Entertainment
I’ll still connect black people in America to Africa – Meek Mill
American rapper, Meek Mill
Hip-hop artist, Meek Mill, says he will continue to promote unity between Africans in different parts of the world, despite criticisms of a music video he made during his visit to the office of the President of Ghana.
Meek Mill, became the target of attacks on social media on Sunday, January 8, 2023, after he released a video of his visit to the Jubilee House, with his music in the background.
The video, which went viral almost immediately, was considered by some people as disrespectful, and a breach of the protocol at the Presidency.
Member of Parliament for North Tongu constituency in the Volta Region, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, called it a desecration of the highest office of the land, adding that the music in the background contained some obscene lyrics.
Meek Mill has however pulled the video down and tweeted an apology to the people of Ghana.
According to him, he did not mean to be disrespectful to the leadership and the people of Ghana.
He also pledged to help strengthen the relationship between Africans on the continent and African Americans.
My apologies to the people if any disrespect! We still gonna push to make the connection between black people in America and Africa … what l’m trying to do is more than a video and you should see coming soon! My apologies to the the office also!
Officially known as Robert Rihmeek Williams, Meek Mill was born on May 6, 1987, in Philadelphia, USA.
His visit to Ghana is the first time he has ever stepped foot in Africa.
According to the former boyfriend of famous female rapper, Nicki Minaj, he is part Ghanaian, part Ivorian and part Nigerian.
In December 2020, Meek Mill made headlines in the hip-hop world by announcing his intention to settle in Ghana with his family. He wanted to buy a house and live with his family in Ghana.
Meek Mill was one of the main performers at the Afro Nation Festival held at the Black Star Square in Accra from December 28 to December 29, 2022.
After the show, he said he would like to sign a Ghanaian artist to his own record label, Dream Chasers (DC), adding that he has never felt so loved in his life.
During his interaction with President Akufo-Addo, Meek Mill spoke about his life and the challenges he faced while growing up as a young black male in America.
He also promised to use his talent and influence to inspire young people to stay positive and have the confidence to achieve their goals in life.
Source: citinewsroom.com
Entertainment
Stonebwoy joins American recording artiste Mashanda Faust and Atlanta-based musical group
Ghanaian dancehall and Afrobeats artiste Stonebwoy has joined American recording artiste Mashanda Faust and Atlanta-based musical group Hero The Band on “Wrong Toes”, a song featured on the official soundtrack of the upcoming action comedy film Boyz Trip.
The collaboration brings together musical talents from Ghana and the United States, offering another opportunity to showcase Ghanaian music to international audiences through cinema.
The film, scheduled for worldwide theatrical release in 2027, is set in Cape Town, South Africa, and combines action, comedy and African cultural influences.
According to information released by KeyScott Entertainment, the production company behind the project, the official music video for “Wrong Toes” was filmed at Cape Town Film Studios in South Africa, under the creative direction of Warren Gray, an award-winning creative director.
The song was written by Alan Key and Faten El Sayed, with Key originating the concept and Kyle Scott overseeing its creative development and execution alongside Faust.
Stonebwoy, known for his blend of Afrobeats, reggae and dancehall, contributes his distinctive sound to the international production, which seeks to connect audiences across Africa, North America, Europe and Australia.
The song forms part of a collection of original music being developed for the film’s soundtrack through KeyScott Entertainment’s music division, which focuses on original film music, music publishing, artist development and international collaborations.
Boyz Trip stars Desi Banks, Rome Flynn, Algee Smith and South African actor Siv Ngesi.
The story follows four longtime college friends who reunite for an international vacation in Cape Town, only for their getaway to descend into a chaotic adventure after they become entangled in the dangerous world of a notorious criminal known as Le Serpent.
The film is executive produced by Alan Key and Kyle Scott, co-founders of KeyScott Entertainment, an international film, and television and music Production Company headquartered in Brisbane, Australia.
Scott also directs the film, with Autumn Bailey-Ford as lead producer and Sarsha Venord and Jamez T. serving as co-producers. Ama K. Abebrese, Lya Castillo and Shayla Hill are associate producers.
The production is planning international premiere events in Cape Town, Atlanta, London, Los Angeles and Brisbane, with further details on its theatrical distribution, soundtrack releases and promotional activities expected ahead of its 2027 launch.
Stonebwoy’s involvement in the project adds a Ghanaian musical dimension to the production’s international appeal, placing his sound alongside American performers in a film that draws on African locations and cultural influences.
By spectator reporter
The National Film Authority (NFA) on Saturday launched the Cinema Train Initiative to improve access to cinema, strengthen film exhibition and rebuild the culture of cinema-going in Ghana.
The initiative, expected to provide a common platform for film producers, distributors, exhibitors and audiences to connect and create a sustainable market for Ghanaian films.
The Executive Secretary of the NFA, Kafui Danku Pitcher who announced the initiative at the launch, said limited access to cinema facilities and exhibition opportunities remained a major challenge confronting the country’s film industry.
She noted that while filmmakers invested considerable time and resources in producing films, many of their works struggled to reach audiences because of the limited platforms available for exhibition.
” We cannot build a sustainable film industry if we produce films without creating pathways for people to watch them,” she said.
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She explained that the initiative went beyond screening films, describing it as an effort to build an ecosystem where producers could showcase their works, distributors could connect content to markets and exhibitors could attract audiences.
She further urged Ghanaians to support the initiative by purchasing tickets, watching local films and encouraging others to patronise Ghanaian cinema.
The Executive Secretary called on corporate organisations and potential sponsors to invest in the initiative, saying their support would help expand cinema access, strengthen the creative economy and connect brands with audiences across the country.
He stressed that the success of the initiative required a collective commitment from all stakeholders, adding that the NFA was prepared to facilitate the partnerships necessary to advance the vision.
NFA board board Chairman, Mr Ivan Quashigah further demonstrated the Authority’s commitment by announcing plans to purchase tickets through the platform to support films currently available for screening.
He added that the platform seeks to bring key groups in the film industry onto one track:producers, distributors exhibitors and audiences.
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