Tag: entertainment

  • Wizkid’s Essence hits 1.4 million views in three days

    Wizkid’s Essence hits 1.4 million views in three days

    Nigerian ace artist and superstar, Wizkid has had his music video, ‘Essence’ amass 1.4 million;views on Youtube, just three days after it’s release.

    The song which features sensational rising star Tems was premiered on Wizkid’s official YouTube channel on 9th April, 2021. More so, the comments section of the video has been very chatty as over nine thousand comments have been recorded. Per the comments, his fans enjoyed the music video. They also praised Tems for doing justice to the music.  Nonetheless, the audio which was also uploaded on Wizkid’s official;YouTube channel five months ago has also amassed over 8.8 million views.

    The music video which was directed and shot by Director K;is the fourth video to be released from ‘Made In Lagos’. Wizkid’s ‘Made In Lagos’ came out last October. In a three-star review of the record, NME wrote: “The production;on the album is mainly centered around Yoruba, Afro-Latin and Afrobeats percussion, which creates a sense of homecoming. Yet this latest project meanders for a few tracks too many; ‘Mighty Wine’ and ‘Essence’, for example, are expendable”.

    Watch Video of Wizkid’s ‘Essence’. However, we think God g
    Wizkid’s love for Ghana

    It is worth mentioning that the music video was shot here in Ghana as the new video sees the pair [Wizkid and Tems] lounging around the streets of Accra.

    Nonetheless, the popular Nigerian music star, no doubt feels;very much at home in Ghana, considering that he spends extended amounts of time in the country. It also doesn’t seem Wizkid will be returning to his;homeland, Nigeria, anytime soon as he returned to Ghana after a successful event in the Republic of Mali yesterday.

     It can be recalled that the Grammy award-winning artiste traveled to Mali for the;magnificent ‘BMS show’ which happened at the country’s capital, Bamako over the weekend.

    That notwithstanding, Wizkid while in Ghana is making sure he is;having fun and socializing with some of the big shots in the country. Just recently, the star was seen partying and singing with Ghanaian rising star Gyakie and award-winning singer, King Promise.

    A few days later Wizkid was seen again with the President’s, daughter, Valerie Obaze, as she celebrated her birthday. Valarie, who is married to a Nigerian clocked 41 on April 5, 2021, and Wizkid;was one of the guests who performed at the occasion. The ‘Star Boy’ was seen in a photo with the celebrant and he rocked a simple all-black;outfit paired with a diamond necklace, sunglasses, and a wristwatch.

    Read also: Wisekid allegedly makes 73,000 dollars monthly off Wizkid’s album

  • Stonebwoy announces release of next single

    Stonebwoy announces release of next single

    Ghanaian award-winning artist and Chief Executive Officer of Burniton Music, Stonebwoy has announced the release date of his second single for the year.

    The excited artist announced this on his Twitter page where he noted that the song will be released this coming Friday 16th April. The song is titled ‘Blessing’, and it features American-Ghanaian rapper, singer, and songwriter, Vic Mensa. Posting an excerpt of the music video he wrote:

    “My second song of the year x @vicmensa lands this Friday… #BLESSING”

    Most netizens who sighted his post have shown great excitement about his announcement. Most of them who have been patiently waiting for Stonebwoy to release a song mentioned that it was long overdue. They also said that they are ready for him, therefore he should release the song. Meanwhile, some are lamenting that the release date is too far and they can’t wait that long.

    That notwithstanding, some fans averred that the song will definitely be a hit;since Stonebwoy never misses a chance especially when he collaborates with international artists.

    Nonetheless, Ghanaian self-acclaimed music analyst, Kwedwo Sheldon hinted in the comments that he will be having a breakdown of Stonebwoy’s song when it’s released.  Some reactions to Sonebwoy’s post read:

    Sonebwoy’s 1GAD stirs up controversies.

    It can be recalled that Stonebwoy released his first song for the year just two months ago.  Stonebwoy illustrated his journey to stardom in the track titled, ‘1GAD’.

    The track, produced by Streetbeatz, journeys through the BET- award-winning;artist’s life and times making his way up the music ladder. The infectious dancehall track discusses the intense;and personal subject matter while staying connected and communicating a message that many can see themselves in.

