Actor Gene Hackman and his wife have been found dead at their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, police have said.

Santa Fe Sheriff’s Office said: “We do not believe foul play was a factor in their deaths; however, the exact cause of death has not been determined at this time.”

In a career that spanned more than six decades, Hackman, 95, received two Academy Awards, two Baftas, four Golden Globes, and a Screen Actors Guild Award.

Hackman won the best actor Oscar for his role as Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle in William Friedkin’s 1971 thriller The French Connection, and another for best supporting actor for playing Little Bill Daggett in Clint Eastwood’s Western film Unforgiven in 1992.

His other Oscar-nominated roles were in 1967 movie Bonnie and Clyde, as Buck Barrow, 1970’s I Never Sang for My Father, and as the agent in Mississippi Burning (1988).

Much celebrated actor Hackman played more than 100 rules including Lex Luthor in Superman movies in the 1970s and 1980s.

He also starred in the hit movies Runaway Jury and The Conservation, as well as Wes Anderson’s The Royal Tenenbaums.

His last big screen appearance came as Monroe Cole in Welcome to Mooseport in 2004.

Ghanaian rapper and entrepreneur Okyeame Kwame has endorsed King Paluta as Artiste of the Year.

In a Facebook post, Okyeame wrote: “Artiste of the year. Signed sealed delivered. And he is wearing the love equation by ok. Medaase.”

Although he didn’t add any award scheme to the post, it has stoked conversations about who deserves to win the Artiste of the Year slot in the forthcoming Telecel Ghana Music Awards.

Some people have argued that King Paluta’s visibility and hard work in the year under review (2024) towers over any other musician in Ghana. Their argument is premised on the fact that he released three smash hit songs: Aseda, Makoma, Pop Champagne, an album and appeared on many high profile concerts in Ghana and abroad.

Meanwhile, a section of music lovers are also rooting for King Promise, who was a huge contender for the slot last year.

Apart from these two artistes, Stonebwoy’s work in 2024 has been acknowledged by some music stakeholders as impressive. They believe that the Bhim Nation President deserves to win Artiste of the Year award again.

Telecel Ghana Music Awards’ Artiste of the Year category, is defined as the “Artiste(s) adjudged by the Academy, Board and the General Public as the artiste with the highest audience appeal and popularity in the year under review. The artiste must have released a hit Single/EP/Album, and must be one of the artistes with the highest nominations in the year under review.”

In the meantime, the organisers of the TGMA are yet to release the nominations for this year’s awards.

Source: JoyOnline

Ghanaian actor Martha Ankomah and Kwadwo Nkansah Lilwin have reached an agreement in the GH₵5 million defamation lawsuit brought against the latter by the former.

According to reliable information available to us, the parties reached a settlement agreement following an in-camera hearing on Tuesday, February 25, 2025.

The parties have since agreed on a three hundred thousand (GH₵ 300,000) settlement.

In a video shared on Facebook, a seemingly excited Martha Ankomah is seen walking out of the court with her lawyers.

In December 2024, Martha Ankomah turned down actor Lilwin’s public apology, deeming it insufficient in resolving the defamation suit she filed against him.

Background to the Case

The defamation suit arose from a viral video in which Lilwin allegedly insulted Martha Ankomah, undermining her prominence in the film industry. Ankomah claimed that the statements were reckless and malicious, causing significant damage to her reputation. In her lawsuit, Ankomah was seeking:

• • GH₵5 million in damages for the defamatory statements.
  • Compensatory damages for harm to her reputation.
  • Aggravated damages for the malicious publication of the defamatory words.
  • A court order compelling Lilwin to publish a formal apology and retraction with equal prominence.

Controversial social media personality Albert Nathaniel Hyde, widely known as Bongo Ideas, has found himself in legal trouble following a defamation lawsuit filed by Kojo Onipayede, also known as Kojo Forex.

On May 17, 2023, Kojo Forex filed an amended statement of claim with the court, accusing Bongo Ideas of libel. In the suit, Kojo Forex sought damages totalling one million Ghana cedis (GH₵1,000,000).

After reviewing the evidence presented, Justice Forson Agyapong Baah of the Accra High Court Jurisdiction 2 delivered a ruling on January 28, 2025.

The court awarded Kojo Forex general damages of GH₵100,000, along with an additional GH₵50,000 for aggravated, exemplary, and compensatory damages. Furthermore, the defendant was ordered to pay GH₵20,000 in legal costs.

In addition to the financial awards, the court granted several other reliefs to the plaintiff.

Bongo Ideas was ordered to publicly apologize for the defamatory statements made and to retract them on his Twitter page within 21 days of the judgment. The court also issued a permanent injunction preventing Bongo Ideas from making or publishing any further defamatory statements regarding Kojo Forex.

This ruling marks a significant legal setback for Bongo Ideas, who has often been a figure of controversy on social media.

Westline Entertainment, organizers of the prestigious Western Music Awards have opened nominations for the 9th edition.

This year’s scheme has a total of 31 categories including new category, Best Female Artiste of The Year.

According to the organizers, the works of artistes and other stakeholders from February 2024 to January 2025 are considered eligible for this year’s Western Music Awards.

“The deadline for nominations is March 17, 2025,” Nana Kwesi Coomson, the Head of Public Relations department of the organizers announced, adding that, the theme for this year’s edition is ‘Rhythm of Success.’

“This year’s submissions are entirely electronic via http://www.wmagh.com/submission. The deadline for submission is March 17, 2025,” Mr. Coomson added.

The Western Music Awards is the region’s flagship awards ceremony that has projected many Artistes for their works in a review year.

Amongst the notable Artistes who have received the awards include the reigning Artiste of the year, SK. Frimpong, Kofi Kinaata, Fameye, Dopenation, C.K. Mann, Jewel Ackah, Paapa Yankson and many more.

Afrogospel sensation Joseph Matthew is set to ignite the music scene once again with his upcoming single, “Love In You”.

The multiple award-winning artist, Joseph Matthew has consistently blessed us with a rich repertoire of contemporary gospel music, and we can’t wait to see what he has in store for us this time.

Joseph Matthew’s recent release, “Fear No Evil”, took the music world by storm, topping charts and racking up impressive numbers across digital music platforms. The song’s unique blend of locally bred brass and Afrocentric rhythms made it a timeless classic, transcending cultures and ages.

Given Joseph Matthew’s track record of delivering exceptional music, it’s safe to say that “Love In You” will be nothing short of phenomenal. The anticipation is building, and we can’t wait to experience the soul-stirring, spirit-lifting vibes that Joseph Matthew is known for.

As we eagerly await the release of “Love In You”, take a moment to revisit Joseph Matthew’s inspiring discography, including the uplifting “Fear No Evil”. Trust us, you won’t be disappointed.

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)

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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Written By: Salia Ahmed ( Promoter Koolic )

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.