KobbyJosvan

Author: Kobby Josvan

  • Let’s stop the blame game and unite for industry growth – Black Sherif

    Let’s stop the blame game and unite for industry growth – Black Sherif

    Reigning VGMA Artiste of the Year, Black Sherif is calling on music industry stakeholders and music enthusiasts to shift their focus from blame games to collaborative efforts in order to enhance the visibility of Ghanaian music on the global stage.

    Making a brief remark during a recent stakeholder engagement organised by the Ministry of Information which aimed to gather insights from creatives and other players in the creative space for the promotion of  the #playghana initiative, the multiple award-winning musicians emphasised the need for unity within the industry, discouraging fights and beefs among stakeholders.

    According to the Yaya crooner, blaming DJs, artistes and consumers for the industry’s challenges is counterproductive, stressing that the industry can only gain prominent presence and long-term recognition on the international stage if there is cooperation among all parties in the music ecosystem.

    “If we truly want to grow our industry and give it that global visibility, we need to stop the blame game on the DJs, artistes, consumers and make the conscious effort to grow our industry. It is our collective duty,” the 2023 BET Hip Hop Awards Best International Flow winner asserted.

  • Afua Asantewa sheds tears declaring her deep love for Ebony (Video)

    Afua Asantewa sheds tears declaring her deep love for Ebony (Video)

    I wish Ebony was alive to witness my performance – Afua Asantewaa Aduonum

    Afua Asantewaa O. Aduonum, the Ghanaian Journalist who is set to attempt to break a Guinness world record for the longest singing marathon by an individual this December has declared her deep love for the late Ghanaian Dancehall artist, Ebony.

    According to her, she loves everything about the late singer who lost her life through a horrific car crash in February 2018. Afua said that Ebony’s passion for music won her heart as she could easily resonate with her.

    The journalist, made this statement while speaking in an interview with Joy Prime’s Roselyn Felli, when she was asked who she would have loved to see at the venue aside from her family.

    “She’s no more, Ebony. I loved her passion for music…She loved music and I could easily resonate with her. I remember I used to tell my husband during her performances that ‘I could do exactly what she is doing.’ But it is just unfortunate that I was an entrepreneur and you know in those positions you can’t do certain things.

    “And she just made it easier for me. You could feel that she had a free spirit regardless of whatever she was going through,” she said while shedding tears.

    Ms Aduonum sent in her application for the attempt and has been approved by the Guinness World Record board. She is expected to sing for over 117 hours or more in order to break the current record at 105 hours and was achieved by Sunil Waghmare (India) in Nagpur, India, from 3 to 7 March 2012.

    The news of her attempt has been well received by Ghanaians and some Ghanaian musicians including Shatta Wale, Sista Afia amongst others have openly thrown their support behind her.

    The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has also announced that it has officially partnered with her as she embarks on the amazing journey.

  • Sonnie Badu reveals he invested nearly $180k in ‘Rhythms of Africa’ concert production

    Sonnie Badu reveals he invested nearly $180k in ‘Rhythms of Africa’ concert production

    UK-based Ghanaian artist Sonnie Badu recently shed light on the financial aspects of his successful Rhythms of Africa concert, disclosing a significant cost of nearly $180,000.

    Speaking in a recent interview on Okay FM, he refuted rumors suggesting that he sold his Rolex watch solely for the event, clarifying that the expenditure surpassed that amount.

    Disappointed with sponsors, he specifically mentioned Dr. Kweku Oteng, who had committed to support but failed to respond to calls or messages. Despite their longstanding relationship, Badu expressed frustration, shedding light on the challenges encountered by gospel musicians in securing financial backing for such events.

    Badu’s concert, held at the Grand Arena of Accra International Conference Centre on December 9, 2023, showcased his dedication to delivering a remarkable musical experience, despite facing financial hurdles and unmet sponsor commitments.

  • Man in tears after iPhone 15 he purchased at circle turned into packaged fufu (Video)

    Man in tears after iPhone 15 he purchased at circle turned into packaged fufu (Video)

    It’s Xmas season, be careful when going out..

    Kobby JosVan advise

    In a video sighted by Kobbyjosvan.com, a Ghanaian man broke down in tears for being sold a packaged fufu as iPhone 15 .

    Sources confirm that, the young man couldn’t control his tears upon realizing the phone he purchased at the Kwame Nkrumah circle, Accra was fufu instead of his quality iPhone he requested for.

    This video was shared online by his close friend who captioned it “The matter chop hot, iPhone 15 replaced with wrapped fufu”. The incident sounds funny but very real.

    Watch the video below, do share your thoughts with us.

    Kindly follow Kobby JosVan on all social media platforms for all your credible and authentic updates.

    For sponsorship, promotional articles or stories, advertisement & more; WhatsApp (+233) 0575952831

  • Anti-gay bill: Sex toys shouldn’t be criminalised — Ursula Owusu

    Anti-gay bill: Sex toys shouldn’t be criminalised — Ursula Owusu

    Communications Minister and Member of Parliament for Ablekuma West, Mrs. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, has added her voice to the anti-LGBTQI bill currently before Parliament.

