Category: Video

  • Rastafarian student ‘rejected’ by Achimota School excels in 2023 WASSCE

    Rastafarian student ‘rejected’ by Achimota School excels in 2023 WASSCE

    Tyrone Marhguy, the young Rastafarian who was denied admission to Achimota School because of his dreadlocks, has made a triumphant return to the spotlight, this time not for controversy but for academic excellence.

    In a remarkable turn of events, Marhguy has aced the West African Senior Secondary School Examinations (WASSCE), scoring an impressive 8 As.

    His rejection by Achimota in 2021 ignited a nationwide debate and a social media storm, with accusations of discrimination against Marhguy and fellow student Oheneba Nkrabea.

    The issue escalated to the courtroom, culminating in a landmark victory for the students.

    The Human Rights Court ruled in favour of Marhguy and Nkrabea, calling the school’s policy towards dreadlocks unjustified and an infringement on their religious rights.

    This victory has, however, been eclipsed by Marhguy’s recent academic feat. A viral photo of his alleged WASSCE results has sent social media buzzing once again, showcasing his exceptional performance across eight subjects.

    While neither Marhguy nor Achimota School has officially confirmed the results, the news has undeniably sparked both congratulations and renewed discussion about the initial controversy.

  • ‘Fame is punishment’, says Rapper Blaqbonez (Video)

    ‘Fame is punishment’, says Rapper Blaqbonez (Video)

    Famous Nigerian rapper Emeka Akumefule, aka Blaqbonez, has described fame as “crazy punishment.”

    He said “normal” people who are wealthier than celebrities don’t go through the stress celebrities go through because of fame.

    The ‘Like Ice Spice’ crooner lamented that he can’t have “actual fun” in Nigeria because he is famous.

    Speaking in the latest episode of the Afrobeats Intelligence Podcast hosted by Joey Akan, Blaqbonez said, “I think fame is a punishment. Normal people can have all the money in the world, and drive a way bigger car than I would drive. But in traffic, everybody will leave them and focus on me. Why?

    “Now, if I walk into a restaurant, everybody is on me. I can’t even do those basic things. Normal people can have 50 times my money, wear a regular T-shirt and just stroll. Nobody is checking what type of ring, or chain he is wearing or how fresh he is looking. No human being cares. They just go straight to the world to buy whatever they want. Enjoying whatever experiences.

    “I can’t even go out in Nigeria to have actual fun. I must be Blaqbonez. It feels like a crazy punishment. Other people who have way more money have a much easier life than me. I have to be hiding.”

    Real name, Emeka Akumefule, Blaqbonez, who is signed to Chocolate City is widely admired for his distinct rap style as well as his creative ingenuity.
    In 2019, he was profiled by The New York Times as one of the new guards of Nigerian music. He is widely known for his controversial self-proclaimed status as the “Best Rapper in Africa” (abbreviated as “BRIA”).

    Blaqbonez dropped his debut album “Sex Over Love” in 2021.

  • Massive turnout at Medikal’s maiden concert “Planning & Plotting” | Videos

    Massive turnout at Medikal’s maiden concert “Planning & Plotting” | Videos

    Thousands of music lovers trooped to La Palm Hotel on the 16th of December 2023 to witness the sensational Rapper Medikal take the stage for an unforgettable night of Ghana music.

    The star-studded event featured electrifying performances from some of Ghana’s finest musical talents, with heavyweights like Shatta Wale, Bisa Kdei, Kofi Mole, Efya, Asaaka Boys, and rising sensations Xlimkid and Olive the boy.

    Medikal, the man behind this grand concert, had a grand vision for the night – a charitable event that didn’t only entertain but also made a positive impact on the community. In a previous media interview, the rapper expressed his commitment to making this concert an annual affair dedicated to supporting various charitable causes.

    It’s not only about the music – this year, Medikal released a chart topping album featuring big names like Sarkodie, Mayorkun, and Bisa Kdei. The crowd at La Palm Hotel were treated to live renditions of these hits, taking the concert to a whole new level of happiness.

    As the night unfolded, the audience were held captive by the magnetic performances, with each artist delivering their signature style. The Asaaka Boys brought their infectious energy, Efya’s soulful melodies captivated hearts, and Kofi Mole’s lyrical prowess left fans craving for more.

    In a surprising turn of events, new sensations Xlimkid and Olive the boy stole the spotlight, proving that the future of Ghanaian music is in capable hands. Their performances were met with thunderous applause, marking the beginning of what promises to be illustrious careers.

    But that’s not all on Medikal’s agenda – this concert served as a prelude to his highly anticipated debut UK concert scheduled for May 2024 at the prestigious O2 Indigo. The rapper has his sights set on global domination, and if this local spectacle is any indication, fans across the pond are in for a treat.

    As the night came to a close, Medikal expressed gratitude to the fans, artists, and everyone who contributed to the success of the concert. With the promise of an annual event for charity and the anticipation building for the UK concert, it’s clear that Medikal’s influence in the music industry is on an upward direction.

  • Ministry proposes 544% increase in passport application fees (Video)

    Ministry proposes 544% increase in passport application fees (Video)

    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has put a proposal before Parliament to review the current charges for passport application from GH¢100 to GH¢644.

    This is a 544% increase.

    The proposal, which is currently being considered by the Committee on Subsidiary Legislation, is to enable the ministry to curb losses in the printing of passport booklets.