    However, the song’s title, ‘1GAD’ brought about several controversies;and at a point a heated argument on social media as to who the real king is when;it comes to dancehall music in Ghana. 

    It can be recalled that in January 2021, Shatta Wale released his first single for the year titled ‘1Don’. Then in February, Stonebwoy released ‘1GAD’. Social media users especially Shatta Wale’s fans were in a frenzy as they said that Stonebwoy was copying Shatta Wale.

    However, Stonebwoy disclosed that he originally recorded the song;in early 2020, but for the advent of COVID, he would’ve released the song in that year.

    Nonetheless, this controversy brought about a challenge on social media as to who has the best nickname; with Stonebwoy as 1GAD, Shatta Wale as 1DON, and Samini as 1King. Following this, Stonebwoy took to social media and wrote: “There’s only;1GAD, so many kings and so many Dons, example Don Bortey”.

    Read also: GOG album will be my retirement album- Shatta Wale

  • Samsung headlines Kidi for a virtual concert

    Samsung headlines Kidi for a virtual concert

    Multinational electronics company, Samsung has headlined Ghanaian award-winning artist, Kidi, for a virtual concert.

    Dubbed ‘Awesome Virtual Concert’, the program will be held today 10th April, and will be streamed live on their various social media pages. Samsung announced this on their Twitter page while posting the ad cover:

    “It’s Today! The moment we’ve all been waiting for is here! Curtains rise for the biggest virtual concert at 7 pm tonight! Gather your friends and family and create your own watch party! Where will you be watching from? Tell us in the comments. #AwesomeIsForEveryone #GalaxyA”.

    KIdi also retweeted the exciting news and it has been well-received by his fans and other social media users. Meanwhile, some lamented that they can’t tune in since it’s the same time set of the much anticipated ‘El Classico’ football match. However, a few determined fans averred that they will still manage to watch both programs. Some comments of their posts read:

    Kidi Tips himself to win ultimate award

    It can be recalled that Kidi became the talk of the town after he was crowned 3music Awards ‘Artiste of the Year’.  It is worth noting that, the artist has earned nine solid nominations ahead of the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards. More so, he is in competition for the most coveted award of the night, with the likes of Adina, Diana Hamilton, Sarkodie, Medikal and his record label colleague Kuami Eugene. That notwithstanding, Kidi recently in an interview said he deserves to win the ultimate award.

    According to the ‘Enjoyment’ hitmaker, even though other artists did their best in the year under review, he believes his works are supreme. He further mentioned that before the 3Music Awards, he predicted his win at both awards. He noted that his record label mate and the reigning VGMA ‘Artiste of the Year’, Kuami Eugene also worked hard and touted him as one of the most talented artists in this generation. However, he was quick to add that his [Kidi] exploits come second to none in the year under review.

    “I’m so proud of Kuami, very hardworking, one of the most talented guys in this generation. He does amazing work and even the year under review, he worked hard but everyone also worked hard. I’m so proud of my other brothers, Medikal, Joey B, Fameye, Mr. Drew, like people working. Everybody has worked but many couldn’t work for the year”.

    Read also: KiDi Set To Release A New Album.

  • Rapper DMX dead at age 50

    Rapper DMX dead at age 50

    DMX has died after suffering a heart attack at his home on April 2 that left him in a coma for seven days.

    The multiplatinum-selling rapper and actor was 50 years old and is survived by his fifteen children. His family in a statement announced his death and noted that more details about his memorial service will be announced later.

    “We are deeply saddened to announce today that our loved one, DMX, birth name of Earl Simmons, passed away at 50 years old at White Plains Hospital with his family by his side after being placed on life support for the past few days. Earl was a warrior who fought till the very end. He loved his family with all of his heart and we cherish the times we spent with him.

    “Earl’s music inspired countless fans across the world and his iconic legacy will live on forever. We appreciate all of the love and support during this incredibly difficult time. Please respect our privacy as we grieve the loss of our brother, father, uncle and the man the world knew as DMX. We will share information about his memorial service once details are finalized”.

    DMX’s lawyer debunks claims of drug overdose

    It can be recalled that there were reports on April 3 that Simmons was in critical condition and on life support in a hospital in White Plains, New York, following a cardiac arrest that may have been caused by a drug overdose.

