mSimps Fashion Brand Launches Online Retail Shop

mSimps, one of Ghana’s trendiest and urbanized design brands, has outdoored an online retail shop, www.msimpsgh.com 

Mabel Simpson, Founder of mSimps said, the online shop will offer clients, both old and new based in Ghana and beyond a whole new shopping experience. 

Shoppers can sit in the comfort of their homes and offices and at the click of a button purchase an item and have it delivered at their doorstep. The shop also offers variety of payment options including Airtel Money, MTN Mobile Money, Western Union and MoneyGram. 

2checkout, another online payment option that supports PayPal, MasterCard, Visa, American Express and Discover payments will be added in due course to allow customers to shop regardless of their geographical location and also give them the flexibility of choosing the payment method that is best for them.

According to Mabel Simpson, the online shop is just one of the many ways mSimps is trying to make their products easily accessible to clients and would be clients in and out of Accra especially since the traffic situation in the capital prevents people from coming out during the day. 

“It is also a way of satisfying our international clients who are ‘hungry’ for our products especially after our feature on BBC World News. This is to let our clients know that we have listened to their concerns and will always have their interest at heart” she said. 
The packaging options also allow shoppers to order a gift item for a loved one during any special occasion and have it delivered to them.
“We are excited about this and consumers should expect new product lines, promotions and other offers from time to time” Mabel Simpson said.

mSimps was founded in August 2010. It is a Ghanaian owned design house specializing in hand-made, customized accessories including Ladies hand bags, clutch purses, tote bags, laptop bags/sleeves, iPad/Tablet cases, hair and dress brooches, men’s slippers, loafers, wallets and belts. The mission of mSimps is to provide African, trendy, quality and affordable products in Africa and beyond. mSimps believes in elegance in simplicity. mSimps designs are inspired by African fashion and Ethnic prints especially its colours and patterns.

Mr President, Ghanaians Are Suffering – Actress Yvonne Nelson Tells Prez Mahama

Actress, Yvonne Nelson, has called on President John Mahama to take steps to improve the plight of “suffering” Ghanaians. 

She tweeted on Friday afternoon to the President’s verified twitter account, @JDMahama as follows: “@JDMahama Mr President. Ghanaians are suffering. The people of Ghana are SUFFERING. #fuel #electricity #water plsdosomething! Thank you”

She also wrote: ”God save us!!! Help our land”, she added.

Bolaray And Joselyn Dumas To Host MTN 4Syte TV Music Video Awards 2013

The only awards scheme for visual part of the music industry in Ghana the MTN 4Syte TV Music Video Awards is taking the awards to a new level this year. 

The awards night slated for November 16, 2013 at the Accra International Conference Center, will be hosted by two great personalities; renowned Broadcaster and CEO of Empire Entertainment Nathaniel Kwabena Anokyi Adisi popularly known as Bolaray of Joy FM and beautiful Actress and hottest of “The One Show” on Viasat 1, Joselyn Dumas, whose great personalities will definitely add colour to the night. 

After five successful years running, organizers have decided to dedicate its huge platform to promote indigenous Ghanaian music. Even though over the years, MTN 4Syte Music Video Award has acknowledged the hard work and creativity of Ghanaian musicians and music video directors, it is dedicating this year’s 5th anniversary edition to promoting Ghanaian music. 

In an interview with 4syte TV CEO Mr. Ignace Hego, he stressed that “Highlife music is the only genre of music which is recognized all over the world as the authentic Ghana music so we want to use this year’s awards to promote Highlife and Ghanaian music in general “. 

In view of this, Ignace disclosed that the awards will organize a number of meetings and seminars with stakeholders in the music industry i.e. Radio and TV Presenters, Producers, Arts Writers, Bloggers, Video Directors, Marketers among others to come to a consensus as to how we push Ghanaian music on the international front. 

This year’s event is under the theme “Pushing Ghanaian music” and for the first the show will line up an all Ghanaian artistes without any foreign artiste to perform on the main awards night. 

Award winning Highlife singer Kwabena Kwabena who has never performed on the platform before will mount the stage as the headline act to sing his repertoire of great highlife tunes as well as singer Castro De Destroyer alongside a long list of Hiplife musicians. 

The MTN 4Syte TV Music Video Awards platform has over become a big platform for Big Brother Africa housemates to meet their Ghanaian fans and experience entertainment in Ghana. 

In 2011 Ghana’s Alex Biney also known as Bomaye and Millicent from Kenya who came to present an awards on the night pulled off a surprise kiss live on stage. The following year saw Keitta from Ghana and Zaineb from Sierra Leone reenacted their love moments on stage and DKB also apologized to Zainab live on stage for slapping her. 

