Entertainment
I almost committed suicide – Popular actor
Nollywood actor-turned-lawyer, Kanayo O Kanayo recently relived memories of his childhood, recalling how he almost committed suicide while living with his elder brother in Enugu.
The actor made this startling revelation in an interview with Vanguard Nigeria.
He said he used to hawk Agidi on the streets of Enugu and on one of those dark days while he was crossing Abakpa Bridge to hawk Agidi, he looked into the deep water when a voice urged him to jump into the water and end his suffering.
Following what he was passing through as a child living with his elder brother in the city, KOK said he was exposed to child labour, which almost got him frustrated.
But he was able to resist the temptation to take his own life. His story is not that of a story of glory, but one that is punctuated with struggling, frustration and misery.
Sharing his story, KOK said: “I haven’t done anything bad but people who see us on TV don’t know that we had done menial jobs to make ends meet.
“When I look back, I sold agidi. And my brother’s wife, whom I lived with those days in Enugu, didn’t want to know your age.
“She would pack dozens of agidi on my head and God saves me if I returned home with some unsold items with the kind of beating I would receive that day.
“If you are familiar with Enugu very well, I used to hawk agidi from New Haven to Abakpa, a long distance.
“One day, I got to Abakpa bridge and as a small boy then I looked down into the water of about 30 feet deep and a voice said to me, ‘why don’t you jump into the water and end the whole thing’?
“I was a small boy carrying this heavy thing on my head. But I didn’t listen to that voice and luckily for me, I finished selling all the agidi.
“The next day, I was given Akamu to go and sell in the streets. That’s one part of my story. I remember vividly when I was in my village in Oboama Ezinihitte Mbaise, I used to dig pit toilets.
“Then, you have to do something to contribute to the family economy. These days you take your children to school in air-conditioned cars. It was not so during my days.
“When I remember that I had to dig a pit toilet just to contribute to my family’s economy, I say to myself, I have come a long way. I also did other menial jobs just to support my parents.
“These are stories about me that are not just the beautiful or handsome faces you see every day on the television.
“We have been through the thick and thin of life. I wasn’t born with a silver spoon in my mouth. But I want to make sure that children don’t go back to where I started from.
“However, my children need to understand that there is a street where people are coming from. When you come from that street, it hardens you to a lot of things.
“And on that note, I want to advise every father and every mother to avoid giving their children all they asked for. Give them all they need, not all they want.
“It’s very important because when you hear about most people who are on the street, they are more focused on business.”
KOK also recalls how he trained all his sisters in the university before furthering his own education.
“This is another story about me. I trained all my sisters in the university before I went to the university myself,” he added.
He revealed that being flexible, believable, marketable and aligning himself to new openings and doing things to remain relevant without necessarily applying any negative forces have been his staying power in the industry.
“I don’t think about how to play my role in movies or how to get popular. This is because what has driven most people in the industry is to become famous.
“And they are willing to do anything to hit the limelight. I don’t want to be like any actor. I just want to be Kanayo .O. Kanayo.”
Talking about what sets him apart from other actors, KOK said he was not better than anybody, adding “I have been lucky to be sustained by grace.”
“I haven’t done anything special, I have applied my trade where it’s necessary and I have applied my trade to the best of my ability even though you get to improve from script to script,” the actor said.
Source: adomonline.com
Legendary US-based Ghanaian musician, producer, and music entrepreneur Nana King is getting ready for the release of his highly anticipated new album 4EVR Champion Vol. 1.
The much-awaited album was released worldwide on Friday, March 6, 2026, a historic and iconic date in Ghana.
The ambitious 25-track album marks the first installment of a two-part series: 4EVR Champion Vol. 1, which launches a major new chapter for Nana King whose claim to fame was ignited over two decades ago, and the second part scheduled for release later this year, continuing the momentum of what is shaping up to be one of the most expansive projects of his career.
Nana King is widely recognized as one of the pioneers of the Hiplife genre who helped shape the groundbreaking sound that emerged from Ghana in the late 90s.
However, on the latest project 4EVR Champion Vol. 1, he blends that legacy with a modern global sound, combining Hiplife, Afro Trap, R&B, and hip-hop into a vibrant and internationally accessible record.
4EVR Champion Vol. 1 moves fluidly between smooth R&B melodies, rhythm-driven Afro Trap production, classic Hiplife flows, and modern hip-hop arrangements, with a lot of melodic vocal hooks that gives the project a worldwide listenership appeal.
The album also presents a multilingual experience, featuring songs in English, Twi, and Pidgin, reflecting the diverse cultural influences behind Nana King’s music and giving it a distinctive international flavor.
Nana King brings together decades of musical experience with a forward-looking vision which is evident in the impressive roster of collaborators from across the contemporary music scene.
Notably, all of the featured artists on the album, except Kwacy Boat, are signed to Nana King’s label, Ashanti International Records, highlighting the strength of the roster he has developed and mentored through the label.
Reigning rap queen Nana Queen appears on two of the album’s most anticipated tracks.
She joins Nana King on the title track “4EVR Champion”, a bold Afro Trap reinterpretation of Nana King’s iconic 1999 anthem “Champion,” originally recorded with Ghanaian rap legend Ex-Doe.