     While Simmons’s attorney, Murray Richman, released a statement;that day saying the hip-hop star had been removed from life support and was breathing on his own, he later;explained that he had been misinformed. It was then reported that the rapper was in fact in a vegetative state with;lung and brain failure and no brain activity, the result of suffering oxygen;deprivation to his brain for 30 minutes at time of his heart attack. He had also reportedly tested positive for COVID-19 while hospitalized. On April 7, Simmons underwent a series of tests, which revealed that his brain functionality had not improved.

    DMX opens up about drug abuse

    Nonetheless, during his lifetime, Simmons was open about his addiction;to crack cocaine (which began when he was 14 years old) and his bipolar disorder. He went to prison twice in the 1980s, and as an adult, after his fame, he;was arrested multiple times for various offenses — including resisting arrest, animal cruelty, reckless driving, drug;possession, weapons possession, aggravated assault, robbery, tax fraud, and identity falsification.

     In 2011 he claimed to have conquered his cocaine addiction, but in recent years he had suffered multiple health scares. In 2016, he was found unresponsive in a Ramada Inn parking lot in Yonkers and was;resuscitated by first responders before being taken to the hospital; an eyewitness claimed he had ingested some type of substance, but DMX stated he had collapsed;due to an asthma attack. Simmons famously appeared on the ‘OWN talk series Iyanla: Fix My Life’, in 2013;to discuss his long history of drug abuse, and he reportedly entered rehab facilities in 2017 and 2019.

    Read also: Kim Kardashian is officially a billionaire

  • Yaw Tog is BET’s ‘Amplified International’ Artiste of the Month

    Yaw Tog is BET’s ‘Amplified International’ Artiste of the Month

    Ghanaian rising star and rapper, Yaw Tog has again achieved another great;milestone in his music career as he has been announced as BET’s Amplified International artiste of the Month.

    According to a post by BET, this title he has earned is a seal to approve Yaw Tog as the “next big thing in music”. They also announced that they will be sharing more of Yaw Tog’s works on their social media accounts throughout this month.

    “BET International is proud to announce @YAWTOG_ as our April “BET Amplified International” Artiste of the Month! BET Amplified is our seal of approval on the next big thing in music! Stay tuned to our social accounts to see more of Yaw Tog throughout the month of April!”

    It is worth noting that the first ‘artist of the month’ for February was Ghanaian singer, Amaarae. Yaw Tog now succeeds Jamaican singer Shenseea, who was the ‘artist of the month’ for March.

    The very excited artist also posted on his Instagram page his current achievement. He wrote: “Honored to be BET Amplified International Artist for the Month of April. Thankful for all the support so far. Keep your eyes peeled to @bet for a month of exclusive content from me”.

    Some reactions to his post

    Several fans, celebrities, and other social media users have reacted to his post. Most of them congratulated him and averred that he deserves it. Nonetheless, some admonished him to keep working hard as it will bring him more international recognition such as this one. Some reactions to his post read:

    From topping Apple Music charts to landing a feature on Billboard Italy, to several other accolades, Yaw Tog is cementing his position as a superstar on the rise day by day.

    The Senior High School Student Yaw Tog gained prominence in 2020 after his single Sore featuring O’kenneth, Jay Bahd, & Reggie went viral. He built on the success of his breakthrough single and had UK star Stormzy and BET nominee Kwesi Arthur on the remix of Sore.

    Yaw has gone on to release his ‘Time’ Ep and currently one of Ghana’s most exciting young talents. In a recent interview, the young artist disclosed that he has set his eyes on the price of breaking through to the top places in the global music industry.

    “I believe my hard work has brought all these things to me. I’m very proud of myself and I’m still working more to go to the next level. I’m working hard to get to more heights; to get to the pinnacle”.

    Read also: YAW TOG SETS NEW RECORD AS HIS REMIX SONG HITS 1MILLION VIEWS IN THREE DAYS

  • TIUA confirms Sonnie Badu’s degree

    TIUA confirms Sonnie Badu’s degree

    The Trinity International University of Ambassadors (TIUA) has confirmed Dr. Sonnie Badu’s alleged “fake” educational qualifications.

    The statement by the TIUA comes on the back of the backlash Sonnie Badu received;after he claim that he has been awarded three degrees in a space of four months.

