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Rocky Dawuni, Buyepongo, Jeremy Sole, Glenn Red, Kahlil Cummings, More For Afro Funke’s 20th Anniversary

KCRW & the iconic Grand Performances are teaming up for an extraordinary night in honor of the 20th Anniversary of Afro Funke’ on Saturday, July 22, 2023 from 6 to 10pm at Grand Performances in downtown Los Angeles! The event is free, all ages and picnics are welcomed.

Please come out and celebrate the legacy of the once weekly party night that turned global, with live performances from Rocky Dawuni and Buyepongo, plus DJ sets from Afro Funke’ resident DJs Glenn Red, and Jeremy Sole (resident KCRW DJ too!) and live drumming and dancing by the amazing Kahlil Cummings & friends! Join us for Afrobeat, Latin, Brazilian, Indian, Jamaican and other traditional and remixed world rhythms, plus African drumming and dancing, DJ Culture, arts & crafts, merch and much more!

About Afro Funke’
Afro Funke’ which is celebrating its 20th Anniversary in 2023, was the brainchild of 3x GRAMMY nominated Afro Roots musician and activist, Rocky Dawuni, who realized LA’s need for a night dedicated to African music, culture and art and it’s far reaching legacy around the world. Afro Funke’ was a super successful weekly event every Thursday night at Zanzibar in Santa Monica for over 10 years with the generous support of owners Louie & Netty Ryan and then moved on to be periodic event throughout Los Angeles at various larger and smaller scale venues including Levitt Pavilion, Grand Park, Hammer Museum, Fowler Museum, Townhouse in Venice as well as international events.

Dawuni (who is now based back in his native Ghana,) together with producer, talent curator and photographer Cary Sullivan created Afro Funke’, bringing on board resident DJ and co-founder DJ Jeremy Sole (KCRW, Le Frique Sonique) Afro Funke’ has presented international guest DJs, live band performances, guest musicians, dancers, cutting edge films, record release parties, fundraisers, fashion shows, art and photography installations, crafts and more. Sole spins his unique “Musaics,” or sound collage-blends of hip hop, jazz/funk, dub reggae, afro beat, and remixed world beats; pieced together with tribal breaks, and uplifted by dubbed-out turntable manipulation and live instrumentation. DJ Glenn Red (La Junta) is our second resident DJ and is an integral part of the Afro Funke’ Sound SystemAfro Funke’s profile has been greatly enhanced by its unique photo-based flyers which feature Cary Sullivan’s cutting-edge photographs of West African life.

 

 

 

About Rocky Dawuni
Afro Funke’ founder, Rocky Dawuni with his full 12 piece “Afro Roots Band” will headline the night. The three-time GRAMMY nominated musician and activist, straddles the boundaries between Africa, the Caribbean and the US that unites generations and cultures. A galvanizing performer, Dawuni has shared the stage with luminaries including Stevie Wonder, Ozomatli, Sauti Sol, Peter Gabriel and John Legend. Named one of Africa’s Top 10 global stars by CNN, he has showcased his talent at prestigious venues such as The Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center and The Hollywood Bowl. Rocky is a UN Goodwill Ambassador for the Environment for Africa. Through these and other designations he uses his music to shine a light on crucial issues facing humanity cross the globe through live concerts, speaking roles, panels, youth empowerment and much more!
http://www.rockydawuni.com
https://www.instagram.com/rockydawuni

 

About Buyepongo
Hometown favorites, Buyepongo make contemporary pan-Latin music in the style they intriguingly call “buyangú” — an eclectic but cohesive mezcla of global beats and spicy flavors influenced by their California home base as well as the band members’ travels to Central and South America. https://www.instagram.com/buyepongo
https://buyepongo.bandcamp.com/

 

About Jeremy Sole

Jeremy Sole’s upbringing was seeped in the rich Chicago history of Blues, Jazz, Disco, Salsa and Soul – and he reveled in that space where they all blend together. As a teenager, Sole threw loft parties that were a culture clash during the birth of Hip Hop and House music. His obsession grew to include music from every corner of the world and, in 2001, Sole moved to LA. With a broad musical palette, he felt right at home in the spiciest melting pot in the country. In April 2006, Sole was in the studio working with Ms. Lauryn Hill. After hearing him mix, she asked if he had ever considered getting into radio, “…because this is the music the people need to hear”. Months later, KCRW called to ask him that same question, and since then you can hear him Wednesdays from 12-3am on 89.9FM and KCRW.com. https://www.instagram.com/jeremysole/
https://www.kcrw.com/music/shows/jeremy-sole

