Crazy things I’ve done for love -----Sandra Ejikeme

Having worked under great names like: Dagogo Diminas Jack, the late Amatu Braide and a few other veterans in the creative department of Nollywood, AMA Awards 2009 nominated make-up artist, Sandra Ejikeme, is poised to rule the world and move her thriving career to the next level.

With over a decade experience in tinsel town, Ejikeme, who started first as an actress before veering into make up, is also a costumier and stylist of repute.

With age still on her side, the unassuming spinster with eyes on the global scene, is, however, of the view that Nollywood can also produce an Oscar winner in the Make Up category if properly harnessed, based on the abundant talents available in the industry.
Speaking with us, in her first major interview, during a recent courtesy visit to our corporate head office in Apapa, Ejikeme, from Obosi, Anambra State, bared her mind and further told us what makes her unique, as well as the nasty things she has done in her quest for true love.

You were among the nominees at this year’s AMA Awards, but ended up not winning. Did you feel bad?
No, I didn’t feel bad, being nominated for me, was as good as winning the prize itself. No doubt, I came to the awards expecting or hoping to win like every other nominee. I was and still very proud of myself and career in Nollywood and has even started working very hard to win in the next year’s edition.

Tell us more about The Assassins, the film that fetched you the nomination?
Okay! Assassins is a big budget film that we shot in Sierra Leone, for over a month. I even sacrificed my Xmas, which I normally spend with my family here in Nigeria, for this particular movie. Sincerely, I sacrificed a lot on the set of that movie. In fact, I did not only handle makeup on that set, I was also in charge of the costume and it was a large cast. The costume person did not make the trip, so I had to assist her.

When you saw your name as one of the nominees in that category, how did you feel?
I felt on top of the world and thanked God for making it possible. It is not easy being recognized and appreciated as one of the very best not only in Nigeria, but the whole of Africa. For me, the wait was worth the while. Though, I feel happy and excited, but winning would have been the icing on the cake for me.

Between make up and costume, which did you start first?
I started with costuming first and the late Amatu Braide trained me. I later worked with Millicent Jack and several other big names, before veering into make up with Dagogo Jack’s 13 Fat Man. I look young, but this is my 13th years in Nollywood and seven solid years as a make-up artist that has been on her own. Surprisingly, a journalist like you, Mr. Chu Nwankwo, brought me into the industry, he used to be with MBI.

So, what now informed your love for make up?
Ekenna Igwe, who is one of my mentors in Nollywood, was the person that suggested that I should go into make up, after seeing how passionate I’m in helping people to look good always. He eventually handed me over to Dagogo Diminas, who groomed and nurtured my growth and career in Nollywood, till I left him to establish Sandito Creations, which is my outfit.

My first set of make-ups were in movies like: God Is A Joker, several of Chico Ejiro movies and many others, some seven to eight years ago. Actually, I do more of make up than costuming because of my passion for making people up and seeing them look good. I also like looking good and intend travelling out soon to go and study more about make up in Europe or South Africa. I will say it for the umpteenth time, I love make up. Making up people or even myself, makes me to be creative. I like to create new things and also experiment whenever I’m on set. I can turn people into monsters or Monalisas on set, depending on what the script says.

nigeriafilms.com

Jesus is my man for now - Oby Edozien

Beauty combined with versatility, that is the perfect description of pretty Oby Edozien who has been into acting since 1997 with her first movie: ‘To love and cherish.’ Oby has ... since featured in numerous movies, including: ‘Abuja Connections’ and ‘Gongo Aso’, among others. In this chat with Funmi Salome Johnson, she speaks on her career, upbringing and Christian life

How is acting career treating you?

It’s all well and good. We thank God.

You have a song that is on air now, it is also the sound track to one of your movies. What is it about?

The movie is the story of three girls trying to make it in their musical career; they go through hell and at the end of the day, they succeed but fame gets into their heads and they start to smoke and engage in lesbianism and all the rest. The movie itself is party, it has musicals in-between. Then we sang there and there is pop music in it too. The girls die in a plane crash; I survive, didn’t go with them and the producer refuses to open the studio again and I move on with my life. That song you saw on air is in the movie, if you buy the movie when it comes out, you will see it in the movie; you will not see Obi Edozien but you will see the name of the character I played there. So I now decided to package it and play it on air.

Are you planning to go further with a music career

Yes I am. In fact, I am working on that now

Do you think you will survive the competition in the Nigeria music industry today?

