Entertainment
Mr.Eazi releases new single ahead of debut album ‘The Evil Genius’
Mr Eazi shares new music today along with the title for his long-awaited, decade-in-the-making debut solo album. “Advice,” produced by Ghana’s M.O.G. Beatz, is the latest single from the freshly named The Evil Genius, set for release on Oct. 27, 2023.
The 16-track album is now available for pre-order HERE: https://empawaafrica.lnk.to/TheEvilGenius.
Mr Eazi is the latest artiste to be featured in Vevo’s original content series Ctrl., with a stirring, defiant performance of the drill-infused “Advice” out today in support of the track’s release.
The lyrically dense “Advice” namechecks a number of African martyrs including former Democratic Republic of the Congo president Joseph Kabila and Ken Saro-Wiwa, a Nigerian writer and activist whose 1995 hanging inspired domestic and international outrage. “I was coming from a place of having that energy,” Eazi says.
Recorded over a two-year period between Ouidah and Cotonou, Benin; Kigali, Rwanda; Accra and Kokrobite, Ghana; Lagos, Nigeria; London; Los Angeles; and New York City, The Evil Genius features some of Mr Eazi’s most personal work, as he dives deeply into subjects like love, betrayal, loneliness, and family, expressed through three distinctive acts.
In a first-of-its-kind fusion of African music and art, Mr Eazi commissioned visual artists from across the continent to create a unique, physical art piece to represent each of the album’s 16 tracks. For “Advice,” he tapped Nairobi, Kenya-based artist Alphonce Odhiambo, known as Alpha ODH, whose acrylic painting speaks to the track’s defiant lyrics.
Mr Eazi personally handpicked 13 artists, representing eight African countries, inviting them to collaborate in a process he describes as ‘informal and instinctual’.
“Inviting artists to create for the album was from my passion for creativity and expression,” Mr Eazi said.
According to him, “The artworks visually unlock the ideas, emotion, and energy within my music.”
The artworks created for the album will be featured in a multi-sensory exhibition experience, which debuts in Accra, Ghana, from Sept. 13-17, before heading to 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair at Somerset House in London from Oct. 12-15. Additional exhibition announcements in other cities would be revealed soon.
MR EAZI TOUR DATES (w/ ChopLife SoundSystem)
Saturday, September 2 | Washington DC – Karma
Sunday, September 3 | Houston – Rise Roof Top
Sunday, September 24 | Atlanta – Revolt World @ Pangaea Studio
The Blood Crew, a Ghanaian contemporary gospel music group based in Kumasi, celebrated its 10th anniversary in ministry with a special cake-cutting ceremony during the Grace Concert held at Gracefields Chapel, Havlah Temple, Ahodwo.
The celebration formed part of the group’s annual live recording event, ‘The Blood Effect’, which brought together thousands of worshippers, gospel music lovers, ministers, and invited guests for an unforgettable night of worship and live music recording.
The anniversary cake was officially cut by the Founder and Music Director of the group, David Nana Bonsu, popularly known as Nana Quophi, together with Rev. Simon Ampofo, shortly after the first session of live recordings featuring newly composed songs and selected old compilations.
The ceremony was witnessed by alumni members, current team members, invited gospel artistes, instrumentalists, management, and worshippers who gathered to celebrate the milestone achievement of the ministry.
The occasion marked 10 years of The Blood Crew’s contribution to gospel music ministry, worship, fellowship, evangelism, mentorship, and youth impact through music.
Members of the group used the opportunity to reflect on their journey over the years and expressed gratitude to God for sustaining the ministry and helping them remain impactful.
The event featured ministrations from UK-based Ghanaian gospel artiste Emmanuel Gyamfi, Pastor Edwin Dadson, Team Eternity Ghana, Manuel Tuffour, Joshua Ahenkorah, and Yefter Nkansah.
The group described the anniversary celebration as a moment of thanksgiving, reflection, and renewed commitment to continue impacting lives through gospel music and worship ministry.
Over the years, The Blood Crew’s annual ‘The Blood Effect’ live recording event has grown into a recognized platform for worship, spiritual impact, and gospel music ministry in Kumasi and beyond.
This year’s edition uniquely combined live recordings with the group’s 10th anniversary celebration, making it one of the most memorable editions since the ministry began.
By Spectator Reporter
Contrary to the belief that winning an award elevates an actor to an almost ‘godlike’ status, Ghanaian actor Melvin Dain holds a different view.
According to him, accolades were important, but they do not define the true essence of an actor.
Speaking ahead of the Ghana Movie Awards scheduled for tomorrow, Dain emphasised that awards should be seen as recognition rather than a measure of ultimate worth.
“I don’t think awards define who an actor is; however, I believe they provide recognition and validate an actor’s performances in the industry,” he said.
The actor has been nominated in two categories; Best Actor in a Supporting Role and Discovery Actor of the Year, a milestone he describes as both encouraging and humbling.
“Being recognised at this stage means a lot to me. It tells me that the work I’m putting in is being seen, and that alone is encouraging,” he noted.
Reflecting on his journey, Dain said the nominations have offered him the opportunity to appreciate his growth in the industry.
“It reminds me of where I’m coming from and how far I’ve come. It also gives me more reason to keep pushing, to keep learning and to keep growing as an actor,” he added.
Despite the recognition, the actor remains grounded, acknowledging the stiff competition in both categories.
He described his chances of winning as evenly balanced, given the calibre of nominees.
“Looking at the names on the list, I will say it’s a 50/50 chance. Some of these people are my idols, and just being in the same category with them is a humbling moment for me,” he said.
He added, “the nominations represent more than just a shot at winning; they affirm my rise in the industry and reinforces my commitment to excellence.”
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
