Me FiRi GHANA Proudly presents……Richard Kojo Asante

Young Inspirational Footballer!

I feel extremely honoured to write about this humble young Ghanaian, Richard Kojo Asante, who also goes by the name spitzke!! Richard was Born to Ghanaian parents, born and raised in Germany, Hamburg where he then moved to England at 11 years.

At just 19 years of age, things seem to be gong spectacular for the young footballer. Having been asked to play for the *GHANA’s UNDER 23′s Football Team* this summer, Yess! certainly nothing can stop him! I’m bursting with excitement for this young footballer because of his determination and motivation to strive to be the best of the best!

I had a lil catch up with the inspirational young footballer:

What is your aim or motive?

My aim is to be a role model to young Ghanianas and to achieve all my dreams I’ve always wanted to achieve. I want to make sure the younger generation can look up to me. I wanna give everything back to my mum, she’s sacrificed a lot for me, I owe her a lot.

Tell the team how did you get into football?

Well it started from when i was 4 years old and my dad discovered that I had a gift and talent so my sister Vesta kept taking me to football training even when it was raining really hard and struggled to get to training and she was always there for me.

What team do you play for ?

Well at the moment am on loan at Northampton own reserves till the summer and will be returning back with an option to have a trail in the summer at Fulham FC which I am quite excited about. Also I have been asked to play for Ghana under 23s in the summer so maybe that might just happen if I think I am ready.

Do you look up to any footballers and why?

Yes there are a few players I look up to like my all time hero Thierry Henry and Michael Essien and Andre Ayew. They are great players and I learn a lot from watching them play each week in the top leagues and champions league. I get inspired by them and watching them live. Especially Thierry Henry, he has made me want to play football even more. The passion in English football is incredible to watch that’s one of the reasons why I love football.

Who/what influenced you to your chosen pathway? Where did your football passion start from?

I was influenced by my dad and everyday I played football in school I got in trouble sometimes for playing football way too much lol but yeah that’s how much I loved it when I was younger.

Can you imagine yourself doing anything else apart from football?

Ermm well no I don’t think so, all I wanted to play is football, especially when I was younger, so I had no other dream other than playing footy, I had the faith and belief that I will become a footballer and maybe one day, the greatest, who knows .

Share with the team your best motivation line?

Never give up and give 100%.

Are you proud to state ‘MeFiRi Ghana’?

Yes I’m very proud MeFiri Ghana am blessed to be from there, I love everything about Ghana.

Do you think your culture has inspired your chosen pathway?

Yeah, I think it did because my parents kept pushing me into football and I just want to inspire the young Ghanaian kids out there.

Are you doing anything positive outside your football career?

Well hopefully soon I’m going to start my charity to help get kids off the streets in Ghana and get them into schools. My ultimate dream is to open a football academy in Ghana I have faith that this will come true.

I’m sure you’ve heard about the new Dance craze Azonto, rate yours 1-10

Of course I’ve heard of Azonto well I’ll rate myself a 10 out of 10. I am the Azonto king lol well am pretty good so maybe a 8 out of 10 to be fair, I have been doing it a lot.

Any last words from you?

“I wouldn’t be here without the help of God he kept beside me ”

All you young Emmanuel Frimpong, Micheal Essien and Asamoah Gyan’s.. follow him on twitter @AsanteS23

By cloudia

This week in review of Ghanaian footballers plying their trade abroad: 

1. Ghana ends AFCON2012 campaign in 4^th place

2. John Mensah Named to AFCON2012 Best XI

3. Muntari joins new teammates

4. Jordan Ayew gets game winning goal

5. Asamoah Gyan gets back to his scoring ways

6. Kevin Prince scores in champion’s league

1. The Ghana National team ended their quest for the  2012 African Cup in 4th place. They faced Mali and lost by the scoreline of 2-0. After the heartbreaking semi-final  loss to Zambia 1-0 the spirit was sucked out of the players. Blackstars should lift their head high that they lost to the eventual AFCON winners,  the copper bullets of Zambia.

2. Ghana captain, John Mensah has been named to the CAF African Cup 2012 all star team. Mensah is the only Blackstar who made the  team of the tourney as he netted twice in the competition. Kwadwo Asamoah made the substitutes bench XI.

3. Ghana international, Sulley Muntari has joined cross town rivals Ac Milan on loan. The midfielder was on  loaned out the winter transfer deadline. The talented Ghanaian has since joined his new team mates after the Nations cup. The Rossoneri will face Cesena on Sunday with Muntari in the Starting XI. “He’ll play from the first minute” - Massimo  Allegri, Ac Milan coach, when asked if Sulley will play. His contract with Inter expires this summer. 

4.  Jordan Ayew used his recent experience on national duty, to come off the bench  smashed a nasty game winner in 54′ as  as Marseille smash Bourg-Peronnas 3-1 in the French Cup on Wednesday. 

5. Babyjet returned from the African cup in style as Asamoah Gyan, scored the game winner in the 62′ as Al-Ain win 2-0 over FC Dubai on wednesday night.

6.  Former Ghana International, Kevin Prince Boateng shines his first game back after his thigh injury. Prince opened the scoring in the ’15 with a dangerous volley as Ac Milan blanked Arsenal 4-0 in champions league. 

Should he return to the national team?