This year will also see all the way from Namibia, Dillish Matthews, winner of Big Brother Africa 2013 –The Chase ultimate $300,000 prize and a number of her fellow housemates in attendance. 

Ignace commended title sponsor MTN for sponsoring the awards for two years now and raising it from where it was to where it is now. He also applauded ABL for being the official beverage sponsor and expressed his joy to have ABL on board. 

5TH Africa Fashion Awards To Be Held @ MONTE CASINO

AFI 5th Africa Fashion Awards to crown the best in African Fashion Alek Wek to appear as guest judge for AFI Africa Fashion Awards

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Africa 2013 (MBFW Africa), presented by African Fashion International (AFI),and being being hosted by the City of Tshwane, will conclude with an Africa Fashion Awards Banquet on Sunday, 3rd November at Monte Casino, where African fashion industry’s successes will be celebrated and recognised.
Sudanese supermodel, Alek Wek, is guest judge at the African Fashion Awards. She will be joined by Kenyan’s Diana Opoti, highly respected lifestyle, pan-African televsion producer who is experienced both in front and behind the camera and presents and produces, Designing Africa, a fashion program that profiles the top names in fashion in the African continent.
Other judges include Russian model, Sayora Grigorian, ambassador & Égérie of Azzadine Alaia, with interest in luxury fashion, and South Africa’s Chris Viljoen, a renowned, fashion director and has been in the local fashionindustry for more than 17 years. They will be judging under the watchful eye of PwC as the auditors.
The fashion industry and the public have nominated the following for the various Africa Fashion Awards categories:
1. DESIGNER OF THE YEAR
· Kluk CGDT
· Duaba Serwa
· Suzaan Heyns

2. EMERGING DESIGNER OF THE YEAR
· MilQ and Honey
· Kibonen
· Loin Cloth and Ashes

3. ACCESSORIES DESIGNER OF THE YEAR
· Anita Quansah
· Pichulik
· Ndau Collection
4. MODEL OF THE YEAR
· Grace Bol
· Grace Mahary
· Katryn Kruger

5. OUTSTANDING TREND COMMUNICATOR
· Haute Fashion Africa
· Helen Jennings
· Zandile Blay

6. OUTSTANDING FASHION ENTREPRENEUR
· Danica Lepen
· Felicity Spies
· Hanneli Rupert

7. OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO AFRICAN FASHION
· Jan Malan
· Oluchi
· Omoyemi Akerele
8. AFI Fastrack™ DESIGNER OF THE YEAR
· Hugo Flear
· Aleni Labrou
· Alexa Liss
facebook.com/adjeyi.alberta

I Feel No Pressure — Miss Universe Ghana

Miss Universe Ghana 2013, Hanniel Jamin last Tuesday evening left Ghana for Russia, where she will participate in the Miss Universe finals scheduled for November 5 and 9.

During a brief press interaction at the Kotoka International Airport before her departure, she hinted that she wasn’t pressured by the success of Miss Ghana 2012, Naa Okailey Shooter who placed third at Miss World 2013 and also won Miss World Africa.

Hanniel Jamin, said that she could be the ultimate winner Miss Universe, which is the rival pageant for Miss World. “I don’t feel pressured because I know that if Naa Okailey Shooter could place second runner-up at Miss World then I can also do better. I am sure by the special grace of God, I can become the winner of Miss Universe.”

Her departure for Russia comes after media reports that she would not be representing Ghana in the Miss Universe finals.The speculations started when the 19-year old posted on Facebook an alleged plan to replace her with another person at the finals in Russia.

She wrote: “Someone is trying to impersonate me, Hanniel Jamin by representing me as the Miss Universe Ghana 2013 at the Miss Universe Int’l 2013 pageant in Moscow Russia.

Now I see why I was kidnapped on September 3. Please Miss Universe Organisation Worldwide, Pageantology, Missosology, Russian Embassy, Ghanaian and Russian Immigration, and the Media please take note.”

She also alleged that one of her runners-up was trying to take her place at the international finals: “No matter how hard ‘you’ the Miss Universe Ghana 2013 beauty pageant runner-up tries to take my place, you will never succeed

“You will always remain my runner-up besides you can never steal my position because I will make sure you and the people manipulating things are jailed. Hmmm, now I understand why my passport has been seized by the so-called manipulators since 2 months and my visa has not yet been processed.”

Before leaving the Kotoka International Airport, Hanniel Jamin however apologised for the confusion. She said: “On behalf of the organisers of Miss Universe, RAC (Roberta Annan Consulting) and Miss Universe Ghana, we want to apologise for all that confusion. We want to state that I, Hanniel Jamin, Miss Universe Ghana will be representing Ghana in Russia and not any other person.”

