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It has been 14 episodes of #AmeyawSays already, and I am about to take a break - so call this the season finale! In this episode, I take a look at who the best female performers in Ghana are, based on a quick review of last weekend's 'The Loaded Party' with Efya and friends.

For a while now, some of the biggest female performers on the Ghanaian music scene have included, Efya, Irene Logan, Becca, Kaakie, and Eazzy. But I have narrowed my review to Eazzy, Efya, MzVee and Irene Logan since they performed at The Loaded Party.  Eazzy, I feel doesn't put up a strong vocal performance but has great energy and dance routines on stage, so it is usually exciting to watch her perform. Efya has been performing forever and seems to have perfected the skill so well that each performance feels new. Irene Logan I feel is the most vocally gifted female performer in Ghana but she doesn't have enough popular songs for the crowd to connect with. And for MzVee, she is simply the dark horse that all of these old divas should be worried about.

I also talk about the viral video of Afia Schwarzenegger. The controversial radio and TV presenter went furious on Sunday afternoon causing complete chaos at an Omotuo joint at Agbobga Junction in Accra. She was arrested for allegedly beating up a man for some unknown reason. So did Afia over-react? Share your views

Finally I revisit the #NewGuy after Ace Hood tweeted a line from his much-talked about collaboration with Sarkodie. I still believe he tweeted that line because he was impressed with Sarkodie's punch lines...what do you think?

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Hello guys and welcome to a very special edition of #Ameyaws

Who are the best female performers in Ghana?

One of the most stylish musicians in Ghana, Captain Planet has pursued one of his many other passions - fashion. The member of the popular hiplife group 4×4  over the weekend opened an chic  boutique called ‘Fashion Planet’ on the  Spintex Road, opposite Baatsonaa Total Filling Station.

The opening was attended by a host of celebrities including the other members of 4×4, Coded and Fresh Prince. The rest were Pappykojo, Eugene Baah (Praye Honeho), Itz Tiffany, Keche, Sandra Ankobiah, Gemini, Nhyiraba Kojo, Afriyie Acquah, Pop Skinny among others were there to offer their support.

stocks top brands such as Givenchy, Versace, Balmain, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Buscemi, Marcelo Burlon, Rick Owens, Louboutin, Giuseppe Zanotti and others.

Captain Planet has ventured into a new business, fashion

Rapper Captain Planet opens fashion shop in Accra

Kafui Danku's production house, ABC Pictures has commenced shooting of its fifth movie, 'Any Other Monday'. She made the announcement at a special pre-production press conference at the Africa Regent Hotel on Friday before commencing shoot on Saturday, June 11. Directed by award-winning director, Pascal Amanfo, ' Any Other Monday' features Kanfui Danku, Yvonne Nelson, Jose Tolbert, and Kunle Remi. Without giving much away, Pascal Amanfo and the cast described the movie as a captivating family drama that would test the foundations of marriages.  It revolves around events after a phone-swap, setting the agenda for a series of unpredictable outcomes.

'Any Other Monday' also features first time actors, Metro TV's Blacofe and Sound City's E-Man. Other cast include Selly Galley of Big Brother Africa fame.

This is the fifth movie produced by Kafui Danku; with the first two, ‘Letters to My Mother’ and ‘Devil in a Dress’ winning several pan-African awards. The third movie, ‘Happy Deathday’, released late 2014 was also well received, and the fourth production, 'I Do' released earlier this year was also a smash box office success.

Actresss Kafui has announced the production of the fifth movie from her production house titled 'Any Other Monday'

Kafui Danku announces new movie starring Yvonne Nelson, Kunle Remi, Jose Tolbert and more

Earlier this week, American rapper, Waka Flocka Flame made a cameo appearance in the upcoming music video of BET Award winning dancehall artist, Stonebwoy in the USA. The video is for the song, ‘Talk To Me’ featuring New York’s fastest emerging dancehall star, Kranium – who is known for his smash hit single “Nobody Has to Know”. It was shot by Ghanaian music video director. According to sources there could also be a collaboration between Waka Flocka and Stonebwoy soon, as management for both artists have been in long talks about a possible collabo, will it be bigger or better than Sarkodie and Ace Hood's collaboration - if it does happen?

