dr. Anyani-Boadum (Jesus Generation Ministries – USA) among others.

Andy Afranie is set to release a live DVD concert recording, ‘Sow Concert’ (Strokes Of a Worshipper Concert) later this year. A family man, he is happily married to Mrs. Irene Boakye and they are blessed with a lovely son, Jerome.

Andy Afranie

A new house with even MORE housemates!

Following months of anticipation, the third edition of Africa’s biggest reality TV show, Big Brother Naija, began with the expected excitement and intrigue at 6pm on DStv channel 198 and GOtv channel 129. The show returns with an all new house and an increase in the number of housemates, as 20 Nigerians will now vie for N45 million Naira worth of prizes.

The Regional Director, M-Net West Africa, Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu, said: “Our viewers have been waiting for the return of Big Brother Naija, and after weeks of auditions around Nigeria, where we selected a mix of 20 people from different areas and with different, exciting personalities, we are thrilled to begin the show and can’t wait to see how the housemates compete against each other. The game has begun, and we urge our viewers to stay tuned!”

The show kicked off with the host, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu welcoming audiences in the studio and across the continent, after which Nigerian act Mayorkun performed his hit single, ‘Mama’. Ebuka then proceeded to give a tour of the all new Big Brother House, and viewers were then introduced to the first four housemates, whom the host dubbed the “lucky four”, given they had never previously auditioned for Big Brother or any other reality show, and made it through with their first try.

The first four housemates, Nina, Vandora, Teddy A and K. Brule, were immediately tasked with playing a game of corresponding numbers. The excitement continued as viewers were introduced to Princess, Alex, Dee One and Miracle, the second set of four housemates introduced to the house, who were also tasked with finding beds with corresponding numbers.

The show continued with the frenzied tempo as rave of the moment, Kiss Daniel, got on stage to perform his hot track, also titled ‘’Mama’, following which Ebuka proceeded to introduce the next set of housemates who excitingly have had some experience in the Nigerian film and television industry Ahnneka, Bam Bam, Rico Swavey and Bitto were all also asked with selecting numbers that corresponded with beds inside the house.

Proving just how truly diverse the house is, the very next set of housemates comprise business minded individuals, and viewers got to meet Khloe, Ify Ennada, Angel and Leo.

Mayorkun returned on stage and wowed audiences with a rendition of his hit song, ‘Che che ‘. Viewers were then given the chance to see how the 16 housemates introduced so far were getting along. Next up was the last set of four housemates, dubbed “the intellectuals” by Ebuka, by virtue of having advanced university degrees. Anto, Cee-C, Lolu and Tobi entered the house, and Ebuka proceeded to inform viewers of the plot twist that awaits the housemates during next week’s live show, with Kiss Daniel bringing the show to a close with his hot track ‘Yeba’.

Big Brother Naija is broadcast exclusively on DStv channel 198 and GOtv channel 29 and will run from Sunday, 28 January 2018 until Sunday, 22 April 2018. The live Sunday eviction show will be broadcast weekly at 6pm on:

• Africa Magic Showcase (DStv Channel 151)
• Africa Magic Urban (DStv Channel 153)
• Africa Magic Family (DStv Channel 154

Big Brother Naija is proudly sponsored by Payporte, and is available on all DStv packages, and on GOtv Max and GOtv Plus.

For more information on this 3rd Big Brother Naija edition, fans can visit www.dstv.com or www.africamagic.tv/bigbrother.  You can also follow the official Big Brother Naija handle on Instagram @bigbrothernaija_2018, twitter: @BBNaija and Facebook: facebook.com/bigbrothernaija