The 62nd edition of the Miss Universe pageant will be taking place in Russia for the first time at Crocus City Hall on Russia on November 9. The show is divided into two stages: November 5-Preliminary Show and November 9-Final.facebook.com/adjeyi.alberta

Funny Face Finds Love..Ties The Knot Soon

Swagon Papa, Funny Face, will soon go to the altar with his loving fiancée, Nana Adjoa.

One of Ghana’s finest comedians, Funny Face, born Benson Nana Yaw Boateng, told Times Weekend he had ‘chewed on’ for too long, so he would be ringing the wedding bells soon.

The young man, who began life from point ‘zero’, has now risen to a hero. The storm of poverty rode his life from the beginning, but has now turned into prosperity, and he is wishing to enjoy it to the fullest.

The O’Reilly Senior High School old boy has stood on numerous platforms entertaining large audiences, and now owns, in his words, “a fleet of Cars, aside from the one given him by Togolese footballer, Adebayor.

He told Times Weekend, he has now found his ‘missing’ Eve, and is going to tie the knot so that they may be called husband and wife.

“Early next year, I would be taking someone to the altar, so I can join the number of husbands in the country, masa ‘ekomade yen akye’. That day, I will fool myself, swaaag on.

“I know you are itching to know who this lucky woman is, she is Nana Adjoa”.

As usual, Funny Face could not say all these things without his comic relief. He said. “I want to tell all those who will be coming to my wedding to come with their own food. Who should cook for you, me or my wife-to-be? Please, come with your take away. Ex——–cuuuuuuu——–se me”. facebook.com/adjeyi.alberta

Blakk Rasta Apologizes For Slapping Wanluv Kuborlor But....

Fearless and outspoken Radio Presenter Blakk Rasta host of Hitz FM’s “Taxi Driver” mid-morning show has apologized publicly for physically assaulting Rapper Wanluv Kuborlor.

The interesting episode unfolded on Peace FM’s “Entertainment Review” last Saturday when both parties told their side of the unfortunate incident after which they both gracefully apologized to each other. 

Narrating what happened, Wanluv stated that he went for an interview last Thursday October 24, 2013 on Hitz FM Drive Time hosted by Kwame B and while he was waiting he (Wanluv) was standing outside the offices of Multimedia having a chat with Radio Presenter Doreen Andoh when Blakk Rasta came from nowhere to confront him about a long running social media battle between them.

According to him, Blakk Rasta asked him why he insulted his mother some months back in a YouTube video. Even though according Wanluv he didn’t remember insulting Blakk Rasta’s mother he told Blakk Rasta to apologize for calling him a cocaine user on Adom FM among other negative things before he would also apologize to him in return. Wanluv continued that they had some sort of verbal exchanges and tensions were rising so Doreen Andoh tried to intervene and he turned to Doreen to listen to what she was saying and Blakk Rasta slapped him in the face. 

Wanluv admitted he also threw some punches and scratched Blakk Rasta face until on lookers came to the scene to separate them. 

On his part Blakk Rasta confirmed the incident and accepted responsibility for first slapping Wanlov, but explained that he lost his temper after extreme consistent provocation and vulgar insults on his parents from Wanluv. “I slapped him, I’m not going to lie about it, I am not happy about it, I am not proud about it and I am very apologetic about it to the fans and everybody because Blakk Rasta has never been violent person”. 

Wanlov also explained that it was rather Blakk Rasta who provoked him and that he did not expect the assault from the radio presenter. After several exchanges between the two live on radio, the situation was getting out of hand with threats of court and gang attacks setting in until Kwasi Aboagye, host of Peace Fm’s Entertainment Review, did a wonderful job by getting the two to apologize to each other and make peace on his live radio show. 

They both complained having bruises on their body and are both seeking medical attention after the fight. 

However, Wanluv has reported the incident to the Nima Police station that is yet to invite Blakk Rasta for questioning. 

After they both apologized to each other on Saturday one would have thought that everything had been settled between the two dread locks men but we woke up on Monday to see along letter written by Wanluv to Blakk Rasta revealing a number of allegation against Blakk Rasta. 

"facebook.com/adjeyi.albertaYou contacted me via Peace FM to apologize for slapping me. A slap that came unaware whilst I was turned away listening to a comment your colleague Doreen Andoh was making on the front steps of Multimedia, your workplace.

I clearly said that I had stopped many angry people from coming for you during this Peace FM call. When it was your turn to speak you turned the issue like I had said I was sending people for you so you were also ready to send your guys to me. The host caught you and pointed out your twisting of my words and intention. Is this apologetic behaviour? Or comprehension deficiency?