Deborah Vanessa has received some flack since videos of herself at a strip club in Miami went viral. But really, sometimes a girl just got to have fun!! She shared fun videos from King Of Diamonds (KOD) gentleman’s club, where a few strippers did their thing with hiphop mogul, 50 Cent – who was celebrating his birthday. Check the vlog and see the videos from the club (warning NSFW)!!!

Finally I share my views on Blakk Rasta resigning from Hitz FM. Check out the video and leave your comments.

Hello and welcome to episode 12 of #AmeyawSays. In this episode I take a look at the possible collaboration between Stonebwoy and Waka Flocka, Deborah Vanessa visiting a strip club and more...

From Sarkodie and Ace Hood to Stonebwoy and Waka Flocka Flame?

In 2012 I wrote an article that the BET Awards again snubbed the Best International Acts category by presenting the awards to winners offstage.  I wrote: "It still remains a mystery to most African music enthusiasts why BET refuses to acknowledge the international acts on stage, with many sharing their disgust on social media. Certainly, if these artists travel miles across the globe to attend the event, BET could at least give them 30 seconds to receive their spotlight. For a network meant for Black Entertainment, it makes no sense for artists like Justin Beiber to shine at BET Awards while original African acts get quarantined as if they were some disease. Yes we saw the international acts (Africa and UK) on the red carpet, media center etc and that is some exposure in the US for them. But BET should seriously consider fully recognizing these artists at the awards."

Fast forward to last weekend's event, and the same thing happened. The only thing different this time is that nominated artists such as Fuse ODG, Wizkid and Yemi Alade spoke out to say they felt disrespected by the actions of BET and BET International. As much as I love what BET International is doing for our artists, I think it is about time they took it to the next level. A lot of people are complaining about the fact that the awards are given 'backstage' or 'offstage'  but I think what we really need is inclusion in the main awards. Even if the International categories are going to be pre-recorded, it should be aired or announced during the main event. As it stands, it is only pre-recorded and announced in the telecast for BET International.

Anyway I hope that by the stars adding their voices to the cause, and social media supporting their calls, next year would bring a new wind.  Watch the vlog and share your views too, don't forget to catch-up on some exclusive details from Asamoah Gyan's house-warming party for his 'Basilica De Baby jet'. Hmm, who almost drowned?

Hello guys and welcome to episode 11 of #AmeyawSays. In this episode I talk about the trending BET Awards and Asamoah Gyan's mega mansion, opening party.

The BET Awards snub and more

Nigerian movies 30 Days In Atlanta and Knocking On Heaven's Door and Ghanaian movies including Devil In the Details, and Made In Agege were the biggest winners at the 2015 Golden Movie Awards. Knocking on Heaven's Door won the Best Film nod while Devil in The Details bagged the Best Director nod for Shirley Frimpong Manso

Here is the full list of winners from the night of music, comedy, glitz ands glamour.

Golden Actor In Comedy

Golden Actor In Drama

Golden Actress In Comedy

Golden Actor In A Tv Series

Golden Actress In Drama

Golden Actress In Tv Series

Golden Art Director

Golden Cenimatographer

Golden Most Promising Actor

Golden Movie Comedy

Golden Short Film

Golden  Soundtrack Original

Golden Story Drama

Golden Supporting Actor Drama

Golden Supporting Actor Comedy

Golden Editor Sound

Golden Editor Video

Favourite Actress

It was a night of big wins for movies such as 30 Days In Atlanta, Knocking On Heaven's Door, Devil In the Details, Made In Agege

30 Days In Atlanta, Knocking On Heaven's Door and more win big

It was a night of glamour as leading movie stars from across Ghana and Nigeria thonged the State Banquet Hall for the maiden edition of the Golden Movie Awards Africa.

Among the stunning stars on the night were Joselyn Dumas, Zynell Zuh, Nana Ama McBrown and a host of other, Check out their outfits on the 'Blue Carpet'

The stars turned out shining bright in the numbers to the maiden edition of the Golden Movie Awards

Joselyn Dumas, Nana Ama McBrown and more stun at Golden Movie Awards

The Coca-Cola Company in Ghana celebrated 100 years of the company’s iconic Contour Bottle at an event at the Movenpick Hotel on Thursday June 25.  To mark the historic birthday, the Managing Director of the Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Ghana, Felix Gomis announced that the company will launch a Special birthday price for the 300ml bottle. ‘This will be the Special birthday price reduction for both our retailers and consumers’, he said.

