Entertainment
Public Figure series: UBA supports Ghanaian creative industry with US$100,000
United Bank for Africa Ghana Limited has contributed over US$100,000 to the Ghanaian creative art industry through the production of a 13 episode Ghanaian series titled Public Figure.
The bank’s Lifestyle and Entertainment channel, RED TV premiered the Ghanaian series on its YouTube channel on May 19, 2021.
Ahead of this, the official premiere of the series took place at the Kempinski Gold Coast Hotel in Accra on May 14, 2021, which was attended by people of diverse background including Nigeria’s music star Wizkid.
The series shot, produced and developed by a 100 per cent Ghanaian cast and crew was directed by the award-winning Eddie Sedor.
In a speech read on his behalf, Minister of Tourism Arts and Culture, Hon. Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed Awal lauded UBA Ghana Ltd. for the initiative and used the opportunity to call on other financial institutions to emulate the worthy cause.
He said “When I heard of the US$100,000 UBA Ghana has invested in the Ghanaian creative art industry through this series, I was happy about the entire initiative and its benefits to the movie industry. “
He further added thatb “such is the holistic growth that the creative arts and tourism sector in Ghana needs and I believe its impact has the potential to transcend into the tourism sector and the country at large and eventually lead to the Ghana beyond Aid Agenda.”
In his remarks, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of UBA Ghana Ltd., Mr Olalekan Balogun said that UBA as a lifestyle bank wanted to provide good content for its customers and Ghanaians at large besides banking.
He commended the Director of the movie for capturing the ills in the society, saying the series was a reflection of what was happening in society and advised leaders not to use their powers negatively.
The Public Figure series narrates the story of Wonder, a charming young lady, who quits the corporate life under pressure from a sexual pervert of a boss to pit herself up to be in the celebrity space. It’s a whirlwind rise to the top for her through the corridors of power, literally, more than she even bargains for.
It unravels a story of love, politics, power play and the celebrity life as we go behind the scenes from hotel meeting rooms to illicit activities in bedrooms and secret presidential villas in a quest to know the mystery behind public figures.
The movie stars Van Vicker, Naa Ashorkor Mensah Doku, Dela Seade, Aaron Adatsi, Cecilia Anno-Barnieh, Daisy Little among others.
The biggest event on Ghana’s entertainment calendar is set for a night of honours, pomp, and pageantry.
It is a night where musicians who excelled during the year under review will be rewarded through the endorsement of the Telecel Ghana Music Awards Board, the Academy, and the general public.
The Grand Arena, the ideal venue for the 27th TGMA, will host a star-studded audience of musicians, media personalities, businessmen, politicians, actors, and footballers among others.
On this night, the most coveted prize is the Artiste of the Year (AOTY) category, which will see the crowning of a new king or queen of Ghana music.
Two heavyweights in the category, Stonebwoy and Sarkodie, have the opportunity to set an enviable record as the only artistes to win the coveted title for a third time.
Should they fall short, the opportunity shifts to Black Sherif and Diana Hamilton to equal the record of two wins, joining the elite ranks of past double-winners like VIP.
A win for Diana Hamilton, will set her up in a lonely journey at the top as the only gospel musician, to win the Artiste of the Year for the second time.
Alternatively, Wendy Shay could make her debut by winning the award for the first time. This would make her team up with Diana Hamilton as the only female artistes alive to hold the title. The late Ebony, won it posthumously in 2018.
If the title slips past them and falls to Medikal, he will also become a first-time winner, etching his name into the annals of Ghana music history.
Patrons can look forward to electrifying performances from a long list of confirmed artistes, including Black Sherif, Diana Hamilton, Piesie Esther, R2Bees, Medikal, Wendy Shay, Lasmid, Kofi Kinaata, Samini, and Fido, among others.
Beyond the ultimate prize, several other major categories are up for grabs, including Music Video of the Year, New Artiste of the Year, Gospel Artiste of the Year, Most Popular Song of the Year, and Songwriter of the Year.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
The fourth edition of International AmoFest lived up to its promise on Saturday, May 2, delivering a vibrant “three-in-one” experience that left the audience at Alliance Française in Accra buzzing.
The night was a masterful blend of sound and stagecraft. Berima Amo, the visionary behind the festival, led an impressive lineup of performers, including Pedro Kastelijns, Martha Apini, Rudy Ray, and Lamisi.
Together, they showcased a fusion of global music and authentic Ghanaian Highlife, staying true to the festival’s mission of preserving Ghana’s original rhythmic soul.
Adding a unique layer to the evening, Uncle Ebo Whyte’s Roverman Productions took to the stage, blending theater with the night’s musical energy.
The experience concluded with a high-energy after-party, fulfilling Berima Amo’s goal of creating a truly immersive and memorable night.
Reflecting on the event’s purpose, Amo emphasised the need for intentionality in protecting Highlife.
He called on every Ghanaian, as well as government institutions, to actively foster an environment where the genre can thrive on the global stage.
The main event followed a successful educational outreach on April 24, where over 250 high school students participated in a Highlife workshop at the Centre for National Culture.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