Here is a clip of his goal v. Arsenal in Wednesday’s champions league match

This is the weeks news for Ghanaian footballers  worldwide.

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twitter @IamMarfioso
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Ghana’s Music Industry seems to be booming like the economy, or is it?

It is common knowledge that the music industry in Ghana haemorrhages millions of cedi every year due to illegal activities such as illegal download of music, ring tones and CD distribution. Recently, it was reported that the Ghana music industry loses over ₵5million annually due to these practises. Piracy has become a huge problem in Ghana, badly affecting those in the creative industry as well as the economy.

But what is the government doing about it?

What steps have they implemented to ensure that musicians and others in the creative industry receive the dues they deserve?

The music industry is vital to any given country’s economy. However, if music piracy – which is the copying and the distrubitions of works by an artist without their consent, or that of the copyright-holding record company – goes unchecked, then the losses incurred by the music industry is huge. Musicians lose their rightfully earned dues and royalties, jobs are lost and the government loses money in tax revenues. Over the years, the act of piracy has increased significantly – it is reported that piracy in Accra and Kumasi is up by 25% since 2009. In addition, the number of CDs and cassettes sold annually has decreased from 50 million to 30 million due to the illegal use of musical works. It comes as no surprise then that piracy has become a pertinent issue that musical associations such as MUSIGA (Musicians Union of Ghana) and NASGAMP (Society of Ghana Music Producers) have tried to address. However attempts to solve the problem have proven ineffective and futile. Musicians such as Gyedu Blay Ambolley and Daddy Lumba have spoken out about the detrimental effects music piracy is having on the industry. But the battle against piracy is something that musical associations cannot fight alone. They need the full backing of the government behind them. Over the years, the government have made a number of pledges to tackle the problem of piracy in Ghana. Just last year, vice president John Mahama announced that the government was to work closely with MUSIGA, currently led by Bice Owusu Kuffour (Obour), by acquiring documents from the Attorney General’s department that will allow them to implement laws against piracy.

But these are promises the government have made before. In May 2005, the government passed Ghana’s copyright law ACT No. 690, which protected the works of artists, granted copyright holders rights to the works and defined the length of that copyright duration. But despite the law being passed, it remains to be enacted. There are extremely few cases where the government have prosecuted persons for piracy. Since the copyright law was passed, there has not been a reduction in piracy, if anything it’s on the increase. Why is that?

Ghana’s copyright law was passed for a purpose – however it is rendered useless if the government doesn’t act on it. What the government needs to do is to crackdown on those who bootleg music and creative works of others. Severe punishments should be meted out to those who sell pirated goods. If people fear retribution for selling pirated music, then they will be deterred from buying from those who distribute it. The government also needs to implement a structure that allows musicians and copyright holders to receive their dues when their works are used on TV, radio, adverts and as mobile ringtones. Moreover, the practise of payola by some DJs and presenters in Ghana needs to be rooted out.

But how does the government go about implementing these changes when some players in the music industry are suspected of being in collaboration with those that pirate music? If piracy is to be rooted out, then it starts with educating the masses with active cooperation from the government. Ghanaians must be educated on the importance of the role played by creative industries. Ghanaian music is currently enjoying international attention, which in the long run will attract investors. If piracy is curbed, not only will it stimulate talent and create jobs – musicians and copyright holders will benefit, with tax revenues collected by the government profiting the economy. In addition, the government must be vigilant in punishing those who break copyright laws, because it seems that pirates are hardly ever brought forward to face the law. Let’s hope that the newly created Ghana Music Rights Organisation (GHAMRO) will be successful in protecting the musicians who spend their time and money creating music for us, only to be denied the fruits of their hard work.

Asamoah Gyan quits Ghana Football Team “Indefinitely”

So Asamaoh Gyan has decided to quit the Blackstars ‘indefinitely’. Not really a surprise given the fact that Michael Essien took a “break” not so long ago and Kevin Prince Boateng decided not playing for Ghana would somehow prolong his career. Of late there seems to be an epidemic of Ghanaian players calling it a day. Thus the latest Gyan, in a letter to the GFA Gyan has cited being “frustrated over the verbal abuse he has received” since the Africa Cup of Nations as his reason for quitting. The GFA is urging him to reconsider his decision but as it stands Gyan will not play for the Blackatars until further notice.

Now I would like to make one thing clear the verbal abuse suffered by Gyan is unacceptable. However if he is quitting purely for this reason then I find that difficult understand. It is part and parcel of the game that high profile players come in for criticism and although I don’t condone the abuse Gyan received I believe quitting the team is the wrong move. Unfortunately for Gyan he has been responsible for missing two very significant penalties (World Cup 2010 and CAN 2012) in the last two years and I believe a combination of his disappointment and a lack of confidence in himself has contributed in his decision. However the only reason he can get over that is by pulling on the Black Stars jersey once again. You only have to look at David Beckham in 1998 when he got sent off for England in the World Cup. He was crucified by the English media, suffered abuse from rival fans and even received death threats. However he never considered quitting the national team and in fact that incident was the making of him. For the following season and beyond he was one of the best players in the league won the treble with Manchester United went on to eventually captain England. Then three years later received complete redemption by scoring the goal that sent England to the World Cup in 2002. What a story! and I don’t think Beckham would be the same player he was had he not suffered that terrible time. To this day he even says it made him mentally stronger. Thus I believe Gyan’s story can be similar, he to can get his redemption.