 

About Glenn Red
Known primarily for his work as half of Santa Monica’s legendary Afro Funké Sound System and one-third of beloved Afro-Latin deejay/producer collective, La Junta, GLENN RED quietly continues to forge a loyal following among fans of eclectic music, steadily rocking crowds in the city’s most respected venues alongside the finest selectors and musicians from around the world. With the honest music of passionate artists as a common thread, his deejay sets weave fluidly through time and across genres, connecting the traditional sounds of Africa and the Americas with their modern expressions around the globe. Afrobeat, Cumbia, Rumba, and Samba rhythms embrace Funk, Soul, Hip-Hop, and Reggae, as Glenn’s rhythmic and multifaceted sound echoes the deep, colorful, and spirited energy of LA and its soulful people. https://glennred.com 
http://www.instagram.com/glennzenn10

 

 

About Kahlil Cummings
Kahlil Cummings, a Los Angeles native, is an acclaimed drummer, exceptional performer, composer, and educator. Kahlil was recognized as a child prodigy very early. He has played with numerous reputable groups including Ballet Folclórico Do Brasil, Sona Sané, Abalayé, Mila Samba School, Inu Olorun, Debbie Allen Dance Company, Les Amazones, and Viver Brasil. Kahlil honed his rhythmic gifts with noted teachers including Mestre Amen Santo, Jose Ricardo Sousa, Kobla Ladzekpo, Esteban “Cha Cha” Bacallao (Ibae), and Sandy Perez. His studies in Guinea, Brazil and Cuba have helped to widely broaden his knowledge and musical strength. However, he is most profoundly influenced by West African master drummer Mamady Keita, with whom he has studied since the age of 13. Kahlil is the founder of Extra Ancestral which began in 2017 as an ensemble that aims to educate audiences through the fusions of hypnotic Afrobeat, Reggae, Jazz, Afro-Latin, and traditional African diasporic rhythms, narrated by powerful ancestral dancing. Kahlil also plays and tours with international recording artists Rocky Dawuni, Kamasi Washington & many more. http://www.kahlilcummings.com

 

 

About Cary Sullivan
Cary Sullivan is the co-founder and producer of Afro Funke’. She is a multi-talented photographer, artist manager, event producer, talent curator, promoter, activist and mother who has run the gamut of the culture, music & art landscape from coordinating festivals in Africa to producing progressive radio in Los Angeles. Cary co-owns and operates AQUARIAN Records, which is a record label and production company dedicated to bringing the eclectic culture of Ghana to the world through music, live concerts, photography, philanthropy and wellness; working primarily with GRAMMY Nominated musician and creative activist, Rocky Dawuni as well as a group of amazing up & coming artists. http://www.instagram.com/afrofunke

 

 

About KCRW Summer Nights
KCRW Summer Nights is BACK! We’ve teamed up with some of the best cultural hotspots around Southern California to throw the perfect summertime parties. These nights are FREE, all-ages, outdoors, and will feature your favorite KCRW DJs, bands, exhibits and more. So mark your calendar, dust off your dancing shoes, and spend the season with us! https://www.kcrw.com/summer-nights

About Grand Performances
Grand Performances, the longest running presenter of free outdoor concerts in Los Angeles, is returning this year to the newly renovated California Plaza in DTLA for its 37th season! Grand Performances mission is to inspire community, celebrate diversity, and unite Los Angeles through free access to global performing arts.

Please JOIN US on Saturday, July 22, 2023
6 to 10pm / FREE / ALL Ages
Parking available on site for a fee
Picnics and families welcome
**Special thanks to Fusicology for all of their support!

