Entertainment
Tyrese Gibson asks fans to pray for his mother as she battles pneumonia and Covid-19 in ICU
Gibson shared on Instagram Saturday that his mother, Priscilla Murray, was in the intensive care unit, telling his 15.2 million followers that he left a film set to be at her side.
“My mother is in a coma, in ICU, with Pneumonia and she caught Covid they got her so sedated she can’t breathe or even eat on her own……. This has been going on all week I haven’t posted [ I’m doing it this time cause I feel helpless,” he captioned a picture of himself sitting in a corridor during a shoot.
The 43-year-old, best known for playing Roman in the “Fast & Furious” franchise, described the post as his “cry for help,” adding that he needs “the most sincere prayers from you prayer warriors.”
He continued: “Hold on mother I’m there by your side in a few days….. God is able to do things, he’s pulled you OUT of a coma before….. Oh God I seen the light things have been going so well…. Now this….Please guys praise you pray and even write out the prayers in the comments so that me and my family can read and be encouraged.”
In a caption on an old photo of his mother resting her head on his shoulder, Gibson wrote: “Mother we need you and love you please keep fighting…Sincere prayer warriors my mother needs you now more than ever….”
On Sunday night, Gibson made a series of follow-up posts, including one letting fans know she was showing signs of improvement. He asked them to keep praying for her.
“Life is to be lived from here I believe it and I ask that you continue to pray over my mother,” he wrote, adding: “The prayers are working all of her vital signs are UP since last night I believe in the mighty power of Jesus to keep mother and cover mother WE have so much more to do.”
A video shared on his Instagram appeared to show him speaking words of encouragement to his mother at her hospital bed.
The “Sweet Lady” hitmaker was inundated with messages of support from fans and fellow celebrities, including TV personality and actress Lala Anthony, who wrote: ” Sending u love and strong prayers Always. Praying GOD will bring her through this 🤍.”
Oscar-winning actress Viola Davis commented: “Praying. Warriors prayers❤️❤️❤️”
Hip-hop star Busta Rhymes added: “The queen will prevail.”
Gibson’s former TGTbandmate Ginuwine commented: “Prayers UP king.”
Source: CNN
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
