Sarkodie’s comments concerning musicians in Tamale after the Rapperholic concert

Almost everybody in Tamale was happy when the news broke out that the BET award winner and the most influential musician so far in Ghana was bringing the Rapperholic concert to their city. However, the most excited ones where the musicians in the city, to them it was an opportunity to meet Sarkodie and to impress him so he could help them realize their dreams. Observations were made by Sarkodie regarding musicians in Tamale, especially those who meet him and those who shared the same stage with him and below are his comments… “Tamale is a nice place and I love the people here, I was very pleased with the way the people of Tamale received me.. like a brother and a son. Musicians are always my concern whenever I visit any city, one can never tell where the next Sarkodie will emerge from, and so I try to help talented musicians when I find them. However, I made some few observations during my visit to Tamale concerning the musicians I meet and those I shared the stage with. The first observation I mad which is very paramount to the development of every musician is that all the musicians I meet were lacking fortitude. They are talented but then they have not taken their time to master their art, so when they sing and perform a very important element is always absent. They need to do their own research and find out what makes great musicians who they are.. Another thing is creativity, I realized that most northern music sound the same, the beat, the raping and singing style.. Music is evolving and the only way to sell and get recognized is when you bring out something new. I started like everybody else but I was able to creatively start something new and the world is enjoying it. Moreover, I realized that northern musicians where not united that is why northern music is not reaching where it should be. The music industry of every city is the mother of all the musicians of that city.. if is not doing well then every musician in that city will not get the opportunity to shine. The music industry in Tema was weak until musicians came together and boosted it. Now Tema music is everywhere. I wish I could say more.. What I would want to add is an advice to my brothers and fellow musicians in the north.. They need to make good use of the media and also find a team to help them realize their dream.” My imaginary observations of Sarkodie concerning musicians in the North…………..

Wizkid to rock Vodafone Ghana Music Awards

As the date for this year’s Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA) draws closer, Ghanaians are eager to know which musicians will be performing at the event. Your authoritative entertainment paper, NEWS ONE, has picked hints that organizers of the event, Charter House, have cast eyes on popular Nigerian music star Wizkid as one of the foreign acts to spice up the show come May 18. The VGMAs, which happens to be one of the biggest music events in Ghana, brings together international acts to witness and sometimes participate in the annual historic event. Sources close to the management of Charter House say they are still in talks with several other musicians because they want this year’s event to be a spectacular one. “For now what I know is that we have completed talks with Wizkid and he will definitely be at the show to thrill the audience. I can’t tell which foreign artiste will be there to perform just yet,” the source confirmed to NEWS ONE. Wizkid was in town earlier this year with his pal Chris Brown for the ‘Chris Brown Live in Ghana’ concert where the famous ‘wee smoking’ on stage took place. According to our sources, organizers are planning and working hard behind the scenes to get Nigerian’s P-Square and Samini to battle out their ‘Alingo’ and ‘Azonto’ claims on stage. As to whether Charter House is making any headway with P-Square, we cannot say. Ghanaians just need to keep their fingers crossed till the day of the event.

Michael Essien Brings Wyclef, Cristiano Ronaldo Others To Ghana

Haitian-born American singer Wyclef Jean will perform in Ghana in June. Jean will be making an appearance at Michael Essien’s Charity Game on June 8 at the Accra Sports Stadium. As part of activities being put together for Michael Essien’s Charity football game dubbed ‘Michael Essien Foundation Game of Hope and Inspiration, which will bring world top football players like Cristiano Ronaldo to Ghana, musician-Wyclef Jean has be contacted to make performing appearance at the stadium. The Michael Essien’s Charity game will take place on June 8 at the Accra Sports Stadium. This will be Michael Essien’s big Charity event in Ghana as he pulled off an impressive event in his debut charity game two years ago which attracted a full crowd at the Accra Sports Stadium to promote peace in Africa. It is being reported that, Essien through his Chelsea friend,-Folrent Malouda have managed to secure the services of the American hit-maker-Wyclef who will be one of the headline performers in a musical concert that comes off just after the game at the Accra Sports Stadium. “After the game there is a big concert, featuring Wyclef Jean as well, which Florent Malouda has helped with, and that will also be in the stadium,” Essien has revealed. The “Michael Essien Foundation Game of Hope and Inspiration” is aimed at raising funds for five African charities yet to be determined. It seems Wyclef Jean has mad love for Ghana and the people Ghana as he continues to associate his brand and creativity with Ghanaians and events aimed at helping Ghana. Apart from from the fact that this will be his second performance in Ghana,Wyclef recently worked with Ghanaian UK based artiste-Fuse ODG on the remix of his hit song-Antenna.