Created in 1915, (and commercialized in 1916) the contour bottle was born out of a need to differentiate Coca-Cola from numerous copy-cat brands. A national competition was launched among bottle manufacturers to design a distinctive bottle – a bottle which a person could recognize even if they felt it in the dark, and shaped in such a way that, even if broken, a person could tell at a glance what it was.

The bottle manufacturer that won this competition was the Root Glass Company of Terre Haute, Indiana. Inspired by a picture of a cocoa pod, engineer Earl R. Dean designed the contour bottle prototype which evolved into the current iconic bottle.

One of the most famous shapes in the world, the Coca-Cola bottle is a renowned design classic and has been used globally to describe several objects of beauty.  In Ghana, a shapely woman is referred to as having a Coca-Cola figure.

To commemorate the centenary of the Coca-Cola contour bottle, Ghanaian consumers were asked to give a befitting local identity/name to this pack. The name consumers chose was Ohemaa (meaning; one of a kind).

Mr. Rodrigue Bila, Franchise Manager for Equatorial Coca-Cola Africa Ltd thanked the gathering and the company’s dedicated consumers for faithfully enjoying the refreshing beverage and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to providing quality refreshing beverages at affordable prices.

Radio and TV stars and media personalities such as Abeiku Santana, Kafui Dey, Amanda Jissih  joined Coca-Cola in Accra to mark 100 years of its iconic contour bottle

Coca-Cola marks 100 years of its iconic Contour Bottle in Accra

As EbonyLife TV clocks 2 on July 1, the channel has perfected plans to launch spin-offs of in key countries across the continent in a move that is aimed at consolidating and reinforcing the position of the talk show, which has become famous as Africa’s first and only syndicated daily Talk Show, as the true pan African leader in the talk genre.

The spin-offwill be launched simply as and will closely mirror in structure and style. However, , hosted exclusively by Africa’s Queen of Chat herself, Mo Abudu, still remains on air across the continent and on cable TV in the United Kingdom but will now appear occasionally for only a limited number of VIP interviews.

will be launched in four flagship countries, to include South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya and Ghana, being the first phase of the roll out, on July 01, 2015, to coincide with EbonyLife TV's 2nd year anniversary celebration of creating and broadcasting original, premium and inspiring content with an African soul that showcases the best of Africa for a Global Black audience.

A key highlight of is that each focal country will have its own homegrown Co-Hosts. Already, two Co-Hosts per flagship country have emerged through a painstaking but rewarding search. From South Africa, Pearl Thusi and Lerato Kganyago will be calling the shots; Wanjira Longaue and Amina Abdi will anchor the show in Kenya; Berla Mundi and Ama K. Abebrese will be in the saddle of Ghana; and in Nigeria, the threefold of Bolanle Olukanni, Toke Makinwa and Michelle Dede will be in the spotlight.

Another important feature of the new is that each of the four countries will have its own array of guests. Also, each country will have its location shoot which would take place every quarter; each would also have its own full episodes featuring interesting guests and inspiring stories from across Africa; and even more importantly, demonstrate its own uniqueness through its peculiar local symbols and distinctive cultural identity, making the show truly authentic to the country in question.

However, no matter the cultural diversities reflected on from country to country, all the shows will be unmistakably bound together by a number of set props that will be unique to the format, defining it and making it single-minded to viewers across the continent.

Speaking on this development, Executive Chairman and CEO of EbonyLife TV, Mo Abudu said, “As EbonyLife TV clocks 2 on July 1stand as enters its 9th year, we are excited to see the brand expand across the continent of Africa in what we have called . So now you have Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana and Kenya, airing across the continent on EbonyLife TV.”

According to her, “, which has consistently aired on a pan African scale and on cable TV in the United Kingdom for 9 resounding years and counting, will also continue to have me as its exclusive host, treating viewers to the best of VIP interviews. This however, will not air as frequently as definitely will.”

“The purpose behind the creation of ,” she continues, “is not only to connect more with audiences across the continent, as well as offer a much wider and more divergent platform for truly pan African conversations, it is also calculated to be an exponential brand extension strategy targeted at delivering greater brand visibility and larger market shares for discerning advertisers across the continent.”

For the Series Producer, Damilola Amele, “is reinventing itself by birthing a Pan-Afro conversation, a new and exciting spin-off - . With nine beautiful, intelligent and stylish Co-Hosts spread across four African countries, is set to capture an even wider audience by connecting Africa like never before and will continue in the tradition of , showcasing the greatness of Africa.”

