Entertainment
Omar B Homage: Revenue from my rendition will go to his family – Kuami Eugene
Ghana’s finest, Kuami Eugene, has paid homage to late Togolese music legend Omar B, known in private life as Ahiangban Omar.
Kuami Eugene, in paying homage to the fallen legend, did a rendition of Omar B’s classic hit song, “Awoo Mawugné.”
According to Kuami Eugene, a friend introduced Omar B’s songs to him, due to their creative semblance of ability to write, sing and produce.
Against this backdrop, Kuami Eugene began to enquire about Omar B and realised he died at a point his career was thriving leaving behind a young family.
Consequently, Kuami Eugene decided to go ahead with a rendition of his “Awoo mawugné” song, which has been on his heart and donate the revenue accrued to Omar B’s family.
“After I got the translation of the song from some friends, I realised he had put together some powerful lyrics, so I decided to do a rendition in his honour,” he said.
The Rockstar further revealed that, “This is not for profit. It’s purely out of love and respect. I have no intention of exploiting this work. All revenues generated from this upload will go directly to Omar B’s family.”
For this reason, it is Kuami Eugene’s prayer that the song generates a lot of views and money for the family of the late Omar B.
Due to his ingenuity coupled with his meteoric rise, Omar B became a role model and an inspiration to Togo’s young talents.
While a third album, dubbed ‘Me, Myself and I’, was released in 2019, Omar B died suddenly at the age of 35 on February 20, 2020, following a heart attack.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Enjoy the song below
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