    The University in a press release stated that since they are not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education, they are allowed to award certificates to those who are in the Christian Service. Therefore, per the statement, the certificate earned by Dr. Sonnie Badu is in alignment with the State of Georgia religious exemption authority which allows;those in the Christian Service to obtain degrees from associates to doctoral degrees. The release further notes that “no student cannot obtain any degrees including a Ph.D. in four months”.

     The school in the statement also explained that they don’t issue out;“earned degrees” to students within four months as every degree earned is obtained;through hard work and the prescribed time given by the University.

    “TIUA makes no claims, implied or otherwise, that our educational;programs, courses, or curricular are the same as offered by secular state colleges and universities. TIUA is not affiliated with the U.S Department of Education. Credits and Degrees earned at TIUA are for those in Christian service.

    “Therefore, any degree that has been earned by our students (including Sonnie Badu), is;in alignment with the State of Georgia religious exemption authority to receive degrees from associate to doctoral degrees. Our institution prides itself in the quality of education tailored for each of our students i.e. including;their extensive body of work in ministry. Therefore, no student cannot obtain any major degrees including a Ph.D. in four months. TIUA did not issue any earned degrees to a student in four months. Every earned degree acquired, must be obtained through hard work and with the time prescribed by the university.”

    See Below the full statement:
    Sonnie Badu and netizens reacts

    Sonnie Badu who also posted the statement on his Instagram page to prove his authenticity seems very glad about it. He wrote: “God bless you all… be blessed… please do not skip a sentence… I love you and appreciate you all…”

    Several netizens who sight his post have react to it. Most of them were glad that the gospel artist can finally have peace . Some even backlash Ghanaian blogger and;entertainer Kwadwo Sheldon and media personality Bridget Otoo that they get their facts right before they ridicule others. However, some few still not satisfied with the development. In their opinion, the school is just like “any other Bible school scattered across Ghana”. Therefore, Sonnie Badu has no right to be using the titles Doctor, Dean, or a Professor. Some reactions to his post read:

    Read also: Sonnie Badu set to release 24 books this year

  • Nike settles lawsuit with MSCHF

    Nike settles lawsuit with MSCHF

    Nike has settled its lawsuit against MSCHF over the controversial;‘Satan Shoe’ it released in collaboration with rapper Lil Nas X.

     As part of the settlement, MSCHF has agreed to recall the shoes;from buyers, as well as the ‘Jesus Shoes’ it previously made. It is worth noting that in 2019 MSCHF released ‘Jesus Shoes’, but then, Nike didn’t file a lawsuit. However, it seems like the satanic connection caused too much controversy for it to look the other way.

    MSCHF’s ‘Jesus Shoes’ which contains ‘Holy water’ at the soles of the shoes.
    MSCHF’s ‘Satan Shoes’ with a drop of real human blood at the soles of the shoes.

    A spokesperson from Nike said:

    “In both cases, MSCHF altered these shoes without Nike’s authorization. Nike had nothing to do with the ‘Satan Shoes’ or the ‘Jesus Shoes’. Nike and MSCHF have agreed to settle the lawsuit. As part of the settlement, Nike has asked MSCHF, and MSCHF;has agreed, to initiate a voluntary recall to buy back any ‘Satan Shoes’ and ‘Jesus Shoes’ for their original;retail prices, in order to remove them from circulation”.

    Nike’s settlement only says that MSCHF will initiate a “voluntary recall” to buy back;the Satan Shoes and Jesus Shoes from buyers. However, according to some reports, the limited release with Lil Nas X, along with the controversy, will ramp up the value of the kicks. MSCHF’s products have become coveted for being not only rare and exclusive but also “banned.”

    MSCHF pleased to resolve the lawsuit

    Meanwhile, David Bernstein, from the intellectual property litigation group at Debevoise & Plimpton and a representative for MSCHF, said the artistic messages the collective hoped to convey were “dramatically amplified” by the lawsuit.

    “MSCHF intended to comment on the absurdity of the collaboration culture practiced by some brands, and about the perniciousness of intolerance,” he said in a statement as news of the settlement emerged, adding that MSCHF was “pleased to have resolved the lawsuit”.