She continues, “Our target is to keep the show as one, but introduce diversity and infuse the different unique flavours from Kenya, South Africa, Ghana and Nigeria. Despite the introduction of ,, hosted solely by Mo Abudu, the creator and CEO of EbonyLife TV, will retain its place as the longest-running Talk Show in Africa by bringing to our viewers, insightful interviews with VIP’s in different fields.”

Ama K Abebrese and Berla Mundi to co-host  Ghana's spin off of the popular chat show, 'Moments With Mo' on EbonyLife TV

Berla Mundi and Ama K Abebrese to co-host 'Moments with Mo' spin off

Ghanaian actor and tailor, Elikem Kumordzie and his Zimbabwean damsel, Pokello Nare have finally tied the knot. The two, who met and fell in love on season 8 of Big Brother Africa (The Chase) in 2013 had their traditional marriage ceremony in Pokello’s home-country, Zimbabwe with family and friends of Elikem attending.

The couple dropped hints of their engagement on Saturday when they posted romantic photos of themselve in white gowns with the inscription, "‘And the 2 shall become 1′ on their Instagram pages.

Elikem proposed marriage to his Zimbabwean damsel last year, live on the stage of the  2014 Ghana Music Awards. The couple have since been hit with several split rumours before finally making it official.

Big Brother Africa lovebirds, Pokello and Elikem tie the knot in Zimbabwe

Photos from Elikem and Pokello's traditional wedding

First place                    Asantewaa Prempeh               A Sweet Song

Second place               Peter Sedufia                           The Traveller

Third place                 William Kojo Agbeti               Gaxorzorzor

Documentary

First place                    William Kojo Agbeti               Komabu-Za

Second place               Emmanuel Mensah Agyapong            Waffle

Third place                 Lawrence Agbetsise                 Kadi (Lantern)

First place                    Francis Brown                         Agorkoli

Second place               Louis Appiah                          Nazir Meets Ebola

Third place                 Rachel Ankrah                                    H.O.P.E.

Institutional sponsors for this year’s Accra Francophone Film Festival were: The French Embassy, African Film Library of Institut Français of Paris, Egyptian Embassy, Embassy of Switzerland, Consulate of Belgium, and International Organization of Francophonie. Corporate sponsors were: Allianz insurance, Novotel, RFI and France 24, Accra Expat, and Ecoband. The 3rd Accra Francophone Film Festival was organized by Institut Français of Ghana in partnership with TV3, NAFTI, Alliance Française of Accra,  and Kumasi, the Nubuke Foundation, the school of Performing Arts and the Maison française of Legon at university of Ghana.

Stephanie Soleansky, Director of the Accra Francophone Film Festival and Cultural Attaché for Institut Francais du Ghana, said “It is really exciting to see films of this quality coming from young filmmakers in Ghana. Institut Francais du Ghana and our partners and sponsors are committed to continuing  AFFF Shorts as a way of supporting innovative, creative filmmaking in Ghana. We urge you all to join us in this journey.”

Francis Brown, the first prize winner in the category of Animation at the 3 Accra Francophone Film Festival will be attending the Annecy festival in France from the 15- 20 of June 2015. Asantewaa Prempeh, the first prize winner in the category of fiction will attend the Festival des 3 Continents in France from the 24 of November – 1 of December. William Kojo Agbeti, the first prize winner in the category of documentary will attend the Louxor Film Festival in Egypt 16 February - 24th March, 20...

Winners of the ‘Accra Francophone Film Festival Shorts’ head to International Film Festivals

Akoo Nana, who is currently in Nigeria for collaboration with Nigerian acts has recorded the first major one with afrobeat sensation, Kcee. Akoo Nana has been spotted with the 'Limpopo'  and ' Pull Over' hitmaker, and according to sources the two already hit the studio to record on Monday, June 1.

The untitled song also features  Kcee's label-mate, Mr Songz who was formerly known as Harry Song. Akoo Nana is also expected to do a few more recordings before heading back to Ghana.

Akoo Nana has wrapped up recording of a new song with Kcee in Lagos

Akoo Nana records new song with Kcee

Singer, entrepreneur and philanthropist, Stephanie Benson caused quite a stir at the 2015 Mercedes-Benz Africa Fashion Week on Sunday, May 31 when she hosted the final day of the festival. The mother of 5 looked simply stunning and daring in her numerous dress changes, proving that she is still young at heart - and often pushing the envelope.

