Speaking in an interview with Doreen Avio on Daybreak Hitz, Safo revealed that his team classified “over 300 movies” while also engaging film practitioners to raise awareness about the importance of film classification.

He praised the newly-appointed Executive Secretary of the NFA, Kafui Danku-Pitcher, for continuing the classification initiative, describing it as crucial for upholding standards within the industry.

In a recent press release, the NFA, under Danku-Pitcher’s leadership, reminded filmmakers and exhibitors of their obligations under the Development and Classification of Film Act, 2016 (Act 935). The statement stressed that “a person shall not exhibit or cause to be exhibited a film unless the film has been passed and classified by the NFA.”

The release further explained that the regulation applies to all forms of audio-visual content—including feature films, short films, trailers, TV series, documentaries, advertisements, music videos, and content shared via cinemas, television, online streaming platforms, or public spaces.

Additionally, the NFA announced a new enforcement measure, which takes effect from May 1, 2025. Under the new rule, any producer, distributor, or exhibitor submitting content for classification must hold a valid Film Producer, Distributor, or Exhibitor licence issued by the NFA.

The Film Classification Committee was established under Act 935 and is mandated to preview and classify all audio-visual content intended for public exhibition in Ghana.

Below are some photos of his visit:

Photo credit ; Presidency

Speaking on The Honest Bunch podcast, the 71-year-old actor stated that while he is financially stable, he does not consider himself wealthy by Nigerian standards.

“I have been in this industry for this long. I thank God that I can eat three square meals. But can I claim to be a rich man by Nigerian standards? No,” he said.

Kosoko also highlighted the devastating impact of piracy on the Nigerian movie industry, calling for stricter laws to curb the menace.

“The punishment in the copyright law for piracy is still not strong enough as far as I am concerned. Somebody who has been pirating people’s works for years is a billionaire, so how much do you want to fine him?” he asked.

“Fine him N500 million, and he will just bring it out of what he has sold. But if you attach a 20-year jail sentence to it with no option of a fine, people will refrain from piracy,” he added.

Jide Kosoko, who started his acting career as a child actor in 1964 with the television production Makanjuola, remains a revered figure in Nollywood, advocating for better policies to protect the industry.

Netflix will raise prices across a number of countries after adding nearly 19 million subscribers in the final months of 2024.

The streaming firm said it will increase subscription costs in the US, Canada, Argentina and Portugal.

Asked if prices were set to increase in the UK, a spokesperson for Netflix said there was “nothing to share right now”.

Netflix announced better-than-expected subscriber numbers, helped by the second series of South Korean drama Squid Game as well as sports including a boxing match between influencer-turned-fighter Jake Paul and former world heavyweight champion Mike Tyson.

So great is his appeal, that he can barely walk down the street without getting mobbed by fans.

What’s less well-known is that he secretly quit films during the COVID-19 pandemic in order to spend more time with his loved ones.

“I told my family I’m done with acting and films,” he tells BBC News.

“I [didn’t] want to produce or direct or act. I just wanted to be with the family.”

You’d imagine a major star like Khan deciding to quit the industry would have sent shockwaves through India, a nation that is fully obsessed with films.

But, he explains, his decision went unnoticed at the time because so few movies were being made due to the pandemic.

“No-one knew about it,” he says.

Fans can breathe a sigh of relief, though.

Khan didn’t quit for long. And now he’s back and is promoting Laapataa Ladies – or Lost Ladies – a film he’s produced. It is India’s official pick for the Oscars in the best international feature film category.

Khan says it was his children who convinced him to go back to work.

“They were like, ‘But we can’t spend 24 hours with you. So get real and get a life.’ So they gently nudged me back into the films,” he says.

At 59, Khan has worked as an actor, director and producer for three decades.

He’s known as one of the three “Khans of Bollywood” – the others being fellow megastars Shah Rukh and Salman.

Known for tackling social issues, Aamir’s films are widely acclaimed as well as breaking box office records.

He is also no stranger to the Oscars. Lagaan, a film about cricket set in the 19th Century during the British Empire, was nominated for best foreign language film in 2002.

Khan is now trying to make history with Laapataa Ladies. If it succeeds, it would be the first Indian film to win the coveted international prize. He will find out whether it has made the shortlist on Tuesday.

Khan said he’s “not quite sure how seriously” to take awards. “Cinema is so subjective,” he says.

But he admits a win would mean a lot to India.

“I think Indians are so film crazy and we’ve been dying to win the Academy Award for an Indian film, which hasn’t happened till now. So the country will go ballistic. They’ll just go mad if we win,” he says.

“So just for the people of our country and for our country, I would be really happy if we win the award.”

Set in rural India, Laapataa Ladies tells the story of a young man bringing the wrong bride home. Meanwhile, his wife ends up lost, having to fend for herself.

It’s a satire looking at the treatment of women, including touching on the sensitive topic of domestic violence.

Khan describes the plot as “a bit Shakespearean”, with its focus on humour and mistaken identities.

But, he adds, it’s saying “a lot of important things about women’s issues, their independence, their right to decide for themselves what they want to do”.

It was these issues that drew him to the film in the first place, he explains.

“Every now and then you get an opportunity as a creative person to actually also sensitise people about certain issues that we face in society,” he says.

“Women all over the world have been subjected to a lot of challenges in their lives. Women have a raw deal in life. So I felt that here is a story which really brings that out well in such a nice way, which is why I wanted to produce it.”

Khan was also “very keen” that his ex-wife, Kiran Rao, should direct the film.

The pair, who married in 2005, announced their separation in 2021. But they have remained close, both professionally and personally.

“I think the reason I chose Kiran was because I knew that she would be very honest with it and that’s what I wanted,” he says.

“We get along really well. We really love each other, we respect each other.

“Our relationship may have changed slightly – but that doesn’t mean what we feel for each other has gone down or something.”

That’s not to say it’s all been plain sailing, however.

Khan admits there were arguments on set.

“We can’t make a film without an argument. So we argue every point and we have strong opinions,” he says.

“But our sensibilities are very similar. We are not talking about fundamental things. We are just trying to sometimes convince the other person a better way of conveying something.”

Bollywood on the global stage

Bollywood produces hundreds of films every year and has a huge following among Indians globally.

The sway the films and stars have on their fans’ imagination cannot be overstated.

It has had recent success at the Academy Awards, with Naatu Naatu from RRR winning the best original song and The Elephant Whisperers awarded the best documentary short film.

But victory in the international film category has so far eluded it, something Khan attributes to the competition.

“India has made really great films over the years. Occasionally it’s a matter of the right film not getting sent or the best film not getting sent,” he says.

“But otherwise we have to understand that the films you’re competing against – you’re not competing against five or six films, you’re competing against almost 80 or 90 films, which are the best in the world.”

As to whether a Bollywood film could one day scoop the best overall film award, Khan says it is “possible”.

But Indian film-makers would first need to start making movies for a global market, he adds.

“I’ve never really looked at an international audience,” he says. “We have such a large audience of our own that it doesn’t come in to our mind.

“That will only happen when Indians start making films for a world audience. I don’t think we have the bandwidth for it right now.”

‘I don’t work after 6 o’clock’

For now, Khan is focusing on a range of projects alongside Laapataa Ladies, which also include his next film Sitaare Zameen Par, due for release in 2025.

Looking further out, he’s hoping to make one film a year, while his “dream project” is to take on Mahabharat – the ancient Indian epic.

But since unretiring from the film, he is determined to do things differently. Again, this was influenced by his children.

“My son said, ‘You’re an extreme person’,” he says.

“He said, ‘You’re like a pendulum. You only did films, films, films. And now you want to swing to the other side and do no films and be with family, family, family. There is a middle place also you can think about.”

Khan says his son told him to “try and bring some balance” into his life.

“And I thought he was right. So since then, that’s what I’ve been trying to do – living a balanced life where I’m working really hard, in fact, I’m doing much more work than I ever did, but I don’t work after 6 o’clock any more.”

Khan says he has also started therapy in recent years, inspired by his daughter Ira, who works in mental health.

“I think that’s something that’s really helped me. That’s really helped me understand myself better.

“I’m actually finding that balance between work and personal life. So I feel that I’ve reached that space now.”

The film, which premiered in June 2024, was one of only five selected for screening at the prestigious summit, where it received praise from both critics and audiences, marking a significant milestone in Hilda’s budding career.

Hilda’s journey to this point is one of passion and resilience. Born into a family of five sisters, she was raised in Kumasi, where her education began at New Life International School and continued at St. Louis Senior High School.

Although she later pursued aviation studies and obtained certifications in customer service and passenger handling, Hilda’s true dream was always acting.

She first tried her hand at it at age 12, qualifying at her first audition despite her mother’s initial reservations. After years of waiting for her family’s full support, Hilda finally began to pursue her dream wholeheartedly.

