FIPAG Admits Piracy Is A Problem

Asare Hackman

Steve Asare Hackman, President of the Film Producers Association of Ghana (FIPAG), has admitted that the production and sale of pirated movies are affecting the movie industry.

Though FIPAG has a taskforce responsible for fighting the act which is reported to be on the rise, Mr Hackman told NEWS-ONE that piracy is broader than what people think.

“We have an anti-piracy taskforce who occasional go round to arrest those who deal in the pirated Ghanaian movies. The issue with piracy is that it cannot be eradicated but you can only minimise it. Whiles  our producers are selling their CDs for let’s say GH¢5 or GH¢7, these pirates will be selling the same movie on DVD at a cheaper price, and with the current economic situation, people will prefer to buy the pirated one to the original ones,” he stated.

When the paper interacted with some Ghanaian movie producers, they noted that sales of movies had gone down because most people are only interested in pirating the movies rather than buying the original ones.

But the FIPAG boss explained that the association’s anti-piracy taskforce was working tirelessly to curb the issue.

According to him the taskforce, who works in collaboration with the police and FIPAG executives, is divided into two; one for the southern sector—who take care of Greater Accra, Western, Eastern and Volta Regions; and another for the northern sector—responsible for Ashanti, Brong Ahafo and the Northern Regions.

“In recent times, when these producers talk about piracy, it is not only about people remaking the CDs or DVDs for sale, but some people are now uploading the pirated  movies onto the internet whiles  others  are distributing them on pen drives. Piracy is broader than what people look at.  As it stands now, the sales of our movies on CDs and DVDs are going down so we at FIPAG are looking at another market like the internet. We are trying to create our own internet market so we can also sell our movies there as well,” he added.

Over the years, piracy has been considered   internationally as a crime which is punishable by law.

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Ghanaians Make Piracy Very Beautiful -Socrates Sarfo

Socrates Sarfo

Controversial movie producer, Socrates Sarfo, has for the umpteenth time complained about ‘piracy’ in Ghana’s movie industry.

Socrates told NEWS-ONE that even though piracy is considered a more serious crime than armed robbery in other countries, Ghanaians make the act look very beautiful and more attractive than armed robbery.

“Piracy is an old canker. In the first place, the TV stations showing our movies for free and piracy are the two main issues that are affecting the industry. As for piracy it is so beautiful now because we have made it so attractive. Pirates are not scared of engaging in the act again. It is more beautiful to be a pirate than to be an armed robber, even though piracy is more serious than armed robbery. We have made piracy so attractive, “the ‘Hot Fork’ producer stated.

According to him, the legal system in Ghana makes it very stressful to pursue piracy issues, which in a way encourages the act.

After the movie producers are done with the production phase and get the movie on CDs, these pirates make their own copies of the same movie and market them separately.

“Now when you catch a pirate and send him to the police station, the police will keep asking you to go and come till you get tired; then the pirate is granted bail and goes away. Since the pirates know this, they are somewhat encouraged to do the act. Even if by some miracle you get to court over the issue, there is also another delay: they will keep adjourning the case, and since we producers cannot keep up with the delay, they get tired and stop going to the court. Those who manage to pursue the case end up getting some few prison years for the pirate,” he added.

Socrates noted that Ghana needs to start seeing piracy as a serious crime, which is also a major ingredient responsible for killing the movie industry.

“To me, it is about time we treated piracy as a high crime and did something to the culprits; that will deter others from venturing into the act. Let’s treat pirates in such a way that their colleagues will advise themselves to quit the act because they are killing the industry, people’s investments are going down the drain and they are having a field day because we have given them so much room to operate,” he said.

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Adult Music Not Profane -Kwabena Kwabena

Kwabena Kwabena

Highlife musician, Kwabena Kwabena, has for the first time opened up about the lyrics of his awarding ‘Adult Music’ hit song, saying there is nothing profane about the song.

Since its release in March 2013, ‘Adult Music’ has generated several debates among entertainment pundits and the general public as to whether it is an X-rated song.

But Kwabena Kwabena, who has been silent on the issue for over a year now, stated on NEAT FM’s Entertainment Ghana that the lyrics of the song were mostly based on metaphoric statements.