    She said the criminalisation of sex toys in the bill shouldn’t be considered.

    According to the MP, the criminalisation of the use of sex toys contained in clause 3(c) of the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill 2021 would inadvertently affect heterosexual couples who use sex toys to enhance their sex lives.

    Clause 3(c) of the bill prohibits sexual intercourse between a man and an inanimate object or between a woman and an inanimate object.

    Ursula Owusu speaking on the floor of Parliament, indicated that if the criminalization of sex toys is the intent of the House, then Parliament would have to be clear that the bill is not just targeted at the LGBT community but all and sundry.
    “And I think we raised this when the committee was considering it that the proposed amendment in 3(c) may create unintended consequences because sexual intercourse between a man and an inanimate object or between a woman and an inanimate object would necessarily include sexual intercourse with all manner of aids that couple use to enhance the sexual experience.

    “And I’m not sure if that’s what the intention of this bill is. It would necessarily include sex toys and other aids that couples, especially heterosexual couples, also use to enhance their sexual experience.

    “So if that is what the house intends, then we have to be clear in our minds that we may be criminalising activities, which may not necessarily be limited to only those LGBTQI communities that the target of this bill is, but it may also be targeting straight couples who use sex enhancement tools to enhance their sexual experience.

    “So we need to be mindful of the unintended consequences of 3(c), and I’ll propose that 3(c) be deleted from this amendment,” she noted.
    The Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, if passed, would make identifying as gay, transgender, or queer a crime punishable with a maximum prison sentence of five years.

    The decision of Parliament is expected to bring finality to the raging debate about the legalisation or otherwise of LGBTQI+ in Ghana. Minister of Communications, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful

  • ‘I’ve Protected You Before’ – ‘Gay’ MP Begs Angel Maxine In Viral Video

    ‘I’ve Protected You Before’ – ‘Gay’ MP Begs Angel Maxine In Viral Video

    Angel Maxine, a prominent LGBTQ+ activist and transgender individual, has stirred controversy by leaking an alleged audio recording where an unidentified alleged Member of Parliament (MP) purportedly pleads to avoid being exposed.

    A circulating on the Internet has a voice that is believed to be an unnamed member of parliament, a Ghanaian lawmaker has triggered a lot of conversations.

    According to the alleged lawmaker, he has once protected angel Maxine and it wouldn’t be fair for her to disclose his stands for the LGBTQ+ family thus being part of the gay community.

    Background

    Angel Maxine recently made it clear that she intends to expose Ghanaian politicians engaged in LGBTQ+ activities if the anti-LGBTQ+ bill is approved.

    This comes after the Speaker of Parliament, Alban S.K. Bagbin, confirmed that the bill will be passed before the Christmas break. In a video shared on Instagram, Angel Maxine highlighted the shortcomings of certain parliamentarians who are advocating for the bill’s passage.

    She emphasized that she possesses a comprehensive list of MPs involved in LGBTQ+ activities, which she will disclose if the bill is successfully passed. Angel Maxine criticized these MPs for neglecting their constituents while prioritizing the criminalization of LGBTQ+ activities in Ghana.

    “President Nana Akufo-Addo, check the Jubilee House well if there are no LGBTQ+ people working there. All you these so-called politicians, you drive your cars, go and park at Labone secondary school, PRESEC, UPS and your pimps will arrange the boys and bring them to you.

    They are peoples kids, yet their parents are on social media attacking queer people. Do you think we don’t know? People you have abused, people you have molested, people who are hurt, everything is on this paper and they’re ready to talk,” she alleged.

    “Pass the bill and I will show you your MPs who are LGBTQ+. You think I have not seen gay politicians? All the MPs who have been texting people to get them boys to sleep with. All of the politicians who have been begging pimps to hook them up with boys.

    All your chats and conversations are here (points to a pile of documents). Pass the bill and I will expose your family members and children who are queer people. All those queer celebrities, also cannot speak for themselves,” she added.

    “LGBTQ society in Ghana what are you doing, always writing proposals. Proposals for what? This is the time to come out and fight. Don’t sit behind phones and tweet and text. This is why you receive funds from the donors. Come out and fight the community and not hide,” she added.”

  • Respect DJs, they can make and unmake you – Mark Okraku Mantey to musicians

    Respect DJs, they can make and unmake you – Mark Okraku Mantey to musicians

    The Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mark Okraku Mantey, is urging musicians to build a good relationship with DJs, since they play a crucial role in their journey to stardom by making their songs popular by playing it always.

    The minister warned that a lack of respect or strained relations with DJs could jeopardise artistes chances of making it big in the competitive music industry.

    Drawing attention to the sentiments expressed by DJs who feel undervalued and disrespected by artistes after playing a pivotal role in promoting musician, Mr Okraku Mantey said that narrative should change, calling  for mutual respect, emphasising that both parties should understand and appreciate their respective roles in the music ecosystem.

    The minister made this call during a recent stakeholder engagement organised by the Ministry of Information which aimed to gather insights from creatives and other players in the creative space for the promotion of the #playghana initiative.