DEENSI Thrills Thousands At Sarkodie’s Rapperholic Concert In Tamale

The reigning HIP-LIFE Group in Northern Ghana DEENSI pampered music patrons of Tamale in grand style during the much anticipated music show dubbed THE RAPPERHOLIC CONCERT by the BET Awards Winner Sarkodie Obidi over the weekend. The Hip-Life Trio was put on the Rapperholic bill in the last minute but they still managed to steal the show at the Tamale Sports Stadium where over 6,000 fans had converged to witness the much talk about concert by performing their hit songs back to back with DJ Kofi Temafada in charge of affairs. History was made as DEENSI made up of Straw Da Rap, Shocker Blazer and Commy Dada totally nailed the show with full energy and impeccable stage craft. Deensi who were introduced on stage by co MC for the night Mr. Tell of Zaa Fm in a grand style began their performance with their most popular hit single GALAGALA followed by SWEETY DARLING, LUNBILA, BATORO and signed-off with their Azonto track ZAMBARIMA to the admiration of their funs. The sensational hip-life group combined showmanship and lyrical artistry on stage to validate the popular adage that form is temporal but class is permanent. Music funs for the night were yearning for more from Deensi since they have not been seen on stage in Tamale since the beginning of 2013. It is rumored that DEENSI who are under the management of Supremo GH Records will by June this year embarked on a TV Tour in Ghana which will see them appearing on major entertainment programmes on the various TV Stations in Ghana. The Rapperholic Tour of Sakordie was organized jointly by One World Concept, Duncwils Entertainment and DJ Mezz Yussi's North Links Entertainment. By Citizen Mo

We Are Not Sabotaging Music Awards – MUSIGA

The executive body of the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) has stated that their proposal and ongoing negotiations with event organizers Charterhouse over some discrepancies in the annual Vodafone Ghana Music Awards is for the betterment of all musicians. A statement signed by the President of the group Bice‘Obour’ Kuffour debunked several allegations which had been put out in the media that it was out to sabotage the music festival, saying, “It is has never been the intention of the Union to jeopardize the good relationship it has had with Charterhouse over the years nor to undermine the 2013 event.” Below is the full statement issued by MUSIGA The Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) would like to inform the general public that it’s proposal and ongoing negotiations with Charterhouse, organizers of the annual Ghana Music Awards over the past 13 years seeks to protect musicians while at the same time enhancing the quality of the event. It has never been the intention of the Union to jeopardize the good relationship it has had with Charterhouse over the years nor to undermine the 2013 event. Musiga has always collaborated effectively with Charterhouse for the planning and implementation of the awards and wishes to be able to continue in this vein in future. This Statement is in reaction to suggestions in the public domain arising from the on- going discussions between the two parties on concerns raised by members of the Union, even though it is not the wish of Musiga to put out the details of an ongoing negotiation. It is unfortunate that these internal discussions have gotten into the public domain in its early stages. We are therefore forced to clear the air by providing information in our proposal. Negotiations between MUSIGA and Charterhouse have been on-going since the first meeting on the 5th of April 2013, where, among other issues, the following were discussed: Formalize MUSIGA-Charterhouse reationship in an MOU, to ensure MUSIGA contributes even more to enhance the GMA brand, considering that the brand has been associated with the Union for the past 13years. 2. Proposal of a minimum performance fee to be agreed by both parties for GMA performing Artists to ensure high quality performance. 3. Proposal that each award winner receives cash award equivalent to the number of awards won rather than the current situation where for instance an artiste who wins 5 awards receives the same cash amount as the artiste who wins 1 award. 4. Recommendation to increase the annual cash contribution towards MUSIGA Artiste Welfare and Development Fund, from the current GHC 15,000 to GHC250,000 per annum. Charterhouse until the year 2012 had been graciously contributing an amount of GHC 7000 to the Welfare Fund. Musiga wishes to state also that, this proposal and negotiations will take effect from the 2014 Award Year. We wish to state that this proposal is being put forward in good faith and in the interest of musicians who have over the years raised concerns. It is the fervent wish of the Union that this MOU will be signed and the Unions relationship with Charterhouse formalized by the time of the VGMA 2013 Event(18th May, 2013). The Union heartily commends all members who have shown faith in it and assures musicians that these discussions are to articulate their concerns and arrive at a consensus that will be agreeable. In this connection, the Union would as always, urges all musicians to give out their very best to ensure sponsors, event producers, and the general public are always satisfied with their performance. We very much wish VGMA 2013 a resounding success.