Nana Queen also appears on the breakout single “Woye Medo”, which has already been dominating radio airwaves throughout the early months of 2026.
Other featured artists include Lucia on “Fake”, Kwacy Boat on “Anadwo Yɛ Dɛ”, Boy Spike on “Ɔnnye Wo Deɛ” and Shegeeh on “Odononie”. These collaborations showcase the range of voices shaping Nana King’s latest musical vision.
In his part, COO of Ashanti International Records/Nana King’s Manager, Marcelle Sirkus noted that “this album celebrates the sound that cemented Nana King’s legacy, while setting a new standard for hiplife artists worldwide.”
Meanwhile, the album’s early buzz has been fueled by the success of Nana King’s single Woye Medo, which has been steadily gaining traction on radio and streaming platforms since the start of the year.
Blending heartfelt Twi lyrics with modern production and Afro Trap rhythm, the song has quickly become a standout release and a signal that Nana King’s sound continues to resonate across generations.
More than two decades after helping shape the Hiplife movement, Nana King is now pushing that sound beyond borders. The music video for the Title Track “4EVR Champion” is certain to thrill fans upon its release in a few weeks.
As 4EVR Champion Vol. 1 arrived on Friday, March 6, the message behind the album is clear: Nana King’s intentions go beyond revisiting the legacy he helped create; he’s bringing the sound he pioneered to a worldwide audience in a bold new era.
Born William O. A. Konadu Jr. in Los Angeles, Nana King later lived in Ghana, where he launched his record label Ashanti International Records.
Through the label, he developed and mentored numerous artists who would go on to become chart-topping stars, helping to define a generation of Ghanaian music.
The Ghana Music Awards USA (GMA-USA) has officially recognized a select group of distinguished individuals as Life Patrons during a special announcement.
The Life Patron recognition is reserved for those who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to the advancement of Ghanaian music, both in the United States and globally, says Mr Emmanuel Kusi Mensah (Capito), the COO of the awards scheme.
According to the GMA-USA organizers, Life Patrons are more than supporters—they are visionaries and cultural ambassadors who have invested their time, resources, expertise, and networks to promote Ghanaian talent abroad.
Their efforts have helped position the GMA-USA as a premier event in the diaspora, connecting artists, fans, and stakeholders from all walks of life.
Speaking at the event, the CEO of GMA-USA Mr Dennis Boafo (Don D), expressed his profound gratitude: “Our Life Patrons are the backbone of this awards scheme. Their passion for music and culture is truly inspiring, and their contributions ensure the continued growth and relevance of Ghanaian music internationally.”
The newly inducted Life Patrons will be celebrated throughout the year, with special features and profiles highlighting their impact.
The GMA-USA team has encouraged the public and the music community to join in honoring these champions, whose legacy will inspire future generations of Ghanaian artists and music lovers.
Below are our Life Patrons:
Ing. Isaac Ampem Darko – (CEO, DARKXLYN COMPANY LTD)
Is a highly experienced civil engineer, entrepreneur, and pastor with decades of expertise in civil engineering, earthworks, geodetic surveying, and road design. With over two decades of professional experience, he has built a strong reputation as an industry leader and an excellent consultant.
Vida Djorgee – Chief Operating Officer (COO), Essential Quality Care
Vida Djorgee brings over 23 years of dedicated healthcare experience and serves as the Chief Operating Officer and Founder of Essential Quality Care in Portland, Oregon. She began her career with Providence Health Care Services, where she spent 17 years coordinating hospital operations before expanding her expertise into hospice and end-of-life care.
Isaac Ofori Amoako – (CEO Ike City Hotel)
Isaac Kwabena Ofori Amoako is the owner, CEO, and “Billionaire Boss” of Ike City Hotel. A prominent Ghanaian business mogul and philanthropist, who also serves as the CEO of the Ike City Group of Companies.
Before establishing his business empire in Ghana, Amoako spent over a decade in the diaspora, where he reportedly worked multiple jobs to build his capital.
He is widely recognized for his humanitarian work.
Sabaina Dugan
Is a Registered Nurse (RN) with sixteen years of work experience. She serves as an Associate Director of Nursing, specifically noted for her leadership qualities. Mrs. Dugan holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing and a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA)
As the CEO of Plush Media, a company involved in media production and events, Sabaina Dugan has spearheaded campaigns to integrate Ghanaian music, especially gospel music, into the American entertainment environment. Under the Plush Media umbrella, Mrs. Dugan helped organize the Shakana Experience 2024, a major gospel music event featuring many Gospel artists.
She is also the CEO and owner of Lucern Ventures, which showcases a diverse portfolio spanning healthcare, media, and general entrepreneurship.
Dr. Sandra Adom, PhD, FNP-C, RN, is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner, professor, and research professional with over 15 years of experience in clinical care and research.
She is passionate about compassionate, evidence-based healthcare and mentoring future healthcare professionals.
Dr. Adom also has a deep appreciation for Ghanaian music and culture. In 2025, she served as the Advanced Practice Provider for the Ghana Music Awards USA, supporting the health and wellbeing of performers and event participants.