Since officially entering the industry in 2018, Hilda has collaborated with prominent filmmakers such as Shirley Frimpong Manso and Ivan Quashigah and starred in several television productions now airing on DStv.

Her dedication and versatility have earned her multiple award nominations, including Best Actress in a Supporting Role and Most Promising Actor. She was also recognized as Personality of the Year in 2022.

Beyond acting, Hilda is a talented writer and producer. She has written and produced seven short films available on YouTube, showcasing her storytelling range and depth.

Stuck32hrs, her first full-length feature, captivated audiences with its intricate storytelling, drawing large crowds and praise for its fresh approach.

In addition to her film career, Hilda has taken on roles as a brand ambassador and influencer, representing one of Ghana’s top hair brands and aligning herself with values of beauty, resilience, and creativity.

Her work bridges the worlds of Ghanaian and Nigerian film, enriching African cinema with her unique vision and talent.

With her achievements and growing influence, Hilda Ama Braso is on a promising path, shaping the future of African cinema.

Audiences can keep up with her inspiring journey as she continues to make her mark on the industry.

The Terminator was released 40 years ago, on 26 October 1984. James Cameron’s science-fiction thriller turned its star into one of the biggest Hollywood action heroes of the 1980s and 1990s – and it was all because he chose to play the bad guy, as he told the BBC in 1985.

Benedicta who was signed to Zylofon Media (movies) told Andy Dosty on Hitz FM that her career is still alive even after the media company closed down.

“[The folding up of Zylofon Media] didn’t affect me in any way.

I feel like if you are talented, you are talented. If you are good, you are good. You were a brand before you were signed. So you just have to maintain it. How has it affected Stonebwoy or Shatta Wale? Everybody is still doing their thing,” she said.

Benedicta was one of the actors that were signed on to the movie wing of Zylofon Media. Headed by Eddie Nartey, the label had other actors like Bibi Bright, James Gardiner, Toosweet Annan and Zynnell Zuh.

Zylofon Media also had for their music wing artistes such as Kumi Guitar, Becca, Stonebwoy, Joyce Blessing, Shatta Wale and Obibini.

She has starred in movies such as Mirror Girl, Odo Asa, April Fool, Devils Voice, Azonto Ghost, Kweku Saman, Adoma and Agyanka Ba.

Others are Ewiase Ahenie, I Know My Right, Agya Koo Azonto, Afia Yakubu, Happily Never After (2016)
Selfie, The New Adabraka, The 2 Pilots and Obsession.

“The world has lost one of the greatest men it has ever known – and I have lost my dad.” the actor’s daughter, Kirsten Casale Ely, said in an Instagram post.

Tarzan originally aired on NBC television network from 1966 to 1968, during which time the actor broke a number of bones and was reported to have been attacked by animals while performing his own stunts.

After retiring from acting in 2001, Ely became an author and published two mystery novels.

Ely made a brief return to acting for one television film, Expecting Amish, in 2014, where he played an Amish elder.

In the 1980s, he appeared in other hit television programmes including cruise ship-based comedy The Love Boat, as well as Wonder Woman with star Lynda Carter.

Born in Texas in 1938, Ely went on to marry his high school sweetheart in 1959, before divorcing two years later.

He was also known for hosting the Miss America pageant in the early 1980s, where he met his wife Valerie. The couple went on to have three children.

Ely died at his home in Los Alamos in Santa Barbara, California on 29 September.

Announcing the death in an Instagram post on Wednesday, the actor’s daughter said: “My father was someone that people called a hero. He was an actor, writer, coach, mentor, family man and leader.”

She added: “I knew him as my dad – and what a heaven-sent honour that has been. To me, he hung the moon.”

Starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, the 1984 blockbuster The Terminator has become synonymous with the dangers of superintelligent machines. But it “helps and hinders” our understanding of AI.

The Beast of No Nation actor acknowledged that while such platforms are great for showcasing African content globally, true success lies in building local capacity and infrastructure.

Speaking at this year’s Africa Cinema Summit (ACS) which opened in Accra on Monday, October 7, Idris Elba, who is passionate about empowering Africa’s film industry, said he wanted a robust sector that can sustain itself, with a distribution network independent of Western platforms.

“The lifespan of African cinema is endless. We need to talk about distribution, we need to talk about how to grow the industry. For instance, filmmaking in Ghana is growing and we have seen fantastic stories and creative talents, not to mention the fantastic wealth of tourism.

“We have to win our developing market in Africa. Inasmuch as we want to appeal to the international market, we have to win our own first. When you watch American box hit movies, usually, they make box offices in America before other countries,” he stated.

For him, the key is raising the profile through better infrastructure, distribution channels and connecting filmmakers with audiences on the continent and globally.

“The future relies on us, our own distribution. We must fill the cinemas with our people first.

“So it’s important not to always focus internationally but focus on home. Also, we need to build films that get to the standard of the rest of the world. There’s no excuse because we all need to adhere to the democratisation of equipment, which means that we can all shoot with good cameras and microphones.“We have to be committed to quality, which means that we need education or to educate one another and make sure that the standard raises,” he added.

Idris Elba’s commitment to African cinema goes beyond words. Through his production companies, IE7 and The Akuna Group, Elba is investing in the continent’s creative potential, cultivating homegrown talent.

He noted that African storytellers must balance authenticity with international appeal, making their stories familiar and engaging for a global audience.

“Remember that when we tell a story, we want everyone to pay attention to them, so we have to tell stories that are familiar to the international market.

“And with the combination of all that, with distribution and other relevant elements, we can bolster our fortunes and set our foot further,” he said.

The second ACS officially opened on Monday, October 7 and ends today, October 10, 2024.

Building on the success of its inaugural edition last year, the 2024 ACS has expanded its scope, convening industry leaders and film enthusiasts from around the world to explore innovative strategies for the continent’s cinematic growth.

There was also a Legacy Awards ceremony at the Movenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra on Wednesday, October 9, to honour distinguished personalities who have made significant contributions to the growth and development of Africa’s film industry.

The summit officially ended yesterday with filming of some selected movies.

Elba, a Golden Globe winner and chairman of the IE7 and The Akuna Group, is joined on the top billing by former Netflix exec and co-founder of Juno Studios, Fiona Lamptey, and Andrew Kofi Egyapa Mercer, Ghana’s Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture.

The summit will once again take place at the Movenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra.

The theme will be “The Relevance of Cinema in African Communities.”

Organizers have said speakers will debate the current surge in local content production and consumption, ways of advocating for cinema investment, and how to reimagine the cinema experiences for Africa’s underserved lower-income audiences.

Representatives from African countries including Morocco, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, and Angola are set to attend alongside executives from throughout the African diaspora and reps from investment bodies including Afreximbank and IFC.

“Africa has been at the forefront of communication and storytelling for centuries, but sadly this innovation and the complex stories originating on the continent have been largely unnoticed,” Elba said in a statement to Deadline this afternoon.

“So, I am thrilled to be part of this year’s Africa Cinema Summit, where the focus will be on how Africans, on the continent and in the diaspora, can propel the cinema and content ecosystem to new heights and bring global awareness to our rich, dynamic, youthful and vibrant Africa.”

The Africa Cinema Summit is organized by National Film Authority execs Tim Yaw Struthers, Moses Babatope, and Funmi Onuma in collaboration with Nile Media Entertainment Group and Silverbird Cinemas.

Last year’s inaugural summit featured representatives from 20 African countries, with discussion focused on exploring and tailoring cinematic opportunities to suit the unique characteristics of each geographic location across the continent.

The meeting was the source of multiple strategic gains for the regional industry. Ghana’s president Nana Akufo-Addo pledged to approve a film tax incentive for the Ghanaian film industry. The credit was officially passed a few months later as a 20% tax rebate.

“The only way to grow local content and increase the cinema offerings on the African continent is to work together,” Juliet Yaa Asantewa Asante, CEO of the National Film Authority of Ghana, told us.

“The sector remains resilient, with local content stepping up in countries like Nigeria to fill content gaps. The continent holds the largest potential market growth forcinema,a and our work is to make the potential a reality that benefits African communities. I look forward to welcoming our esteemed guests to Accra, Ghana.”

Filmmaker James Cameron has joined the board of directors of artificial intelligence (AI) firm StabilityAI, 40 years after making a film about its risks.

In 1984’s The Terminator, which Cameron wrote and directed, a rogue AI called Skynet threatens the existence of mankind.

But the creator of the fictional AI has not been hired to help avoid such tech being developed in real life.

Instead, his role will centre around how the technology can be used in special effects, also known as computer-generated images (CGI).

“I’ve spent my career seeking out emerging technologies that push the very boundaries of what’s possible, all in the service of telling incredible stories,” he said.