Even the sternest critics of Gyan have to admit that in the last two years he has been pivotal to Ghana’s success. You only have to look back at the important goals he has scored; the winner against Nigeria in CAN 2010, the winner against Serbia in Ghana’s first game of WC2010 and the winning goal against the USA that took Ghana to the quarter finals of the World Cup. He is Ghana’s star striker and although he can be inconsistent with his form, he is Ghana’s leading goal threat and it has been the over-reliance on Gyan by the team that has often proved their undoing.

If he is not to return to the team in the foreseeable future then it is a big blow for the Blackstars. I sincerely hope he will reconsider his decision and ideally I would like to see him playing in a top European league again because playing in the UAE is doing him no favours at all except for financially.

I am a firm believer in the saying “What does not kill you makes you stronger”. Thus if his life or that of his family is not in danger than I see no reason why he cannot play again. People will always talk in football whether you are doing well or not. Football fans are some of the most fickle people, they change their minds more than the weather. One minute they love you and the next they hate you. I think I can say with some assurance that the vast majority of Ghanaians support Gyan and want to see him play again; if he does not than I fear his two penalty misses will hinder and define his career. Thus if the Zambia game is to be his last game, then all I can say to him is thanks for the memories.

What are your thoughts on Gyan’s decision?

Do you think he will return?

And how will Ghana cope without him?

Ben Jk Anim-Antwi (Kwesi)

Samuel Kwame Mensah-BonsuYou can follow me on Twitter first and foremost – https://twitter.com/#!/SMBStudios

Check out my gallery  here – http://crymz.deviantart.com/gallery/

And my Tumblr – somemustbelieve.tumblr.com

Stay tuned for my upcoming website smbstudios.com

Guys Check out this piece of work, Starring Tinie Tempah…MAGNIFICENT!!

BELOW…

This gentleman is young yet has already painted intricate strokes towards his life and is still yet to accomplish his picture; exciting times. Sheer determination, A STRONG DRIVE and indeed a passionate Individual is what I see!

Me FiRi GHANA Salutes YOU and welcomes you on board, as A ‘RISING BLACK STAR’

You are young, and yet making something positive out of yourself, Congratulations.

By Trey’C

GHANAIAN NAMING CEREMONY:

When asked “Wo den de sen?”  Translated; “What is your name?” by responding with your name you are easily identifiable as being born on a certain day & also of your order of birth.

Let’s not forget about the all important naming ceremony.

After an Akan baby is born he or she is kept indoors for eight days. The eighth day is the day of the naming ceremony, ‘Den to’. The first name received is called the Kra den or “soul name”, and is determined by the day of the week that the child was born. This is because Nyame (oun’-yah-may’) and Nyamewaa (oun’-yah-may’-wah), the Great God and the Great Goddess respectively, whom together constitute the Supreme Being in Akan culture, placed seven of their children over the seven days of the week. The child also receives its formal name or good/ideal name, ‘Den pa’, on the eighth day. The formal name defines the function of the child in the world as it relates to his or her specific Ancestral Clan and his or her potential for manifesting wisdom and influence. The den pa carries the vibrations that will empower the individual to properly incorporate Divine Law and restore Divine balance throughout his or her life according to Ancestral protocol.

Traditionally the naming ceremony begins and ends before sunrise. It is the father that has the responsibility of naming the child, thus the family comes together in the early morning at the father’s house. The Elders invoke Nyame (God), Nyamewaa (Goddess), and pour libation to Asaase Afua (Earth Mother/Goddess also called Asaase Yaa) the Abosom (Divinities, Forces of Nature) and the Nananom Nsamanfo (Honoured Ancestral Spirits) to assist with the proper naming of the child. After the name is acquired, the infant is given to an Elder from the father’s side of the family who announces the kra den and den pa to the family for the first time.

There are two cups ritually utilized during the ceremony. One cup contains water and the other Nsa (strong drink). The Elder dips his index finger into the water and places it on the mouth of the infant saying, “When you say it is water, it is water.” He dips his index finger into the nsa and places it on the mouth of the infant saying, “When you say it is nsa, it is nsa.” This is repeated three times. This is done to instil within the infant a consciousness of morality-the necessity of always living in harmony with the truth for all of her/his life.

After this is completed gifts are presented to the newborn, after which the remainder of the nsa in the bottle is shared with members of the community. The full name of the newborn is spoken to each member of the community, and each member sips some of the nsa as a show of respect for the child and as a gesture towards the newborn’s health.

A meal is then shared by all followed by music & dancing – Azonto Style!

 By Caroline N. Mensah

Calling all interested in Ghana Fashion & Design and Modelling…

I cannot wait for Ghana’s Fashion and Design Week to begin. The three day model casting event is set to launch on 9th – 11th April 2012 and will showcase the incredible and fresh talent the country has to offer. The annual event is aimed at developing the industry to worldwide standards, creating jobs in the fashion segment and a chance for young inspiring Ghanaians to present their work to the world. GFDW 2012 will showcase fabulous collections by selected Ghanaian designers who are established or emerging into the fashion scene. Also, the three day period would consist of an exhibition hub displaying a range of creative brands and fashion business seminars with networking opportunities. For visitors they can expect to watch the catwalk show, have consultations with top makeup artists as well as the chance to have a makeover which has been newly introduced.