$1 million to poach a morning show host

The Despite Group of Companies, operators of the newly established Asomdwe 100.9 Fm, has put on offer a jaw-dropping amount of $1 million to poach a morning show host for the station. Though the initial amount was said to be something near a $100,000, reports say the total package has been raised to $1million and that this was to ensure the station got a host good enough to attract more listeners than Kwame Sefa Kayi, the host of the Peace Fm’s ‘Kokrokoo’ morning show. Also included in the package would be a brand new vehicle and a residential apartment. The Despite Group of Companies has over the years been noted for poaching some of the best talents from media houses all over the country by offering them ‘further and better’ conditions of service.

Rocky Dawuni & John Legend help raise funds for women worldwide

Rocky Dawuni and John Legend joined forces on Sunday, April 21, 2013 in Beverly Hills, CA to help raise funds for the Women's Campaign International organization. Rocky Dawuni and John Legend treated women to an unforgettable afternoon in sunny California with a special performance as they celebrated women and girls empowerment and leadership from across the globe. Women's Campaign International with the help of Rocky Dawuni and John Legend were able to raise funds for women and girls. The event dubbed Women’s Campaign International “Spring to Make a Difference” Fundraiser also featured special poolside performances by teenage singing sensation Maddie Miller. The successful event was hosted by Cameron Penny of Rick Dees Entertainment at the home of Linda and Syd Leibovitch (Owners of Rodeo Realty). The lovely guests that attended enjoyed live, soulful music and free flowing cocktails, all while making a difference in the lives of women around the world. Campaign International (WCI) was founded in 1998 by former Pennsylvania Congresswoman Marjorie Margolies, WCI’s programs help women find their voices by giving them tangible skills in political leadership, conflict mitigation, economic empowerment, and civic engagement. Ghana’s international music star Rocky Dawuni has leveraged his popularity within and without of the Continent to champion social causes and inspire a generation of artists alike. Dawuni’s eloquence as well as his successful melding of musical celebrity and social action has made him a spokesperson for various causes worldwide. Over the last few years, his music and electric live performances have attracted thousands to his concerts. Rocky’s upcoming new album, “Afro Roots,” fully captures his unique fusion of Afro Beat and Reggae while confirming him as an artist in the tradition of both Fela Kuti and Bob Marley in utilizing his music to uplift, unify and inspire.

Noella Wiyaala live interview on Diamond City Jam

Sensational Afro Rock songstress Noella Wiyaala after her exploits in Stars of the Future and Vodafone Icons has finally broken away from her Black n Peach crew to pursue what she calls Afro Rock music on Djimba World Records. This Afro Rock music can be felt in her new single "Make Me Dance" which has an amazing video which was shooting under water. Watch out for the interview on Diamond Drive Time at 4:30pm tomorrow 23 - 04 - 2013.

Watch out! Guys, you may be attracted to a fake “ASS”

[Fact] – Guys love sweet, fat and bouncing “ass”. In fact falling for a lady with big buttocks is one thing no guy can resist. It is catchy, striking and leave’s a mental feeling of wanting to touch, hold and spark when the game is on….. Women after years of research have bare this great secret about guys and fat buttocks. The unlucky once; those who were born with flat buttocks are doing all they can to increase the size of their back side to increase their chances of winning guys. In the beginning their only option was an implant or buttocks enlargement pills, but considering the side effect of it, lots of women have flee from this action. Now, there is a new method in town which every lady who is not blessed with big buttocks is resorting to. The “Hips and Bum pad” it is called. It is the normal inner stretch that ladies wear, which is embedded with a soft substance at the back and side to help increase the size of the buttocks and hips. I saw a lady purchasing one of these products yesterday and out of curiosity I stopped to ask why she wants fake buttocks and hips. This is what she said; “I don’t have hips and fat buttocks and it is causing me a lot. I am not attractive to men because I lack this features. That is why I want to increase the size of my buttocks with these hips and bum pad” I looked at her and could not help but ask what will happen if her guy finds out she has fake buttocks, if she is lucky enough to find a man with those; “I don’t care what will happen; all I want is to be able to attract men. I will cross the bridge when I get there” She answered. We are in an era of fake things and even now, fake human parts like Boobs (Breast), Hips and buttocks. So guys, be careful the next time you are attracted to a fine, sweet and bouncing buttocks, it might be fake!

