What happened to the Red FeVal?

OMG!!! Today is St. Valentine’s Day? Ok, happy Valentine’s Day to all all’o’y’all who are interested or who celebrate the day.

Now that reminds me, in years past, Valentine’s Day was such a big deal for us here in Ghana (even though I doubt if we knew the real origins of the celebration). And to show we are really in the mood, the colour red was literally in your face particularly on this day.

But for some strange reason, the hype around Valentine (in my view) seems to be on the decline…safe that those of us in the media consistently hype the day by organizing one event after the other. But truth is, these promos and events really piss me off than get me interested in patronizing the event or whatever promo might be running.

The Ladies in Red are conspicuously missing on our streets

Now, what prompted me to write this piece on Valentine (even though I am really tired after a long day at work)  is the glaring absence of the colour red on most streets as I made my way to work this morning.

It got me thinking if Ghanaians had given up on the “colour of love” on this auspicious “day of love”. Do you think that is the case? Or is it that people have come to the realization that showing your love on a so-called day set aside specially for love is not just about parading in the colour of love?

I think the latter is true…because I don’t see how wearing red to work or wherever I go on Vals day show that I am celebrating the day.

And what even pisses me off is the local adaptation of the day as Chocolate day here in Ghana. I mean, seriously, if we want to promote our local Golden Tree chocolates, the best way is to ensure the commodity is first and foremost available at an affordable price so that the average Ghanaian can purchase.

Since this so-called Chocolate Day came on board, can chocolate manufacturers and sellers tell me confidently that purchase/ sale of their product is on the rise?

We often have the best of intentions for promoting our locally manufactured goods but I think our timing is always wrong and oh, we also need to work on packaging and pricing so that we can get everyone to come on board.

So to all you lovers out there who believe in St. Valentine’s Day, enjoy what is left of it, and well I hope you have your own plans for the day.

 

85th Academy: Any surprises in store?

The year has started on a high note for the entertainment industry – at least in America and Britain – as films produced the last year are coming up for recognition this year.

The British Academy of Film and Television (BAFTA) awards, the Academy Awards (Oscars) and the Golden Globes are all aimed at rewarding the best in the movie industry or ok let’s be real, the best of Hollywood’s actors.

But let’s not forget that there will also be the Razzies or Raspberry awards which will be held just before the Oscars. It will award the worst actors/actresses and films and so far the Twilight saga: Breaking Dawn appears set to win the worst film accolade for 2012.

Wondering why I’m taking on Hollywood today? Well, I still haven’t seen most of the films nominated for the Oscars but I still don’t get why Skyfall, the new 007 film did not get nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars. And I’m still wondering what goes into the selection of films for the best picture category.

Films in the Best Picture category

That aside, one thing I think I can stick my neck out on is that it appears this year will be Daniel Day-Lewis’ year.

Daniel Day-Lewis (favourite to win Oscars)

He has won Best Actor at the Golden Globes, Critics’ Choice and the BAFTAs and he is highly tipped to win the Oscars too for his portrayal of America’s 16^th president, Abraham Lincoln in the civil war drama, Lincoln.

And to think that he initially didn’t want to play that role… I’m sure events of these past few days will make him thank God every day he did not turn down the role after all.

He has been nominated with one of my favourite actors, Denzel Washington for the Best Actor in a lead role for the Oscars but I feel Day-Lewis might just take home that award. I must admit here that I am yet to see Lincoln (for which Day-Lewis got nominated) and Flight (which earned Denzel his nomination). But if the Globes and BAFTAs are anything to go by, then I think the British man has an urge over my brotha.

Best Actress is proving a bit controversial as so far 2 of the nominees, Jennifer Lawrence and Emmanuelle Riva have won the award at the Golden Globes and BAFTAs respectively. But I would love to see the 9-year-old Quvenzhane Wallis win this particular category or maybe Emmanuelle so that history is made. Yes because, Quvenzhane is the youngest ever nominee in that category and Emmanuelle is the oldest ever nominee in the same category.