Your mother has never done anything bad to me apart from giving birth to you so I apologise to her for insulting her because she could not have known you would grow to be a pain to me and a few others.

As far as I know, you have not publicly withdrawn the cocaine comment by tweeting it like i asked because it has not come to my attention. I only accept your slap apology because you didn’t go as free as you might have wanted since my hands also had a few seconds on your face, but I cannot apologize for fighting back coz it was a natural reaction".

Now on to more issues:

1. You wrote letters to Bavaria to sponsor your Reggae event. Meanwhile you were calling the guys who brought them to Ghana cocaine users and strippers. Do you posses a shred of shame? Yet we went ahead to say that they should consider your proposal if it holds business value, but they said even if it did, they wanted to work only with artists we approved of totally. See how you dig your own pit?

2. You attempted to use Rita Marley’s name to go to Felabration by lying to the organizers that you were her 15 man band, unbeknownst to Rita, with the plan of calling her on stage by surprise when you got there. I thought you liked Rita Marley. Yaa Pono, EL, Lady Jay, Afro Harmony, Macho Rapper, Knii Lante & FOKN Bois were all invited there officially to perform. Yes, and FOKN Bois performed “Thank God We’re Not A Nigerians” to 6000 plus Nigerians and they sang along, laughed, danced and teased us back right after. We’ll put it on youtube just for you to watch since you were the first to speak against the song when it came out.

3. You uninvitedly jumped on Lady Jay & Afro Harmony’s stage at La Palm to forcefully shoot your video without permission because it looked nice to you. After you were told to wait till the show was over so you can use it for free, you pretended to agree and jumped right back on it minutes later. Opportunism has a new meaning with you.

Before stealing that slap, you accused me of thinking I am special, as if being special is a bad thing, yet you behave like you are over entitled and use insensibly forceful and crooked means to try and get things…the only thing that makes me special is truth. I do not trick or lie. I live my life as simple as I can. I did not come to this world to step on any toes.

What made you stoop so low to me to apologize since you claimed you will never do so? Was there pressure from Multimedia? Do not mind them coz they will protect their own. If you have not yet lost your job so far for your misogynic, racist, homophobic, sexist and violent views that you air freely on Hitz FM, a station that claims to be progressive, then you won’t lose your job even if I take Multimedia to court because realistically I don’t have enough money for that and we all know how our beautiful nation of Ghana functions.

As for the police Your colleagues at Multimedia that like you a lot, because of certain behaviour you have been exhibiting at work, advised that I report you to Nima police station right away so that they come and arrest you for assault…so I did…I went through all the motions required of me officially, but I did not “lubricate” any palms so I doubt they will come for you. If they do then be happy that at least some parts of the police system are still functioning.

If you plan to continue your attempt at being a relevant public figure then try and make some adjustments in your life and till the day you do so please don’t comment on things I or my people do, because I really thrive on tit for tat.

Oh wow…the police just called me…some parts still function!!!…they want me to accompany them to Multimedia to point you out and arrest you…I had to tell them that I am very busy and don’t see why I need to accompany them to come and pick you up. It will feel like I have also been arrested since it would be taking up time I can be using to edit “Coz Ov Moni 2″ coming out 23rd December at National Theatre ;0).

Is it true you asked King Luu to do some for you? hahahahaha! So pray thepolice do not come coz I will not stop them from doing their duty since it is a rare sight in my experience. And even though I have forgiven you for slapping me I have not forgiven Multimedia who made no effort to contact me and apologize for their employee’s assault on me on their premises whilst I was there in full official capacity.

I wish you all the best

Kubolor

Yvonne Nelson, Deborah Vanessa, Menaye Donkor Others Nominated For Ghana Models Award

Below are the full nomination list for Ghana Models Award, the event aimed at honouring excellence and creativity in the modelling and fashion sector of the creative arts industry. The awards ceremony  come off at the Novotel Hotel in Accra via a glamorous ceremony next month.

Below is the list of nominees:   

MODEL OF THE YEAR (FEMALE) - OVERALL
Nana Yaa Addo
Menaye D. Muntari
Rachael Williams
Shirley S. Anku
Joycelyn Nketia
Yvonne Nelson

MODEL OF THE YEAR - RUNWAY - MALE
Prince Ibrahim
Ralph Zillary
Stephen Owusu
Zion Benjamin
Lord Gidiglo
Joseph Koomson

MODEL OF THE YEAR - EDITORIAL - MALE’
Prince Ibrahim
Seth Kwame O. Nyarko
Meek Ghartey
Zion Benjamin
Bennet Nii Adjei
Stephen Owusu