“I am very sad. With what is going on, people will think ‘Adult Music’ is a demonic song. It is sad. If you understand the Twi language very well, you will know that all I said in the song was just Twi.  With the ones that we thought could pose a problem, we used metaphors and more over, if you are an adult then you are an adult. Let’s promote love,” he stated.

According to the ‘Aso’ hit maker, people concentrate a lot on the negatives in the arts instead of learning to love it.

“We should learn to love the art and stop how we are always looking for something negative. Even if something is 85 per cent positive, we are only interested in the 15 per cent which is negative.  Music is inspiration and we all need to build a good entertainment environment so that we can enjoy.”

“I think it is something we all need to work on, as a society, so we can have a different eye for the arts industry and see how best we can support rather than destroying the few talents that God has given us,” he added.

‘Adult Music’ has gained so much popularity among lovers of highlife music.  The song basically speaks about how wonderful lovemaking is.

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Ghana’s Sickness Bigger Than Ebola -Wanlov the Kubolor

Wanlov the Kubolor

Afro-gypsy musician, Wanlov the Kubolor says there is a disease in Ghana more deadly than the Ebola virus or the Cholera that is currently killing a lot of Ghanaians.

According to Wanlov, instead of wasting their time in church, Ghanaians should concentrate on how to rid themselves of the diseases he calls ‘corruption’ and ‘lies’.

“We have a very serious sickness right now in the country. Ghana is currently hard because most of us don’t care about the country, we care about church and how nice heaven will be so we don’t want to fix the problems in Ghana.”

“Most people believe that instead of trying to solve our problems, we should rather pray. We are using prayer to waste time instead of doing the work we have to  do to clean Ghana and make Her a better place. When I say clean Ghana, I’m not only talking about filth around which is bringing us the diseases like the Cholera that is killing us more than the Ebola. I’m talking about the corruptions in our minds, hearts, the lies we tell to ourselves and believe them whiles we are lying to other people at the same time,” he told NEWS-ONE.

However, speaking about Sarkodie’s  ‘Inflation’ song, which seems to be causing a lot of controversy in town lately, Wanlov stated that he thinks it is an amazing song.

“I heard the song and I love the song. I think it is an amazing song just like Sarkodie is an amazing artiste. He knows how to be grounded and dream at the same time. He is one of the most talented people we have today,” he added.

By: Nii Ogbamey Tetteh (email: ogbameytetteh@gmail.com , twitter: @ogbameytetteh)

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I Won’t Do Profane Songs -Kumi Guitar Pledges

Kumi Guitar

Highlife musician Kumi Guitar says he wants to be placed under the group of Ghanaian musicians who stayed away from profane songs.

Nana Yaw Kumi as he is christened believes that most of the great highlife musicians are remembered today by many because of the messages they channel across to their fans.

“Most of the highlife musicians are all sweet musicians and I learn from all of them and that is the type of music I listen to because I feel they carry strong messages, morals in the type of lyrics they use and it encourages me not to do any profane songs. “It tells me that these people were successful because they had good vibes and they sing songs to educate you. I wont any profane song, I pray so and I won’t do it,” Kumi Guitar told NEWS-ONE.

There are just a few Ghanaian musicians like Obrafour, Agya Koo Nimo , Amakye Dede and  George Darko among others  whose names have gone down in the history books for staying away from profane lyrics.

“As it stands, there are few musicians like that and their names are all clean.  I want to be part of that few. I don’t mind if I don’t earn anything because of my stance for now because good name is better than riches. I sing profane songs and make money but at the end of the day, what service will I be rendering to the country ? Some one might look up to me as a mentor and if they want to do what I do, they will listen to my type of   songs. If I’m singing all profane, that person will have no option than to do the same,” he added.

Kumi is currently promoting his new single titled ‘Scriptures’ which features Kwabena Kwabena. He is also working on his debut album which should be ready later in the year.

By Nii Ogbamey Tetteh (email: ogbameytetteh@gmail.com, email: @ogbameytetteh)

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God Inspired ‘Handkerchief’ -Lil Shaker

Lil Shaker

Ghanaian rapper and beat maker, Lil Shaker, says the lyrics of his new hit track, ‘Handkerchief’, were inspired by God after a long period of prayer.

According to Lil Shaker, aside the beat and everything, his new single is more of a gospel tune than a secular one.