“I was at the forefront of CGI over three decades ago, and I’ve stayed on the cutting edge since.

“Now, the intersection of generative AI and CGI image creation is the next wave.”

Amongst his long list of hit movies, Cameron is known for creating special effects-heavy Avatar, the highest-grossing film of all time.

His new place of work, StabilityAI, is best known for making Stable Diffusion – which can generate images based on a user’s text prompt.

It is also branching out into video, with Stable Video Diffusion, which works in the same way.

It is this tech that Cameron seems to have been brought on to help develop.

Proponents of AI video generation say it will enable artists to quickly create complicated digital effects.

But for many creatives – and Cameron’s contemporaries – this use of the technology is considered controversial at best.

Last week, Pan’s Labyrinth director Guillermo del Toro criticised AI-generated video during a talk at the British Film Institute in London, saying it could not generate much beyond “semi-compelling screensavers”.

Michael Bay said last year the tech “will create a whole bunch of lazy people” because “it doesn’t create, it just imitates”.

And Hiyao Miyazaki, who wrote and directed animated classic Spirited Away, previously said he was “disgusted” by an AI-generated video and called it “an insult to life itself”.

From the days of classic productions like Love Brewed in the African Pot to the rise of blockbuster stars like Majid Michel, Jackie Appiah, and Yvonne Nelson, our country was a cultural powerhouse.

But in recent years, the narrative has shifted, with Nollywood gaining prominence, many wonder why the once-thriving Ghanaian film scene has slowed down.

This shouldn’t be a case of Ghanaian producers looking to Nollywood as the gold standard.

In fact, Ghana has a rich history of cinematic excellence that can be reclaimed if the right steps are taken.

The key to this resurgence lies not just in the hands of filmmakers but also in government support, policy backing, and creating the necessary infrastructure for the entertainment industry to thrive.

Why Government Support Matters

In Nigeria, the government has understood the immense potential of its creative industry.

Nollywood isn’t just producing films for entertainment; it’s contributing billions to the economy, creating thousands of jobs, and helping the country project its cultural influence globally.

The Nigerian government has backed this growth by providing funding, infrastructure, and policy support to ensure that the film industry is sustainable.

This is where Ghana is lagging behind. For our film industry to grow and regain its former glory, the government must recognize the entertainment space as a significant economic contributor.

The creative sector, including music and film, has the potential to generate substantial revenue for the country while creating countless jobs.

If Ghana wants to compete on the global stage, we need policy reforms that support filmmakers with funding, infrastructure, and training opportunities.

The Economic Power of the Entertainment Industry

Let’s have a look at the numbers.

In Nigeria, Nollywood is one of the largest film industries in the world, second only to Bollywood in terms of volume.

It contributes over $600 million annually to the Nigerian economy. Stars like Genevieve Nnaji and Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde have built global brands, gaining international recognition, and attracting endorsements worth millions.

In Ghana, we have seen similar talent capable of reaching these heights, but without the proper support, the film industry has struggled to maintain momentum.

Imagine the economic potential if the government was to back the entertainment industry with the same commitment and resources as it does for agriculture or infrastructure.

The entertainment space could be a game-changer, providing an alternative stream of revenue and reducing the country’s dependency on traditional sectors like cocoa or mining.

Creating Opportunities Beyond Netflix

Another area where Ghanaian filmmakers need to innovate is distribution.

While Netflix has been a great platform for African cinema, it’s not the only one.

Nollywood has thrived by tapping into multiple platforms, especially YouTube, where filmmakers can directly upload their movies and monetize them through ads.

YouTube is quickly becoming a hotspot for Nigerian films, offering filmmakers a space to reach audiences far beyond Africa and generate income.

Ghanaian filmmakers need to follow this trend.

Relying solely on Netflix limits the potential reach of our films.

By embracing platforms like YouTube, Amazon Prime, and other emerging streaming services, Ghanaian filmmakers can diversify their income streams and reach a much broader audience.

We have the talent, and with the right distribution strategies, we can tell our stories to the world.

Investing in Better Stories

Finally, one of the most crucial factors in making a film industry thrive is storytelling.

Great films start with great stories, and this is where we need to step up. In the past, Ghanaian cinema produced some of the most compelling narratives on the continent.

However, recent productions have sometimes lacked the depth and quality that made earlier films so successful.

Producers need to invest in top-notch screenwriters who understand the power of a well-crafted story.

We must look both inward and outward, learning from the best while remaining true to our unique Ghanaian identity. Storytelling is what connects films to audiences, and we need to make sure our films resonate not only locally but internationally.

A United Push for the Future

The time has come for Ghana to reclaim its place in the world of cinema.

This can only happen if there’s a united push from all corners, thus, filmmakers, the government, and the creative community.

We have the talent, the stories, and the cultural wealth to make our mark, but we need the right infrastructure and support to bring it all together.

The entertainment industry is not just about fame or stardom—it’s about creating a legacy, building an economy, and projecting Ghana to the world.

If we take the right steps now, we can see a future where our films are celebrated not only across Africa but around the globe.

Let’s not just look to Nollywood for inspiration, let’s rise and create a Ghanaian film renaissance that the world will never forget.

The government must play its part and our filmmakers must embrace new opportunities to put Ghana firmly back on the map.

Source: Mary Asiedu

Speaking in an interview with Kweku Adu Kumi on Asempa FM’s Showbiz Review, Chairman K revealed that while his song Otan Hunu has gained significant traction on social media, especially on TikTok, Amerado hasn’t fulfill his part of their agreement to promote the video.

“I released it two weeks ago. People are using it on TikTok and jamming to it, but Amerado has not posted it yet, and people have been questioning me,” Chairman K stated.

According to the highlife musician, the agreement was clear that he would release the video, and Amerado would share his part and the chorus on his social media platforms.

“The agreement was that I would do my part, then he would post his part and the chorus on his social media handles. We all agreed… even his management was videoing us with their quality phone,” Chairman K explained.

He emphasized that the collaboration was meant to help them expand their audience base, particularly by tapping into Amerado’s followers.

Despite paying Amerado for his participation, the rapper’s lack of promotion has led to questions being directed at Chairman K.

“I called him, and he said he would talk to the management, but I have not heard from him since I released it,” Chairman K added.

“If someone is promoting and the one I featured doesn’t promote, it looks like I have an issue with him. But I don’t have any issue with him… People are asking me too many questions, so I just want people to know to ease the tension on me.”

Chairman K hopes that Amerado and his team will fulfill their commitment to promote Otan Hunu, as agreed upon during their collaboration.

Watch the music video below:

He said that this situation is a result of low entertainment opportunities in the country.

He made this position known on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show, emphasizing the power of the entertainment industry to boost economic growth.

“Theatre can boost business and economy, not just in taxes but in attracting and keeping investors in Ghana for all sectors,” he said on Thursday.

He stated that even though foreigners troop into the country for business and tourism, the absence of sustainable entertainment drives investors away without the desire to return to the country.

“There are not many options for engaging and entertaining these investors … so these people [Investors] do not stay too long. They get bored and most do not look forward to returning to Ghana,” he said.

According to him, in other countries, there are live shows at theatres each day which keep both citizens and foreigners entertained and boost the tourism industry.

“I spent a week in Prague in the Czech Republic, and every evening my host took me somewhere. There were entertainment options every evening. It makes you the guest want to extend your stay and return sooner than later.”

Uncle Ebo Whyte recounted how a former President of Aviation Operators in Southern Africa shared with his son how he travels to Ghana every quarter to watch Uncle Ebo Whyte plays.

“Think what is possible if every foreigner who flies into Ghana knows that he can watch a great show every evening.”

He urged the next government to research the ways to use creative arts to help improve the economy of the country.

He also took the opportunity to express his willingness to collaborate with anyone who would offer him assistance of any sort to realize his vision of acquiring an auditorium that can host eight live plays a week.

This, he believes, will help to increase the entertainment options for both Ghanaians and foreigners in the country.

In an interview with Doreen Avio, the ‘Taste of Sin’ actor highlighted that many people are unaware of how to effectively leverage these platforms for their benefit.

He pointed out that YouTube, in particular, is an underutilized platform that holds significant potential for revenue generation.

“YouTube is an untapped space that people are overlooking. Just one of the productions on there has garnered about 29 million views, which shows that African movies are doing well. While bigger platforms like Netflix are also important, we need to start paying attention to YouTube as well,” he remarked.

James Gardiner also noted how Nigerian TV stations are more proactive than Ghanaian ones in selecting and promoting movies from YouTube, often turning them into hits.

He shared that his work in Nigeria has been going well, and he observed that it’s not just Ghana but other countries, especially Nigeria, that quickly pick up these movies from YouTube.

“When a film drops on YouTube, within 20 to 30 minutes, other YouTube platforms—mainly based in Nigeria—start showcasing it, which can sometimes impact the original viewership,” he explained.

