Entertainment
Ghana Jazz Foundation launched
Dr Odoi speaking at the launch
Ghana Jazz Foundation (GJF), a non-profit organisation, aimed at promoting artistic performances and elevating the country’s music has been launched in Accra.
The Foundation is committed to using innovative and strategic methods to connect local talents to the diaspora and global sister institutions.
The launch came off during the Jazz Festival dubbed “Jazz in January” which took place from January 4 -January 7.
Speaking at the launch, the lead Founding Member, Dr Adrain Oddoye Odoi said, the foundation would work with local musicians to sustain and grow jazz music in the country.
He said, GJF will thrive on collaborations, educational programmes, support for musicians and live music venues.
Dr Odoi added that the foundation would ensure a deep collaboration between lovers of jazz and give a fresh approach to how resources could be mobilized to promote live music in Ghana.
Dr Odoi further told The Spectator Agoro that the foundation would roll out Accra Jazz Academy in February, which would be a musical education programme including specific courses, workshops, masterclasses and concerts.
The President of the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA), Bessa Simons applauded the originators of the move, saying it has come at the right time.
According to him, in the near future, MUSIGA will collaborate with GJF to improve upon the music industry.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Entertainment
Foto Copy tackles realities of friendship in new song
Ghana’s decorated young musician, Foto Copy, known in private life as Kallai Nana Qwaachi has tackled the realities of friendship in his new song.
The song tackles issues of conflict, loyalty, reward, ingratitude and betrayal of trust in friendship.
According to him, the song produced by DDT and dubbed “Friends Today, Enemies Tomorrow”, preaches a message that goes to address some realities of life.
He revealed that many best friends some time ago have become bitter enemies now due to similar issues they failed to address.
The musician noted that people have gone all out for others and ensured their friends succeeded, but unfortunately, they paid them back with evil.
Speaking to thespectatoronline.com, Foto Copy said, these things have made people regret going all out for their friends.
He is of the view that when society becomes embittered by the negative actions of their friends, it becomes difficult for others to get help in difficult situations.
Against this backdrop, he felt the need to address this in his new song.
The song is available on all digital music stores
Stream the song below
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Entertainment
Taste 68@68: Okyeame Kwame wins Celebrity Jollof Competition with Vegan recipe
Multiple award-winning Ghanaian musician and activist, Okyeame Kwame, known in private life as Kwame Nsia-Apau has been adjudged winner of the ‘Taste 68 @68’ Celebrity Jollof Competition.
The ‘Taste 68 @68’ Celebrity Jollof Competition was an event organised by the Ghana Tourism Authority(GTA) as part of activities to mark the country’s Heritage Month recently.
The event held at the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park brought together industry players among others.
Okyeame Kwame competed with Mr.Beautiful, Uncle Ato, Victoria Lebene and Joyce Blessing.
The Rap Dacta called his food, the Vegan Jollof funnily some of the spectators claimed his Jollof could ‘lower global warming’ due to the ingredients used.
He used mushrooms, bell peppers, tomatoes, rice, oil and other vegetables.
The protein source was seitan which is made from wheat gluten.
Ultimately, he overcame other culinary skills from his competitors for the ultimate crown.
Okyeame Kwame expressed his appreciation to everyone who tasted it and urged Ghanaians to consider it as part of their delicacies, adding that it is healthier.
The Deputy Chief Executive Officer of GTA Mr.Gilbert Aggrey, affectionately called Abeiku Santana said Okyeame Kwame won the competition not because he is famous and likeable.
According to him, Okyeame understood gastronomy tourism and techniques in culinary artistry, a strength he leveraged against his competitors.
He added that “if you look at the presentation of his meals he used cucumber to garnish his food by creating a design with his initials, OK, Okyeame Kwame. In gastronomy tourism, there should be a story and motivation behind the food that you have prepared.”
Abeiku Santana further noted that Okyeame Kwame’s presentation was outstanding considering how he linked food to climate change and the symbiotic relationship between humans and animals.
He congratulated him for emerging as the winner of the competition.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