“Charley it is God oo. He inspired me to do this song. I actually didn’t really sit down to write the song. Everything just came to me when I heard Magnom producing this beat. The lyrics of the ‘Handkerchief’ song just came into my head and I started writing. It is more of a gospel song,” he told NEWS-ONE.

‘Handkerchief’ was released on Monday evening and has become a popular song within days, showing convincing potential of becoming a chart topper. The song, featured Kumasi Ko-Jo Cue and has a blend of Afro pop and hip pop groove, which makes music lovers want to listen to it over and over again.

Handkerchief happens to be the second single Lil Shaker, who is also known as ‘Captain Hook’, has released since he signed on to the leading multi-purpose entertainment company, BBnZ Live.

“The inspiration was solely from God. Currently we are working on the video for the song and trust me, it will be a blast,” he added.

Philip Yaw Akoto Atiemo, as he is christened, has over the years, proven to be one of the most creative and dynamic acts the industry has ever seen. He promised to put up his best at what he does.

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Kofi Ansah’s Son Produce Hollywood Movie

From right: Joey Ansah at Kofi Ansah's funeral in Ghana

Days after arriving in Ghana to bury his father, Joey Ansah son of renowned fashion designer, Kofi Ansah has released a top-notch Hollywood movie.

The movie titled ‘Street Fighter: Assassin’s Fist’ is based on the popular video game series Street Fighter by Capcom.

‘Street Fighter: Assassin’s Fist,’ a martial art movie created, written and directed by Joey Ansah, was released on May 31.

Joey Ansah happens to be the second of three children of the late ace fashion designer Kofi Ansah.

He was born in London to Kofi Ansah and his Devon-born mother Nicola. He lived in London for the first 10 years of his life before moving to Ghana with his family.

While in Ghana, Joey studied the martial art of Tae Kwon Do for four years. At age 15, he returned to England, settling with his mother and young sister.

As a marital artist, actor, producer and director, Joey has starred in various Hollywood movies including ‘Bourne Ultimatum’, ‘Snow White and the Huntsman’ and ‘Attack The Block’ among others.

He was in Ghana for the final funeral and memorial service for his father Kofi Ansah on Friday May 30. Joey wept uncontrollably as he filled pass the mortal remains of the award winning fashion designer.

Kofi Ansah died at age 62 on May 3 this year, at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra. Joey Ansah, the rest of the family and the world will forever miss the great designer.

By Nii Ogbamey Tetteh

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Koo Ntakra Opens Up To News-One

Koo Ntakra, the winner of the 2nd edition of the MTN Hit-Maker reality show says before his current rise to fame, there were days he could not afford to pay for studio sessions.

His real name is Isaac Afuffo; a very softspoken 20-year-old young man. He told Nii Ogbamey Tetteh of NEWS-ONE about the tough life he experienced before entering the MTN Hit-Maker show and the aftermath of his winning.

Koo Ntakra

When did you start rap music?

I started rapping back in my Junior Secondary School days. That was when I realised that God has given me a talent so I had to work on it. In Koforidua, rapping was more of street a battle style and stuff like that and that is where I started. This is where God has gotten me so far.



How has the journey been so far?

The journey has been bittersweet; somehow good, somehow bad.  Initially, though I had the talent, there was no money in the house to push me. I could not even afford my studio session fees. I had to save up my pocket money to pay for my studio sessions. We were in the hassle till by God’s grace the MTN Hit-Maker came through for me and I emerged winner.



Why did you choose your style of rap?

Since music is a gift God gave me, I see it as a medium to portray a message. I want to use my music to send out certain messages such that anyone who listens to my songs will get my message. I want to use my music and style of rap to deliver a message to the world.



Do you look up to anybody in this industry?

In Ghana, I just want to be myself – Koo Ntakra – so that in future those who will come after me will look up to me.



What were you doing before MTN Hit-Maker?

Well, I had completed Senior High School and even though there was no money my mother was struggling to raise something small so I could further my education. That was then Hit-Maker happened. I’m sure God had already planned everything.



Would you further your education someday?

Right now I’m doing fulltime music but that doesn’t mean that I have stopped schooling. I will further my education because even in music, education will enlighten you to boost your performance.



How was the Hit-Maker experience?

The Hit-Maker is a reality show that has really helped me a lot. It gave me exposure to certain things in life such as stage performance and how to overcome shyness.