James Gardiner however remains optimistic about the future of the Ghanaian movie industry, believing that with a positive mindset and consistency, the industry will thrive.

Source: Adomonline

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The film, created by the de Graft-Johnson Brothers and directed by Kobina de Graft-Johnson, will debut in Brooklyn on August 24, 2024, at 2 PM at 274 Morgan Avenue, Suite 201.

King of T3MA explores the intense journey of Paa Kwesi, a man driven to the criminal underworld by the weight of debt and the desperate need to pay for his mother’s medical care.

As Paa Kwesi navigates the dangerous world of crime, he grapples with moral dilemmas and the consequences of his actions.

The film delves into universal themes of love, resilience, and sacrifice, connecting deeply with audiences far beyond its Ghanaian roots.

Directed by Kobina de Graft-Johnson, CEO and founder of Anibok Studios, King of T3MA is part of the studio’s ongoing commitment to producing socially conscious films that spotlight stories from the African diaspora.

Anibok Studios is recognized as a leading producer of Ghanaian diaspora content, known for bringing authentic and diverse narratives to the global stage.

“We created a film that entertains while prompting reflection on the choices we make for those we love,” said de Graft-Johnson. “King of T3MA showcases the universal themes of love, sacrifice, and resilience. We are excited to share the true voices and stories of Ghanaian youth with the world.”

The film boasts an impressive cast, including David Oppong Osabutey, also known as “Big Tim,” as the lead actor, alongside Melvin Dain, veteran actor Fred Amugi, and Kingsley Yamoah.

Following the screening, there will be a Q&A session with the producer, director, and casting director.

Meanwhile, special guests and key figures in the film industry are expected to join in the celebration of this cinematic achievement.

Tickets for the premiere are available at the official King of T3MA website. The film is also set to premiere in Ghana between September and October 2024, giving local audiences the chance to experience the highly anticipated drama firsthand.

Connie Chiume, a veteran South African actor who appeared in Marvel film Black Panther, has died at the age of 72, her family has announced.

The multi-award-winning actress starred in several South African TV shows including Rhythm City, Zone 14 and most recently, Gomora.

Chiume was a trained teacher but later became a household name on mainstream television.

She died at a Johannesburg hospital on Tuesday afternoon, a short family statement said.

The movie has been recognized in the esteemed category of ‘Black Star Movie of the Year.’

Directed by Frank Fiifi Gharbin and executively produced by Kwadwo Nkansah Lilwin, this film marks a collaborative effort between Ghana and Nigeria, featuring a stellar cast of top actors from both countries.

Among them are: Ramsey Nouah, Charles Awurum (popularly known as Awilo Sharp Sharp), and Victor Osuagwu (known as Paa George and Sweet Mimi), alongside other distinguished performers.

‘A Country Called Ghana’ has garnered global acclaim, securing a cinema distribution deal and earning nominations in several international film festivals, including Germany, New Zealand, and the IMO International.

It is also set to be featured at the Nollywood Film Festival.

The Black Star International Film Festival (BSIFF), held annually in Accra, Ghana, serves as a prominent platform to showcase and honour the works of African filmmakers and the diaspora, fostering international recognition for African cinema.

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A plotline for the movie is yet to be revealed, but Myers will play the title character, Diaz will voice Shrek’s wife Princess Fiona and Murphy will return as sidekick Donkey.

Announcing the news, DreamWorks Animation said on X: “Not too Far, Far Away… Shrek 5 is coming to theatres on July 1, 2026 with Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, and Cameron Diaz.”

The first film was released back in 2001, and won the first Oscar for best animated feature film.

It was a huge hit for DreamWorks, making $487m worldwide at the box office.

Shrek 5 will in fact be the seventh film in the wider franchise, after Antonio Banderas’ character had two spin-off films – Puss In Boots and Puss In Boots: The Last Wish.

It is unknown whether Banderas will be back for Shrek 5.

Murphy hinted in an interview with Collider last month that Donkey could also be getting his own spin-off movie.

He also said work on Shrek 5 started “months ago”.

“I recorded the first act, and we’ll be doing it this year, we’ll finish it up,” he said.

“Shrek is coming out and Donkey’s gonna have his own movie.”

The incident began when a Twitter user questioned her choice, saying, “There are certain projects your brand should outgrow, because why is Rita Dominic in Lekki Wives or whatever it is called! Common.”

Rita Dominic, known for her articulate and thoughtful responses, did not let the comment slide.

She replied, “Dear Actors, only people who have no single drop of artistic integrity speak like this. If you listen to them you will soon begin to believe you are more important than the industry that birthed you. You are an ACTOR, so make sure to find a way or platform to release the creative energy in you. Continue to hone your skills regardless of empty comments like this, because knowledge is never-ending. Yours truly, Rita.”

Her response highlights the importance of artistic integrity and continuous self-improvement in the acting profession, emphasizing that true actors should focus on their craft rather than public opinion.

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The 37-year-old suffered fatal injuries after interrupting three men who were attempting to remove the catalytic converter from his parked vehicle.

Wactor – who previously featured in the US soap opera General Hospital – was pronounced dead early on Saturday.

His agent David Shaul told Variety he was an “outstanding human being”.

He continued: “He would literally give you the shirt off his back. After over a decade together, he will leave a hole in our hearts forever.”

Wactor’s mother Scarlett told NBC4 her son was returning to his car after work and discovered a man tampering with it.

Believing it was being towed and not suspecting danger, he approached the man to ask what was happening, then was immediately shot, she said.

She told the outlet the suspect fled with two other men, and described her son’s killing as “senseless”.

The incident happened at the corner of West Pico Boulevard and South Hope Street in downtown LA. No arrests have been made.

Wactor’s brother, Grant, told the LA Times reported that Wactor had been working as a bartender on Saturday and was walking a co-worker to her car after when he was killed.

“He was… one of the most charismatic people I knew. Because when he talked or listened, you could tell it was genuine,” his brother said.

“He lived life his way. He did exactly what he wanted, even to his last day. He walked the walk.”

A tribute shared by producers at General Hospital said South Carolina-born Wactor was “truly one of a kind and a pleasure to work with each and every day”.

As well as a two-year stint on the show as Brando Corbin, Wactor also starred in the 2013 NBC series Siberia and featured in two episodes of HBO’s Westworld.

Catalytic converters are valuable targets for thieves as they contain precious metals which can be sold.

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According to Zola, the accident occurred when Lil Win attempted to evade a crowd that had surrounded his car at a traffic intersection.

He said when the light turned green, Lil Win accelerated and swerved a tricycle known in local parlance as ‘Aboboyaa’, resulting in a head-on collision with another vehicle.

Speaking to Andy Dosty on Daybreak Hitz on Hitz FM, Zola said Lil Win is fine.

“Doctors allowed him to go to the cinema,” he stated, addressing concerns about Lil Win’s appearance at the premiere of his movie “A Country Called Ghana” with his head bandaged.

“Even after the incident, he [Lil Win] walked himself,” Zola emphasized.

Zola also noted that, Lil Win and his team are in contact with the family of the passengers in the other vehicle, who are receiving treatment.

Lil Win, a Ghanaian actor and musician, was involved in a car accident on May 25, 2024, in the Amakom suburb of Kumasi.

They were rushed to the Accident and Emergency Unit of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital.

The accident occurred while Lil Win was on a radio tour promoting his latest movie, “A Country Called Ghana,” scheduled for premiering in Kumasi on the same day.

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Professor Martin Owusu is an acclaimed scriptwriter and a long time lecturer at the Department of Theatre Arts at the University of Ghana.

He is credited for his contribution to the development of Ghana’s arts and culture.

The Legend of Aku Sika was written by Professor Martin Owusu, who is also a renowned playwright, actor and director.

Actress and media personality, Naa Ashorkor, who is also CEO of April Communications makes her debut as production director, assisted by George Quaye, CEO of image Bureau.

The Legend of Aku Sika won Prof. Martin Owusu an ECRAG award in the late 90s. It is a stage play transposed from an old folktale Aku Sika.

The beloved actor, known for his charismatic performances and genuine personality, took to his platform to express his feelings and seek solace from his fans and followers.

“I was going to keep it simple, but I’ve got a lot on my mind! I just feel I need to vent out! I need to talk to someone, anyone! My heart is heavy!” Gardiner began.

Despite it being his birthday, he expressed uncertainty about what he was celebrating. “I’ve cried my eyes out this morning. I’m just a young man trying to be successful in this life! Take care of my son and my responsibilities. I’m not in competition with anyone!”

The actor opened up about his journey, sharing that he started a car rental company in 2018, which thrived until the COVID-19 pandemic caused a significant downturn.