With the event fast approaching, the organizers are calling all male and female models to walk the runway show. If you feel you have what it takes and are available for show dates why not apply as there are no restrictions for models that live outside Ghana. Check out below for more information or alternatively go onto the official website http://www.ghanafashiondesignweek.com/

WHEN: Monday 9th, Tuesday 10th or Wednesday11th April (11.00am-4:00pm)

WHERE: The Regus Centre, 5 Roman road, Roman Ridge, off Borstal avenue, Accra, Ghana

TIME: 11.00 am – 4.00pm

Important Notice: It is advised that Models who do not live in Ghana email their Photos and statistics Information if they have not already done so (Please see requirements) to be considered in the process, and only attend if it is feasible for you to do so, as travelling to Ghana may incur cost for you. They aim to review all Models applications in the casting process and are happy to feature Models should they fit the criteria and are passionate to walk the runway.

Please bring with you:

* Pair of high heels (to see you walk)

Requirements:

If you do apply good luck and please let us know how you get on.

Ghana Independence Celebrations: Azontoing at the Indigo O2

Ohene’s & Ohemaa’s get your kente, Ntuma & Me FiRi GHANA outfits ready because this year’s 6^th March Ghana Independence Celebration; “this one no be easy”. As it gets closer and closer to March I can’t help but Azonto!  Ghana has truly gone a long way. Gosh we have had 55 years of independence, having been the first Sub- Saharan African country to gain independence in 1957.

It’s going to be a beautiful sight to see different faces, different shapes and colours all come together to commemorate this day. Every year independence is celebrated and I have to say we should be thankful we even gained independence; thanks to the well respected  “Yaa Asantewaa & Dr. Kwame Nkrumah” .

This year one of the main events will celebrate Ghana’s Independence at the well-known venue Indigo2 on the 3^rd March.

Whether you decide to celebrate by: Going out to eat with friends, Party, strong prayers or simply from the heart. Me FiRi GHANA wish you Ghana fuo Happy independence.. and don’t forget to AZONTO all the way!

By CLOUDIA

R2BEES, Drop  new single with Naija’s Wizkid

OK so the “TEMA boys” who also carry the famous slogan “ Refuse to be broke” have kept on the DL for some time now, however they never seem to disappoint their fans when it comes to making music, and I mean GOOD music. The R2bees group which consist of (Paedae da Pralem) and  (Mugeez), are back with another spicy tracks creatively produced by *bows down * the Don of Dons Killbeatz. I have to say these two fellas represent Ghana and do so in style and with swag. This is not the first time they have fused together with a Nigerian artist, their previous hit single “Kiss ur hand” which featured Wande Coal, was also hitting the airwaves and was played in almost every club in town.

R2bees do a collab with the “Fine Boy no pimple”, the  new single is called “DANCE”  check it out!

Marfioso Analysis on the Ghana National Team @ AFCON 2012

To be honest, I understand the frustration by Ghana fans & supporters… Coach Goran Stevanovic, promised many times that Ghana will lift the 2012 cup. He does not realize are nation is football crazy. We sleep, eat, and drink the sport. To say it and not deliver, you’re playing with the emotions of the whole country. Therefore, I don’t blame the fans reacting on instinct. As human beings we are emotional and say and do anything at the time of anger. The only thing I am against was the attacking Blackstar players. It was totally uncalled for. If you want to attack there play fine,  but to attack them a human beings, that went too far. Even, the death threats to Asamoah Gyan where totally out of charter for Ghana fuo. Slights adjustments need to be made to the national side. BabyJet needs a solid striking partner. We can take more positives than negatives from AFCON2012.

Huge positives:

- Opposition scored only a goal a game or Kwarsey gained a clean sheet

- The defence played well throughout the tourney

- John Mensah scoring twice on set pieces

- Goals being spread throughout the team {Defence, Midfield, Forwards}

- MVP on the backline: Co-MVP’s {Boye & John Mensah}

- MVP on the frontline:  {Badu & Dede}

- MVP keeper: Adam Kwaraey: 1 GA in group phase,

- 1 goal in knockout stages {2 v. Mali (w.e. game)}

- John Mensah’s professional tackle

- Jordan Ayew’s work ethic in the midfield and creative passing

- Kojo Asamoah’s ability to shoot in space, regained his confidence, turned it up his level of participation

- Boye’s relentless desire to cause frustration for the opposition on the back line

- Johna Mensah’s defensive/ offensive skills on the ball {Mr. Bulwark}

Negatives:

- The offside trap is being played way too high {for years}

- Taking unnecessary penalties {Vorsah, Boateng, Boye}

- We need to exercise calm after being fouled because teams do it to stop the flow of the game and get Ghana off their game

- The way we played the last game v. Mali {lost self confidence}


Personally, the coach should have given Jonathan Mensah more playing time because he has a gift for playing on  the back line. If you watched Oga Bulwark the way he worked Mali in the back, he worked them as if he was a forward. I noticed a maturity in his game v. Brazil last year. John Boye is a joy to watch. He is an exceptional player that will surely get regular national team call ups. Boye is the type of player the understands the defensive set up and is able to switch off to play another position if help is needed. His talent can’t be taught, his awareness is the most impressive I have ever seen in football.