When I qualified in Koforidua for the show, little did I know that I had to come to Accra for another audition.  There were over 800 people and the funny thing is I was the kid among the lot. Initially I was scared because if some of the grownups among the 800 were being eliminated, how much more me. But God glorified himself at the end of the audition and I was part of the 12 contestants for the event.



How is your new management treating you?

Since I signed on to Bullhaus, it has been so good for me. It is now possible for me to meet all of the people I thought I will never meet in my underground days. Today, I’m able to sit and chat with some very prominent people in society. As we speak now, I’m working with the likes of Yaa Pono and Guru on my upcoming album. Bullhaus has helped me.



Privately, what is Koo Ntakra doing now?

Now I have realised that my fans are waiting for Koo Ntakra and I’m not sleeping at all, I’m working really hard. Recently I released video titled ‘Hit-Maker Live’ on YouTube. It talks about my experience in the MTN Hit-Maker house. I’m also working on my album which features so many artistes in Ghana. Probably by the end of July or August, it should be ready.



Who motivates you to do what you do?

First of all God is my main source of motivation. My mother, Felicia Kumah, also motivates and encourages me as well and basically most of my friends. There are some people who believed in me and helped me in their own way.



What plan do you have to stay relevant in the industry?

I am the kind of person who promises and fulfils. I remember I promised my fans that I will win the Hit-Maker and with the help of God it happened. Once I have taken singing as a career, I will not kid around at all. With the help of God, I will stay relevant in the game till I die.



How are you handling the fame that comes with the music?

The fame is here but nothing has changed with me. I’m still the same Koo Ntakra. I’m still the humble guy my friends and family used to know.



What is your opinion of beefing in the industry?

For me beefing in music is not important. Some people have taken the business aspect of it but I am looking at the offensive message which is conveyed through these dissing songs. I believe that if you do not know how to sing, you won’t make it to heaven because in heaven we are told that we will be doing a lot of singing there to praise God. For me, I focus on the message and I don’t think I will ever do any dissing song.

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MEET BBnZ’s LIL SHAKER …..The New Kid on the Music block

Lil Shaker

Rapper and beat maker Lil Shaker has, over the years, proven to be one of the most creative and dynamic acts the industry has ever seen.

Philip Yaw Akoto Atiemo, as he was christened, happens to be the latest addition to leading multi-purpose entertainment company, BBnZ Live.

Shaker has worked with top stars including Sarkodie, EL and Wanlov the Kubolor to produce some award-winning songs.

Lil Shaker opens up to  Nii Ogbamey Tetteh about his life, career and expectations.

Congratulations on your deal with BBnZ

Thank you

In a nutshell who is Shaker?

Shaker is a cool guy, easy going, and music and basketball lover. I’m also a shy person and very reserved. Basically, that is me.

Which Record Label were you under before BBnZ?

I was with Skillions of which Jayso was the leader.

Why did you leave Skillions?

We had our differences and all, but I can’t really say that publicly. But the good thing is after the move, we are still cool. We even talk once in a while.

When did you join BBnZ?

Well, I was unofficially with BBnZ until I officially joined them around middle of 2013.

How has the experience with BBnZ been?

It has been great. It has been different and they are really giving me a though time to get the best out of me. That is how I like it. If you give me pressure and you are always on my case, I just deliver. I am actually happy I am with BBnZ . Things are really going well now.

Has EL got anything to do with your move to BBnZ?

Yeah, EL played a major role in that. He actually hooked me up to the bigger bosses of BBnZ. When I left Skillions, I told him that I needed a management that will take me to the next level and he promised to talk to his people for me and that was it.

Lil Shaker

Do you still produce beats?

Yeah I’m doing it commercially. I have four productions in Sarkodie’s ‘Sarkology’ album and then I have two productions in Edem’s ‘Mass Production’ album. Basically, I have been producing for other people.

When did you start music?

Professionally, after senior high school. By then I was doing Hiplife and I was rapping in Twi.

Which people influenced you to go into music?

In Ghana, I will say Skillions. One big influence is from Jayso because he influenced me to start production. He was actually the first person I witnessed making beats and I was really motivated and encouraged to try something like that. Also, Obrafour, the Last Two and Kwadee.
From outside, Timberland, Dr Dre, Fa Real and Ryan Leslie.

