Entertainment
Apprise Music Elevates Grace Nyele Mensah to Chief Operations Officer
Apprise Music, the premier digital music distribution service provider empowering independent artists throughout Africa, has made a significant executive management announcement.
The company has recently appointed Ms. Grace Nyele Mensah as the Chief Operations Officer (COO) and will report directly to Michael Bamfo, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Apprise Music & Media.
In her new role as COO, Ms. Grace Nyele Mensah will be responsible for overseeing crucial aspects of the organization, including Artist Services, Publishing Administration, and Media Relations.
This promotion represents the company’s commitment to nurturing and promoting internal talent to lead the charge in driving growth and success within the rapidly expanding African music scene.
Apprise Music Distribution has a firm commitment to fostering an inclusive work environment, promoting equal opportunities in employment.
The company ensures that all individuals are treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, family status, race, political opinions, religious beliefs, physical appearance, place of residence, state of health, or disability.
With a robust global network of partners and services, Apprise Music Distribution has established itself as a leading player in the music distribution industry.
Since its inception, the company has remained dedicated to providing independent artists and labels with the necessary tools, services, and support needed to thrive in the modern music landscape.
As the new Chief Operations Officer, Ms. Grace Nyele Mensah’s expertise and leadership will undoubtedly contribute to the company’s continued growth and success, further solidifying Apprise Music Distribution as a trailblazer in the African music industry.
Apprise Music Distribution is a prominent music distribution company with a far-reaching network of partners and services. Since its inception, the company has been dedicated to providing independent artists and labels with the tools, services, and support needed to succeed in the modern music industry.
Entertainment
Ghanaian screenwriter Gamel Apalayine selected for AuthenticA Series Lab
Ghanaian filmmaker and screenwriter, Gamel Apalayine has been selected as one of four African writers for the fourth edition of the AuthenticA Series Lab.
The AuthenticA Series Lab is a highly regarded programme dedicated to shaping the next wave of African screenwriting talent run by Realness Institute in partnership with The StoryBoard Collective and the Canada Media Fund.
Gamel joins a distinguished cohort of storytellers from Nigeria, Kenya, and Egypt who will take part in the six-month long lab designed to elevate African voices on to the global stage.
The AuthenticA programme begins with a residency in the Western Cape, South Africa in September, followed by online sessions until mid-December.
A second residency takes place in Geneva, Switzerland from January – March 2026, with a final residency in Lille in March where the participants will pitch their projects as part of the African Series Pitch at Series Mania Forum to international industry players.
Gamel is no stranger to shaping some of Africa’s most compelling screen moments. He served as Head Writer on Akwaaba Magic’s hit TV drama DEDE (spanning two seasons and 560 episodes) and was a principal writer on Ghana’s first Showmax Original Series ENO, produced by Sparrow Studios.
Beyond television, he recently co-adapted Africa Arts Networks Production of HONEYMOON HOTEL staged at the National Theatre of Ghana, and through his creative company Whistling Rocks, is developing a bold slate of projects across film, television, theatre, and music.
Looking ahead, Gamel will take his creative mission even further when he begins an MFA in Film at the esteemed Columbia University’s School of the Arts in New York City in 2026, a move that places him squarely at the intersection of African storytelling and global cinema.
The AuthenticA Series Lab provides participants with the tools to bring their stories to life at an international standard, producing a pitch deck, pilot scripts, and series bibles that can attract funding and production support worldwide.
The lab will be led by Mehret Mandefro, interim Managing Director of the Realness Institute, with Director of Writing Programmes, Selina Ukwuoma.
For Gamel, the opportunity represents a chance to carry Ghanaian and African narratives to global audiences. His track record of storytelling positions him as a vital voice in the future of African film and television.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
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Entertainment
Franky 5 is new host of Max Morning Live
Celebrated radio and television personality Frank Kwabena Owusu affectionately called Franky 5 has officially joined the iMAX Media Group.
The renowned presenter is set to light up the screens of Max TV as host of the station’s flagship morning show, Max Morning Live, starting Monday, September 8, 2020, from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m.
Franky 5 brings with him many years of rich experience in media, combining exceptional television and radio presentation skills with a proven track record in event organisation and creative production. His addition promises to deliver an exciting, refreshing experience to viewers of Max TV.
Over the years, Franky 5 has carved a unique niche in the Ghanaian media and showbiz industry with his dynamic and versatile style of presentation. Whether formal or informal, his delivery blends professionalism with an engaging flair that resonates with diverse audiences.
Beyond his on-screen duties, Franky 5 will also serve as Head of Entertainment and Events at iMAX Media Group, where he will play a key role in shaping the station’s entertainment content and driving innovative initiatives.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