“Then business dipped for like 2 yrs. Sold the cars and decided to invest in a nightclub in Ghana hoping to strike gold once again. But things didn’t work out as it should, or maybe not just yet! Friends and family didn’t support much. The ones who did, did!” He said.

Though he is actively working in his passion for acting, Gardiner admitted to feeling a deep sense of emptiness.

“Yes I’m working and doing what I love… Acting! But I’m just not happy! I feel empty to be honest. Like is all of this worth it? Is there a module?”

Despite these feelings, he emphasized his gratitude for life, acknowledging the value of simply being alive.

Meanwhile, he also touched on the challenges men face, often without a support system to lean on.

“Just know that men go through a lot too and we usually barely have people to run to!” He thanked his followers for listening and requested their prayers as he navigates these tough times. “I’m gonna keep my head high and continue to figure it out! I know I’m stubborn and imperfect! But together we are here now! Happy birthday to us ?… Love you guys! ”

Meanwhile, some fans and friends including Berla Mundi, Yvonne Nelson, Andy Dosty and Elikem Kumordzie took to the comment section to cheer him up.

James Gardiner’s message has resonated with many, drawing attention to the often unspoken struggles individuals and celebrities alike face behind the scenes.

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He mentioned that the absence of a functioning and effective leadership to steer the affairs of the sector had slowed things down for the industry.

Since the death of Reverend Eddie Coffie, President of the guild, in 2016, elections for new executives have been in limbo, denying the guild the chance to have the leadership to manage affairs of the industry, as well as seek the well-being of actors.

Speaking in an interview with Graphic Showbiz Mr Amugi prayed the Guild would settle their differences and get back on its feet.

“The film industry is like any other business. It has its ups and downs. However, for the past few years, it’s been having issues of power struggles and conflicts, especially within the Ghana Actors Guild.

“This has led to a decline in productivity and quality because what’s being produced is not checked. We’re lucky to have Akwaaba Magic on DStv, which has provided a platform for our films. They’ve been supportive and willing to work with us, and the films they show are good. If we keep making good films, we’ll benefit from their support.

“Unfortunately, Nigeria’s film industry is ahead of ours. They have more opportunities with subscription-based streaming services such as Netflix, and we need to work together to catch up,” he stated.

Mr Amugi also shared his concerns about the lack of collaboration and cooperation in the industry, which he believes is hindering the production of high-quality films that can favourably compete anywhere.

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According to Deadline, the film, titled Daddy Changed the World, will come to the big screen via production companies Radar Pictures, 8 Queens Media and Night Fox Entertainment, with Floyd’s daughter, Gianna, and her mother, Roxie Washington, serving as executive producers.

Although the project doesn’t yet have a director, attached to the film is screenwriter Gregory R. Anderson (Stomp the Yard).

In addition to chronicling the imperfection of Floyd’s life, it will also tackle his brutal 2020 death at the hands of former officer Derek Chauvin, and the global protest movement it sparked. Shortly before his passing, Floyd repeatedly yelled out, “I can’t breathe,” which has since become a slogan of the Black Lives Matter movement.

While centring Floyd’s journey, Daddy Changed the World will also be a “gritty drama of a man and his community thrust into the fiery light of history.”

She continued, “We need to make changes swiftly. No other child should lose their father like Gianna did. We thank everyone who stood with us and protested. George’s legacy will live on through this film.”

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The government, on Wednesday, approved the “prohibition of money ritual, ritual killing, tobacco, tobacco products, nicotine product promotion, glamorisation, display in movies, musical videos and skits” in pursuant to Section 65 of the NFVCB Act 2004.

NFVCA boss, Dr. Shaibu Husseini, made this known while speaking at a National Stakeholders Engagement on Smoke-Free Nollywood in partnership with Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa, CAPPA, held in Enugu.

According to the NFVCB boss, “Today, we are facing an industry emergency requiring bold and ambitious actions from all of us as parents, guardians and stakeholders.”

However, reacting to the development, veteran musician, Mike Okri described the action of the federal government as a joke.

Also, reacting, popular actor Kanayo O. Kanayo described the move, as ‘a sensible nonsense’.

He said that the Minister of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa has no job in approving a move to gag the filmmakers.

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This decision was disclosed by Dr. Shaibu Husseini, Executive Director/CEO of NFVCB, during a National Stakeholders Engagement on Smoke-Free Nollywood held in Enugu State.

Dr. Husseini highlighted the urgent need for these regulations, stating, “Today, we are facing an industry emergency requiring bold and ambitious actions from all parents, guardians, and stakeholders.”

He emphasized that the measures are aimed at sanitizing the Nigerian film industry by reducing the promotion of harmful behaviours and practices.

The new regulation, officially titled the “Prohibition of Money Ritual, Ritual Killing, Tobacco, Tobacco Products, Nicotine Product Promotion and Glamorization display in Movies, Musical Videos and Skits Regulations 2024,” was approved by the Minister of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa.

This approval is in accordance with section 65 of the NFVCB Act 2004.

The regulation extends beyond money rituals to include a ban on the display and promotion of tobacco, nicotine products, and other crimes in films, musical videos, and skits.

The initiative to include these elements in the regulation was initiated by Dr. Husseini’s predecessor, who recognized the detrimental impact of such portrayals on society, especially the youth.

“When my predecessor approached the former Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Muhammed, on the need to make a subsidiary legislation to curtail the display of smoking in Nigerian movies, he saw the need to include money rituals,” Dr. Husseini explained.

The inclusion of ritual killings and other crimes aims to further clean up the content produced by Nollywood, ensuring it does not negatively influence viewers.

The event in Enugu saw the participation of film producers, directors, actors, and leaders of various guilds and associations from across Nigeria.

Their presence underscores the importance of this regulation and the collaborative effort needed to implement it effectively. Stakeholders were urged to embrace these changes and work together to promote a healthier, more responsible film industry.

With these new regulations, the NFVCB aims to foster a film industry that not only entertains but also upholds social responsibility.

The ban on money rituals and the glamorization of vices is expected to influence the types of stories told in Nigerian films, promoting positive values and discouraging harmful behaviours.

The AMVCA, an annual award presented by MultiChoice, recognises outstanding achievements in television and film.

Below is the list of winners:

Best Makeup

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The film now showing on Amazon Prime follows a young woman called Aisha, played by Tiwa Savage, an ambitious fashion designer who returns home to Nigeria after 10 years in the United States.

Although the Grammy-nominated singer has enchanted people with her buttery smooth voice, she told the BBC Focus on Africa podcast that acting was always a path she wanted to pursue.

“I have so much respect for actors now. It’s long hours and you’re becoming someone else for a long period of time,” she said.

She told the BBC it was not “easy”.

But Tiwa Savage brought the character to life by channelling parts of herself and her mother.

“She bottles up things a lot and she might just explode one day,” she said.

Aside from acting, she was also an executive producer on the film.

The songstress said she watched at least 200 edits before they decided on the final cut.

It “was a lot of work”, she added.

While the film may be new, inspiration comes from her 2021 EP of the same name.

The movie was initially meant to be the accompanying video on the project, but she said when they started filming “it was so good” they decided to make it into a feature-length film.

But the music from the EP doesn’t feature in the movie as Tiwa Savage said she was no longer in the same “headspace”.

So she began recording new songs for the movie while they were shooting and managed to finish the score for the film within a week.

Songs for the film’s soundtrack feature other Nigerian stars like Olamide and Grammy-nominated singer Ayra Starr.

While the stunning cinematography, the dynamic soundtrack and Tiwa Savage’s performance breathe life into the movie, the heart of the film is the theme of nostalgia.

“There is a nostalgic feeling when you think of water and garri. We used to eat that a lot growing up,” she said.

She added that garri, which is processed cassava, and water are unusual combinations, but when they are mixed together it makes something beautiful.

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After headlining global tours, collaborating with Beyoncé and Brandy, and championing newcomers, Tiwa Savage is embarking on her next venture: starring in and executive producing her debut full-length feature film, “Water and Garri.”

The film, slated for global debut on Prime Video on May 10, follows Aisha, a successful fashion designer, as she returns to Nigeria after a decade in the United States.

She’s taken aback by the profound changes that have swept through her homeland and the people she once knew. Set to the evocative soundtrack of the same name, Aisha’s journey unfolds to reveal poignant cultural shifts.

The accompanying soundtrack is a key component of the experience, as the film’s tracklisting mirrors Aisha’s interactions and feelings throughout.

The soundtrack makes heavy use of live instrumentation and ambient sound effects to create an immersive experience while Tiwa returns with her signature overtone singing. The project includes an array of sonic elements from Afrobeat and Afropop to amapiano to R&B, gospel, and hints of mainstream trap and pop.

Featured are Grammy-nominee Ayra Starr, and Afro-reggae fusion artist Black Sherif, with highlight contributions from Olamide and rising Nigerian star Young Jonn.