Until the awards season kicked off, I thought Spielberg’s “Lincoln” was going to have a smooth sail to grab the Best Picture award but actor turned director, Ben Affleck’s Argo has been sweeping that award across board. And I think I tend to understand why.

Argo is a nice story. The beginning was a bit more like a documentary with archival footage from the real protests of 1979 when the American Embassy in Iran was besieged by hundreds of angry Iranians.

But as the story progresses, you will get caught up in the suspense and emotions of the hostages and those who managed to flee the Embassy and for that I commend the actors and the Director.

So my pick for Best Picture… I’ll safely say Argo. But hey Django Unchained and Lincoln have enjoyed rave reviews from film critics but I am sure Argo stands a better chance.

Denzel Washington (my favourite for Best Actor Oscar)

I cannot predict Flight’s fate because I haven’t seen it and the reviews have been about Denzel’s performance than the story itself and for which reason I pray (oh yea, I am still praying) Denzel wins the Best Actor but let’s see.

I will end my predictions here and let’s see what happens in 2 weeks when the Oscars are held.

AFCON diary

Dear Diary,

The 2013 African Cup of Nations popularly called AFCON ended earlier this evening with Nigeria winning the trophy.

Truth is, I really am not bothered about who won or who lost, but a part of me wishes (still wishes) Burkina Faso had won the title. At least, it would have been their first as was the case for Zambia last year. But, well, Nigeria won it, and now they can claim to be three-time African champions.

But like all the matches played throughout the tournament I did not get to watch tonight’s game between the Super Eagles and the Stallions. Yea, it was the same old reason …work… can you imagine Diary, I had to read the bulletin at 8pm whiles the crucial match was ongoing. But, I take it as one of the hazards of the job.

So why am I making an entry now when the tournament has ended? I’m not sure but I just felt like … wait a minute. I think I know why.

See, before the Super Eagles of Nigeria qualified for the final game, I recall there was a story on sportsfilla.com about an association of prostitutes in Nigeria promising free sex if the Eagles won!

Now I’m wondering, is that what spurred them on to win? I understand there was a similar promise made in Zambia last year before the Chipolopolos won the continental trophy.

Hmmmm. Now my head is spinning. Should I have … ok, this not the time for shudda, cudda, wudda. So let’s say I know what to do. At the next AFCON, I will form an association of prostitutes in Ghana and get them to promise free sex for the Stars and everyone else who is interested should Ghana lift the trophy. you think that will work?

Ok, let me end here for now. Oh Btw: Skyfall has won outstanding British Film at the BAFTAs, Daniel Day-Lewis as expected was named Best Actor, Anne Hathaway, Best Supporting Actress and Argo, Best Film.

I think I need to do my Oscar winning list quickly before its too late.

See you soon

…Stars and friendship

I chanced upon brilliant article on the Guardian’s (UK) website about one of my all time favourite actors, Denzel Washington.

It is what I consider a frank conversation with Denzel because I have followed his career and read write ups and reviews about him but this one beats them all.

I would not want to spoil the fun so as we say here in Ghana that “book no lie”, read the full piece on Denzel who says he does not want movie star friends on the Guardian page.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2013/jan/24/denzel-washington-flight-movie-star – this is the link to the story.

When you are done reading, let me know if it gives you a clearer picture of who Denzel Washington really is…the man behind the man we see on the screens.

I’ll be waiting for your comments!!!

 

.

 

New Year developments

Let me wish you all a Happy New Year (at least for the very first time this year).

There’s been quiet a number of interesting developments already at the start of this new year at least in the entertainment and sports areas.

By entertainment, I am sure you are aware that the nominees list is out for the Oscars and Daniel Day-Lewis appears to be the favourite to take home the Best Actor award. The Best Picture category is beginning to look shaky thanks in part to the Critics’ Choice and Golden Globes where Argo and Les Miserables have been raising eyebrows i.e. the awards they are bagging.