Adam Kwarasey is the future and present of Ghanaian football. If he continues his rise, he will become one the best goalkeepers in Ghana history. People have to understand that AFCON2012 was the first big tourney of his career. Kwarasey is still on the learning curve. He has exceeded my expectations.  For a young lad, he has been able to keep his composure. Daniel Agyei is next in line but, for now I think he is too young. I believe he can do great things for the senior side and even be will become great also. {U-20 African Champion, U-20 World Champion, All Africa games champion} I applaud the bravery and strength of Anthony Annan in the wake of his mom’s untimely death. Dede Ayew, the future is bright for Abedi Pele Jr. and national team captain in the near future.

Biggest defensive plays of AFCON2012:

- Boye’s clearance off the line v Botswana

- John Mensah’s professional tackle outside the 18 v. Botswana

Ghana’s Biggest Offensive plays of AFCON2012:

- John Mensah’s 2 goals off corner kicks

- Asamoah Gyan’s free kick strike v. Mali

- Dede Ayew’s game winner v. Tunisia

- Badu’s long shot stunner v.  Guinea

- Gyan’s flick to Dede while he weaves though 2 defenders to score v.  Mali

Honourable mentions:

Jordan Ayew

Kojo Asamoah

Jonathan Mensah

Ghanaians Please exercise calm, the next AFCON is in 10 months away.

Promises should not be made but to put your best foot forward.

We need to support the team during ups and downs.

Football is about chances, there is a winner and a loser.

The future for the Ghana National team is bright and the strength is in team unity and youth.

Yours truly,

Marfioso

You can follow Ghana’s #1Blogger on twitter @IamMarfiosoYYZ
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ASEM RELEASES NEW ALBUM – ‘SOLID GROUND’

Nana Wiafe Asante Mensah, popularly known as Asem who’s had hits with ‘Give Me Blow’ ‘Pigaro’ and ‘No More Kpayor’ has released his sophomore album ‘Solid Ground’. The new album, which was made available via the artist’s official website on Friday, will hit stores in Ghana and worldwide on February 17th. Speaking about the album, Asem said, “This new album ‘Solid Ground’ is testimony to my own development within Ghana music to date. It has been enduring and challenging but has been extremely important in my progression. I am now ready for the rest of the world. I am now seriously on solid ground.”

Asem who left Lynx Entertainment last year has released the album under his own label WBDN Records, and plans to distribute the album through distributing partners in South Africa and the UK.

The first single off the album ‘No More Kpayor’ won Best Hiplife Video at the 2011 4syte Music Award and Best West African Video at the 2011 Nigerian Music Award. The album features an array of artists, including Kwabena Kwabena, DJ Black, V.I.P, Irene Logan and South African artist JR.

By Yaa Nyarko

If you travel around Accra amongst the traffic of private cars, tro-tro’s and STC coaches, you are likely to see just as many Taxi’s on the roads. They are recognisable due to the orange patches at the front and rear side of the vehicle and are always touting for business.

I have taken a few Taxis’s whilst in Ghana and I live around the corner from a Taxi rank in Pokuase, so I’m never far away from the banter associated with Taxi drivers. Taxi drivers are sometimes perceived as bad and reckless drivers, especially by senior citizens. I don’t know how true that is, as I’ve seen some pretty bad drivers who are not driving taxi’s. However I do remember a few years back taking a cab from Achimota to an address in Mina, it was a bumpy and frustrating ride as it became clear the driver did not know where he was going ! Though there’s something special about riding in a cab in the morning , listening to an early morning radio talk show (mostly political) in the cab hosted in the local language and observing the driver’s and callers’ reaction to the issues discussed which is always good entertainment !. Whoever thought Ghanaians didn’t love politics could not be more wrong

Ghanaian actor Psalm Adjetefio plays” T.T” in one of Ghana’s most popular television series ‘taxi driver’. The programme tells of T.T and fellow drivers Mikki Osei Berko (Master Richard), George Quaye (Aboagye) experiences serving the city of Accra with their Taxi’s. I have to say the stories portrayed in the series are not far off reality both in the portrayal of the drivers and their customers.

So have you ever taken a Taxi in Ghana and if so how was the ride? Do you have any interesting Taxi tales?

Leave your comments below

Ben JK Anim-Antwi (Kwesi)

We can expect to see more of Donaeo this year as he has linked up with Lethal Bizzle once again to produce the hot new single ‘Not A Saint’. The duo who in 2009 released the club banger ‘Go Hard’ have this time incorporated a dubstep genre for their latest track. Donaeo says “When I produced the beat for ‘Not A Saint’ all I thought was I had to get Lethal on the riddim and being that we already did Go Hard the chemistry was instant. I had the hook melody, he had the concept”.

Also earlier this week Donaeo has released his cover of ‘Give Me All Your Luvin’ by Madonna ft M.I.A and Nicki Minaj, where we see the artist incorporate the infamous Azonto dance moves. Like I’ve stated in earlier blog posts http://mefirighana.com/blog/?tag=donaeo Donaeo is not playing this year as he keeps on producing bangers after bangers.

Why not check out the video below and remember to cop your copy of ‘Not A Saint’ when released on 19^th March.