In music or acting, you don’t have to compete with anybody, I can never be them and they can never be Oby Edozien so there is no competition, it is all about moving ahead in life and making it and being yourself. You don’t have to look at another person and say this person is this and so you have to be that. You just have to be yourself and you don’t have to be jealous of anybody. Be yourself and prosper, that is it.

So how has the acting terrain been? Has it been fun?

Acting has been fun and it is what I will do till the last days. You know when I am old, they have roles for old women, so kids will say to themselves ‘see that aunty when she was young’ so I am ready top act till old age. I am ready to die an actress.

How did you get into the acting profession?

In my school, Sola Fosudo was a lecturer; one day I walked up to him and told him I would like to be an actress and asked him how to go about it. He explained to me that there was something called audition and he gave me a note to Zeb Ejiro and I went to Zeb Ejiro’s office. Then they wanted to start Candle Light, so he invited me for the audition, you know those days that you would go for auditions and you would see the whole Lagos there. No GSM. I met some other people there and that was how it all started and the rest is history today.

sportstainment
for more, visit the google related links

Klitschko-Chagaev fight on, hepatitis B no threat

GELSENKIRCHEN, Germany (Reuters) - World heavyweight champion Vladimir Klitschko will fight Ruslan Chagaev as planned on Saturday as the challenger's hepatitis B virus poses no health threat, health officials said on Friday.

The American Association of Professional Ringside Physicians (AAPRP) had urged organizers on Thursday to postpone the fight in front of an expected 60,000 crowd at soccer club Schalke 04's stadium.

The AAPRP said Uzbek Chagaev's hepatitis B virus could be a health threat to people in and around the ring given the fighter could be injured and his blood could infect trainers or spectators in or near the ring.

"The risk of infecting officials and visitors is beyond minimal," Gelsenkirchen health department chief Henriette Reker told reporters. Reker said all possible risks had been considered and said there was no need to re-evaluate the situation.

Chagaev's promoters said the boxer was not infectious.

"After contracting hepatitis B many years ago Ruslan Chagaev has never been sick due to hepatitis B.

for more, follow the google related links
Karolos

Blakk Rasta billed to entertain Barack Obama

Ghana's reggae sensation Blakk Rasta has been selected among a three-member committee responsible solely for entertaining visiting US president Barack Obama “musically.”

Blakk Rasta, who hosts Hitz FM's Taxi Driver, joins hands with top presenters such as Bola Ray, host of Joy FM's Drive Time, Abeiku Santaana of Adom FM and the 'noisy' Fiifi Banson of Peace FM.

Blakk Rasta disclosed these to the media after a meeting with Information Minister Zita Okaikoe to deliberate on preparations towards receiving Mr Obama.

Mr Obama pays a two-day visit to Ghana from July 10 to 11, 2009.

Although the team of entertainers is expected to put through different performances, Blakk Rasta is billed to perform a remix of his hit track Barack Obama he did during the 2008 US electioneering campaign.

The song received a lot of airplay, topping the headlines around the world. It enjoyed play on CNN, the BBC and many other international channels ahead of the cliff-hanger election.

Before the arrival of Mr Obama however, Blakk Rasta and his team will publicize the visit which government says must outclass previous visits by US presidents.

An all-night performance is already on the list but venue for that show is yet to be determined.

Blakk Rasta has been doing music for years but the launch in 2000 of his album Rasta Shrine was what really launched him into the limelight.

for more, follow the google related links
Filfil Koomson

Musicians to play Black Stars in charity match on June 27

Accra, June 19. GNA - A group of Ghanaian hip-life musicians would take on the national senior team, the Black Stars in a friendly football match at the Ohene Djan Sports Stadium, Accra on Saturday, June 27.

Mr Kwabena Osei-Bonsu, Chief Executive Officer of Third Star Soccer Fiesta, told GNA Sports in Accra on Friday, that the match was aimed at raising funds to support the poor and the needy in the society.

He said the match would also offer the two teams the opportunity to interact with each other and also share ideas and offer suggestions to the vulnerable.

Mr Osei-Bonsu said some of the musicians expected to feature in the match include Dela Dee, Sean Terry, Slim Buster, Obuor and Asem.

A song on Hepatitis 'B' and other diseases would be out-doored on that day by the musicians.

The CEO took the opportunity to wish the Black Stars good luck in their encounter against their Sudanese counterparts on June 20.

for more, follow the google related links
GNA

Rihanna sued by neighbour for trespassing, invasion of property

Rihanna's legal drama continued this week, when one of her Los Angeles neighbors filed a lawsuit alleging that cars used by the pop singer are regularly parked or standing on the plaintiff's lawn.