MODEL OF THE YEAR (MALE) - OVERALL’
Meek Ghartey
Seth Kwame O. Nyarko
Prince Ibrahim
Stephen Owusu
Lord A. Gidiglo
Zion Benjamin

MODEL OF THE YEAR - EDITORIAL/ COMMERCIAL’ - FEMALE
Shirley S. Anku
Menaye D. Muntari
Rachael Williams
Geraldine Partington
Joycelyn Nketia
Babsie Koomson

CHILD MODEL OF THE YEAR
Mariam Lamptey
Stephanie Agianab

Selassi Ahey
Sumuha Abdul Samed
Ophelia Dzidzornu

DISCOVERY OF THE YEAR:
Roseline Okoro
Perpetual Mensah
Deborah Vannessa
Adwoa Ofori Afriyie
Zenobia Bou – Chedid

CATWALK TRAINER/ CHOREOGRAPHER OF THEYEAR’
Lord Gidiglo
Jasper Asamoa
Ernest Look
Richard Agbemezah
Freddie Asa – Awuku

PLUS SIZE MODEL OF THE YEAR
Magdalene Aheto
Louisa Desbordes - Collison
Christabel Apoyere
Eugenia Kamasah
Audrey Dodoo

MOST PROMISING MODEL OF THE YEAR - MALE
Courage Kwashie
Ralph Zillary
Isaac Arthur
Joseph Koomson
Prince Ibrahim

THE MOST PROMISING MODEL OF THE YEAR - FEMALE
Mercy Ashie
Frema Mensah
Zenobia Bou - Chedid
Grace Sarfo
Gloria Dogbey

UNDERWEAR MODEL OF THE YEAR - MALE
Isaac Arthur
Ralph Zillary
Prince Ibrahim
Leonard Okine
Nana Adonteng

facebook.com/adjeyi.alberta

Model Girls’ Essay Competition Awards Held In Accra

Princess

The maiden edition of the Model Girls’ Essay Competition Awards has taken place in Accra.

 The event, organised by Insight Foundation Ghana, in collaboration with the Ghana Education Service, formed part of activities marking the United Nations (UN) International Day of the Girl Child (IDGC) which was celebrated on the theme: ‘Innovating for Girls’ Education.’

In all, students from five schools participated in the essay competition which was on the topic: “The prevalence of teenage pregnancy has become very common in the Ghanaian society, especially among youth who are at the primary and junior high schools of education. In your view, discuss the causes and effects, and suggest solutions.”

The Deputy Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Hon. Benita Okity-Duah, in a keynote address, noted that the situation of girls in Africa remained a challenge due to socio-economic and development circumstances, compounded by natural disasters, armed conflicts, exploitation and hunger.

Hon. Okity-Duah said it was, therefore, as part of measures to tackle the challenges faced by girls that the UN General Assembly in December 2011, by Resolution 66/170, declared October 11 as the International Day of the Girl Child.

She added that the Day was set aside to promote girls rights, highlight inequalities between girls and boys, and to address the various forms of discrimination and abuse suffered by girls globally.

Hon. Okity-Duah disclosed that 75,000 teenage pregnancies were recorded in the country last year involving children between the ages of 15 to 19 years, the majority of who were in the primary and Junior High Schools (JHSs).

According to the Hon. Minister, children who engaged in unsafe abortions contributed to the high level of maternal mortality in developing countries such as Ghana.

She said 10% of maternal deaths that occurred in Ghana were as a result of unsafe abortions with 13.8% of pregnant women being teenagers as revealed by a World Bank survey.

The development, she said, had affected the achievement of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) 4 and 5 on reducing child and maternal mortality, respectively.

Hon. Okitty said, the responsibility of curbing teenage pregnancy lay on the state and parents as well as teachers and religious leaders.

She said government had put in place statutory provisions to guarantee the rights of children while her ministry had put in place the Early Childhood Development Policy (ECCD) to set standards for the education, training, nutrition, and the physical and mental well-being of children between the ages of 0-8 years.

The Deputy Minister urged parents to send their drop-out children back to school, the challenges they may face, notwithstanding.

For her part, Cynthia Prah, a representative from the UN Information Centre, underscored the importance of education, noting that educated young women had better opportunities as they were more likely to get jobs and earn higher wages.

Furthermore, Ms Prah said, educated women had smaller families and healthier children and were less likely to die in childbirth.