Highlife legend Abrantie Amakye Dede who’s had countless hits with songs such as ‘Akwadaa Wesoa’, ‘Iron Boy’, ‘Bebrebe’, ‘Asem To Me A Kabi Ma Me’, ‘Krokrome’ and many others has been appointed as ambassador and hunger advocate. The Iron Boy musician was awarded the honour by the Alliance Against Hunger and Malnutrition (AAHM) of the United Nations in Ghana, after he was duly noted for his social commentary in many of his songs, such as achieving a hunger-free society in Ghana. Speaking to Hitz Entertainment News, Amakye Dede explained that his experience in farming and encouraging young people to make use of agricultural opportunities had helped him secure the appointment.

Though he never expected an appointment like this, Amakye Dede said he will use the opportunity to reach to the general public to come together to fight against hunger; and this would cover the young, the old or anyone so they can always get something to eat.

By Yaa Nyarko

Yewoo da ben?

What day were you born?

Adwoa, Kwadwo, Abena, Kwabena, Akua, Kwaku, Yaa, Yaw, Afua, Kofi, Ama, Kwame, Akosua, Kwesi

The Akan people of Ghana and the Ivory Coast frequently name their children after the day of the week they were born and the order in which they were born.

This tradition is shared throughout West Africa due to Akan Influence, from Benin/Dahomey (Fon) and Togo (Ewe), to the Ga, to other West Africans and throughout the African Diaspora. For example, in Jamaica the following day names have been recorded: Monday, Cudjoe; Tuesday, Cubbenah; Wednesday, Quaco; Thursday, Quao; Friday, Cuffee; Saturday, Quamin; Sunday, Quashee. Most Ghanaians have at least one name from this system. Ghana‘s first president, Kwame Nkrumah, was so named for being born on a Saturday (Kwame) and being the ninth born (Nkrumah). Also, the seventh Secretary-General of the United Nations, Kofi Atta Annan, was so named for being born on a Friday (Kofi) as part of a twin (Atta).

Monday born children are aptly named: Adwoa & Kwadwo

Tuesday born children are named: Abena & Kwabena

Wednesday born children are named: Akua & Kwaku

Thursday born children are named: Yaa & Yaw

Friday born children are named: Afua & Kofi

Saturday born children are named: Ama & Kwame

Sunday born children are named: Aksoua & Kwesi.

If you did not already know just what Adowa, Kwadwo etc means look at the meanings below. Do they relate to your personality?

Kwesi & Akosua – Born leader, guide, protector

Kwadwo & Adowa – Calm,peaceful

Kwabena & Abena – Warrior, fierce, compassionate

Kwaku & Akua – Advocate, controlling

Yaw & Yaa – Confrontational, aggressive

Kofi & Afua – Adventurous, creative, innovative

Kwame & Ama – The ancient wise one.

As previously mentioned, birth order names have equal relevance within Ghanaian (Akan) society.

Males are given the equivalent names of their female counter parts.

First born: Piesie

Second born: Manu (M) Maanu (F)

Third born: Mensa (M) Mansa (F)

Fourth born: Anan (M) Anane (F)

Fifth born: Num (M) Anum (F)

Sixth born: Nisa

Seventh born: Ason (M) Nsowaa (F)

Eighth born: Botwe

Ninth born: Nkroma (M) Nkroma (F)

Tenth born: Badu (M) Baduwaa (F)

Eleventh born: Duku

Twelfth born: Dunu

Last born: Kaakyire

By Caroline N. Mensah

M.anifest – ‘Makaa Maka’

M.anifest, who is undoubtedly one of the most gifted emcees flying the flag for Ghanaian hip hop has released a video to his new single Makaa Maka, which roughly translates to ‘If I said it I said it’.

Sporting his trademark full beard, traditional top and colourful beads in the video, M.anifest is featured in the gritty streets of Madina and other parts of Accra doing what he does best – spitting conscious and intelligent bars over hip hop beats.

Directed by Isaac Offei Awuah of RGB Studios, the video shows the Ghanaian emcee paying homage to Hiplife greats Reggie Rockstone and Obrafour, with the former making a cameo in the video. M.anifest’s ability to effortless switch from Pidgin and English to Twi in the same breath is truly stunning, asserting himself as a master in his own right. He unapologetically states his lyrical prowess while berating rappers who are content to rap about nothing instead of the issues that affect people.

With such thought provoking lyrics that draws in the listener, it’s not hard to understand why M.anifest has made quite an impact in the international hip hop scene. Just last month the emcee was tipped by BBC arts programme The Strand as one of 5 to watch in 2012, with Ghanaian rapper M3nsa also making the list.

M.anifest who has shared stages with Damon Albarn of Gorillaz, Femi Kuti, Mick Jones of the Clash, Amadou and Miriam and Tony Allen among others, recently released his sophomore album Immigrant Chronicles: Coming to America, an exceptional album that draws the best from his native Ghanaian roots and international experiences. If Makaa Maka is anything to go by, then it’s a pretty good indicator of things to expect from the emcee this year.

By Yaa Nyarko

Should the Death penalty in Ghana be abolished once and for all?

For those of you who tuned into Channel 4 at 8pm on the evening of 28 November last year you would have seen the moving documentary on the plight of Linda Carty.  She is the British citizen of St Kittian heritage who has been on deathrow in Texas since 2002. As someone who has been involved in the British consular operation to assist Linda last year I felt a strong connection. The documentary focused on Linda’s plight and how likely it could be that she was innocent of the crime she has been accused of, but it also touched on the validity of the death penalty itself and whether capital punishment should be used at all.