    The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, who made this known in Parliament on Thursday, said “It is time for Ghanaians to pay realistic prices for passports they acquire to travel beginning next year.

    She said it is due to financial constraint prevailing in the economy, it had come to a point where it was no longer “sustainable” for the state to continue to subsidise passports.

    “Ghanaians pay just about GH¢100 for a passport yet to produce one passport booklet it costs GH¢400 which means that for every passport that an applicant acquires, the government has to put in GH¢300 and this is not sustainable,” she said.

    The minister stated this ahead of the approval of the GH¢1.127 million budget estimates for her ministry.

    Other countries’ charges

    Per the report by the Committee on Foreign Affairs on the 2024 budget estimates of the ministry, a comparison of Ghana’s passport fees with that of other West African countries shows the rate of $7.7 is the lowest within the sub-region.

    The report said Cameroon charges $180, Guinea $57, Guinea-Bissau $65, Burkina Faso $80 and Nigeria $54.29.

    Speaking to Graphic Online’s Nana Konadu Agyeman outside the Chamber, Ms Ayorkor Botchwey said the current passport fees in Ghana was insufficient to cover production costs.

    She stressed that the deficit in the printing of passport booklets was preventing the necessary investments in the Passport Office.

    “Passports are no longer sources of identification as we all have our national ID. Therefore, anybody who needs a passport and actually applies and acquires a passport does so because they have intention to travel.

    “So, if you are going to travel or you intend to travel and you cannot pay GH¢400 then it is unfortunate because even tickets are now expensive,” she said.

    The minister also appealed to Ghanaians who were not in a hurry to travel to, “please do not go for passports”.

    Dwelling on providing responsive services to applicants, Ms Botchwey said Ghanaians had complained about services and environment provided by the ministry at passport applications centres.

    To address such challenge, she said the ministry has provided applicants with options for consular services, passport, visas or attestations.

    “We have provided them with options to go to a premium centre where they pay a fee to the service provider in the comfort where they will be provided world class frontend services,” she said.

  • VIDEO: Kudus scores as West Ham secures top spot in Europa League Group A with win over Freiburg

    VIDEO: Kudus scores as West Ham secures top spot in Europa League Group A with win over Freiburg

    West Ham secured a direct qualification to the Europa League last 16 after a dominant 2-0 victory against Freiburg at London Stadium, ensuring they finished atop Group A.

    Mohammed Kudus broke the deadlock in the 14th minute, followed by Edson Alvarez’s strike just before half-time, sealing the win for the Hammers. The victory was crucial as both teams started the match with 12 points, vying for the top position in the group.

    Kudus, who has now scored three goals in five Europa League matches, demonstrated his prowess, contributing significantly to West Ham’s Group A triumph. The former Ajax star has also found the net three times in the English Premier League and once in the Carabao Cup against Arsenal.

    Kudus left the pitch in the 88th minute, substituted by Ivorian winger Maxwel Cornet, as West Ham shifts its focus to the upcoming Premier League clash against Wolves on Sunday.

    David Moyes’ team rebounded after a 5-0 defeat in the Premier League last weekend to secure a seeded position in the knockout stages and avoid a play-off.

    The hosts, eager for a 10th successive home win in Europe, came close to an early lead when Lucas Paqueta hit the Freiburg crossbar in the fifth minute. Kudus played a key role in West Ham’s opening goal, showcasing his skill with a well-timed run and finish past goalkeeper Noah Atubolu.

    Despite calls for offside and handball, VAR confirmed the goal, and Alvarez extended the lead with a composed finish just before half-time.

    Although Jarrod Bowen had a goal ruled out for offside, West Ham remained in control, with Freiburg struggling to pose a significant threat. Ritsu Doan tested Lukasz Fabianski, but West Ham continued to dominate.

    In the second half, Freiburg showed more resilience, with Doan forcing a save from Fabianski. However, West Ham maintained their ascendancy, with Czech full-back Vladimir Coufal providing a cut-back cross to Bowen, whose effort went over the bar.

    Despite Freiburg’s attempts, West Ham secured the victory, solidifying their position at the top of Group A in the Europa League. The Round of 16 awaits for David Moyes’ confident side.”

  • African music icon, Wiyaala builds art & cultural center in Funsi (Video)

    African music icon, Wiyaala builds art & cultural center in Funsi (Video)

    Noella Wiyaala Nwadei is a Ghanaian International Afro-pop singer, songwriter and a performer. She is known by the stage name Wiyaala who hails from the Wa in the Upper West region of Ghana.

    The Young and energetic performer after her music breakthrough has been consistent with her craft, gaining ground on many international recognitions. She is known for singing in her native language, sissala, waala and English blended with sweet African rhythms.

    With her association with the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection and UNICEF Ghana, the Lioness has been very instrumental using her platform to campaign against child marriage, child poverty, health and sanitation.

    Wiyaala Art & Culture Center

    The international music icon has started her new project “Wiyaala Arts and Cultural Center. Construction has begun and ongoing at Funsi, a suburb in the Upper West region. The center is aimed for impacting and educating the young generation on the importance of Africa culture through music and arts.

    Wiyaala announced a reality “Yaga Yaga talent show” which is intended to groom and nurture young amazing talents to become global stars. Audition has already ended, waiting for main event to commence.

  • 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.

  • 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

  • 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.