VGMA Under Threat

Charter House, organizers of the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA), is under pressure because the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) has threatened to boycott this year's event unless there is an increment in the monetary package for musicians who would pick up awards or perform at the event. Sources from the organizers revealed that a 'strong delegation' from MUSIGA has been meeting with Charter House on the quiet over the subject but no compromise has been reached as talks ended in a deadlock with no date fixed for another meeting. 'When they came (MUSIGA delegation) they were saying that we should increase the amount we pay to their members who get nominations and also pick up awards, from GHC3000 to GHC5000. They are also demanding that no musician should take below GHC10, 000 as performance fee during the awards. This is outrageous and it is surprising they are demanding such an amount for just a performance,' the source disclosed and added that the title sponsor, Vodafone, is not pleased about the impasse. Further checks by the paper revealed that the MUSIGA delegation, during the meetings further demanded that Charter House and the Union should sign a contractual agreement that formalizes the terms and conditions of the partnership between the two groups as far as organizing the Music Awards is concerned. Charter House, for the past 14 years, has organized the Ghana Music Awards in partnership with MUSIGA and after each event remitted some money to the Union for the welfare of its members. The amount forwarded to MUSIGA is however determined by the discretion of Charter House and the quantum has varied over the years. As part of the MUSICA demands, the Union is requesting that contractual agreement should clearly explain the exact percentage of the sponsorship package Charter House should remit to the Union as well as the precise role the Union would play to make the event a success. Though not officially confirmed, Vodafone, the title sponsor of the Music Awards, is said to have given Charter House an amount of $ 1 million for the 2013 edition and MUSIGA is requesting from this figure, an amount of GHC250,000 for its welfare department. Meanwhile, Charter House has set May 18 as the awards date and it is not clear how the company would handle this ongoing misunderstanding with MUSIGA.

The Michael Essien Power Works WONDERS On Even Twitter

Michael Essien has pulled the Essien power on twitter after just a single tweet. Essien joined the social media platform yesterday-17th April, 2013 and immediately after joining, he sent out a single tweet which fetched him over 18,000 followers… Within few hours after his tweet, he got VERIFIED-something people fought and have been fighting for years for it…LOL That is the power of Michael Essien! No wonder Nadia Buari and the other women cannot get over him…

Will the much anticipated Rapperholic concert be a success or a disappointment?

Tamale! The city of countable concerts.. Witness entertainment shows once in a blue moon. Many are does who correlate this situation to the unprofessional nature of some event organizers in the city. However, one cannot really tell which group is the cause of the problem. Upon all these, the once in a while shows also come with their challenges. After vagarious advertisement on Radio and sometimes on T.V which raises the interest of the public, performers end up not showing up at the event grounds or refuses to perform because they want their balance paid or better still a down pour muddles the concert. A clear example is the African Child Concert, Samini and Friends Concert and the likes. Considering this bad history of events organized in Tamale, I have always been skeptical whenever I hear an advert of an upcoming event on Radio and the question I always ask is whether it will be another disappointment or a successful concert?

Maiden Azonto Festival to hit Ghana & UK

Ghana, United Kingdom and the rest of the world will in the next few months witness the first ever official Azonto festival when Flash Mob Ghana (FMG) – the home of dance and entertainment introduces this enthralling and much-anticipated event to celebrate the origin of the dance craze and promote local brands. Dubbed “Azonto Festival GH and UK”, the event will be hosted first in Ghana [home of the Azonto dance] and later in the United Kingdom. The event aims at creating a platform to market made in Ghana brands culturally through the Azonto dance around the globe. The Chief Executive Officer of FMG, Mr. Moses Frimpong popularly known as Usher acknowledged the need to celebrate the brand and use the opportunity to promote other local brands to the rest of the world. “The dance must be officially celebrated to make the world know the dance is really from Ghana and use the medium to promote other Ghanaian brands especially in the country’s tourism industry,” he said. All around the world, countries host dance festivals as a form of promoting tourism in their respective countries. Countries like France, Italy, Spain, Brazil, China, and South Africa just to mention a few have made good use of dance to promote tourism together with other local brands and it is no surprise that these countries are highly ranked in the World Tourism ranking. Obviously due to the millions of revenues generated from the sector each year. Organisers are set to launch the event on Friday, May 31 this year at the plush Best Western Premier Hotel, at Airport Residential Area in Accra where the line-up to the program will be made known to the public. “Azonto Festival GH and Uk” is powered by Flash Mob Ghana – an independent entertainment company that specializes in flash mob dance, event organizing and modeling. To find out more about this reveling event to hit Ghana and the United Kingdom, visit here AZONTO FESTIVAL

It’s Ackah Blay changing a career?