Grand Performances
350 South Grand Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90071
213-687-2190
http://www.grandperformances.org

 

PLUS we are doing a very special After Party from 10pm to 2am at
The Moroccan Lounge right after the Grand Performances event which is just a few minutes away!! Please come through and let’s continue the Afro Funke’ 20th Anniversary Celebration!!

The Moroccan Lounge
901 E. 1st Street
Los Angeles, CA
213.295.0610
$10 presale and $15 at door

 
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Entertainment

NAACP Image Awards 2025: Full Winners List

The 56th NAACP Image Awards, which honour the year’s best in Black achievement and excellence, wrapped up Saturday night by naming Keke Palmer its Entertainer of the Year, the group’s marquee award.

 

Deon Cole emceed the ceremony at the Pasadena Civic Center, where honorary awards were given to Kamala Harris, who received the Chairman’s Award; BET Media Group, which received the Founders Award; and Dave Chappelle, who received the President’s Award and gave an impassioned speech, saying he was “invigorated” in receiving what he called the most important award he had ever received.

 

Tonight was the culmination of two nights of pre-show awards earlier in the week, with winners including Beyoncé taking Outstanding Female Artist and Outstanding Album of the Year, Doechii winning Outstanding New Artist, and Chris Brown winning Outstanding Male Artist in the  music categories.

 

Here’s the complete 2025 winners list:

Saturday Winners

Entertainer of the Year

Keke Palmer

Outstanding Motion Pictures

“The Six Triple Eight” (Netflix)

Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture 

Kerry Washington — “The Six Triple Eight” (Netflix)

Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture 

Martin Lawrence — “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” (Sony Pictures)

Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Serie

Damon Wayans — “Poppa’s House” (CBS)

Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series

Quinta Brunson — “Abbott Elementary” (ABC)

Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series

Michael Rainey Jr. — “Power Book II: Ghost” (Starz)

Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series

Queen Latifah — “The Equalizer” (CBS)

Pre-Show Night 2 Winners

TV/MOTION PICTURE

Outstanding Costume Design (Television or Motion Picture)

“Wicked” – Paul Tazewell (Universal Pictures)

Outstanding Hair Styling (Television or Motion Picture)

“Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist” – Lawrence Davis (Peacock)

Outstanding Make-up (Television or Motion Picture)

“Shirley” – Debi Young (Netflix)

Outstanding Stunt Ensemble

“Rebel Ridge” – Keith Woulard, Nico Woulard (Netflix)

Outstanding International Motion Picture

“Emilia Pérez” – (Netflix)

Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance (Motion Picture)

Blue Ivy Carter – “Mufasa: The Lion King” (Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture)

Outstanding Directing in a Documentary (Television or Motion Picture)

Dawn Porter – “Luther: Never Too Much” (Sony  Music Entertainment/Sony Music Publishing/CNN Films)

Outstanding Cinematography in a Motion Picture

Jomo Fray – “Nickel Boys” (Orion Pictures/Amazon MGM Studios)

Outstanding Breakthrough Creative (Motion Picture)

Malcolm Washington – “The Piano Lesson” (Netflix)

Outstanding Breakthrough Performance in a Motion Picture

Ebony Obsidian – “The Six Triple Eight” (Netflix)

Outstanding Ensemble Cast in a Motion Picture

“The Six Triple Eight” – (Netflix)

MUSIC

Outstanding New Artist

Doechii – (Capitol Records/Top Dawg Entertainment)

Outstanding Male Artist

Chris Brown – (RCA Records/Chris Brown Entertainment)

Outstanding Female Artist

Beyoncé – (Columbia Records/Parkwood Entertainment LLC)

Outstanding International Song

“Hmmm” – Chris Brown feat. Davido (RCA Records/Chris Brown Entertainment)

Outstanding Jazz Album

“Portrait” – Samara Joy (Verve Records)

Outstanding Gospel/Christian Song

“Working For Me” – Tamela Mann (Tillymann Music Group)

Outstanding Gospel/Christian Album

“Live Breathe Fight” – Tamela Mann (Tillymann Music Group)

Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration (Traditional)

Adam Blackstone & Fantasia – “Summertime” (BASSic Black Entertainment Records/Anderson Music Group/EMPIRE)

Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration (Contemporary)