“I Don't Use Drugs, I Have Never Seen Drugs Before” - Kwabena Kwabena

It has become a widespread belief that most entertainers in the music industry are hooked on drugs to help boost their performance onstage. It’s also alleged that, talented Hip-life artiste, Okomfo Kwadee “madness” is due to the use of drugs. This has sparked the argument about celebrities and narcotic use. However, popular Hi-life musician, George Kwabena Adu also known as Kwabena Kwabena who has been accused of using drugs has strongly refuted claims that he uses drugs to enhance his work as a musician. According to him “this is a typical way Ghanaians behave. So I will take it to be one of those Ghanaian behaviours’’. Kwabena Kwabena who was pictured alongside Rapper Asem in a South African club puffing smoke with a stick of cigarette between his fingers while shooting a TV commercial for Glo some months ago, has denied ever seeing any form of drugs. “…As a matter of fact I have never seen drug before and I cannot even identify one and I don’t even want to know how it looks like’’ he told YFM’s Jay Foley in an interview. The Hi-life singer who recently released the video of his much talked about “Adult Music” hit single featuring Ghana’s acclaimed dancehall King, Emmanuel Samini aka Samini has been criticized of fondling in his video knowing very well that he is a responsible married man.    Singer Kwabena Kwabena spotted in January 2011 in South African club puffing smoke with a stick in his hands Asked by Jay Foley if he is worried about that, he smiley said “Adult music is a video and this is art. If you understand the art and concept, you would realize that I just want to paint a concept” Commenting on how Ghana’s music industry can be developed and promoted to its highest level, soft spoken Kwabena Kwabena advised various stakeholders in the industry to emulate the examples of neighbouring Nigerian. “There is something going on in this country that I feel we all need to look at it from different angles and start to think. The Nigerians have been able to do it. All they have been able to do is try to keep their own and make their own look so huge in our sight” he lamented He further questioned why in Ghana “…when God favours or blesses you and you acquire a vehicle, trouble always finds a way to catch up with you” He however thanked his fans and Ghanaians for patronizing and supporting whatever he does and promised to always be “on point” so as not to disappoint them.

I Am Not A Comedian- Miss Malaika 2013

But for the fact that it was a beauty pageant, Naa Oyoe Quartey, Miss Malaika 2013’s talent hunt could have passed for any standard stand-up comedy show last Saturday during the finals at the National Theatre. Her apt delivery of her talent show no doubt complimented her good looks and poise which ultimately won her the Miss Malaika crown. And ever since, her phone has not stopped buzzing and surprisingly, they are not only calls to congratulate her, but one urging her to consider taking up stand-up comedy. But the 19 year old former student of Wesley Girls’ High Schools told Showbiz last Tuesday that she has no intention of taking comedy as a profession. “Calls have come in for me to consider stand –up comedy as a profession. I find that quite interesting because comedy is not my thing at all. I enjoy telling jokes to my friends when we meet but I don’t do that outside my ‘girls girls’ circle. Infact, I have never considered it as a profession. I just entered the university where I am reading Mathematics, Economics and Statistics. I want to be an actuary. “I guess many people were wowed with my talent display but truth be told, I was in a fix before the talent competition. I didn’t have an idea what to do. I later came up with the concept I did on the night. I wasn’t sure if it would work but it did and even beyond my expectation and won me the Best Talent on the night. Her talent hunt was a comic TV news presentation which had patrons double up with laughter throughout its five minutes duration.

“My ‘girls girls’ movement also helped me with the concept. You know how young girls do our thing when we meet. We always want to have a good time. When my friends and I come together, these are some of the things we joke about and I aptly put that into practice. “Although comedy is not my thing, I guess I am funny naturally. I enjoy sharing jokes with my girls. My friends enjoy being with me because I make them laugh. ”, she added. Naa Oyoe’s Malaika journey started as a desire and long cherished dream to create awareness on cancer related diseases. She lost her mother to lung cancer some few years ago and her only wish at the time was to get a recognised platform to accomplish that desire. “I have never believed in beauty pageants. For some reason I didn’t really have that much regards for them so I found it strange that when the Malaika advertisement began to run, I had a very strong urge to pick a form. “I constantly rejected that ‘small still voice’ that spoke to me every day and night to take part in the competition. “Though the urge was great, I resisted it but after a while I realised I could get that recognition and platform to set off my dream of establishing a Research on Cancer and Rehabilitation Centre for cancer patients. “Now I feel fulfilled with my life because I believe that dream is on course. Malaika has provided me the right platform to start. My mummy will be happy wherever she is because it was a promise I made to her and I am happy it has started well. She died of cancer and till date, I don’t even know what caused it. “I am purpose driven and believe that anything that happens is for a purpose. It is not just by accident that I am Miss Malaika but it is to create good opportunities for me to accomplish my long cherished dreams. “Now, I have the platform and must take advantage of it. I feel more than fulfilled and glad to know that my family, friends and well-wishers are proud of my achievement” she said. Touching on her victory last saturday, Naa said “I just couldn’t believe it when I came on stage and saw almost all my family members and friends present to support me. “Some of my mates back at Wesley Girls were also present and that boosted my confidence on the night. I knew I didn’t have the leisure to disappoint them so I put in my best and I am happy I made them proud”. On her reign as a beauty queen, Naa said that she wants to positively impact the lives of the underprivileged and undertake a number of social projects like Ama Nettey, 2010 Miss Malaika who she admires greatly. . Naa Oyoe, the second of four children hails from Asere, James Town in the Greater Accra region. She attended St Martins de Porres School and later Wesley Girls’ High School. She is currently a first year student at the University of Ghana.