One may face a career crisis if the career he chooses does not meet his expectations at the end of the day. As a radio personality who migrated from being a presenter to a technician, Ackah Blay was an ace radio presenter who rocked shoulders with the likes of Nuhu Kennedy, DJ Abdul, Alhassan Suhiyini and the rest, back in the days when radio was not common as it is now in Tamale. He remained in the industry till date after all his contemporaries have left radio in tamale and are living large elsewhere. Unswerving source revealed to Gaida Consult that, Ackah Blay has finally decided to change his career since radio is not helping in improving his living standard. The source also revealed that he is planning to venture into video production, specifically concentrating on documentaries. However, Ackah Blay is currently working as a technician at Might Fm and doing so well at the Job.

Radio does not pay in Tamale… Say’s Fiifi Eshun

After working in Tamale as a radio presenter for a very long time without any positive results in his life, he decided to try his luck in Kumasi. Fortunately for him situation went well over there. I was in Kumasi last weekend and met up with Fiifi Eshun who was once an eminent presenter in Tamale, I could not believe the tremendous change in his living standard, so I tried to find out how he was able to make it over there. The first question I asked was why he left Radio in Tamale and moved to Kumasi. Fiifi : “ It is said that you will never know what you are missing elsewhere until you travel there. I left Radio in Tamale because it was not paying well. I worked day and night to attract business for my station. Yet, at the end of the month I was given a diminutive amount that could not even pay for my rent let alone feed me for another month”. Gaida Consult: what is the difference between Radio in Tamale and Radio in Kumasi? Fiifi: “Radio in Kumasi is well organized, the stations over here appreciate the efforts of their employees, not only financially but physically, In the sense that management respect their workers and praise them when it is necessary, this in turn makes the public appreciate and respect radio presenter and radio workers in general. It was not the same in Tamale”. Gaida Consult: How much are you paid monthly? Fiifi: “I can’t disclose that to you, however I don’t receive less than one thousand Ghana cedis(GH 1,000) a month. With the qualification I have if I am employed in a bank I will not be paid some petite sum that is what radio stations over here consider when paying their employees. A radio presenter is paid base on his/her qualification and the salary is good. Back in Tamale radio stations do not consider that, they give you anything and tell you to leave if you are not satisfied with it". Gaida Consult: What are your plans for the future? Fiifi: “I am satisfied with where I am now but I have not stopped learning and praying for more. I want you to consider the lives of Alhassan Suhiyini, Gaddafi, DJ Abdul and the rest their lives have changed as compared to when they were working in Tamale. I will suggest that management of radio stations in Tamale confer with management of radio stations in the south to help them improve the radio industry in Tamale". I had a good time with Fiifi Eshun who is now know as the International Man. I also think something has to be done with regards to the current tribulations of radio presenters and workers are facing in Tamale and northern Region as a whole.

Original Soundboy venturing in to music

“ if good voice, ability to script mind blowing lyrics and first-class sound is the key elements of composing an admirable music , then I am as good as any eminent musician you can think off” {Original Soundboy} Original Soundboy is a proficient and knowledgeable D.J and radio presenter in Tamale. He started his career as a D.J in 2004, after taking a professional training in disc jockey and Radio presentation. He worked as a D.J at Tohazie Hotel, Boham’s Night Club and Royal Night Club respectively. He is currently the drive time host on Diamond 93.7 fm. After taking lessons in voice training and composing music , he personally told Gaida Consult that “ I have no doubt that I can professional produce a hit track that can match up with the current hit tracks you hear on radio. ” When he was ask what kind of music he intend to compose, he said “ I am known to be versatile in everything I do, I have no limits. I have exhibited this in my past work as a D.J and my current work as a radio presenter. I intend to do all kind of music provided the lyrics comes right and the beat is on point.” It is obvious that Original Soundboy is prepared to add more light in northern music and to give it the recognition it deserves. However, he intends to concentrate on English and Dagbani as the languages to use in his music. Well folks, I hope you can’t wait to hear his first track…. So do I. let’s not rush into judging him until his first track is out.