Wizkid feat. Brent Faiyaz – “Piece of My Heart” (RCA Records/Sony Music International/Starboy Entertainment)

Outstanding Original Score for Television/Film

“Star Wars: The Acolyte (Original Soundtrack)” – (Walt Disney Records)

Outstanding Song – Hip-Hop/Rap Song

“Not Like Us” – Kendrick Lamar (pgLang, under exclusive license to Interscope Records)

Outstanding Album

“Cowboy Carter” – Beyoncé (Columbia Records/Parkwood Entertainment LLC)

PODCASTS

Outstanding Podcast – Limited Series/Short Form

“Stranded” – (Broadway Video and Audible)

Outstanding Podcast – News and Information

“Native Land Pod” – (iHeartPodcasts, Reasoned Choice Media)

Outstanding Podcast – Lifestyle/Self-Help

“We Don’t Always Agree with Ryan & Sterling” – (ABF Creative & Indian Meadows Production)

Pre-Show Night 1 Winners

TELEVISION

Outstanding Children’s Program

“Gracie’s Corner” – YouTube TV

Outstanding Performance by a Youth (Series, Special, Television Movie or Limited Series)

Leah Sava Jeffries – “Percy Jackson and the Olympics” (Disney+)

Outstanding Animated Series

“Gracie’s Corner” – YouTube TV

Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance (Television)

Cree Summer – “Rugrats” (Nickelodeon)

Outstanding Variety (Series or Special)

“Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was” (Netflix)

Outstanding Guest Performance

Marlon Wayans – “Bel-Air” (Peacock)

Outstanding Writing in a Comedy Series

Crystal Jenkins – “No Good Deed – Letters of Intent” Netflix)

Outstanding Writing in a Drama Series

Ben Watkins – Cross “Hero Complex” (Prime Video)

Outstanding Writing in a Television Movie or Special

Juel Taylor, Tony Rettenmaier, Thembi L. Banks – “Young. Wild. Free.” (BET+)

Outstanding Breakthrough Creative (Television)

Ayo Edebiri – “The Bear” (FX/Hulu)

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Television (Series, Special, Movie)

Taraji P. Henson – “Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist” (Peacock)

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Television (Series, Special, Movie)

Samuel L. Jackson – “Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist” (Peacock)

Outstanding Directing in a Television Movie or Special

Tina Mabry – “The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat” (Hulu)

Outstanding Directing in a Comedy Series

Tiffany Johnson – “How to Die Alone – ‘Trust No One’” (Hulu)

Outstanding Directing in a Drama Series

Rapman – “Supacell – ‘Supacell’” (Netflix)

Outstanding News/Information (Series or Special)

“The Reidout” – MSNBC

Outstanding Host in a Reality/Reality Competition, Game Show or Variety (Series or Special) – Individual or Ensemble

Keke Palmer – “Password” (NBC)

Outstanding Reality Program, Reality Competition Services/Game Show

“Celebrity Family Feud” (ABC)

BOOKS

Outstanding Literary Work – Fiction

“One of Us Knows: A Thriller” – Alyssa Cole (William Morrow – HarperCollins Publishers)

Outstanding Literary Work – Non-Fiction

“Love & Whiskey: The Remarkable True Story of Jack Daniel, His Master Distiller Nearest Green, and the Improbable Rise of Uncle Nearest” – Fawn Weaver (Melcher Media Inc.)

Outstanding Literary Work – Debut Author

Sarai Johnson – “Grown Women” (Harper – HarperCollins Publishers)

Outstanding Literary Work – Biography/Autobiography

“Medgar and Myrlie: Medgar Evers and the Love Story That Awakened America” – Joy-Ann Reid (Mariner Books – HarperCollins Publishers)

Outstanding Literary Work – Instructional

“Wash Day: Passing on the Legacy, Rituals, and Love of Natural Hair” – Tomesha Faxio (Clarkson Potter – Crown Publishing Group)

Outstanding Literary Work – Poetry

“This Is the Honey: An Anthology of Contemporary Black Poets” – Kwame Alexander (Little, Brown and Company – Hachette Book Group)

Outstanding Literary Work – Children

“You Can Be a Good Friend (No Matter What!): A Lil TJ Book” – Taraji P. Henson, Paul Kellam (Zonderkidz – HarperCollins Publishers)