Naa Oyoe Is Miss Malaika 2013

Patrons at last Saturday’s Miss Malaika finals at the National Theater may have been disappointed at the two-hour late start but the overall performances of the 10 delegates plus those of Efya, Raquel, Eazzy and Becca made up for the three and a half-hour show.

At the end of the show, it was 19-year-old former student of Wesley Girls’ High School, Naa Oyoe Quartey who won the coveted crown in addition to a brand new Kia Rio and GHC 6,000 cash prize.

Nana Adwoa Twumwaa Baafi, 22, a student of the University Of Ghana took the first runner-up position with Aisha Kaleem, a Senior High School graduate of Ghana International School grabbing the second runner-up place.

Though doors were to be opened at 7.00pm for the show to start at exactly 8.00pm, patrons who had been waiting outside the National Theater because the doors were closed were allowed into the foyer around 8.00pm.

As if that was not enough, they had to wait for about 20 minutes in the foyer before being allowed into the auditorium. In there, they had to watch the stage being mopped among others till the show eventually started around 10.00pm.

Sultry singer Efya, however, came on stage and lifted the dampened spirits of patrons with her ‘magic wand.’ She was at her best as she got the admiring audience to sing along to some of her popular songs like Little Things and Best In Me.

She cleverly wove the introduction of the delegates into her Best in Me song for the 10 ladies to step out in their white dresses.

The delegates came back in pairs for what emcee Naa Ashorkor described a ‘crossfire’ where they posed their own questions to each other to test intelligence and ability to think on their feet.

Right after that, the delegates were called back and Lois, Priscilla, Abigail, Lordina and Selma were evicted per the public votes.

The remaining five of Aisha, Yoda, Twumwaa, Naa Oyoe and Betty made presentations on various topics that tested their eloquence and public speaking abilities.

The show, however, recorded some memorable acts which included Naa Oyoe’s talent hunt display. She depicted a television presenter in a comical manner which won her lots of admirers.

She got the audience to laugh throughout her five -minute presentation with her catchy phrase “tonight the weather will be cold so you need to get a ‘jolli”.

The female artistes who handled the music segment on the night—Efya, Raquel, Eazzy and Becca lived up to the hype.

The host of Who Wants To Be Rich, Kafui Dey, actor Van Vicker, designer Bee Arthur and Theresa Ayoade, Executive Director of Charterhouse and Maria, one of Namibian’s representatives at this year’s Big Brother The Chase were the judges.

The Malaika God-sisters, Joselyn Dumas, Hammamat Montia and Sandra Ankobiah were also in attendance to support their girls. Joselyn Dumas was particularly happy as two of her girls, Naa Oyoe and Twumwaa came first and second respectively.

Deputy Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Madam Dzifa Gomashie, was at the show. She is not a stranger to the Miss Malaika pageant as she has played the role of Godmother on three occasions during the culture nights.

Apart from the late start of the show which initially dampened the high expectations of the audience, the overall organisation was good.

Glitz Africa Fashion Week

Further down the schedule is Ghana’s very own, Glitz Africa Fashion Week 2013. The event is taking place in Ghana and already accumulated a storm of great African international designers and still more to confirm. Also all major local designers of Ghana will be seen on the Glitz Africa runway. A few of the international names goes as follow…. Alain Niava (Cote d’Ivoire), Rui Lopes (Angola), Diana Magesa (Tanzania), Vonne Couture (Nigeria), Maryzo Designs (Sierra Leone), Thokazani Mbatha (SA), Gilles Toure (Cote d’Ivoire), Ohemaa Ohene (UK) and much more.

MUSIGA lauds Kwabena Kwabena

he Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) says it "salutes" Kwabena Kwabena for his ongoing initiative to raise funds in support of patients at the Korle Bu National Cardiothoracic Centre through the “Save a Life" concert.

The concert which comes off this Saturday October 19, 2013 at the state House in Accra will be supported by Samini, OJ, Efya, Funny Face, Joojo, Okyeame Kwame, Stella Seal, Sarkodie and Becca.

