The Deputy Creative Arts Minister, Mark Okraku-Mantey has recounted some challenges he experienced after being a judge on Mentor years ago.
As a core member of the panel of judges on Mentor some years back, Okraku-Mantey was known for his strict and professional demeanor.
Only focused on his job and yearning for the show to churn out very great talent, Mark would not hesitate to reject anyone who seems not to be giving his best.
Years on, a former mentor contestant, Nene Narh while performing at the launch of the 2024 National Festival of Arts and Culture [NAFAC], claimed to have been rejected by Okraku-Mantey during one of the Mentor auditions.
In response to Narh’s claims, Mark Okraku-Mantey candidly indicated while addressing the gathering that being a judge of the music reality show has become a problem for him.
“The challenge is that each episode of Mentor recorded over 2500 people so for 6 seasons we are sure of over 12 thousand and it’s difficult to remember them.
“And it has become a problem for me now because some of them are true some of them are not true but how am I going to tell the difference, because I don’t remember them but this very one I do … Yes, I do.”
Mark Okraku-Mantey
Mark Okraku-Mantey further praised Nene Narh by stressing, “I am happy he has become a better person and I am proud of him”.
The launch of the 2024 NAFAC attracted numerous high-profile attendees, including the Deputy Minister for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mark Okraku Mantey, Bono East Regional Minister, Kwasi Adu Gyan, and the Executive Director of the National Commission on Culture, Nana Otuo Owoahene Acheampong, among others.
Mr Okraku-Mantey said NAFAC marked a pivotal moment in the nation’s commitment to preserve and promote its rich artistic and cultural heritage.
The deputy minister added that the festival would serve as a bridge to connect and promote people from all walks of life.
“By embracing the different cultures and traditions within our nation, we can build a more inclusive society where every voice is heard and every culture is respected,” he said.
The festival is scheduled to begin from October 25 to 31 in Techiman, Bono East Region.
Artist Highlights Okraku-Mantey’s Impact on Music Career
Ghanaian hiplife musician, Big Joe Frazier recounted how Mark Okraku-Mantey the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture impacted his music career.
He said that Mark who was then the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Slip Music, the record label that managed him, put him on his toes to work harder.
“You can imagine working with Okraku-Mantey. You’ll definitely do well. He is about 50 people listening to your music. Before Okraku would agree to work with you, it meant he has seen something extraordinary in you.
“When I worked with his Slip Music, he had about 40 musicians: Daasebre Gyamena, Nana Kwame, Lord Kenya, Akyeame, Felix Bell, Adane Best, and a whole lot of musicians.”
Big Joe Friazer
He noted he never imagined joining all these great musicians since he wasn’t known [Popular]. “It wasn’t easy but I felt proud working with them,” he said.
The ‘Yaa Maame’ hitmaker also noted that Okraku-Mantey’s experience and pedigree in the music field made most musicians gravitate towards him.
“Working with Okraku Mantey was a plus. I mean for Okraku to accept you, and record you, you feel flattered,” he said.
He noted that Okraku also advised him on how to go about his compositions.
Joe Frazier who is known for songs such as Apuutoo, Sheeshee, Right Now, Atofie, and Atuu, is out with a new song titled ‘After Church’ featuring King Paluta.
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