According to the suit filed on Tuesday in California Superior Court, Christian Moeller is seeking unspecified damages for trespassing, invasion of privacy and other claims from Rihanna and the owner of the Hollywood Hills home she rents. The 21-year-old singer is already expected to testify on Monday in Chris Brown's preliminary hearing for allegedly assaulting her in February.

Moeller's complaint makes allegations about “chauffeured vehicles that park or idle on Plaintiff's property for hours at a time” and utilize his driveway to turn around or drive through his yard to Rihanna's parking lot.

The suit also contends that security cameras installed at Rihanna's home, which is owned by Stephen Yacobian, actually point onto his property, and that a newly built privacy wall and tall bamboo plants obstruct his view.

Yacobian told The Associated Press that the lawsuit is “without merit” but declined to comment further until he consulted with his attorney.

Moeller is also seeking to revoke an earlier agreement he made with Yacobian to allow cars to pass through his yard.

for more, follow the google related links
jackquilline

British Born R&B Crooner Set To Rule The Industry

Ultra, has travelled to London to shoot the video
of his single, “Wole Sil e”. The youngster's manager, Carrot, informed that the trip became necessary if his artiste wanted to really make an in-road into the competiitive Nigerian music industry.

“We can't afford to shoot a wack video else we won't get anywhere near the top. To produce an out-of-this-world video, professionals must be used. That's why he's travelled to England. He will also travel to United States, Canada, South Africa and end it up with shots in Nigeria”, he said.

Hailing from Oyo-State, the Information Technology & Computer Forensics student has worked with Jay Sean, Chip Monk, Drae and Jahbless.

He's also a member of the hip-hop movement, Star In The Hood, in UK. Ultra recently signed a record deal with 112 records in the United States.

for more, follow the google related links
Mike Dada

Tuface Booed Off Stage

v
Nigeria's top music artiste, 2face, was reportedly booed off stage at a show in Abuja. His career has taken a turn for the worst and is in trouble!

Ogbeni Idibia is known in the music industry as 2face and is the man behind the hit song 'African Queen'. Since this debuted in 2005, 2face has remained at the top of the charts and his career until now.

Last month, at the Abuja Show which took place at the Old Parade Ground, everything was going well until 2face appeared on stage. He was late to perform and so the crowd rejected him at first.

Later on into the show after the crowd showed a bit of support towards the musician, he began singing old songs and they shouted at him in demand for fresh music. 2face angered by their demands, dropped the microphone and stormed off stage. The disappointed crowd reacted to 2face's retreat by getting hold of the item closest to them and hurling it on stage. This included water, popcorn and even stones.

for more, follow the google related links

BDN African Tour hits 7 cities in USA

Boogie Down Nima Productions is set to host the “BDN African Tour” featuring Samini and other hiplife artists. Ghanaians in the US should expect this and more when the energetic show topping Samini headlines the 7-city BDN African Tour featuring cities such as Los Angeles, Houston, Washington D.C., Boston/Worcester, New York City, Toronto and Montreal, Canada.

sportstainment

Robben snub Spurs

The Real Madrid man is amongst a number of players who could be surplus to requirements at the Santiago Bernabeu after Florentino Perez's enormous spending spree has seen Kaka join and Cristiano Ronaldo on the way.

Hans Robben, who is also the Dutch International's agent, has moved quickly to quash recent reports that the former Chelsea midfielder has been in talks with the London outfit about a return to the Premier League.

Robben senior told Dutch paper Algemeen Dagblad: "There are reports currently circulating on the internet that the agent of Arjen has confirmed there are talks with Spurs.

"But the only who is representing him is me and I don't know anything about it. At the moment we are not in action with any other team than Real Madrid."

Robben Snr is adamant his son will not be playing under Harry Redknapp next season adding: "I even want to bet on a bottle of wine Arjen won't play there."

sportstainment

Black Eyed Peas dominate U.S. charts

LOS ANGELES (Billboard) – The Black Eyed Peas scored their first No. 1 album on the U.S. pop charts on Wednesday, buoyed by heavy promotion for their first release in four years, and also claimed the top two spots on the singles chart.

The hip-hop act topped the Billboard 200 with "The E.N.D.," which sold 304,000 copies during the week ended June 14, according to Nielsen SoundScan, the group's best sales week ever.

Their previous set, 2005's "Monkey Business," bowed at No. 2 with a then-best 291,000. Believe it or not, the Black Eyes Peas have hit the top 10 only twice: their first two releases -- 1998's "Behind the Front" and 2000's "Bridging the Gap" -- both missed the top 50. It wasn't until the group recruited Fergie for "Elephunk" in 2003 that it hit the big time. That album, powered by three top-40 singles, peaked at No. 14 and spent 106 weeks on the chart.