“Water and Garri” draws inspiration from Tiwa’s eponymously titled 2021 EP, and her journey as a Nigerian-born British woman who ventured to Brooklyn to ignite her music career as a songwriter. Directed by Meji Alabi, this marks his debut in full-length filmmaking. The film also stands as an investment from major entertainment conglomerates as the demand for African content continues to rise and stabilize.

“Audiences worldwide crave well-crafted, contemporary African narratives, and ‘Water & Garri’ delivers precisely that with a fresh perspective,” said Ayanna Lonian, director of content acquisition at Prime Video. “Both Meji Alabi, in his directorial role, and Tiwa Savage, as the lead, have truly delivered a stellar debut alongside an exceptionally talented cast and crew.”

Additionally, a commitment to authenticity is evident as a Nigerian production company collaborates with Prime Video and Tiwa’s production team.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Prime Video, who grasp the significance of this cultural milestone celebrating the intersecting power of film and music, especially emanating from Africa at this exciting time,” said Jimi Adesanya, producer and Unbound Studios executive.

Variety caught up with Tiwa Savage in New York to discuss the film, her journey with her own African identity, challenging herself at this stage in her career, and much more.

The name of this film is “Water and Garri,” which is also the name for your 2021 EP. Why did you decide to keep the name the same; is there a connection between the two?

When the ‘Water and Garri’ EP came out, I had no idea of doing a feature film. I thought, ‘Okay, I’m just getting bored of doing music videos.’ I wanted to do a visual album. I was inspired by (Beyonce’s) “Black is King” and Kanye’s films.

Then we were like, ‘Okay, we’re going to do a visual album.’ I got the script and I was like, ‘This is amazing. Let’s do a short film instead.’ We started shooting it and it ended up being a full feature. And so I couldn’t change the name. It felt like there was nothing else that fit. Water to Garri is like love to pain and that resonates a lot in the movie. Now the EP is a standalone project and we have a completely new soundtrack for the movie.

Why did this feel like the right time now to go into acting? Had film opportunities come up for you before?

I’ve gotten many roles before but I wasn’t ready. Acting was my first love before music. So I knew I was going to go back to it at some point. Why now? Honestly, I got bored. I got bored of, producing the album, doing music videos, and then going on tour and moving to the next thing. I was like ‘No, I need to do something else.’ Not completely forgetting music but I needed to be challenged. I needed to be scared. And, and this is a this is a good scare.

I also feel like, many of us, I’d say, Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy, are at a place where we’ve established ourselves as household names, and at this point can do something new or do anything that we want to do.

You worked with director Meji Alabi, a previous music video collaborator, and with this being your first film, how did he support you? What was the creative and preparation like?

This is his first [film] and this is my first so it’s special for both of us. Meji was amazing. Because it started out as a short and then evolved, the pressure wasn’t there for either of us. I took acting classes in London for a couple of weeks. One of the things that they helped me with on set was [staying in character]. They made sure that everybody kept calling me Aisha. The whole team, Meji, and my partners Jimmy and Vanessa – everybody was incredible.

It’s good to know that you had like a group of people around to make you feel safe.

I’ve worked with [Jimmy and Vanessa] for years. We clicked, from day one. So they can tell when I’m a bit nervous about something and they’ll give me a shot of tequila.

This soundtrack explores a lot of Afrobeat elements but also showcases experimental concepts with jazz, gospel, and more. Was there any hesitation to stepping a bit outside of your comfort zone?

People expect a certain sound from me. So by doing a soundtrack, I could [experiment]. The title track with Richard Bona and the Cavemen is very jazz. I was able to do so many things because obviously, it’s a soundtrack.

I went to Berklee [College of Music] and I studied jazz. My background is jazz and R&B — but, even though that’s my background, I didn’t start as a jazz artist. I kind of have to ease my fans into those types of genres and show them that I can do that.

You were among the first to modernize African music and bring it to the global stage and really break out of that “Afrobeats” box people tend to place African music in. On your “Water and Garri” EP, you worked with Amaarae, who is also praised for defying genres. Is that intentional?

Amaarae is incredible. I love that people expect me to be African and I’m going to always be African. I don’t have to wear dashiki or have braids (laughs) but I am, what I am. But yes, I like to experiment but African culture – I would either put it in my fashion or put it in my music, always. It’s because it’s beautiful to be African, I’m sorry, like, I’m not ashamed of it at all! That’s especially important in a time where some African artists are saying, “Don’t box me in an Afrobeats. Don’t call me an Afrobeat artist.”

I think everybody has different experiences. Some artists were born and bred in Africa, so for them, they want to explore other things. Although I was born in Africa, I lived in London and I lived in America… when I was growing up in London, I was bullied for being African. And now, it’s the coolest thing. It’s the coolest thing. So for me, I have a different perspective. Like, I’m not, I’m not trying to shy away from it at all. In fact, I’m running more towards it because I lived away from Africa for so long.

You just spoke about having to leave home at points and go chase after your career. Your character, Aisha, reflects that experience — she leaves home for 10 years and she comes back to everything being so different. Did you at any point experience that?

I would always go back in December. [December is a high tourist and celebration season in Nigeria and other parts of Africa] And when you go back in December, I don’t really feel like you really experienced Nigeria. You’re experiencing the fun parts of Nigeria. Now when I moved back and I was there for like a few months, I was like, ‘This isn’t dirty December (laughs).’

You’ve worked with so many up-and-coming artists. You’ve previously worked with Ayra Starr and now you have Ayra on this project as well. We spoke about Amaarae earlier. You also have Black Sherif on this project as well. Is working with new artists a conscious effort or does it just happen

It literally just happens. I’m just a lover of music and a lover of artists. So I just want to work with anybody. I don’t care if you have 10 streams or 10 million streams. like As long as the song is great. I didn’t plan to work with mostly up-and-coming artists, but I also feel like they’re more hungry. I feel like when two big artists come together, there’s too many [logistics], and then it just gets complicated. It’s always, it’s always just fun to just work with someone new and someone who is just hungry for it.

You’re obviously in the midst of promoting and supporting this film and its accompanying soundtracks but what sonic direction can people expect from your next studio album?

I’m not really thinking of collaborations right now. I’m just recording. It started off as an Afro R&B, I don’t know [the words for it in English]. It’s just music because I’ve just got so many different sounds. Now, the challenge is to tie it all and make it sound like an album, not like just different songs that I’ve just put together.

So, I’m trying to find something to tie everything together. But individually, all the songs are magical and I’ve got lots of live instruments. I’m recording some parts in New Orleans and Nashville as well. So it’s a, it’s a different sound, but like I said, it’s always going to have the African element. I’m really excited because I’m not, limiting myself to anything and vocally too. I’m pushing myself like I’m singing, singing [laughs].

What do you hope people take away from this film?

First of all, if they’ve never been to Africa, they should come because the way Meji shot it was so beautiful. And I’d say not being afraid to pursue your dream. Where Aisha she’s coming from, you would never imagine that she could be anything. But she ended up being very successful as a fashion designer, but then she still went back home. So, I think the film can encourage anyone. I don’t care if you’re from the slums, all it takes is just that dream and it definitely can happen. Whatever you put out, what you speak with your tongue, it has to – it will to come back.

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Adebayo, a renowned filmmaker and actor, took to Instagram on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, to announce his victory against a prominent media entity distributing content on YouTube.

The entity had illicitly broadcast scenes from Adebayo’s 2019 film, “Survival of Jelili,” superimposing them onto another YouTube video to deceive unsuspecting viewers.

Their diligent efforts bore fruit, culminating in a favourable verdict and the awarding of twenty-five million naira in damages.

Adebayo underscored the detrimental impact of piracy on the Nigerian film industry, lamenting how it deters potential investors and stifles growth opportunities.

A statement by the Evoeme Emekalam family on her expiration read: “Friends, fans, colleagues, the family of the legendary actress, Elizabeth Lizzy ‘Ovularia’ Evoeme, would like to notify the public, all those who loved her and her work in ‘The new Masquerade,’ of her passing.Elizabeth ‘Ovularia’ Evoeme will be dearly missed and was extremely loved by her family and also by you, her fans.

“We thank you all for your support and for respecting our privacy at this time. God bless you all and may our dear Elizabeth ‘Ovularia’ Evoeme rest in perfect peace, now and always.”

Her daughter, Justina Ngozi Evoeme, who is based in London confirmed Ovularia’s demise, which she described as painful and shocking, adding “I need to get my head around what has happened.”

2019 rumoured death

On November 5, 2019, Evoeme’s rumoured death was reportedly announced on Twitter by one Churchill Ebhodaghe without any detail regarding the cause of her rumoured expiration.

Dismissing the rumour, Ovularia, on November 8, 2019, reportedly said that those behind the rumour deserved to be punished.

