Entertainment
Actors pay tribute to late Prince Yawson (Waakye)
The movie fraternity was on Tuesday August 2, 2022, hit with the sad news of the demise of veteran actor, Stephen Prince Yawson, affectionately called Waakye, 65, at the 37 Military Hospital in Accra.
Waakye came to the limelight when he was discovered by Grace Omaboe, known in movie circles as Maame Dokono, at the Arts Centre to join the Obra Television Series on GTV in the 90’s.
He rose through the ranks and featured in many movies and at a point became a Production Manager for numerous productions.
Some of the movies he featured in included, Diabolo, Obra, Marijata, Babina and Chorkor Trotro.
Family and friends will gather on August 26, at the Accra Tourists Information Centre close to the Jubilee House to observe the One-Week rite.
Against this backdrop, The Spectator reached out to some actors to share their fond memories and pay tribute to him.
Astute movie producer, Socrate Safo said, Waakye was hardworking, adding that he had worked with him on about four productions which the late Prince Yawson was a Production Manager.
“He was one of the best production managers in the country, he got close to me through Jagger Pee, we became friends and I later made him join the NPP in 2008, where we campaigned for the party. Waakye was dedicated to his responsibilities, unfortunately he battled sicknesses for years. May his soul rest in peace.”
Renowned actress, Kalsoume Sinare, said Waakye was a good actor she met in the early 90’s at the Arts Centre, when he was then a member of Theatre Mirror club.
“He was very calm, hardworking, I will say the industry has lost a gem. My last encounter with him was when he was a Production Manager at a set two years ago, and he told me he wasn’t feeling well. May he rest in peace.”
Veteran Kofi Falconer also said that Waakye was a good person he met way back and they became friends.
“As a Production Manager, he doesn’t joke with his work, he is always serious. In the past five years, he has been coming to my pharmacy shop at Accra New Town anytime he visits his mother, and also as a Regional Chairman of Ghana Actors Guild, Waakye does call me at times to share ideas with me,” he said.
According to him, Waakye reached out to him recently to discuss a project unfortunately, “a week after he paid me a visit, his wife called to break the news of his passing. My condolences to the family and his mother who is still alive, it’s a big blow to her.”
Award-winning actor, Mikki Osei Berko affectionately called Master Richard, on his part said, Waakye shaped his acting career, and he was someone he looked up to in the 90’s. “He used to call me anytime he saw my works and suggested to me I could have done it this or that way. I must say, he was an experienced actor, he would be missed, may his soul rest in perfect peace.”
Comic actor, Akrobeto, told this paper the death was a big blow, and that he had worked with Waakye on some sets as a Production Manager, and attesting to his strong work ethics.He said, Waakye paid his dues to the movie industry. “My deepest condolences to his family, May His soul rest in perfect Peace.”
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Entertainment
Nineteen57 Events announces Black Stars Legacy Awards
Nineteen57 Events has announced the launch of an event aimed at celebrating Ghanaian, African, and diaspora achievements.
The event is a prestigious platform dedicated to honouring exceptional individuals and organizations contributing to the growth and success of the Ghanaian society, the African continent, and the African diaspora.
Since its inception as part of Rhythms on the Runway in 2019 during Ghana’s historic Year of Return celebration, the Black Star Legacy Awards has recognized remarkable achievements in creative arts, culture, and beyond.
It has always been a component of ‘Rhythms On Da Runway,’ however, the organisers have decided to stage it as an independent event this year.
This shift allows for an expanded focus, honouring excellence across various fields, including business, leadership, innovation, science, and humanitarian efforts.
This bold move aligns with the awards’ mission of celebrating the spirit of achievement and innovation that defines Ghana and connects it to the broader Pan-African and global community.
While specific event details, including categories and selection criteria, are still being finalised, the Black Star Legacy Awards promises to be an unforgettable experience that highlights the very best of Ghana, Africa, and the diaspora.
Esteemed icons from Ghana, Africa and the African Diay such as Obrafour, Ricci Osei, Hon. Lisa Hanna, Reggie Rockstone, Queen Asabea Cropper, Nene Agyemang, Agya Koo Nimo, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, Morgan Heritage, Stonebwoy, and Richard Mofe Damijo have been among the honorees, setting the stage for what has become a highly anticipated annual celebration of excellence.
Entertainment
Zhikay Junior launches ‘The mind shift campaign’
Ghanaian award winning gospel blogger Isaac Nartey, popularly known as Zhikay Ike Junior, and his team have launched a campaign at Sap’s School in Teshie-Nungua, located in the Ledzokuku-Krowor Municipal Assembly in the Greater Accra region.
Themed ‘The mind shift campaign’, it was aimed to touch the lives of students by educating them on the use of social media and how it can impact lives.
Isaac Nartey, told The Spectator that the purpose of the campaign was to orient students in Ghana about social media and its impact.
Sharing photos from the campaign on Facebook, Zhikay also emphasised the importance of listening to children’s concerns, which include mental health, emotions, and societal acceptance.
“We must not consider children as just minors, they have genuine concerns that revolve around mental health, emotions, societal acceptance and others. We must create avenues for their voice to be heard,” He explained
The campaign included education, games, and entertainment. Some students received customized ‘Zhikay’ items as rewards for their hard work.
This initiative seems to be made a positive impact on the students.
‘The school tour will delve into the overview of social media and how it can be used to impact society positively,’ he added
Zhikay embarked on the tour with popular Ghanaian content creators such as “Freedom Official” and “Quecy Official.” Together, they created an educational and engaging atmosphere for the students.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