Where did you attend school?

Well, from nursery to Junior Secondary School (JSS), I attended Aggrey Memorial International School. My family then moved to Adenta, so I finished JSS at Adenta Community School. I had my secondary school education at Accra High School, then I moved to IPMC.

What is new with Lil Shaker?

As at now, I’m trying to finish the album which I have been working on for years. I’m trying to work with as many artistes as possible not restricting myself to just Hip-hop, which I’m mainly known for. So I’m trying to work with all of the M-Cat.
Lately I have been labelled ‘Captain Hook’ because I do a lot of choruses for other people. I’m actually doing some hooks for some artistes whose names I can’t mention because their albums have not been announced yet.

Of all the names, why ‘Captain Hook’?

I didn’t sit somewhere and called myself ‘Captain Hook’, they gave it to me. Some people realized what I was doing and gave me that name.

What is the history behind your ‘Kotodwe’ song and dance?

Kotodwe is a dance not formulated by me anyway. Two NAFTI guys came up with the dance. EL called me one day and told me there was a new dance called Kotodwe. He showed me a video and some pictures and I just decided to do something around that.

Your style is unique with a comic touch, where do you get that from?

Honestly, I don’t know. What I know is that in the industry I’m working now, the only way you stand out is when you are unique and when you are in your comfort zone where no one can mess with you. I really try as much as possible to come out with something different, be it comic relief or something of serious importance. I just make sure I sound different from the others. It is not easy but if you have been doing this for long, I don’t think it should be a problem.

When I started rapping in pidgin, people started criticizing  me because they said I sounded like Wanlov the Kubolor but it got to a time they saw the difference, so that is how hard I have worked, trying to stay different from the rest. Quite recently, some people were passing comments about me sounding like EL and all.

Sometimes you sound like EL

We have been working together for years and it is just understandable that some of my talent rubs of him and vice versa. We still have our own unique styles and all. If you hear me in a song with both of us, you will know and if you hear EL too you will know.

Are you married?

(Laughs) Not yet.  I need to really set myself up well before going to that level. Currently I’m not married neither I’m I going out with anyone as well.

What would you have become if you were not a musician?

Well, I like computers and it has been like that since I was a child. I’m actually a final year student at IPMC reading BSc. in IT.

What do you think about the music industry in Ghana?

I think we still have a long way to go, but compared to 10 years ago, things have changed. The market is really opened now. Ten years ago, people did not really accept hip-pop in GH. Some were limited to certain types of music and I can say it is people like us who have actually broadened that limitation in terms of putting our music out there, marketing ourselves via the internet and social networks.

Do you have any suggestions that can help the industry?

First of all the musicians need to come together because I think some of the musicians are not cool with each other. We are the ones that make up the industry so if we are separated I don’t think it is going to work.

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BASS Awards Robbed Me -IWAN

IWAN

Ghanaian Reggae artiste IWAN says even though he earned two nominations in the BASS Awards, the organizers and committee members failed to nominate one of his songs.

According to IWAN, he deserved to be in the ‘Best Song Writer of the Year’ category with his song ‘Face of Jah.’

“Well I think I deserve to be in the ‘Best Song Writer of the Year’ category but I didn’t see myself there and secondly my song ‘Face of Jah’ that most enjoyed listener ship and airplay wasn't nominated. For these two reasons, I’m not happy. They robbed me they didn't give me that particular nomination, which I find so pathetic to happen to someone like me in this reggae industry because everybody knows that song and it was the first song on the list of songs I submitted to the committee,” IWAN told NEWS-ONE.

“Well it’s cool but for me to be truthful, I’m not really happy about my nominations. It is cool because my fans may be happy about it that at least I have got some nominations at the BASS Awards but personally I’m not happy about it. Even if I was to be given 10 nominations, my hope would have been on that ‘Best Song Writer of the Year’ category, that is where I feel I would have been the automatic winner. With that particular song, the public can even attest to it,” IWAN stated.
BASS Awards, which is scheduled for August 30, is designed to award Reggae and Dancehall artistes.

It serves as an annual gathering of lovers of Reggae and Dancehall music.

The nominees jam is slated for August 23. It is jointly organized by Rackus Productions, Bull Haus Entertainment and Solid Multimedia.
This year’s event is under the theme, ‘Turn it Up.’

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