According to the actress, she has a go-for-it attitude, which ultimately stops her from procrastination.

Speaking in an interview with Andy Dosty on Daybreak Hitz, Fella Makafui said she used to be very impatient when things do not go her way, but she has worked on it because some things take time.

“I used to be very impatient with a lot of things. I always wanted to get things done. I always wanted things to happen, but what breaks me down has to do with work, and I take my mental health very seriously.

“For the past three years I have not played with my mental health and I manifest a lot. If you are positive, you won’t accommodate negative energy. The moment something dims your spirit, you become unproductive,” she explained.

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The 43-year-old actor’s funeral began with a requiem mass at the Saint John-Mary Vianney Parish in Asaba, Delta State, on April 23.

Another requiem mass is set for May 13 at the Christ the King Catholic Parish in G.R.A, Enugu, to honour his memory.

Friends, colleagues, and fans will pay their respects and celebrate his life at a candlelight event at the Amadeo Event Center in Enugu on May 14.

On May 16, a wake will be held in his hometown, Uwala Abaka, Ukehe, in Nsukkaa, Igboetiti LGA of Enugu State.

The final rites will take place on May 17 with a burial mass at St. Peter’s Parish, Ukehe, where Junior Pope will be laid to rest in his ancestral land.

A final Thanksgiving mass is scheduled for Sunday, May 19, at St. Peter’s Parish Ukche Nsukkaa, Igboetiti LGA, Enugu, to express gratitude for his life and legacy.

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The curator of the Mansa World Theatrical project told Kwame Dadzie on Joy FM’s Showbiz A-Z that one of the ways of elevating the art form is by doing a lot of collaborations.

Chief mooted the idea of a theatre festival, intimating its likelihood to put theatre in Ghana on a higher pedestal. 

“Maybe one of the things we can do as we develop our capital is to pull those resources together. One of the things I would even propose is as some point, in a year or two is for us to do a major theatre festival. That is one of the strategies I was discussing with one of the professors of arts.

So imagine myself, George Quaye, Latif Abubakar, Uncle Ebo Whyte, we all come together and say are doing a major theatre festival. So we are not only pulling resources together, we also pulling audiences together,” he said.

He also added that lobbying policy makers though activism was another way of advancing the cause.

Apart from that the poet and playwright highlighted the importance of building the right infrastructure, employing effective marketing strategies and proving compelling content for theatre audiences.

Ghanaian poet and playwright, Chief Moomen, is in the United States of America with 24 others for the 2024 Global Programme of the prestigious Eisenhower Fellowships .

Chief Moomen is one of Ghana’s enterprising playwrights breaking boundaries with his craft.

On February 17, 2024, Chief Moomen attended the World Conference on Culture and Arts Education in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

This comes after the launch of ‘The Mansa World’, an initiative by Chief that is curating African history and heritage in a variety of exciting content across theatre, film and other derivatives for global audiences.

It was launched at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation’s (UNESCO) headquarters in Paris on October 18, 2023.

The streaming giant confirmed to CNN on Thursday that the couple’s Archewell Productions has two new nonfiction series in production at Netflix as part of a multi-year overall deal signed in 2020.

The first series will be curated by Meghan and “will celebrate the joys of cooking & gardening, entertaining, and friendship” according to Netflix.

It comes on the heels of the announcement of another new business venture of hers, an apparent lifestyle brand named the American Riviera Orchard.

The second new series is, according to Netflix, “shot primarily at the US Open Polo Championship in Wellington, Florida, will provide viewers unprecedented access to the world of professional polo.”

Both shows are in early stages of production and their titles and release dates will be released at a later date.

Netflix has already worked with the couple on three other nonfiction series, including “Harry & Meghan” which peeled back the curtain on their relationship with the royal family and their move to the US after they stepped down from their royal duties.

The company also produced for the streaming giant “Live To Lead,” an interview series featuring world leaders, and the “Heart of Invictus,” a documentary series about the event and organization whose founding patron is Prince Harry.

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The film, which has garnered significant buzz for its gripping storyline and stellar cast, welcomes the Archbishop into the world of cinema, showcasing his versatility and influence beyond the pulpit.

Currently streaming on Netflix, ‘A Taste of Sin’ produced by Dominion TV in collaboration with Sami’s Media, is captivating audiences with its gripping storyline and immersive cinematic experience.

The star-studded movie features stellar performances from Ghanaian casts, including; Jackie Appiah, Majid Michel, James Gardiner, Kofi Adzololo, Kalsuom Sinare, Akosua Agyepong, Roselyn Ngiza, Caroline Sampson, Ekow Blankson, Sonia S. Ibrahim, Jonathan Eze Nwaihobi, and Abena Akuaba Appiah with a special debut appearance by Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams.

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A post shared by Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams (@archbishopnick)

The movie garnered acclaim for its exploration of faith, forgiveness, and hope against the backdrop of two pastors’ intertwined lives.

The production values of “A Taste of Sin” are top-notch, with stunning cinematography, lavish set designs, and a mesmerizing soundtrack that heightens the tension and drama.

The series seamlessly blends suspenseful storytelling with intricate character development, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats and craving for more.

Rosa Whitaker, President of Dominion TV, described the Netflix premiere as a significant milestone for Africa’s creative economy and Dominion TV’s mission to inspire and empower audiences worldwide.’’

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Mr Adjorlolo, who is currently shooting a film in Nigeria, said lots of producers in the country are not happy with Ghanaian TV stations and others who own movie channels on streaming platform, YouTube.

In an interview on Daybreak Hitz, the veteran actor said it has caused a lot of Nigerian producers to overlook Ghanaian actors because “most local TV stations are quick to download movies with Ghanaian actors and show to their viewers.”

“They are displeased with Ghanaians uploading the films. They upload the films and in the next day they are showing it on their platforms. As soon as Ghanaians see and know we are in the movie, they download and show on their TVs and that is affecting us to get work to do here in Nigeria,” he explained.2

Mr Adjorlolo said this is affecting them financially and charged these local channels to stop the “theft”.

“I don’t know why the TV stations will not go for permission before downloading their works. We are not talking about content or time. This is an international work and has laws protecting the works. That is why we have copyright and intellectual laws… if you don’t ask for permission, and you telecast, there are consequences for that.”

“Do you know how many Ghanaians are working here, Anthony Wood, James Gardiner and the rest, even Jackie left not long ago? They give us the opportunity to work, so our livelihood is concerned here? A lot of African countries see Nollywood as a stepping stone, every Ghanaian actor wants to be in Nollywood, and we are doing this to them… it’s not good, they are complaining so bitterly,” Mr Adjorlolo said.

He urged the National Media Commission (NMC) and Independent Broadcasters including other movie unions to step in to curb the problem.

“Producers in Nigeria can decide to stop using Ghanaian actors due to this. There are clips that are shown to these producers, and they have shown me,” he said.

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In an interview with Doreen Avio, she highlighted the need for individuals to neglect harmful messages on social media and how they can overcome them.

According to her, these messages are mostly targeted at media moguls in their fields of work.

“You have to learn the act of closing your ears. People will come to you if you are a celebrity or a personality. Those that support you and even those that do not.

“It is one of the toughest lessons I learnt over the past few years”.

“You cannot dwell on the negatives; you do need to imbibe more on the positives. I close my ears and when I realize it’s full of negative energy, I don’t go around it” she said. 

Shirley also cautioned individuals to stay clear of the influence of social media.

She however advised consumers and users of social media to be critical of the content they share and consume.

“When it comes to social media, we have to turn it off at some point. I don’t let it rule my life. I come there when I need to, and I don’t live or abide by the ‘rules’ of social media,” she added.

The film producer added that sources of these hurtful messages sometimes come from unknown individuals or children and that, individuals should not allow it to hurt them.

She clarified with an experience she had with one of the comments she read.

“I remember one time when I clicked on the profile of someone’s ‘nasty’ comment and it was a kid! I realized many of these people were just kids playing, so you cannot take it so seriously. You cannot completely rely on social media. Switch it off! It’s really good,” she said.

She, however, expressed her profound gratitude to all her followers and supporters who had been with her through the journey.

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In a recent interview on Joy FM’s Showbiz A-Z he attributed the lower visibility of Ghanaian films on Netflix to distribution gap. 

“A lot goes into it, talking about the quality and the standards, the requirements that they need to enable you get your film onto Netflix. But I have maintained and I am saying this that, our biggest problem as a space is because we do not have Ghanaian distributors who understand the terrain for distribution of films now.

So all the Ghanaian films that you see on Netflix, they didn’t get there by chance. They went through a distributor who could be a Nigerian or South African company who understands the model and these distribution companies always have a quota of films they have to submit. So of course, I am from this country, I would prioritize content coming from my country that content coming from Ghana,” he told the host Kwame Dadzie.