It was hard not to know that the Black Eyed Peas had a new album last week, thanks to heavy promotion from Target. The retailer carried an exclusive version of the album that featured additional tracks and flooded the airwaves with a commercial touting the new set.

Over on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, the Peas debuted at No. 2 with "I Gotta Feeling" and held at No. 1 for an 11th week with "Boom Boom Pow." It's the first time any act has occupied the top two slots on the Hot 100 with songs from the No. 1 album of the week since OutKast did it in February 2004. They were Nos. 1 and 2 on the Hot 100 with "Hey Ya!" and "The Way You Move," respectively, while "Speakerboxxx/The Love Below" spent its seventh (and final week) atop the Billboard 200.

sportstainment

Drogba handed Euro ban

Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has been suspended from European competition for six matches following his antics against Barcelona.

The last two games in the ban will be deferred for a probationary period of two years, dependent on future behaviour.

Uefa have taken action against the Ivorian frontman following his furious reaction to the Blues' UEFA Champions League semi-final exit to Barcelona on 6th May.

Drogba confronted match referee Tom Henning Ovrebo at the end of the second leg of that contest, accusing the Norwegian official of bias towards the Spanish outfit.

He has subsequently been charged with breaching the principles of sportsmanship by insulting the referee and making offensive comments.

His ban will apply to the next four Uefa club competition events for which Chelsea are eligible.

sportstainment

Miley Cyrus surprises Ga. fans with impromptu show

TYBEE ISLAND, Ga. – Miley Cyrus took a break from shooting "The Last Song" on the Georgia coast by borrowing a guitar and treating fans to an impromptu, two-song performance on the patio of a beachside seafood restaurant.

"By the time she finished the first song, there must have been 50 little girls and their moms who came rushing up," said Ray Rogers, owner of StingRay's restaurant on Tybee Island. He caught Miley's surprise gig on video.

Rogers said the 16-year-old "Hannah Montana" star dined on snow crab legs with a friend after wrapping up Monday's first day of filming of the Walt Disney Co. movie.

Then she got up and asked a local acoustic duo playing music if she could sit in. Miley stepped up to the microphone and strapped on a guitar to sing the Tim McGraw and Faith Hill duet "It's Your Love," then added a new song of her own.

"She played those and then we got her out of here," Rogers said. "We asked her, `What do you wanna do?' and she said `I want to get out of here.' So we walked her to a side entrance nobody knew about and got her in her car."

sportstainment

Emeka Ike dances to Atta Mills' "Ecomini Remix"

Nollywood star Emeka Ike and Kofi Adjorlolo recently joined singer Sheriffa Gonu to dance on stage to a humorous effect at the premiere of 'Heat of the Moment' at the National Theatre. Check out this Atta Mills twist

sportstainment

Ohuruogu to lead GB in Portugal

Olympic 400m champion Christine Ohuruogu will captain Great Britain and Northern Ireland in the European Team Championships in Leiria, Portugal.

But the squad will be without four injured athletes, including world silver medallist Nicola Sanders.

Sanders (ankle) and Montell Douglas (knee) were ruled out of the 4x400m relay, with no replacements named.

Craig Pickering has been brought in to replace James Dasaolu (hamstring) in the men's sprint relay.

Gemma Bennett (achilles) is out of the women's 100m hurdles, with Phyllis Agbo taking her place.

Jackson sued over reunion concert

A promoter is suing Michael Jackson for $40m (£24.4m) for allegedly breaching a contract to play a reunion concert in the US with other family members.

Allgood Entertainment claims it made a deal in November with Jackson's then-manager to produce the gig this summer.
It says the deal called for Jackson not to perform elsewhere before the event or for at least three months after it.

He will play 50 dates at London's O2 arena from July. Promoter AEG will not comment while Jackson was unavailable.
Allgood say the concert would have involved the singer, sister Janet, and the other members of The Jackson 5 - Marlon, Jackie, Tito and Jermaine.

Compensation hope
In legal papers filed in Manhattan, Allgood accuse the singer and manager Frank DiLeo of breaking the contract by signing up to do the O2 shows.

AEG is also named in the papers.
The papers add that AEG knew of the agreement between AllGood, DiLeo and Jackson, "but due to their dominance and power in the live performance industry, coerced and/or induced DiLeo and Jackson to disregard the agreements with AllGood and to work with it instead".

