Entertainment
TV3 Mentor 2020:The stage craft, bravado and western invasion
The just ended 2020 TV3 Mentor, organised by Media General, which was held on Sunday December 27, at the studio ‘B’ made me appreciate the need for such shows to help unearth a lot of music talents.
This year’s event commenced with an audition on Monday, August 31 2020, which was followed with the selection of 16 contestants to battle it out for 13 weeks.
The search of the brand new car and two mastered songs, GH¢50,000 worth of airtime across Media General platforms, as the prize package for the ultimate winner became keen week after week.
At the end of this journey, a first-year student of the Half Assini Senior High School, Kweku Bany, emerged as the winner, by ‘wrestling’ the coveted crown from the three other finalists.
Ayeyi walked away with a GH¢10,000 cash prize, a record deal and GH¢40,000 worth of airtime across all Media General platforms.
Second runner-up Semenhyia received GH¢8,000 cash, GH¢30,000 worth of airtime across Media General platforms and record deal.
Netty, who came all the way from the Northern Zone, had GH¢5,000 cash, GH¢20,000 worth of airtime across all Media General platforms, a record deal for placing fourth.
Judges
These contestants were under the able tutelage of music producer Appiah Dankwah, popularly known as Apietus, who was in charge of the South Eastern zone, veteran musician Bessa Simons was in charge of the Middle zone and musicians Adina Thembi and Edem also in charge of South Western and Northern zones respectively.
One thing I observed was that the contestants played their game to the theme of the event “Own the stage.”
And there was no denying the fact that the judges who served as mentors for contestants played a vital role in the growth of the artistes right from the onset, laced with their encouraging and thought-provoking critique of their performances.
There were times, the judges clashed over these contestants to get the best out of them.
There were the ‘unseen’ moments where the judges took the contestants through rudiments of music and stage artistry to make them ready to perform to the general public on Sundays.
Contestants
For an artiste to be able to breakthrough the music barriers and become a household name in both his country and other parts of the world, costuming, stagecraft, and confidence on stage must be topnotch.
One of the things the contestants did not take for granted was their costuming. Their sense for the right costume which corresponded with their their choice of song and stage craft, proved their seriousness for the global music market.
Like the tag-line suggested, ‘Own The Stage’, these contestants on the stage kept their composure and controlled the affairs with amazing commanding bravado tied with an intermittent call and respond, which got the patrons in a ecstatic mood.
The use of right prop made the performances lit and enthralled the audience.
Western invasion
Interestingly, this year’s edition had about four Westerners, Kweku Bany, Ayeyi, Semenhyia and Hyndu out of the 16 contestants brace
all odds to make it to the final six.
This did not end there, as Kweku Bany, Ayeyi and Semenhyia came up as first, second and third respectively, through their dexterity and showmanship.
In recent past, contestants from the Western part of the country have caught the eyes of the public with their excellent delivery on the platform.
Future
Such reality shows serve as platforms to groom talents for the next generation of musicians in the country. They take these budding artistes through a lot of training to ensure they meet the demands of the global music market.
For this reason, they should be given the needed support to stand the test of time.
Kudos to Media General for such resilience in running the show for these years.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Entertainment
The DebbyQueen Talk Show returns with Powerful New Seasons from today
The highly anticipated DebbyQueen Talkshow is set to premiere Season 5 this month on Lifestyle TV, promising viewers an even deeper dive into the inspiring, emotional, and transformative stories that have made the show a must-watch across Africa.
For global viewers, episodes will be available on the DebbyQueen TV YouTube Premium, Instagram, and Facebook, featuring exclusive behind-the-scenes content.
Hosted by the charismatic and insightful Mrs. Deborah Borketey-Tackie (DebbyQueen), the talkshow has built a reputation for its raw, unfiltered conversations with some of Africa’s most influential personalities. From entrepreneurs and activists to artists and change-makers, each episode delivers powerful life lessons, vulnerability, and motivation.