He emphasised that he had seen some very good Ghanaian films that could not make it through to Netflix because of the distributor they dealt with, and he was also privy to some very horrible films from different parts of the world ended up on Netflix.

He also touched on the business of demand meeting supply, as one of the reasons there are not many Ghanaian movies on Netflix.

“We have come to understand how Nigerians paying for subscription. So if Netflix is paying for their data they know where the money is coming from. They know those who are paying more for subscription. They will entertain them. They look at the analytics and know the type of films they watch, these are the kind of content they are interested in,” he said.

Netflix is an American subscription video on-demand over-the-top streaming service that primarily distributes original and acquired films and television shows from various genres, and it is available internationally in multiple languages.

Some Ghanaian films on Netflix are ‘The Burial of Kojo’, ‘Keteke’, ‘Azali’, ‘Gold Coast Lounge’, ‘Side Chic Gang’, ‘Aloe Vera’, ‘Ties That Bind’, among others.

According to King who is popularly known for the 1983 movie ‘Kukurantumi: Road to Accra’, funds provided by governments for film productions usually don’t suffice for the real work.

He made this statement in an interview with Kwame Dadzie on Joy FM’s Showbiz A-Z over the weekend.

“To put the facts down, commercial productions have got very little, not much to do with government. It is purely private business because of the money involved,” he said.

King said the government can only give those funds which will cushion filmmakers but for a full production, they need more than the government fund can support.

“Unfortunately, the young people here have been emphasizing it most time. I think that has made us a little bit lazy.

After all, how much money can the government give to so many filmmakers? Now, listen to this, the whole government film fund, I may use for only one movie production. We might have to change our attitude and minds on that,” he said.

He also intimated that in his entire career as a movie producer, he has never taken money from the Ghanaian government to fund his movie. However, he said he got support from the European Union and the German government.

“It was through my efforts. The European Union money, they called Africa Pacific and Asia. The money is there in Paris. It is not the government that would apply for you. It is you the individual producer, you must write your script, you must approach them,” he noted.

King Ampaw therefore advised that Ghanaian film makers should always make sure the have good script that will attract investors.

In the meantime, the National Film Authority, mandated by the Development and Classification of Film Act (Act 935), has assured that plans are far advanced to set up the Film Development Fund.

The objectives of the fund are to provide financial support for the development and production of full-length feature films which are the central focus of the fund, short and medium-length feature films, and public education on attitudinal change and cultural values.

It is also aimed at offering financial support to television productions, television genres including drama, animated serials, sitcoms, soaps, and comedy designed to facilitate attitude and behavior change of the citizenry.

Watch the 9th March 2024 edition of Showbiz A-Z on Joy FM below:

The Kumawood actor took to social media to give fans a glimpse into the shoot taking place in a rural town in the Ashanti Region.

The video showed Nollywood stars Ramsey Nouah, Victor Osuagwu, and Charles Awurum in a costume on set.

The trio are part of the star-studded cast for Lil Win’s highly anticipated movie.

“A very big movie is coming,” Lil Win captioned the post.

Meanwhile, Lil Win has called the project a collaboration between Ghanaian actors and Nigerian actors.

He has promised to bring back the love for Ghanaian movies with this new project. The movie is directed by Frank Fiifi Gharbin and produced by Kwadwo Nkansah.

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The US film and TV mogul said he was in the process of adding 12 sound stages to his studio but has halted those plans indefinitely after he saw demonstrations of Sora and its “shocking” capabilities.

“All of that is currently and indefinitely on hold because of Sora and what I’m seeing,” Perry said in an interview with the Hollywood Reporter.

“I had gotten word over the last year or so that this was coming, but I had no idea until I saw recently the demonstrations of what it’s able to do. It’s shocking to me.”

The AI tool was launched on 15 February – with limited access to a few researchers and video creators – and caused widespread astonishment with its ability to produce realistic footage a minute long from simple text prompts.

Perry, whose successes include the Madea film series, said Sora’s achievements meant he would no longer have to travel to locations or build a set: “I can sit in an office and do this with a computer, which is shocking to me.”

Demonstrations released by OpenAI, the developer of the groundbreaking ChatGPT chatbot, show photorealistic scenes in response to prompts such as asking for a shot of people walking through “beautiful, snowy Tokyo city” where “gorgeous sakura petals are flying through the wind along with snowflakes”.

Perry said the breakthroughs presented by Sora would affect a range of jobs throughout the film industry, including those of actors, editors, sound specialists and transportation crew.

He said: “I am very, very concerned that in the near future, a lot of jobs are going to be lost. I really, really feel that very strongly.”

Perry said an immediate example was the construction workers and contractors who would no longer work on his planned studio expansion because “there is no need to it”. He added that he used AI in two recently shot films in which the technology was used to age his face and help him avoid hours in the makeup chair.

Concerns over the impact of AI on jobs were a feature in recent strikes by Hollywood actors and writers, with the peace deals that ended those disputes both featuring guardrails on using the technology.

However, Perry told the Hollywood Reporter that a “whole industry” approach was still needed to save jobs.

“It can’t be one union fighting every contract every two or three years. I think that it has to be everybody, all involved in how do we protect the future of our industry because it is changing rapidly, right before our eyes,” he said.

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Speaking on Daybreak Hitz on Hitz FM, Lil Win claimed the video in question, which sparked widespread speculation, was a scene from a movie he was working on.

He clarified that, the snippet circulating online was taken out of context.

“The video I did is a movie. I was acting… I was not angry. I had done some makeup,” he explained, indicating his intent to leave the resolution of the issue to legal professionals.

Martha Ankomah has sued Lil Win for denigrating her reputation. The writ commands Lil Win to appear in court within eight days to respond to the allegations.

Ahead of the court hearing, Lil Win underscored the need for unity and collaboration among industry stakeholders.

Looking into the future, Lil Win is hoping to break international boundaries.

“I want to go international. The investors should come and take me there,” he said, emphasizing his dedication to reaching new heights in his career.

Watch the video below:

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In an interview on Daybreak Hitz, Mr. Logic questioned the rationale behind casting Nigerian actors in a project that celebrates Ghanaian patriotism.

He expressed his concerns about diluting the film’s authenticity and diminishing the opportunity for Ghanaian actors to shine on an international platform.

“Bringing in Nigerian actors for a movie titled ‘A Country Called Ghana’ raises eyebrows. We need to showcase our own talent and highlight the essence of Ghanaian storytelling” Mr. Logic remarked.

While acknowledging the potential benefits of collaborating with Nigerian actors for broader market appeal, Mr. Logic emphasized the importance of nurturing the local film industry.

“We need to prioritize Ghanaian actors and stories that resonate with our people,” he asserted. “It’s about promoting our own” he stated.

Mr. Logic expressed worry about the potential cultural misrepresentation with the inclusion of prominent Nigerian actors.

“We risk sacrificing our unique cultural identity by prioritizing commercial interests over authenticity. We have talented actors like Van Vicker who could lead such projects. Let’s invest in our own and showcase the rich diversity of Ghanaian cinema” he charged.

In response, Lil Win said the inclusion of the Nigerian actors is to give the movie an international appeal.

Watch the video below:

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Although she admits that sexual harassment obtains in every sphere of life, she said on Showbiz A-Z on Joy FM that the behaviour is prevalent in the entertainment industry. 

According to her, she lost a movie role when she declined to have sexual relationship with a film director. 

“I remember we were shooting somewhere after Kumasi, I think. Unfortunately, the producer was a Nigerian. We were going to shoot two movies back to back. So based on that, the executive producer had begged me to bring my rates down, that because we were doing two movies he would pay a certain amount, which reluctantly I agreed to.

“Now here is the director who asked me to come to his room. I said ‘come to your room and do what?’. He said ‘to watch a movie’. I said ‘watch what movie? I mean come on, whatever  you want to tell me, I don’t need to come to your room’. Apparently, he wanted something else. I said ‘like seriously?’ Are you serious?”, she told the host Kwame Dadzie.

Akofa explained that she was not cast for the second movie because she did not consent to the director’s sexual demands.

“I didn’t go to his room and guess what, that caused me the next movie. And when I asked the executive producer he said it was the director who was casting but I said ‘you were paying me this amount because we agreed on shooting two movies’. And he said there was nothing he could do about it because it was the director that did the casting,” Akofa stated.

She said throughout her career, she has always believed in her talent, a reason she has never given in to any sexual demands for movie roles. 

Akofa, therefore, advised young women who want to get into the creative industry, should believe in their abilities and not fall for the wiles of such men.

Other women on the show were comedian Jacinta Ocansey, event executive Whitney Boakye-Mensah and musician Mimi Andani. Showbiz A-Z airs on Joy 99.7 FM on Saturdays from 2pm to 6pm.

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