I am trying to watch as many of the movie nominated so I can hopefully do my own predictions before the Oscars.

But if you missed out on the results of the Golden Globes, read about it here and there’s also information about the Critics’ Choice awards here.

In the mean time though, the football season has started on the continent and I would want to recommend one website to you www.sportsfilla.com. Over here, you can get all the latest updates from the AFCON 2013 as well as pictures and videos from behind the scenes.

Yes, I am putting my stamp of approval on this site because I may not be able to watch all the matches – particularly that of Ghana’s Black Stars – so I think it’s best you log on to sportsfilla.com for all you need to know.

Last but not list, in politics, at least here in GH, President John Dramani Mahama has started naming his new cabinet. Three batches of appointees have been released and I will publish them in the coming days because vetting of first set of nominees (6 of them) starts this Thursday and Friday.

Have I left anything out? Drop me a line. Let’s get more interactive this year.

2012 in review

Here’s to say a huge THANK YOU for your patronage throughout the year 2012. Couldn’t have asked for more. You guys rock!!!

So in the name of transparency (after all, what are friends for…? lol) here’s a summary of how our blog performed in 2012. Let’s make it perform better in 2013.

Cheers!!

 

The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2012 annual report for this blog.

Here’s an excerpt:

600 people reached the top of Mt. Everest in 2012. This blog got about 5,900 views in 2012. If every person who reached the top of Mt. Everest viewed this blog, it would have taken 10 years to get that many views.

Click here to see the complete report.

What is your excuse for not shinning

So I thought I was done writing for this year until I came across this video on youtube a few minutes ago and I was blown. It got me questioning, why do we keep giving one excuse after the other for our inability to do something.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IY37l4PDsao

Indeed, one of the female judges on the show summed up everything aptly when she intimated that Emmanuel’s performance just makes all our worries “pathetic”.

Enjoy the season and be inspired to use your talents in the new year.

Christmas Diary 2012

Hi, so sorry I haven’t been able to continue the post on the elections. And sorry I haven’t done this much earlier.

As an personal rule, I make sure I keep my readers in Ghana up to date as far as [entertainment] activities scheduled for the Christmas period are concerned. Since I have lost the chance, well not entirely, let me just go straight to some events I know of which you can mark in your diaries for the remaining days of the yuletide.

Last night, the music maestro, Kojo Antwi held his annual (or is it bi-annual now?) music concert which featured Malian singer, Salif Keita. I wasn’t there so I can’t say much about it but knowing and having followed the careers of these two men, I am sure it will be nothing short of incredible, awesome, jaw-dropping and what else…?

But on December 21, Becca held the second edition of her girl talk concert and according to one of my female colleagues who was at the concert it was great. Well…I have no option than to take her word for it. So if you are a sista who wants to be part of the girl talk, Becca and her team are promising another show next year and as usual I am sure it will be the Friday or Saturday before Christmas.

DEC. 25

But moving on quickly. If you are not sure where to go tonight, there are a few places you can be at.

1. The National Theatre: Here, Ghana’s “King of Comedy” KSM, is having a show (most likely a one man show) titled “The Secret of GH Girls”. Sounds interesting and I wondering what secret nooorrr he has on our girls that I don’t know about.

2. Dome of AICC: If you are the young funky type who wants to jump to some hip hop tunes, then the Dome is the place for you. Why? Well, GH’s fastest rapper, Sarkodie is having the second in the series of his Rapperholic concert. I understand like Becca’s girlie talk, it is here to stay so you might want to catch up with Sarkodie right about now.

3. La Palm Royal Hotel: Renowned Ghanaian gospel artist, Danny Nettey and his friends are holding a praise and worship session at this hotel starting from 6pm, so if you want to add more meaning to your Christmas – spiritually, then make your way there now.

DEC. 26; DOME, AICC

On this date, the finest crop of Nigerian comedians and Ghanaian musicians will share one stage at the Night of 1015 Laughs and Music. This series has been running for sometime now only in Accra but this year, Kumasi is also going to benefit on December 29 at the Georgia Hotel Conference room.