    As its name suggests, MSCHF has made itself known over the years by releasing outlandish limited-edition products, like a 76,000 dollars Birkenstock sandal made from real Hermès Birkin bags. With the ‘Satan Shoe’, the firm took things quite a step further, taking a pair of ‘Nike Air Max 97s’ and adding a drop of real human blood to the limited-edition shoe. Only 666 pairs were made at a price of 1,018 dollars, a play on the biblical quote Luke 10:18 that appears on the side of the shoe to honor Lucifer.

    Ironically, back in 2007, Nike itself planned on celebrating Halloween with a pair of custom SB Dunk Lows inspired by Freddy Krueger’s trademark sweater from Nightmare on Elm Street. But the producers of the movie sent a cease-and-desist letter to Nike, forcing the company to cancel the release after it already began production. Some of the shoes made it out into the wild and are now worth tens of thousands of dollars. Also, the company was recently called out by the USPS for making a shoe inspired by the USPS Priority Mail envelope.

    SB Dunk Lows inspired by Freddy Krueger’s trademark sweater from Nightmare on Elm Street.
    Nike shoes inspired by the USPS Priority Mail envelope.

    Read also: Nike Sues MSCHF Over Lil Nas X Satan Shoes

  • DJ Cuppy acquires a penthouse in London

    DJ Cuppy acquires a penthouse in London

    Nigerian disc jockey and daughter of Nigerian business mogul, Femi Otedola, DJ Cuppy now owns a penthouse in London.

    She announced this on her social media page specifically Twitter. In the post sighted by The Vaultz Media (TVM), the artist is seen mixing a bucket of mortar as she helps in the finishing touches of the house. She wrote: “I’m officially a HOMEOWNER. #PinkPenthouse loading!”

    Yet, in another post, she wrote: “Getting the #PinkPenthouse in London READY”. Cuppy also posted a 3D design of how her new home is going to be.

    Her post has been received with several mixed reactions from her fans and some other social media users. Most of her fans congratulated her for such an achievement. Some praised her as they mentioned that owning a house is a good investment. However, they also reminded her not to forget to keep helping those in dire need, especially those whom she has promised to cater for their school fees. Meanwhile, some social media users, who are clearly not her fans averred that it wasn’t through her hard work that she bought the house. However she acquired the house with the support of her father. Similarly, others intimated that this shouldn’t warrant her to start saying that she “came from the streets”. Nonetheless, some shared in her joy and were very excited about her announcement. Some reactions to her post read:

    Philanthropic works of DJ Cuppy

    That aside, it is worth noting that DJ Cuppy is very enthused about philanthropic work. In an interview with Forbes, the artist noted that outside of music, she has been influenced by her family, who are always very passionate about education, to ensure that she gives back to society.

    “Education has helped me in structuring my career and I feel that everyone should have access to it”.

     In light of this, she has spearheaded several initiatives such as her ‘Cuppy Takes Africa’ tour in 2015 in partnership with Guarantee Trust Bank and the Dangote Foundation. Additionally, she has personally paid for multiple students to go to university in Nigeria and worked with various organizations such as the Global Citizen, Royal Commonwealth Society. Nonetheless, she recently raised over 13million dollars for the ‘Save The Children Initiative’. An initiative that saves and improves children’s lives around the world as they work to ensure children have healthcare, food, and shelter, as well as learning and child protection services when children need it most.

    Read also: Billionaire Femi Otedola buys his 3 daughters a Ferrari each

  • Amanda Gorman featured on the cover of Vogue

    Amanda Gorman featured on the cover of Vogue

    American poet, Amanda Gorman has been featured on the cover of Vogue’s May;issue, making history as the first-ever poet to be on the magazine cover. Meanwhile

    The fashion magazine made this known on their social media where they announced that she is their “May cover star”. Vogue further wrote: “Poet, activist, optimist, style icon — @amandascgorman has become so much more than a literary star”.

    Virgil’s Kente design inspired by photo of his grandmother

    The magazine has released two covers featuring Gorman and was shot by photographer Annie Leibovitz. In one of the covers, the inaugural poet is seen in an off-shoulder;bright green ‘kente’ gown with patterns in orange and red from Louis;Vuitton’s collection by the first black creative director at Louis Vuitton, Virgil Abloh.