"We've given Michael Jackson and AEG every opportunity, publicly and privately, to resolve this matter and to date we have not heard from anyone," said Patrick Allocco, a managing partner for Allgood.
Allgood's lawyer Ira Meyerowitz said the company was not looking to stop Jackson from performing at the O2.

Profact

Eugene Ankomah: A Star on the Rise

For some people, the ability to vividly paint and bring to life their imaginations, and convey the emotions behind these imaginations is somewhat limited or nonexistence. However, the same can't be said of a young man who lives and breathes art; Eugene Ankomah an innovative and multitalented artist. Eugene is endowed with the ability to communicate through his various works. Every single stroke of his brush commune various philosophies, wisdom, sentiments, views, beautiful and broken memories, intricately and delicately translated into lines, shapes, forms, values, shades, space and textures, impeccably harmonized into impressive works of art open to various interpretations.

Born in the United Kingdom to Ghanaian parents, Eugene spent part of his early life in Ghana, and returned to the UK at the age of 13.

He traces his interest in art back to the tender age of 3, as a child he was obsessed with drawing boxes before progressing to drawing members of his family. In school, his talent was never lost to his fellow classmates or teachers, it won him their admiration. Through the years, Eugene has diligently applied himself to honing and perfecting his skills. He attended the Central St. Martin College of Art & Design, and then proceeded to earn his bachelor's degree in Illustration and Fine Art at the University of Westminster.

Eugene's unquestionable talent is evident the moment one views his works. One of his paintings, “Elijah Ascending to Heaven,” highlights his infinite potential and versatility as an artist. While some of his works have viewers awestruck, others such as “The Fighter” and “Drunkenness” with its painstaking emphasis on distortion echoes deeply rooted emotions within the viewer. Eugene's recent socially inspired and politically flavored work appropriately titled, “The Cover Up Series” showcases his artistic range. He plans on unveiling his new works at his upcoming UK Solo show called “Cover Upps-The Definitive Collection.”

As an artist, his uniqueness primarily lies not only in his passion, and realistic approach towards the various subject matters that inspire him, but also his methodical and mature presentations of the themes. With his works already been compared to great artists like Pablo Picasso, Eugene is definitely on the right path to leaving his imprint on the art world. However, his relevance as an artist stems from his ability to wow audiences around the world with his bold creations.

Profact

Alas Man Utd Accept Real Madrid Bid For Ronaldo

Manchester United have confirmed they have accepted a world-record bid from Real Madrid for Cristiano Ronaldo after he once again asked to leave the club.

Madrid have been courting the Portuguese international for two seasons after he stated it is his dream to play for the Spanish giants, but United had rebuffed a series of overtures made by former Madrid president, Ramon Calderon.

Now, Los Galacticos mastermind Florentino Perez has retaken office at the Santiago Bernabeu and vowed several star signings and having already begun with Kaka coming from Milan on Monday for around €65 million, the second highest transfer fee of all time behind the €73m paid by Madrid for Zinedine Zidane in 2001.

With a world record fee in the region of €94m agreed, it is widely expected that negotiations with the player - who asked to leave, despite promising to stay all season - will not be protracted.

The deal is expected to be concluded by the end of the month, if not sooner.

An official Manchester United statement read, "Manchester United have received a world-record, unconditional offer of £80 million for Cristiano Ronaldo from Real Madrid."

"At Cristiano's request - who has again expressed his desire to leave - and after discussion with the player's representatives, United have agreed to give Real Madrid permission to talk to the player.

"Matters are expected to be concluded by 30 June. The club will not comment until further notice."

Profact

Remembering Mark Vivien Foe

Both as a human being and as one of Cameroons greatest ever defensive midfield players, Marc Vivien Foe will never be forgotten.

As the stalwart of the Cameroon international football team, Foe was irreplaceable in his position just in front of the defence providing the protection they so often needed when they came up against world class opponents.

Sadly we will never see this talented football player ever don the jersey of Cameroon or any other football team ever again, following his passing during the 2003 Confederations Cup.

Foe's international career spanned over 10 years and what a showpiece it was having represented his country on 65 occasions and having played for clubs like West Ham United (England), Olympique Lyonnais (France) and Manchester City (England).

The inspirational midfielder made his international debut against Mexico in 1993, but it wasn't until the 1994 World Cup that he was truly recognised after playing in all three of his countries games.

He attracted attention from football clubs across Europe and eventually signed for the French team RC Lens whom he won the French Ligue 1 title with in 1998.