December 27 and 28 are not statutory public holidays so do not expect a huge event. But hey look out for the Ghana Rocks concert at the Dome of the Conference center on December 27 in the pm.

DEC. 29

National Theatre: Uncle Ebo Whyte’s Roverman Festival of Plays returns on this date with the play “Caught in the Act”, featuring yours truly. I will not give too much away as far as the plot is concerned but I can assure you it will be worth your last pesewa.

There will be two shows at 4pm and 8pm

DEC. 30

National Theatre: The festival of plays continues on this date with the play “Don’t Mess with a woman” also at 4pm and 8pm.

DEC. 31

Church: Churches are expected to be flooded on this day as it ushers in the new year. My little advise is if you really want to go to church on this day, then set off early to avoid rush. I am not too sure if I can make it yet seeing as I am on duty at 5am the next day January 1.

JAN. 1

National Theatre: The Roverman Festival of Plays returns to the theatre at 4pm and 8pm with “Trials of a Ghanaian”. This is a hilarious comedy about one man who had hopes of changing Ghana but … did he really succeed? Hmmm. Should I tell or not? Ok, come along on this day let’s figure it out.

JAN. 2

National Theatre: The festival of play wraps up on this day with “Different Shades of Women”. Like all the other plays it runs at 4pm and 8pm.

Now I know you wondering where I got these from. They are events I know about by default 🙂  or have read about before hand. Any other event I didn’t mention it’s probably because I didn’t see, hear or read about it.

But just before I forget, you can get tickets for the Roverman festival of plays from Joy FM, Frankies at Osu, Airport Shell, Batsoona Total and Tema Comm. 11 Shell. GHC 40.00 per play and GHC 150.00 for all plays.

Hope I’ve contributed towards making your Christmas a fun-filled one (though I am still locked up in the office)

Anyways, let me wish you all a very Merry Christmas as well as thank you for your constant visits to my blog. I pray the new year brings us lots of happiness, health and wealth and oh note that there will be some changes on this blog from next year…the name for one will change. It will no longer be sabejives. Get ready to move to higher heights.

All the best and God bless.

Random thoughts – Post Elections

Finally, the much dreaded December 7 is history now…(sigh) Thank God!!! Personally, I think it was a memorable day. What do you say?

I say it was memorable because of the many stories that emerged from the day. I certainly cannot recount them all but I will try to give you a fair idea of what I know happened and what I was told happened.

Just before you ask, nope — I didn’t get to vote. I was on duty. You sure do know by now that the media did not vote during the special voting right? So we had to join everybody on December 7 to vote. Of course we were given privileged treatment but I still didn’t get to vote. Maybe we’ll get into details about that later.

But on memorable thing I picked up on my rounds on election day was an incident which occurred at a polling station called Golden Gate.

anxious voters await arrival of voting materials

I got there just a few minutes after 7am. I think it was 10 past 7. Voting materials were not in and the electoral officers didn’t have a clue what happened to their materials. Later they told me the driver of the van distributing the materials claimed he came by their polling station at 4:30am and they weren’t at post so he had to continue to the other centers to deliver the voting materials. Mind you, this one driver was serving the whole Tema West constituency I was later told.

It’s 8am and the crowd is growing impatient. I move closer to an angry man shouting atop his voice. He tells me the Electoral Commission is deliberately trying to disenfranchise them.

“We know all this is deliberate”, he blurs out in Twi. “This is someone’s stronghold and Sakumono is the NPP’s stronghold. We all know that. So why has voting started at Sakumono and hasn’t started here?” he quizzes me.

I tell him to relax and oh my that rather pissed him and his gang of two off big time! They then threaten to beat the driver of the van and all the electoral officials when the materials finally arrive. I told them it was not necessary but they wouldn’t listen.