    The look is inspired by a portrait of Abloh’s maternal grandmother. He wrote on Instagram “This look from the last men’s LV show was inspired by this;photo my Ghanaian mom gave me of my grandmother, Madam Hellen Dei Ashie. All in all, the moral of the story is, everyone’s a writer, and the world makes more sense the more stories get told.”

    He further wrote: “I grew up as a teenager seeing my dad wear kente cloth to occasions that were heightened experiences, and I had to grapple with how come my friends in America thought my dad was wearing something super foreign that they couldn’t relate to. What does that make me feel about my heritage? Do I highlight that or do I keep that within? The amazing power that fashion has is: Let’s take away the feeling of being shy about our personal heritage, just because it’s not pop culture. In turn, we can educate using a garment; we can educate using a selection to be on the Vogue cover.”

    On the second cover, the 23-year-old poet is seen in a beige lace dress from Dior Haute Couture, and her signature headband, also designed by the same fashion house.

    Amanda set to release two books

    In an interview with Vogue, Gorman disclosed that in September, she will release two books which is a collection of her poetry: ‘The Hill We Climb and Other Poems’ and a kid’s picture book ‘Change Sings: A Children’s Anthem’.

    More so, Gorman, who has expressed interest in running for office in the future, has spoken about the potency of using once’s voice as a political tool and her calling to do so. However, she told Vogue that her ambition comes with “complex feelings”.

    “I’ve learned that it’s okay to be afraid. And what’s more, it’s okay to seek greatness. That does not make me a black hole seeking attention. It makes me a supernova”.

    Gorman shot to fame following the powerful reading of her poem ‘The Hill We Climb’ at President Joe Biden’s inauguration in January.

    She quickly signed with IMG models and graced the February cover of Time as well as made a series of public appearances, including an International Women’s Day panel with former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and supermodel Chrissy Teigen.

    Read also: OBAMAS ANNOUNCE SIX NETFLIX PROJECTS.

  • I used to be a secular artist- Efe Grace

    I used to be a secular artist- Efe Grace

    Ghanaian gospel singer, Efe Grace has disclosed that she used to be a secular artist before becoming a gospel singer.

    Speaking in an interview, she revealed that she used to be a Jazz singer at a popular Ghanaian hotel in Kumasi until she later found her way to the gospel music fraternity.

    “I used to be a secular artist before doing full-time ministry. I was a jazz singer working at Golden Tulip in Kumasi. So that’s how come I got into that. It wasn’t difficult I just had to learn the songs and sing them”.

    Efe Grace further explained that she had to become a gospel singer because that was her calling and she couldn’t run away from it anymore.

    “I believe that we were made to worship God, and God gave me this voice to show forth his glory. So, whether I like it or not, I was created for this and I found my way back. It has been great so far and I thank God”.

    Efe Grace’s father excited about re-recording of his song

    That notwithstanding, Efe who is the daughter of veteran singer Rev. Mensah Bonsu disclosed that after she re-recorded her father’s hit song ‘Yehowa ne mabankese’ (God is my great protector), he was quite amazed about it and was much excited about her rendition of the song.

    “Actually, Rev. Mensah Bonsu is my biological father. I am his first child. When we sent the song to him and he listened he was like ‘wow, is this my song?’ He was very happy and glad about it. He hasn’t criticized my music yet and whatever he has said so far has been positive”.

    She also mentioned that her father gave her a lot of experience and exposure after he discovered that she can sing.

    “My dad gave me so much experience and exposure, so far as music is concerned. He took me along where ever he went as a backing vocalist”.

    When quizzed about some challenges she has faced since her emergence into the music industry, she said: “Ever since I entered into Ministry, I have not faced many challenges. I believe that God makes provisions for his children. So, it has been good so far”.

    It is worth noting that she was part of the performers at the 3music awards show. She emphasized that it was an honor for her to be on such a stage.

    “It was a great feeling and a blessing for me to be on such a platform. It was so great”.

    Nonetheless, she has been nominated for two categories of the upcoming Vodafone Ghana Music Awards. She is hoping to win the award and asked her fans to keep supporting her.

    Read also: THE LIVES OF GOSPEL ARTISTS IS NOT A BENCHMARK FOR MORALITY – CELESTINE DONKOR