From a feathery gown to a see-through sheer dress, Stephanie Benson tried it make her fashion statement either as host or as a performer on the night. Pulse.com.gh presents 6 of our favourite Stephanie Benson looks from the -Benz Africa Fashion Week

Stephenie Benson is the true definition of the expression 'refuse to grow' and she proved that at the 2015 Mercedes-Benz Africa Fashion Week in Accra over the weekend

Check out Stephanie Benson's multiple dress change at Mercedes Benz fashion festival

Nigerian singer, Tony Harmony who has been living in Ghana with his family has been reported dead. According to talentarenaafrica.com, Tony Harmony passed away on Friday, May 29 in  his hometown in Delta State, Nigeria after battling a brief illness.

According to sources, Tony was in his home town in Delta State for his brother’s wedding where he took ill and was later admitted at Faith Mediplex in Benin City. When his health did not improve, his family moved him to Delta State, where he passed on, on Friday morning.

However an update on his Facebook page suggests that fans and the public are not to take the reports seriously. It is not clear who is managing the Facebook page, but the last update dated May 29 reads:" Any news of tony harmony being dead is false. FROM MANAGEMENT."

Reports suggest that Nigerian showbiz icon, Tony Harmony is dead but his Facebook account says otherwise.

Singer, Tony Harmony reported dead

Throughout the years I have attended many big events, and I as we have grown to have more programs on the entertainment calendar each year, we are sparsely hit with the wow factor at events. Often we see the same artists doing the same things from one event to the other, and especially in the Christmas season it gets terribly monotonous.

We have come a long way and while our events may have gotten bigger in terms of staging, lighting, LED screen effects etc., I find out that these often compliment the shows but the real excitement lies in the content of the shows. Even the way artists on the bill are lined-up to perform can peak the excitement in the show if well scripted or choreographed. People have used different yardsticks including the performance of the artists to determine the success of a show. While it is hugely subjective what makes a good performance ( i.e. is it the crowd response? Is it performing live? Is it the artistry of the performer? Or is it how long an artist is able to perform on stage?), I believe a quality performance and well produced content are elements each major event should have.

The biggest offenders are award shows in Ghana. Most awards shows run like they don’t have a director running the production. It appears anything goes and anyone can get on stage to do whatever he or she pleases. No wonder award shows run for many hours (that is even if we overlook the late start). From start to finish, there should be a script with room for little excesses and surprises that would add to the highlights of the event, and not the other way round. The choice of the compere, DJ and any other person who is a link between performances/activities is also very important. What they do or say must be well structured to fit the production in terms of timing and relevance.

Packing all the biggest artists in the world on one stage doesn’t make it the best show in the world. Yes, it may sell tickets but it may end with dissatisfied and disgruntled patrons because they couldn’t have their monies’ worth. Sometimes it is the little things that go a long way to leave a mark on people. It been about two months and I can hardly remember any big highlights from this year’s Ghana Music Awards. As terrible as the Ghana Movie Awards may seem in parts, at least the organizers go an extra mile to try and leave us with big highlights. Last year, they got leading actors to sing to open the show (yes, I agree it’s been a similar concept in the last two editions and we need something else, but at least they tried).

So imagine if the Ghana Music Awards got top musicians to record and perform a special song for Castro during the 2015 VGMA instead of playing back messages from industry people on the night (and well, some long and boring performances that we have seen over and over again) – wouldn’t that have been a wow moment? What if the Tigo Ghana Meets Naija concert closes with an exclusive major collaboration between all or some of the Ghanaian and Nigerian Artists? Wouldn’t that also be a wow moment? We need creative talking points from events; enough of the dancing of Azonto on stage to win phones!!!

I think it’s about time our events stopped running like a secondary school entertainment show where people walk on stage one by one to perform and leave. It is getting boring! Of course I would like to talk about the time for starting and ending shows but ‘me sef I know’ – we are Ghanaians (Laugh out loud). Let me know what you think also and share some ideas on how you think events in Ghana could be better.

With the much-hyped Tigo Ghana Meets Naija around the corner, what can Ghanaians and Nigerians expect from the event? Here is my open letter on why I think we need more 'wow moments' with our events.

We need wow events in Ghana

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