Finally, the materials arrive at 8:35am and like clock-work, almost everyone at the polling center start hooting at the driver. Then the meandering lines got straightened and voting started just after 9am.

voters get ready to cast their ballot

The first woman to cast here vote having gone through the verification process and everything, took here parliamentary ballot paper and headed straight to the ballot box to drop the paper without putting her thumbprint by her preferred candidate. It got everyone laughing and at least tempers calmed a bit so I left.

I later discovered that the delayed arrival of voting materials was a general problem as some centers received their materials around midday on voting day.

Now, if the information I gathered about one van distributing voting materials in a whole constituency is true, I just want to know, why on earth would the EC want to do that? This really pissed people off and imagine if the guys at the polling station I talked about had actually carried through their threat, the poor officials would have suffered in vain.

But there were other juicy stories I gathered from colleague journalists about events that unfolded on election day.

Let me quickly share one with you now.

I was told in the Ketu South constituency in the Volta region, EC officials deviced a way of helping those who were having trouble being verified. Now you do remember that most of the verification machines broke down forcing the EC to postpone voting to the next day at some centers. Well, they should have contacted the Ketu South folks.

A pack of “ice block” was made available for these troubled voters and all they had to do was to put their finger on the ice cube till their finger felt numb and once they place it on the machine, the automated voice blurred “VERIFIED”. Now that is ingenuity at play right?

There was also the account of a man who threatened to take the ballot box away because after several tries, the machine could just not verify him to vote. So the security had to come in here to sort out the matter. Interesting, wouldn’t you say?

Let’s continue this conversation at another time. Duty calls!!!

Random thoughts before elections

Hello dear reader (trying to be very formal today…like anyone really cares. Lol), before I go any further with this post, I want to set the records straight.

First, I am sorry I haven’t written anything new in 2 months (now here comes that cliche) it was because I’m caught up in the election fever. I hope you do know that will be electing a new president and 275 parliamentarians on December 7. Well if you do not know, then now you do and that’s all thanks to me. (no need to thank me for that. It’s my public service duty…wink wink).

Ok now let’s get to the serious stuff. I do not intend to write much tonight. I just wanted to pick your brains on an issue that bothers me a lot every four years. It’s the issue of peace.

At the end of every four years when Ghana is getting ready to vote, all you hear is peace, peace, peace. But the interesting thing is that, whiles peace is being preached, some people are either pertuating or inciting violence. Which leaves my curious mind wondering, whu are we “wasting” our time on peace anyway?

It is a sad reality that politics in Ghana is not seen as a matter of trading ideas. Political opponents do not see each other as just people on the other side of the divide with a different view on matters.

So, if this basic understanding eludes us and our chunk of political activists who will do anyone’s bidding just for a few cedis which will mot last for even a month, then where are we going with our gospel of peace? Aren’t we then preaching to no, not the choir, but the Pope?

I think, myself and my colleagues in the media are doing Ghanaians a lot of disservice with all this blah blah about peace especially with a week to the polls. Seriously, if we had played our gatekeeper role well over the years and stopped this “erm Mr. X, Mr. Z of party Q says you use the loo 3 times a day at your neighbor’s house, is it true? What is your reaction kind of story” and stuck to the issues, I don’t think we will at this crunch time be spending time preaching to the converted when we should rather be helping the electorates deciding on which issues to look out for as a new breed of poli-trick-tians seek take over our sorry state of affairs.

But like they say, its never too late to teach an old dog some new tricks so hopefully, we’ll pick up from where this ends and turn a new leaf.

So, let’s all do what is right because at the end of the day, its not worth our while shedding blood just because someone who claims to have the nation’s interest at heart wants political power.

And oh our entertainers,what happened to the conscious movement of the past when musicians stood up against injustices in society? Enough of the sex talk, we’ll take the remaining lessons online, after all, aren’t we in the distance learning era? So please, entertain us but spare us all those lewd and suggestive lyrics, trust me, on our own, we can stretch our imagination far beyond what you want us to see.

I rest my case.