This got me thinking about Ghana’s attitude to capital punishment.  For those who don’t know the death penalty actually exists in Ghana and been in the statute books since the application of English common law in the country in 1874. Ghana still retains the death penalty for armed robbery, treason and first-degree murder.

However in Practice it would seem Ghana is against the death penalty as no executions have taken place since July 1993, when 12 prisoners who had been convicted of armed robbery or murder were executed by firing squad. Executions may also be carried out by hanging but Ghana’s last hanging was performed in 1968. In light of this the Director of Amnesty International, Ghana; Mr Lawrence Amesu has appealed to Government to abolish the death penalty in the country. However even before Mr Amesu’s remarks there were suggestions that abolition of the death penalty would be likely. On March 6, 2007 Ghana’s President, John Kufuor, freed or commuted the sentences of 1,206 prisoners to mark the 50th anniversary of independence, according to an Interior Ministry statement. Thirty-six prisoners who were on death row have had their sentences commuted to life in prison.

In April 2000, 100 people had their death sentences commuted to life terms.  Almost a year later In February 2001, the then Justice Minister, and present Foreign Minister, Nana Akufo-Addo, spoke out publicly against the death penalty. Could it be then if Nana Akufo-Addo (current NPP presidential candidate for 2012) is elected President of Ghana next year he will lobby for the abolition of the death penalty? We’ll have to wait and see on that one.

Though is it right for the state to take the life of a person, regardless of how despicable their crime was? In a religious nation like Ghana should not God be judge, juror & executioner? In other words should Ghana completely abolish the death penalty once and for all? After all recent governments have shown they are practically against it and it has not been done for 18 years.

Do you have an opinion? Leave your comments below.

Ben JK Anim-Antwi

Me FiRi GHANA Connects YOU With…

This week Me FiRi GHANA catches up with KgPM. For those of you not familiar with them, they are a duo who made an impact on the hiplife scene in Ghana back in the early 2000s. Its 2012 and boys are back with a bang with their new single ‘Xtra Large’ featuring Atumpan. Since we like to bring to our readers the best Ghanaian talents around, we caught up with one half of the duo The PM, who was more than happy to share with us what their new sound is all about!

Me FiRi GHANA: Who are KgPM?
PM: We are a rather unassuming Ghanaian rap duo (Kgee & The PM) who carefully and cleverly combine Twi and pidgin lyrics, creating a beautiful fusion of rap flows.

Me FiRi GHANA: How did the group come about?
PM: The group was formed in 1998 in a small neighbourhood in the city of Accra called Teshie-Nungua when two friends with a passion for hiphop and music in met. Kgee’s cousin was my good friend so we were introduced; and it was at a point where we were both writing lyrics and trying to get our music out there. I was then in a group called ‘Phunk Phlow’ with my older brother and we had been performing on a few radio shows, and Kgee was in a group with Choir Master (of Praye fame) and two others. However, Kgee and I seemed to click well when it came to writing and I needed someone who was very determined and extremely passionate for music at the time so I thought it wise to team up with him and record – then we met Hammer of The Last Two who believed in us from the day he heard us. We were called ‘Two Deep’ when we met him, but by the time the album was done (in 2001), Hammer had changed our name to KgPM!!

Me FiRi GHANA: Is this the first major music project KgPM has undertaken or have there been previous ones?
PM: Our debut album called ‘Saa Na Wotie’ was released in 2001 on Lowdown Records and we haven’t released anything since! The album was described by critics as ‘ahead of time’! It featured newcomers at the time like KK Fosu and Choirmaster.

Me FiRi GHANA: What are the roles within the group? You know in terms of who writes the music, who makes the beat, who comes up with a concept etc.
PM: We bounce ideas off each other. I could get a call from Kgee at 1am to discuss an idea he has had and vice-versa; then we start writing to it. All the lyrics are written by ourselves apart from when we feature people. Usually people we feature write their own verses and sometimes create the hooks based on our ideas. On our first album, after listening to Obrafour’s album ‘Pae Mu Ka’, we decided to use only Hammer for the beats, but on this one, we have decided to experiment with other producers apart from Hammer, including MethMix, Sammie Blacc and Agyingo.

Me FiRi GHANA: Why did you go on a hiatus for so long?
PM: Good things came at the wrong time so we could not concentrate on the music.

Me FiRi GHANA: What were you two getting up to during your hiatus?
PM: We went on to university and also got into career work etc. Kgee works as a senior Psychiatric Nurse in LA and I work as a Sales Manager for a coach company in London, alongside DJing on Rainbow Radio in London and at parties and clubs.

Me FiRi GHANA: What was involved in your current music project?
PM: As we are both based outside the Motherland Ghana, we thought it wise to go over there and create the music from there with the ideas we had in our souls, so over the 2-week Christmas period last year, we were sweating blood and tears in order to do as much as we could on the album.

Me FiRi GHANA: Got a title for the album yet?  
PM: Yes. It will be called ‘The Re-Entry’

Me FiRi GHANA: Who did you get to produce it? Anyone featured on the album?
PM: We featured Obrafour, Choir Master, Atumpan, Sammie Blacc, Edem, Kay Dizzle and a Nigerian artist called AJ. We employed the production talents of Hammer, MethMix, Sammie Blacc and Agyingo. We are speaking with Donae’o as we speak for a possible collaboration.

