Entertainment
Public Figure series: UBA supports Ghanaian creative industry with US$100,000
United Bank for Africa Ghana Limited has contributed over US$100,000 to the Ghanaian creative art industry through the production of a 13 episode Ghanaian series titled Public Figure.
The bank’s Lifestyle and Entertainment channel, RED TV premiered the Ghanaian series on its YouTube channel on May 19, 2021.
Ahead of this, the official premiere of the series took place at the Kempinski Gold Coast Hotel in Accra on May 14, 2021, which was attended by people of diverse background including Nigeria’s music star Wizkid.
The series shot, produced and developed by a 100 per cent Ghanaian cast and crew was directed by the award-winning Eddie Sedor.
In a speech read on his behalf, Minister of Tourism Arts and Culture, Hon. Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed Awal lauded UBA Ghana Ltd. for the initiative and used the opportunity to call on other financial institutions to emulate the worthy cause.
He said “When I heard of the US$100,000 UBA Ghana has invested in the Ghanaian creative art industry through this series, I was happy about the entire initiative and its benefits to the movie industry. “
He further added thatb “such is the holistic growth that the creative arts and tourism sector in Ghana needs and I believe its impact has the potential to transcend into the tourism sector and the country at large and eventually lead to the Ghana beyond Aid Agenda.”
In his remarks, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of UBA Ghana Ltd., Mr Olalekan Balogun said that UBA as a lifestyle bank wanted to provide good content for its customers and Ghanaians at large besides banking.
He commended the Director of the movie for capturing the ills in the society, saying the series was a reflection of what was happening in society and advised leaders not to use their powers negatively.
The Public Figure series narrates the story of Wonder, a charming young lady, who quits the corporate life under pressure from a sexual pervert of a boss to pit herself up to be in the celebrity space. It’s a whirlwind rise to the top for her through the corridors of power, literally, more than she even bargains for.
It unravels a story of love, politics, power play and the celebrity life as we go behind the scenes from hotel meeting rooms to illicit activities in bedrooms and secret presidential villas in a quest to know the mystery behind public figures.
The movie stars Van Vicker, Naa Ashorkor Mensah Doku, Dela Seade, Aaron Adatsi, Cecilia Anno-Barnieh, Daisy Little among others.
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