Outstanding Literary Work – Youth/Teens

“Brushed Between Cultures: A YA Coming of Age Novel Set in Brooklyn, New York” – Samarra St. Hilaire (Self-Published)

Outstanding Literary Work – Graphic Novel

“Punk Rock Karaoke” – Bianca Xunise

SHORT FORM

Outstanding ShortForm Series or Special – Reality/Nonfiction/Documentary

“The Prince of Death Row Records” (YouTube TV)

Outstanding Short Form Documentary (Film)

“How to Sue the Klan”

Outstanding Short Form (Live Action)

“Superman Doesn’t Steal”

Outstanding Short Form (Animated)

“Peanut Headz: Black History Toonz “Jackie Robinson” (Exhibit Treal Studios)

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Voletta Wallace, Notorious B.I.G.’s Mother, Dies At 72

Voletta Wallace, the mother of the late Notorious B.I.G. and founder of the Christopher Wallace Memorial Foundation, has passed away.

On Friday, February 21, TMZ confirmed Wallace died in Stroudsburg, Penn.

According to Monroe County Coroner Thomas Yanac, she had been in hospice care and passed away of natural causes. She was 72.

Born in Jamaica, Wallace moved to Brooklyn, N.Y. where she and George Latore welcomed their only son, Christopher, into the world.

After Latore left the family in 1974, Wallace worked as a preschool teacher and raised her son as a single mom.

Even though her son fell into the drug game at a young age, Wallace watched him transform from an alleged criminal into a budding rap star once he got his big break in the late 1980s. Ms. Wallace became actively involved in Biggie Smalls’ music career after he was signed to Bad Boy Records in 1993. She appeared in the music video for his breakthrough hit “Juicy” in 1994 and inspired the infamous line, “She loved to show me off of course/Smiles every time my face is up in The Source.”

Voletta Wallace did everything she could to keep her son’s legacy alive especially after he was shot and killed in 1997. She took over his estate worth $10 million and grew it into an estimated $160 million. Ms. Wallace eventually passed down earnings from her son’s estate to her grandchildren T’yanna Wallace and CJ Wallace. She also produced Biggie’s biopic Notorious in 2009 and spent time with Jamal Woolard, who portrayed her son in the film. She continued to boast about her son’s accomplishments well after his death including his induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2020 and the estate’s recent venture into the NFT space.

Rest in peace, Voletta Wallace.

Source: iHeart

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Craig David And Kwame Yeboah Sold Out The O2 Arena London During The Commitment Tour UK

Craig David, the award-winning British R&B singer, recently thrilled thousands of fans as he headlined a sold-out show at the O2 Arena in London during his Commitment Tour UK 2025. The event, which featured Ghanaian multi-instrumentalist and producer Kwame Yeboah, was one of the most anticipated stops on David’s extensive UK tour.
Craig David, known for his chart-topping hits like 7 Days and Walking Away, took the stage with an electrifying performance that combined his classic anthems with fresh material from his upcoming album, Commitment. The O2 Arena, one of London’s premier music venues, was packed with enthusiastic fans who sang along to his timeless tracks.
Kwame Yeboah, a celebrated musician who has worked with international stars, was a key part of the band, adding a rich, live instrumental depth to the performance. His expertise in blending R&B, jazz, and Afrobeat sounds brought a unique musical dynamic to the show.
Craig David’s Commitment Tour spans multiple cities across the UK, including Leeds, Glasgow, Manchester, Birmingham, and Nottingham, before concluding in London at the O2 Arena. The tour is a celebration of his 25-year career, offering fans a mix of nostalgia and new music experiences.
Lemar, another celebrated UK R&B star, also joined the tour as the opening act, delivering a stellar set of his own classic hits like If There’s Any Justice and *Dance (With U)*.
Kwame Yeboah has been a frequent collaborator with international musicians, and his partnership with Craig David highlights his exceptional talent. His ability to blend African rhythms with contemporary Western music has made him a sought-after performer and music director.
During the O2 show, Yeboah’s instrumental prowess was evident, especially in live renditions of Craig David’s songs, where his guitar solos and drum arrangements brought a fresh energy to the classics.
The O2 Arena’s sold-out status reaffirmed Craig David’s enduring influence in the UK music scene. Fans took to social media to share their excitement, praising the seamless mix of classic hits, new tracks, and the incredible live arrangements featuring Kwame Yeboah.
With such a successful show in London, the Commitment Tour is set to remain one of the biggest R&B tours in 2025, further cementing Craig David’s legacy in UK music history.
Watch The Performance here:

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Kwame Yeboah (@kwame__yeboah)

 

Written By: Salia Ahmed ( Promoter Koolic )

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Denel Foundation: Empowering The Future Through Project One In A Million’s Transformative Initiatives For 2025

Project One in a Million is gearing up for a ground-breaking year ahead with a series of carefully planned initiatives designed to create a lasting impact across various sectors. From community engagement to education and media outreach, our roadmap for the coming year promises an exciting journey filled with opportunities to connect, educate, and inspire.

 

Kicking off the year, our team will embark on an extensive Community and Municipality Tour, visiting 10 key regions. Beginning on April 13th, we’ll connect with local communities, share valuable insights, and foster meaningful dialogue. These tours are designed to engage residents, offer support, and collaborate on projects that can transform the landscape of these regions.

 

Project One in a Million will also elevate education through a series of school tours and seminars. Starting on May 3rd, we’ll visit seven schools in Accra as well as schools in other regions to engage with students, faculty, and staff. These seminars will focus on key areas like leadership, personal development, and community empowerment. Our goal is to inspire the next generation to dream big and think beyond their limits.

 

Denel Foundation, we are proud to introduce the “Young, Bold, and Courageous” School Tour. This initiative aims to empower young minds to step out of their comfort zones, embrace their boldest ambitions, and pursue courageous actions in their communities. The tour will be held across various schools, offering motivational talks and interactive sessions designed to instil confidence and resilience in students.

 

 

Additionally, we will embark on an extensive media tour, featuring major radio and TV appearances. This media blitz will showcase our ongoing efforts, highlight key projects, and provide updates on the impactful work we’ve been doing. Through these appearances, we aim to increase awareness, engage a broader audience, and amplify the message of our mission.

 

To cap off a year of exciting developments, we’re thrilled to announce the Accra Invasion Screening, set for November 14th, 2025. This open event promises to be an unforgettable experience, bringing the community together for a day of celebration, connection, and entertainment. It’s a chance for us to reflect on our journey, share our accomplishments, and look ahead to the future.

 

With a well-structured roadmap for the year ahead, Project One in a Million is committed to making a positive and lasting impact. From community outreach to educational seminars and media engagement, each initiative is designed to uplift, empower, and inspire. Stay tuned for more updates and joins us as we make 2025 a year to remember.

 

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Entertainment

Your Patwa Accent Is Not Real In Ghana – Chobl3 M3ka Fumes

The dancehall music terrain in Ghana has experienced growth and penetration in the music market, due to the influx of talented dancehall musicians over the years. This has greatly contributed to the development of the Ghanaian music industry.

Introducing Chobl3 M3ka, the rising star of Reggae Dancehall with a sound that hits hard and stays true to the roots. In a recent interview on Metro TV, monitored by Kobby Loam, Jamaican musician Chobl3 M3ka engaged in a vital conversation about dancehall music
in Ghana. During the discussion, he shared his thoughts on the current state of dancehall music in Ghana, acknowledging artistes such as Jupitar, Shatta Wale, and Stonebwoy as musicians he admires. However, he also expressed his view that these Ghanaian musicians often lack an organic command and diction of the patwa language in their music composition. He noted that they fail to replicate the authenticity of the dancehall genre due to the genre’s deeply rooted cultural connections.

 

His latest release, Pot Of Trouble EP is a high energy collection of tracks blending infectious rhythms, sharp lyricism, and a fearless exploration of life’s trials and triumphs.