Me FiRi GHANA: Describe yourself.
PM: I call myself a music connoisseur! I eat and sleep music! In the group I’m more laidback and like to be critical when we’re in the studio – more like a perfectionist! Kgee is the ‘happy machine’ and the one with the small voice (laughs). He makes recording more interesting with his happy-go-lucky self and he loves to perform. Together we complement each other very well! No homo!!

Me FiRi GHANA: What statement do you wish to make with this album?
PM: On this album we are hoping to resurrect and widen our fan base. We took the risk by making our first single ‘Xtra Large’ an azonto track, a style which is not KgPM at all, but so far it’s looking good. The statement we are trying to put across is “we were ahead of our time in 2001 so we are here now in 2012 to prove it”!

Me FiRi GHANA: Describe your musical style
PM: Our style is hip-hop spiced with Hiplife ingredients!

Me FiRi GHANA: Who or what are your musical inspirations?
PM: We are inspired by people we’ve inspired before, for example Edem & Choir Master. Kgee inspires me and vice-versa! Outside Ghana we take inspiration from artists from the old school down to the new – Camp Lo, Busta Rhymes, Drake, Nas and Kanye.

Me FiRi GHANA: Why this particular time to make a comeback?
PM: The music fruit in Ghana and Africa as a whole looks very ripe right now so we wanted to take advantage of it. We have almost settled down in the direction of our career so ideally this was the best time for us to record together. In the last few years or so we have had a lot of fans and friends urging us to come back and record so we thought, ‘why not’?

Me FiRi GHANA: What can we expect on this album?
PM: Punch-lines, fun, wit, tight production and KgPM!

Me FiRi GHANA: What impact do you expect your album to have on them music scene in GH?
PM: We want the album to put a smile on people’s faces and at the same time appreciate our uniqueness! We want to satisfy our fans’ needs! We want to let people know that before all of this, there was Kgee and PM!

You can follow The PM on Twitter @PMtheDJ. Click on the link to listen to some of their tracks off their yet to be released album:

http://soundcloud.com/theonlypm/kgpm-ft-atumpan-xtra-large?utm_source=soundcloud&utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=twitter&utm_content=

http://soundcloud.com/theonlypm/kgpm-ft-atumpan-xtra-large

Let the inquest begin:

Zambia knock Ghana out of CAN 2012 !

I believe in the law of averages. So having seen Ghana go out of CAN 2008 at the semi-final stage, lose the final to Egypt two years later in 2010. Then surely 2012 would be the year Ghana go all the way and lift the cup? , Third time lucky and all that! well no actually, as yet again Ghana have come up short in a major tournament. I do also believe that since World Cup 2010 in South Africa Ghana have become victims of their own success whereby every time they take the pitch people expect miracles. Therefore average performances are over scrutinised by expectant fans, however I don’t think it was unrealistic to expect Ghana to reach the final or even win the competition with the players they have. So what went wrong this time? I’m afraid that question brings about more questions than answers.

It felt a bit like the world cup 2010 all over. As again Asamoah Gyan was perceived to be the villain of the piece following his first half penalty miss. Many critics will say he chokes on the big occasion, but then you have to remember that he has also been the Black stars saviour many a time so to blame him solely is quite harsh, even though I did so initially, though is performances in the biggest games does come into question. Adam Kwaresey has also come in for some criticism during the campaign in what was his first major tournament in goal. I don’t think he can be at all blamed for Zambia’s winning goal which was a corker. The ironic thing about the match is that attacking wise Ghana played some of their best football. As it is fair to say they had not been at their best throughout the tournament notably against Botswana and Tunisia, but they still could not score the vital goal. Therein lies the problem for me and it is problem that can be traced right back to 2006 when Ghana exited CAN at the group stage. For all the talent we have in Midfield the same cannot be said of the striking department.

Thus I think the success at world cup only served to cover up this issue and our over reliance on Gyan for goals has become apparent over the years. You only have to watch Ghana at their best to see how many chances the midfield create, however they don’t score enough goals to compliment this especially on the big occasions. For all the chances Blackstars create they should really be finding the net a lot more often. If you compare the Ivory Coast, as well as Drogba, Solomon Kalou and Gervinho’s scoring records are not too bad at all. This can help ease the burden on Drogba, indeed Drogba reacted to his penalty miss against Equatorial Guinea by scoring a brilliant individual goal 5 minutes later.

How the Blackstars could do with an out and out striker who finds the net as regularly as Drogba does. Even a striker to play alongside Gyan to ease the burden, Dominic Adiyah (who was not included in the squad) looked like he could be that person at one time, more recently it has looked like Jordan Ayew but for all his talent I’m not convinced he can score regularly. If we can find two strikers that can work in tandem then I would like to see the manager to change the formation to 4-4-2. Our midfield is capable enough to make this work. Meanwhile the inquest into Ghana’s latest disappointment begins.

So what are your thoughts on the points raised above and the game itself? Should Gyan continue to be the teams penalty taker ? and importantly where do the Blackstars go from here? Remember this is not just a time to criticize and show frustration but also to come up with realistic suggestions the Blackstars can implement to move forward, improve and finally win that elusive trophy, for now the wait continues.

Leave your comments below?

Ben JK Anim-Antwi