At this stage Foe's career was blossoming and he even received offers to play at Manchester United which he turned down initially, then unfortunately during the process of renegotiation he suffered a broken leg and all communication between himself and the club ceased. He also missed the 1998 FIFA World Cup because of his broken leg.

However, Foe showed real character and determination to bounce back and ended up signing for English Premier League side West Ham United in 1999 who paid a club record 4.2 million pounds for him.

He formed a significant part of their team, playing 38 games and scoring one goal, before moving back to France and winning the French League title again in 2001 with Olympique Lyonnais.

Once again, the Cameroonian dazzled in a World Cup, this time in 2002, and consequently was loaned out to Manchester City in the English Premiership under the legendary coach Kevin Keegan.

During his time there he became a first team regular and appeared a total of 38 times in the blue and white of City, notching up nine goals as well.

Sadly, Foe's flourishing career came to an abrupt end in the 2003 Confederations Cup when he died on the field of play during the semi-finals of the competition, due to heart complications.

Cafoline

Emeka, Mercy Johnson, Others, Storm Accra

Mercy Johnson Nigeria's multiple award-winning movie stars, Emeka Ike and Mercy Johnson, among other big names in Nollywood are expected to make Ghana their haven this weekend as they storm Accra to be part of the premiere of the new movie, Heat Of The Moment, at the National Theatre in Accra on Saturday, June 13.

Being powered by Stamina Productions from Nigeria, the event could be described as the invasion of Nigerian superstars in Ghana.

There would be the likes of the Nollywood Black Arrow, otherwise called Segun Arinze. He would be emceeing the night while Nigeria's reigning comedian, Papa B, takes movie fans on a marathon of comedy.

There will as well be music renditions from Wanamasa of Africa and Ghana's own Sherifa Gunu and Ayigbe Edem.

Precisely, it is not just about movie premiere but also music and comedy aside other attractions to give patrons more fun.

The event is as well set to attract some dignitaries, with the Nigerian High Commissioner to Ghana, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, as the special guest of honor. Some big names in the Ghanaian movie industry are also expected to be present.

The movie is a Nigeria-Ghana collaboration with Kofi Adjorlolo from Ghana as one of the main characters. The rest are Mercy Johnson, Emeka Ike and Barry Lookmon, a Ghana-born movie star who is domiciled in Nigeria.

Heat Of The Moment is about a young, beautiful student, Ann (played by Mercy Johnson) and a doctor-cum-politician (Emeka Ike) who is aspiring to win the people's mandate as the First Citizen of the country.

Ann was raped and she identified the politician as her assailant. Ann's boyfriend, a barrister, thus swears to help her take him on in court but the politician swears he never met Ann.

Thus he is also ready to go to any extent to clear his name. Is he going to win, and what becomes of Ann when she loses? These are some of the questions movie enthusiasts can answer for themselves when they go to the National Theatre to see the movie for themselves.

Francis Addo

Nana Yeboah goes gospel

Nana Yeboah In a dynamic music industry like ours, things keep changing as new stars keep surfacing with new talents.

Apart from the few creative artistes who are known, most budding musicians tend to lose focus after reigning for a couple of years as they repeat the same beats and styles in their music.

Nana Yeboah, a secular-turned-gospel musician has promised to change the trend of gospel music in Ghana, with the support of his management team.

Nana Yeboah told BEATWAVES that he decided to go gospel because he had receive a number of prophecy urging him to go gospel.

He noted that his 13-track gospel album title 'Wonye Nyame Lawyer' would attract every music lover because it is unique.

The lyrics of the songs, with good backing vocals, are neatly arranged with sensational and inspirational rhythms, making the album unique and pleasing to the ear.

According to him, his album has what it takes to bring the heavens down and empower every listener to burst into worship.

He stated, “I have a strong conviction that the release of the album is timely and has divine intervention due to the fact that gospel songs naturally cool down tempers and cause one's spirit to be elevated.”

Nana Yeboah left the shores of Ghana in 1998 for Europe where he performed series of live musical concerts and street carnivals alongside certain stars including Ghana's Afro Moses.

He had toured a number of European countries where he performed alongside some selected music stars and is a founding member of UB2 which was formed in 2005 in Germany.

George Clifford Owusu

Supermodel Amanda Annan's big heart unveiled

Ghanaian-British supermodel Amanda Annan may have entered into modelling by chance but her career so far has been nothing short of amazing. The slinky beauty says she did not choose modelling but modelling chose her. While working part time in a clothing store at age 16, she was head hunted by the world famous Unique Model Management agency. Within two weeks Amanda was shooting her first campaign for Vidal Sassoon. With her beauty and grace, it was not before long she started flying round the world for shoots and runway assignments in London, Paris, Milan and New York.