Rapperholic Concert in Tamale

One of the best shows in 2012, ‘Rapperholic Concert’ by B.E.T award winner Sarkodie will be hitting the people of Tamale next weekend. Sarkodie who has thrilled thousands of fans in Accra and Kumasi with the event will this time pitch his camp at the Tamale sports stadium where he will treat his fans in Northern Ghana to hit tunes from his collection of songs. The event which is the first of its kind in the region will see some of the most sort after musicians in Ghana joining him. The afro-eclectic African songstress Efya and Sherifa Gunu will join him to rock fans of the northern sector. The event which is scheduled for Saturday, April 20 will see the two-time artiste of the year thrilling fans with some selected hit songs from “You go kill me” to “Azonto Fiesta” and more.

D’Cryme questions bloggers outside Accra & Tema?

Here comes a question from the ‘Mene wo a’ hit maker D’Cryme which needs serious attention. The Tema based musician recently in a tweet asked ‘Apart from Tv/Radio, I hardly hear News (Entertainment) from other part of Gh. #Always Accra-Tema..y Aint der no bloggers??’ I will say bloggers and publicists from other regions are not seen and respected even not to those in the region unless the person is from the capital. There are countless publicists from other cities apart from the two cities mentioned but how will one be recognized if people don’t appreciate his works. There are countless times bloggers and publicists have complained about this issue of respect and recognition but no one seems to care about it but we strive to work hard. Moreover, some event organizers and celebrities don’t see the importance of hiring the services of publicist in order to boost their market. To answer Darlington Kwasi Agyekum a.k.a D’Cryme, there are countless publicists and bloggers from other parts of the country outside Accra and Tema.

The rising of a new super star in Ghana (SHARIF ALI a.k.a Jagaluga)

Endowment is part of the spirited human and the future is brighter for the spirited human. Producing music, for some musicians has to be acquired from a talented source, there are only few talented musicians in Ghana, the rest are “try your luck musicians”. Throughout my search for talented musicians I have never come across a very young chap with such talent. Sharif Ali is his real name but he his know among is contemporaries and the entertainment front as “Jagaluga” meaning the new era. He is gifted with the talent of making music and creating new things which is capable of satisfying all categories of music lovers. He is a Kumasi based artist but has been to every part of the country and beyond in respond of the call of his fans. Some of his fans call him the King of the stage following his exclusive stage performance. However, this talented artist in an interview told Gaida Consult that “I consider myself as an underground artist, patiently waiting to take the whole country by storm, just like the musicians we see on our T.V. they all started from somewhere. The only difference with me is that I see myself rocking the stage with the world’s most powerful and influential musicians.” Ghana and the whole world should watch out for SHARIF ALI A.k.A “Jagaluga” as he is one of the rising super stars who will take Gh music to the next level.

Women Face Arrest For Wearing Miniskirts In Uganda In New Laws That Also Ban Beyonce From Television