 

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Ghanaians Don’t Hold Onto Their Own, That’s Why Nigerians Are Claiming Highlife – Ben Brainy

Ghanaian musician Ben Brainy has sparked an important conversation about Ghana’s music industry following his recent appearance on Bryt TV with El Baby during his music video premiere. Addressing a growing concern, Ben Brainy pointed out that Ghanaians do not hold onto their cultural and musical heritage long enough, which has allowed Nigerians to dominate and claim ownership of Highlife music.
Highlife music, one of Ghana’s most treasured musical genres, has played a crucial role in shaping African music. With pioneers like E.T. Mensah, Nana Ampadu, Amakye Dede, and Daddy Lumba, Highlife has long been a symbol of Ghanaian identity. However, Ben Brainy believes that Ghana has not done enough to preserve and promote the genre.
According to him, Ghanaian musicians often abandon their traditional sounds in pursuit of newer trends, leaving a gap that Nigerian artists have strategically filled. By fusing Highlife with Afrobeat, Nigerians have managed to rebrand and commercialize the genre, gaining international recognition while Ghana struggles to maintain its influence.
“We don’t hold onto our own for long. We started Highlife, but now it’s the Nigerians who are making it big with it. We leave what we have and chase other things,” Ben Brainy lamented during the interview.
He urged Ghanaian musicians and industry players to be more intentional about preserving and promoting Ghana’s musical identity, rather than allowing foreign influences to overshadow it. He emphasized that if Ghanaians want to maintain ownership of Highlife, they must invest in the genre, push it globally, and take pride in their cultural heritage.
During his appearance on Bryt TV, Ben Brainy also premiered the official music video for his latest song, ‘Location’. The song, which blends Afrobeat and Highlife influences, showcases his signature sound and storytelling ability. The visuals complement the song’s theme, adding a vibrant and engaging experience for fans.

 

With ‘Location’, Ben Brainy is not only making waves in the industry but also reinforcing the importance of staying true to Ghanaian musical roots. Fans can stream the video on all major platforms as he continues to push his artistry to new heights.

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Music Fuels My Soul Every Day” – Danny Lampo Opens Up on His Ever-Growing Passion

In the dynamic world of music, passion is the driving force that separates true artists from the rest. One artist who embodies this is the UK-based Ghanaian Afrobeat and Dancehall sensation Danny Lampo. In an exclusive interview, the award-winning musician expressed how his love for music continues to grow stronger with each passing day.
From his early years, Danny Lampo’s love for music has been evident. His journey into the industry was not just about making hits but about using music as a means to connect, inspire, and express his emotions. Over the years, his passion for music has only deepened, shaping his sound and artistic vision.
“Music is more than just entertainment for me; it’s my life, my energy, and my biggest source of inspiration. Each day, I wake up with new ideas, new melodies, and a greater drive to create. It’s like my passion keeps expanding without limits,” Danny Lampo shared.
Danny Lampo is known for his consistency and work ethic. His recent songs, including “Where The Money Dey” featuring Medikal and “Go Away,” have solidified his place in the industry. Despite the challenges that come with being an independent artist, his dedication to his craft has never wavered.
“Every time I step into the studio, I feel like I’m unlocking a new level of creativity. The more I invest my time into music, the more I realize how much I love it. It’s like an addiction, but in the best way possible,” he explained.
Danny Lampo’s music has reached beyond Ghana and the UK, gaining recognition across Europe and Africa. His sound, a fusion of Afrobeat, Dancehall, and Hip-Hop, has won him a loyal fan base. He has performed on major platforms, collaborated with big names in the industry, and received several award nominations.
Recently, his song “Santiago” earned him three nominations at the Ghana Music Awards UK 2024, further proving his impact on the international music scene.
As his passion for music continues to grow, Danny Lampo is preparing to release more projects that will take his career to even greater heights. Fans can expect new collaborations, performances, and groundbreaking music that reflects his artistic evolution.
“I’m just getting started. The love I have for music keeps pushing me to explore new sounds, new experiences, and new ways to entertain and inspire my audience. The best is yet to come,” he assured.
Danny Lampo’s story is a testament to what passion, determination, and talent can achieve. As he continues his musical journey, one thing is certain his fire for music will keep burning, brighter than ever.
Stay connected with Danny Lampo on all social media platforms to catch up on his latest music, performances, and exclusive announcements.
Written By: Promoter Koolic
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Entertainment