MUSIGA says it is happy by the "recent spate at which many of her members are embarking on social corporate responsibilities in helping to address some of the critical issues that affect society as a whole."

The group lauded Kwabena Kwabena and the supporting Artistes for using music as a tool to influence and create developmental and progressive change. These were contained in a press statement issued Thursday.

The statement also urged other musicians to emulate Kwabena Kwabena's "laudable" initiative.

"The Union equally recognizes the likes of Okyeame Kwame, Becca, Dela Hayes, Lynx All stars, Chemphe, Kwaw Kesse, Sherifa Gunu, Nicholas Omane Acheampong, Obour and the many others who have taken it upon themselves to use the powerful tool of Music to help in making this world a better place for all", the statement added.

The statement was signed by MUSIGA General Secretary, Mrs Deborah Anaman.

2013 Glitz Africa Fashion Week launched

1. The 2013 edition of the Glitz Africa Fashion Week (GAFW) was last Saturday launched at a short ceremony at the Alisa Hotel in Accra.

The event, which made its debut last year, provides a unique platform for the African fashion industry to showcase its talent, network and celebrate its diversities.
The five-day event opens at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC) from November 6 to November 10, 2013 and features 15 runway shows, seminars, fashion sales and exhibitions and over 70 international models in attendance.

Claudia Kwarteng Lumor, the CEO of Glitz Africa and Editor-In-Chief of Glitz Africa Magazine, organizers of the event, speaking in an interview described last year's event as "very successful" and that the creativity of African fashion was really told well."
"It's definitely going a notch higher, our focus every time with Glitz is always to make sure that every time we come out with something new it's better and improved than the one before."
According to her, about 50 designers - 28 from Ghana, 15 from Nigeria with the rest coming from the rest of the world - have registered to showcase their fashion wares at this year's fashion week.

Former Big Brother Africa housemates, Vimbai Mutinhiri, Zainab Sheriff and Babalwa Mneno (Barbs) will join a long list of Ghanaian celebrities who will hit the runway during the runways sessions of the event.

Apart from the exhibitions, seminars and runway show, the event will be the climaxed by the Fashion Week Awards and the Theme After Party.

Our sense of fashion has gone ‘crazy’

Fashion has been with us since time immemorial. Right from the days of Adam and Eve (from their “birthday suits” to their ‘animal skin clothes’), trends have become somewhat interesting.

Though styles have varied from cultural and geographical locations, one thing has been predominantly similar almost everywhere; the resurfacing of “archaic” fashion styles.

Ghana has not been left out of the fashion craze that has swept over almost the entire globe. Right from independence till date, events have mostly been the avenue for the display of fashion trends and patterns of the Ghanaian people.

Colour combination, and what matches what, has been determined by the event and the fashion sense of the “fashionista”.

I read a fashion piece in New Vision, a Ugandan newspaper, which elaborated on the concept of reviving archaic fashion styles (usually ones that were downplayed) and making them trendy for modern day use.

In that piece, the focus was on the resurfacing of an old fashioned outfit, ‘peasant skirts’. Back in the days, peasant skirts were associated with poor people; maids to be precise.

In that piece by Cecilia Okoth, it was interesting to note how the old fashioned outfit was currently in vogue. In Uganda, they are now likened to Caribbean or round skirts which range between a cool five thousand (3 USD 20 cents) and twenty thousand (approximately 14 USD) Ugandan shillings.

In Ghana, trends have been similar. Old fashioned outfits are been ‘modernised’ into new trends; some of which are somewhat bizarre.

‘Old school’ trousers and tight fitting tops which were frowned upon in the 90’s are back in vogue. Most young men in recent times want well-trimmed and fitting tops and trousers.

Back then, when ‘baggy’ clothes were in vogue, people were considered “gay” for choosing such tight attires. Now almost everyone, especially guys, prefer fitting attires; sometimes a little too fitting for comfort.

Another interesting trend is the sultan pants that have now become hot cake. I still remember how we used to laugh at the characters in those Arabian movies for their kind of pants. Today, people are seen parading around in Arabian pants (even PSquare).

One does not need to travel far to see some really interesting outfits. Both males and females flaunt their fashion styles at the least opportunity. On the streets, at events and even at church, the evolution of fashion is tremendous and significant.

The degree of change, whether good or bad is a subjective one rather than objective and as such the term ‘sense of fashion’ is usually left to the discretion of the fashionista.

Like the saying, pictures speak a thousand words, maybe these pictures can tell the story of the evolution of fashion a lot better than I can.

Grand Finale of Catwalk Icon 2013 

  http://facebook.com/adjeyi.alberta