Amanda's origin is as interesting as her career: her father is from Ghana and his father moved to Ghana as a child from Brazil in search of his roots; while her mother is from Martinique but grew up in Lagos. However Amanda was adopted at a young age and grew up in London. As the niece of Kofi Annan, she picked up plenty ambassadorial traits which she deploys in a number of charitable organizations like the Campaign for Female Education (CAMFED), as well raising money for the African Film Commission.

After gracing the covers of magazines like Elle Magazine, Women to Women, Photo Magazine and Fashion News, Amanda has also ventured into new territories including acting and broadcasting among others. Amanda is extremely passionate about helping the underprivileged and is doing a lot of works in that end. I caught up with Amanda to find out more about her career as a model, her desire to help the least fortunate, her ambitions and many other things that make her tick.

Ameyaw Debrah: What went through your mind when Unique Model management approached you?

I was actually quite lucky as in that I was discovered by a make up artist, who then went on to introduce me to Unique Model management which at that time was one of the best model agencies to be with. I was a bit nervous going into the agency for the first time, as I used to be a very shy kid, however the nerves soon disappeared and Unique Model Management became a great growing ground for me.

Ameyaw Debrah: What have been your highlights as a model since then?

Wow! So much has happened in such a short space of time. I have been the face of M-Net Africa; Vodafone Campaign; done a Vogue Cover; Ebel watches of Switzerland; been on set of Bond movie and worked with Alexander McQueen and so much more. But I think the best thing to happen to me in my career was it gave me the opportunity to meet Nelson Mandela.

Ameyaw Debrah: What have been the challenges?
Where do I start? There is the skin colour thing of course - models not getting as much work as they should because they are not of the right ethnicity; but so much has changed since I started and things are getting much better. I know the colour thing sounds cliché, but the truth is sometimes hard to hear.

Jaged Renegade

The Advantages of Bodybuilding to the Human Body

Bodybuilding has a lot of advantages to the human body. It helps control levels of cholesterol in the body. It is only through exercising that a person can maintain the ratio of good and bad cholesterol. Exercise increases good cholesterol and decimates bad cholesterol while lowering triglycerides simultaneously. This is mainly done by compounding the rate and efficiency of body fat combustion. Forthwith, exercising lowers blood pressure. Always weigh your self and do not venture into bodybuilding for wrong reasons since bodybuilding for teens can be the most enjoyable if the one practicing it knows its relevance.
You cannot start bodybuilding with an aim of settling a grudge with a friend, or as for many youths; impressing the opposite sex, this will get you into trouble and you might end up hating yourself even more. When you make this choice of staying devoted, introduce quite a unique bodybuilding activity regime and make sure you continue with it when you feel it is working out well, changing the routine can only be done when you feel you are comfortable in the first one and want to have a new challenge. For you to make a choice in bodybuilding with the pursuit of introducing a quite new routine in your work out, make sure you take ample time to think about it.
However, change is always healthy for you when well executed because it brings in progress, because the body without having learned new technique is challenged and hence it works effectively to adjust, hence increasing the muscle size and therefore strengthening itself. But always remember that you should avoid any hurry in changing routines. It has always been the hardest decision to make for many people. At times, people fear the body building profession with many threats being passed to them from different avenues. But it all calls for that bold step from any interested person. No one will ever give you a green light that it is now the best time to start the bodybuilding plans.
Whether everyone should engage in this field is another dilemma that ranges over all the dimensions of life. All these factors are important and they play a role in answering all the questions about bodybuilding. For the people who discourage bodybuilding for any teenager, they should know that there is no specified age that is fit for starting bodybuilding. It would be the worst you do in discouraging a teen to start over with own reasons that have no tangible arguments.
Whether you are the parent or guardian to the teen, then, it is advisable to always take precautions because the teen develop different interest in their development. It might be a career you are killing by stopping the teen from bodybuilding exercises. Bear in mind that the only factor that leads to maximum bodybuilding comes in when one feels that he/she is fit to carry out work outs and stay committed to them. But do not forget that as a grown up and an adult should have the wisdom to advice.