Free Health Screening And NHIS Issuance & Renewal In Dohini Community: A Collaborative Initiative By Hamdia Issifu

On 15th February, I, Hamdia Issifu, founder of Azima Care Foundation and second runner-up of Miss Muslimah Ghana 2024, led a Free Health Screening and NHIS Issuance & Renewal event in the Dohini Community. The event provided Hepatitis B screenings, blood sugar, pressure checks, health education,and both NHIS card renewals and new card issuances to residents in need.
As a Dagomba woman from Northern Ghana, I’ve always been passionate about supporting the less privileged, especially orphans and the homeless. This passion led me to pursue the Miss Muslimah Ghana pageant, where I now use my platform to advocate for health and empowerment in communities like Dohini.
This initiative was made possible by a partnership with NHIS, Tamale Sub, and Ghana Health Service – Tamale Metro Dohini Health Centre. Through this collaboration, we were able to provide vital health services to over 400 people, far exceeding our initial target of 200.
A big thank you to Hon. Attah Issah, the Member of Parliament for Sagnarigu, and Alhaji Abass for their generous financial support. Special thanks also go to the volunteers, health professionals, and everyone who contributed to the success of this event.
As I continue my journey to advocate for health and empowerment through Azima Care Foundation, I am grateful for the impact we made in Dohini and look forward to even greater things ahead.
Hamdia Issifu
Founder of Azima Care Foundation
Second Runner-up, Miss Muslimah Ghana 2024
Known as Deeyah_baker on Social Platforms
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Entertainment

Mary Owusu Releases The Official Video For “Divine Selection”

Spirit-filled singer Mary Owusu is out with an official video for her current single, “Divine Selection”.

 

The Flexible Eye Production signee is back again to the music scene after getting a nomination in the 2016 VGMA.

 

Divine Selection is already accepted by music lovers and it’s doing well in the music market.

 

Enjoy the video directed by Playmaker.

 

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Entertainment

Inpha Reblitive Talks Collaboration Dreams With Stonebwoy And Shatta Wale

Jamaican Dancehall artist Inpha Reblitive is making waves in Ghana with his latest
single, “Nu Feel Like Miself (Broken)” featuring DJ Kunteh. The emotionally charged
track, released earlier this year, delves into themes of identity, resilience, and personal
transformation—resonating deeply with audiences navigating life’s challenges.
During a recent interview with Ameyaw TV, Inpha Reblitive expressed his admiration for
Ghana’s thriving music scene and revealed his interest in collaborating with Stonebwoy
and Shatta Wale. He acknowledged Shatta Wale’s immense popularity in Jamaica,
highlighting the impact of “On God”, which gained traction after being performed at Vybz
Kartel’s Freedom Street Concert. He also recognized the global success of Black
Sherif’s “Kwaku The Traveller”, which went viral in Jamaica.
Born Montie Martin in Raymonds, Clarendon, Inpha’s journey has been shaped by
hardship, determination, and an unwavering passion for music. After losing his father at
age 11 and becoming a breadwinner by 1age 8, he turned to music as both an
emotional outlet and a tool for change. His signature blend of Dancehall and Reggae is
deeply rooted in reality, relativity, and resilience, making his music both powerful and
relatable.
Inpha Reblitive has built a strong reputation in the industry with songs like “Rose &
Wreath,” “Pretty & Petty” ft. Destiny Sparta, “Alone” ft. ShaneO, and “Decimal Point.”
His collaborations with Vybz Kartel, Tommy Lee Sparta, Sikka Rymes, and Destiny
Sparta have further cemented his position as one of the genre’s most promising voices.
His recent hit “Papa Proud” and the highly anticipated “Harden Mi Heart” continue to
showcase his lyrical prowess and emotional depth.
With “Nu Feel Like Miself (Broken)”, Inpha Reblitive delivers a raw, heartfelt anthem that
captures the essence of Dancehall culture while pushing its boundaries. As he expands
his reach in Ghana and beyond, his music remains a testament to the transformative
power of perseverance and self-discovery.

Watch the interview on Ameyaw TV below

 

 

Connect With Inpha Reblitive on Instagram and Spotify

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