This season’s release marks a bold step forward for the show, featuring enhanced storytelling, new segments, and even more gripping interviews. Mrs. Borketey-Tackie has curated a lineup of guests whose journeys, filled with struggle, resilience, and triumph, will leave audiences inspired and empowered.
From Pascal Amanfo (award-winning film director) to Whitney Boakey-Mensah (women’s health advocate), Mrs. Mary Amoah (an autistic mother’s journey), Atinganma Talata (an Endometriosis survivor), each guest will share untold stories of setbacks and comebacks.
Focus on Youth & Entrepreneurship, with Africa’s next generation in mind, the show will feature young innovators, startup founders, and thought leaders sharing practical advice on business, leadership, and overcoming adversity.
This season’s production is proudly supported by an impressive roster of leading brands, reflecting the show’s growing influence and commercial appeal.
La-Palm Royal Beach Hotel, the venue sponsor, takes center stage as the headline sponsor.
Other major sponsors include HM Life Mixture reinforcing its commitment to health and wellness, Wilmar Africa producers of Frytol cooking oil, JAMAA Detergent, and Fortune Spread showing support towards entrepreneurship and youth empowerment.
Bel-Aqua Mineral Water and Bel Beverages serve as the official hydration partners, ensuring premium refreshments for guests and crew. Ghandour Cosmetics enhances the glamour with professional beauty services.
Additional supporting partners include our fabric sponsors: Mabelina Fabrics, Trinity Kente, Lana Fabrics, Fabric Lot Gh. Ahlai Maadai Enterprise and Hair sponsors: Hair Logistics Gh, Look Afriq, and Hairytales.
The culinary experience is elevated by EzyGrab Gh. and Randa Cakes & More as the official food sponsors for the crew and guests.
Additional support comes from Soul Impact Family Production, the lighting and stage partner, Akenteng Furniture, providing sofas for the set, and Sweet Aroma Print, in charge of all branding and print materials.
Thanks to the backing of these premium sponsors, the show has undergone significant upgrades in production.
The set design at La Palm Royal Beach Hotel exudes sophistication, featuring multi-camera cinematic techniques that rival international talkshows. The inclusion of professional makeup stations by Vendajules Slay World, Glorigels World, KL Makeover and Amy’s Ethicon ensures host and guests look their best.
The DebbyQueen Talkshow has become more than just a TV program, it’s a cultural movement. By blending authentic African storytelling with universal themes of resilience, the show has captured audiences beyond Ghana, including viewers in Sierra Leone, Liberia, South Africa, Canada, and the diaspora.
Media analysts praise its unique approach where vulnerability meets empowerment and its ability to spark meaningful conversations about success, mental health, and personal growth.
“This season is about truth, transformation, and triumph,” says Mrs. Deborah Borketey-Tackie.
“We are not just sharing stories, we are changing mindsets. Whether you are an entrepreneur, a dreamer, or someone looking for hope, these episodes will speak to you,” she concluded
Entertainment
Nana Jesse releases prayer song from Upper Room Experience concert
Kumasi-based gospel singer Nana Jesse, known in showbiz circles as Sylvester Gyasi, has released a prayer song from the Upper Room Experience Concert.
The song, titled ‘let your will be my will’, reflects Nana Jesse’s heartfelt surrender to God, expressing his dependency on divine guidance.
Through soul-stirring lyrics and a harmonious chorus, he and his accompanying musicians declared their submission to God’s will, reaffirming their trust in His direction.
Released on Friday, May 30, the song is already resonating with listeners, gaining more views on YouTube within days of its debut.
Fans have praised its uplifting message and the rich blend of voices that bring the prayer to life.
‘Let your will be my will’ was carefully arranged by Nana Jesse, Nana Kofi Junior, and Moses Boadu, ensuring a powerful and spiritually enriching experience for all.
With its heartfelt lyrics and inspiring melodies, it is set to bless many across different walks of life, offering a reminder of faith, surrender, and divine purpose.
The official song is available now on YouTube.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