Dane Fletcher

Tricks on How to Look Younger

It is a known fact to a lot of makeup artists and hairstylists that the heavier your makeup is, the older you will look. Is it possible to look younger simply by changing the way you approach your beauty regimen? It is. It's a gift that there exists a variety of tips and tricks as part of the beauty regimen that is only known to the female section of society.
The male gender can be protective of their skin, but they can be aliens when it comes to putting on makeup. Cosmetics are a woman's best friend. While women are required to apply cosmetics on their face, there is no doubt that they also maintain the health of their skin.
Here are some things you need to keep in mind when choosing the right product for you:
•Select products with kid gloves. Remember to cautiously choose cosmetic products. They should only contain the finest ingredients. Stay away from those which have chemicals that can be harmful to the skin. You should also avoid those containing substances that can cause allergic reactions.
•Remember to test the product. The testing of a product to be used is a very significant tip for you to follow. A test is performed to distinguish any adverse reaction on the skin. You should apply the sample on areas like the earlobes to see if there would be any adverse effect on you.
•Look at the expiration date. Expired products can act as an irritant to your body. Products that contain vitamin C usually get tainted before the expiry date.
•Maintain good hygiene. Keep liners sharp and brushes clean.

Nicole McDaniels

2 Shocking Beauty Myths

All of us want to have radiant and glowing skin. We do just about anything in order to improve and maintain our healthy glow. It seems like almost every day someone comes out with a new cream or a new shampoo which guarantees to improve the current state of our beauty. However, how easy is it to fall victim to some of these scams? It's actually really easy. There are so many beauty myths circulating around the internet. In this article I will list two of the most popular and shocking myths.
Diet and exercise can get rid of cellulite. This is myth number one. This is actually one of the most important of all myths because many women will do just about anything in order to reduce the appearance of cellulite. However, the truth is that cellulite is not a fat deposit; it is a break-down in the elasticity of the skin. Therefore, exercise will not have any effect on it. There are, however, various creams which can reduce the appearance of this skin change.
Hair gets used to shampoo. This is myth number two. This is also a very important myth because, let's face it, women will do just about anything in order to have beautiful hair. We will try anything and we will believe almost anything we hear. Well, the truth is, hair does not get used to shampoos. First of all, hair is not a living thing so how can it get used to a product? Second of all, if hair was to adapt to a shampoo, why can't it adapt to other factors, such as humidity?

Lauren Johnson

6 Reasons to Learn How to Dance

The popular TV show "Dancing with Stars" has brought dancing back into fashion. The glamour, the excitement, the sexy moves and of course the music all come together to make dancing something that cool people do again. The question is, why would you want to learn how to dance? If you're not sure, here are 6 reasons why!
1. It's a fun way to exercise. When thinking about ways to get fit, you usually think about going to a gym, or jogging or some other way of form of boring exercise that most people don't find fun and that isn't particularly enjoyable. Dancing however is fun. Even if you're just disco dancing in your living room to some popular record from your teenage years, your heartbeat will raise and you'll enjoy the benefits of exercise without feeling that you're actually working out. If you learn to dance, you'll learn routines that you can use either with a partner, or can adapt to do on your own, and these can become a regular "work out" that will help to keep you in shape.
2. Learning to dance is a great way to meet people. You could turn up at a local dance studio and take a few classes, or you could buy a DVD and follow the steps in the privacy of your own home. Once you feel a little more confident, put on your dancing shoes and get out to a local dancing venue. You'll be surprised at how many people are dancing!
3. That dreaded first dance as a married couple isn't going to give you nightmares when thinking about your wedding! Instead you and your partner can gracefully glide through a romantic Viennese waltz, before the beat picks up and you both sexily samba back to your seats to the enthusiastic cheers of your friends and family!
4. Dancing lowers your stress levels. There's something special that happens when you dance. It's as if all the worries and stresses of your life take a step back as you focus on moving your body in time to the music. You're not thinking about the bills that need paid, what's for supper, or whether you sent that important document in the mail. Instead you're thinking about what steps come next, if you're keeping your heels and toes in the right place, and your lines straight. Afterwards, the stressful issues are still there but you're able to deal with them with a clearer head.
5. There's no age restriction! Anyone can learn to dance. It doesn't matter if you're 5 or 75, you can learn to dance and have great fun doing so. If you're older and have some health restrictions that mean you can't chase as fast as you might have done in your 20s, that doesn't matter. Often you can either choose to learn a slower dance, or perhaps slow the tempo down and do the faster dances to slower music!
6. It's fun! OK, so that's already on the list, but the fact that dancing is fun can't be emphasized enough. It doesn't matter if you think you've got two left feet, bad balance and no co-ordination worth mentioning, learning to dance is still going to make you laugh - even if it's at yourself - while at the same time doing something active that's got your heart racing, your body moving and your stress levels down. What better reason could you need?

Steph Bryans