Women in Uganda who go out wearing mini-skirts could face jail or a heavy fine under draconian new anti-pornography laws. The legislation would also see television dramas and films banned if it is passed by parliament. The Anti-Pornography Bill 2011 proposes that those found guilty of abetting pornography be fined up to 10 million Ugandan shillings (£2,500) or jailed for up to 10 years, or both. Simon Lokodo, Uganda’s ethics and integrity minister, who proposed the Bill, said: ‘Any attire which exposes intimate parts of the human body, especially areas that are of erotic function, are outlawed. Anything above the knee is outlawed. If a woman wears a miniskirt, we will arrest her.’ The bill, which is backed by Deputy Attorney General Fred Ruhindi, would also see many films and TV dramas banned from the airwaves and internet use monitored. Mr Lokodo, a former Catholic priest defrocked by the Vatican for his involvement in politics, said that would mean that celebrities such as Beyoncé and Madonna would be banned from Ugandan television. ‘Television should not broadcast a sexy person,’ he said. He added: ‘On the internet, we’re going to put a monitoring system so we know who has watched which website and we know who has watched pornographic material.’ Mr Lokodo said the Bill was needed to protect women and children against exploitation and curb increasing immorality. If passed, the proposed law would mark a return to the era of dictator Idi Amin, who banned short skirts. Many Ugandans are against the idea and some have taken to Twitter to express their outrage using the hashtag #SaveMiniSkirt. But on Thursday the draft law ran into problems when some members of the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee voiced concerns about its implications for freedoms guaranteed in the Constitution. MPs said the Bill’s definition of pornography was too broad and said it went against Uganda’s tradition of being a tolerant country. The Bill defines pornography as any cultural practice, behaviour or form of communication that depicts naked breasts, thighs, buttocks or genitalia. The definition also includes anyone engaged in explicit sexual activities, erotic behaviour intended to cause sexual excitement and any indecent act or behaviour tending to corrupt morals. But MPs criticised the lack of definition about what constituted ‘decent dressing’ and said the Bill could inhibit the sexual behaviour of married couples. They asked the Government to stop curtailing freedoms, which they said could scare away tourists. Mr Lokodo responded by saying that the legislation will not outlaw ‘any act or behaviour between spouses or couples performed in fulfilment of their conjugal rights and responsibilities, where such matters are strictly private.’ He said that one of the dangers of pornography is that it fuels sexual crimes against women and children, including rape and child molestation. He suggested that women who were victims of sexual violence were sometimes attacked because of their provocative dress. ‘One can wear what one wants, but please do not be provocative,’ he said. ‘People who are indecently dressed … do it provocatively and sometimes they are attacked. ‘An onlooker is moved to attack her and we want to avoid those areas. He is a criminal but he was also provoked and enticed.’ While some committee members said that pornography was already outlawed under Ugandan law, Mr Lokodo said that the existing laws only covered the publication of obscene material and that the issue of pornography transcended publication. Mr Lokodo is no stranger to controversy. Last year he raided a workshop for gay activists and announced a ban on 38 pro-gay groups, saying they were undermining the national culture by promoting homosexuality.

VGMA Postponed Forever

Reports reaching Gaida Consult suggest that the 14th edition of Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA), scheduled for April 6, has been postponed indefinitely! Though organizers are mentioning May 18 as the new date, sources say this has not been confirmed and that the organizers are only putting out the date to save their shamed faces. Meanwhile, the organizers continue to scout for a suitable venue for the event and until a conducive venue is agreed on, it would be difficult or impossible to fix a date for the all important music awards. Earlier reports indicated that organizers of the music festival, Charter House, had settled on the Accra International Conference Centre as the venue for the event but further checks revealed that the place had been booked for another event. According to the source, the news about Dome shutting down for renovations had been a major blow to Charter House and its closest port of call was the Accra International Conference Centre. “We are currently having a lot of meeting and we hope that the Conference Centre will be available for us when we are ready,” the source said. Currently, Charter House is gearing up for the VGMA Nominees Jam which will take place on April 13 at Koforidua in the Eastern Region. Most of the Ghanaian musicians who made it on this year’s VGMA nomination list and other key players in the industry will converge on the Koforidua Jackson’s Park to party with the board, academy and other officials of Charter House.

Chris Brown says ‘Azonto’ is a Nigerian dance

American R&B star Chris Brown, who recently performed at the rLG Hope City concert in Ghana, says the famous Ghanaian dance moves 'Azonto' is a Nigeria 'thing'. Chris Brown, while promoting his new album on BET's 106 & Park, told the hosts about 'Azonto', but gave credits to Nigeria, adding that he learnt it from Nigerian musician Wizkid. Chris Brown was making a point on how big an influence Michael Jackson had on him and his career, but in answering it, 'Azonto' came up. He said "...there's a dance in Africa…it's funny but it's kinda like the Michael Jackson. But after several shouts of "Do it....do it" from the crowd, he decided to demonstrate it on state. After that, he said this... "I learnt that...I learnt it from a Nigerian artiste by the name of Wizkid...so I don't wanna act like I created it...it's in Nigeria." He also gave props to Wizkid, saying "he's an incredible artiste out there." Many questions were raised when Chris Brown introduced Wizkid to stage at the Hope City concert to perform his track 'Azonto'. Quite recently, Ghanaian Dancehall artiste Samini released a single to slam Nigerian duo P-Square for copying 'Azonto' and just changing it to 'Alingo'. Nollywood star Tonto Dikeh is said to have replied to Samini's song, apparently citing her disapproval of the allegation. The fact still remains though, that 'Azonto' is from Ghana, with its roots in Bukom.