    During his address, the minister stated, “Performers, you need the DJs; respect them. You can’t get to where you want to be if you don’t respect them.

    “To the DJs, I know some of your challenges…you say the artistes don’t respect you. .you make them stars and they ignore you afterwards. For the sake of Ghana, please let sleeping dogs lie”

    Mr Okraku Mantey also called on all stakeholders in the music industry to unite in promoting the #playghana initiative.

    He urged churches, Gospel radio and TV programs, and presenters to be intentional about featuring Ghanaian content, emphasising the need for a collective effort to give local music the recognition and promotion it deserves.

    #playghana Initiative

    The #playghana initiative being championed by key institutions including the Ministry of Information, Ministry of Arts and Tourism, Ghana Folkloric Board, seasoned and emerging music talents, DJs among others, advocates for the promotion of Ghanaian music.

     

  • ‘I sold my Rolex watch to organize my concert due to lack of sponsors’ – Sonnie Badu

    ‘I sold my Rolex watch to organize my concert due to lack of sponsors’ – Sonnie Badu

    Sonnie Badu has shared with the public how he had to sell his Rolex watch to sponsor his just-ended concert, Rhythms of Africa.

    Speaking about sponsors for his program, the gospel musician revealed most of the sponsors failed to come through when the concert was drawing near; thus, he had to find ways to sponsor the event by selling his Rolex watch.

    He explained further that he and his team spent over five months dedicated to meticulously planning the event.

    He said they faced several challenges and it was disheartening to realize that the majority of the potential sponsors they had reached out to failed to honour their part. It was due to that that he found himself with no alternative but to part ways with his Rolex watch to secure the necessary funds for the event.

    He said, “We hardly have sponsors, and I don’t know why people don’t want to invest when it comes to gospel music.

    It’s probably a demon worrying us. We sent sponsorship proposals five months ahead and still got just a few to give peanuts. I sold my Rolex watch this morning for my concert. Funding gospel events in Ghana is an issue that needs to be looked at.”

    Sonnie Badu’s Rhythms of Africa Concert

    The most amazing gospel music event of 2023, “Rhythms of Africa,” brought a lot of excitement and enthusiasm to the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC).

    Every ticket for this incredible event, which was organised by popular Ghanaian gospel singer Sonnie Badu in association with George Quaye’s Image Bureau, was sold out on Saturday, December 9.

    The huge amount of celebrity power in attendance was evidence of the event’s excellent planning and “Rhythms of Africa” implementation.

    Renowned performers like Neon Adejo and Preye Odede from Nigeria, MOG Music, Piesie Esther, Joe Mettle, Nacee, Perez Musik, and FRA from Ghana were all there to perform and they were able to enthral the crowd with their amazing talent.

  • “I sold my Benz to record my EP & GraceIsLuxury concert ” – Scott Evanszb

    “I sold my Benz to record my EP & GraceIsLuxury concert ” – Scott Evanszb

    Ghanaian award winning afro/urban Gospel singer and songwriter, Scott Evanszb has revealed that he sold his Mercedes-Benz GLE to record his newly released EP and sponsor #GraceIsLuxury concert.

    Scott’s comment came after Ghanaian UK based gospel minister Dr. Sonnie Badu shared his disappointment by some sponsors who failed to honour their promise causing him to sell his expensive Rolex watch to sponsor his Rhythms of Africa concert held at the Grand Arena.

    The Praise Achievement Awards “Best Gospel music video of the year” nominee using his X handle (formerly twitter), he wrote: ” Senior man Sonnie Badu sold his Rolex watch to sponsor his concert.. if I say I sold my GLE Benz to record my EP and GraceIsLuxury ????…
    Y’all won’t believe me. .but it’s true ????” .

    Scott received tremendous applause from music lovers and industry folks for his successful Grace Is Luxury concert held on November 18, 2023 at the Alisa Hotel. The event was graced by Cwesi Oteng, MOG Musik, Perez Musik, Kobby Salm, Kofi Karikari, Queendalyn, Kingz Kid and many other amazing talents.

  • “We have only seen one side of Blacko” – Da Hammer

    “We have only seen one side of Blacko” – Da Hammer

    Celebrated Ghanaian veteran record producer, Edward Nana Poku Osei who is also known as Hammer of the Last Two has revealed a revelation about young highlife and hip hop rapper Black Sherif.

    According to the CEO of the Last Two Music group, Blacko has always portrayed one sided on himself, thus Ghanaians have seen the mighty Black Sherif he knows.

    Speaking on Joy 99.7 FM “Showbiz A – Z” 1 on 1, legendary Hammer disclosed that, Blacko’s producer is showing the world only one side of him.

    He stated; “We have only seen one side of Blacko(trap); if he ventures into highlife or Afrobeats fully, no one is touching him(on the continent)…”

    Blacko after gaining popularity in 2021 with his mega hit “First Sermon,” has been consistent with his music career despite the few setbacks, he has been touring and rocking world stages.

    Black Sherif is one of the Africa hottest musicians, topping global music charts with his songs.