Entertainment
We have a unique brand – Ghanaian music duo Dope Nation explain the choice of name
The all-time favourite Ghanaian music duo, Dope Nation has finally shared the inspiration behind their choice of name, adding a bit of detail on their new sound, ‘GhanaPiano’ and life back in Senior High school.
When asked to explain the meaning behind their name ‘Dope Nation’, the talented duo indicated that “The meaning ‘Dope’ is that jargon that we all term as unique in its own way; it has that wow factor.
“Musically, we are unique in our own form. We have this elite vision for music and that is why we call ourselves ‘Dope’. It’s a ‘Nation’ because it’s a movement and we are the ones representing it.”
With their new sound that infuses Ghanaian music genres and that of the famous South African ‘Amapiano’, the twins talk about why they decided to explore that idea and the name they gave to it, adding that their favourite song on it has not yet been released.
Speaking to Chrystal Kwame-Aryee on Showbiz 360, they stated “We think this is the time we all get updated with musical intelligence and at the same time, get entertained as well. The world is updating so fast in every industry with music inclusive. We know that since we the twins are at the borders of the Western world and that of Africa, we should find that bridge that connects everyone and that’s why we have ‘GhanaPiano’.”
Still on the same topic, according to them, “It’s basically the fundamentals of the instrumentals in the songs and since we are repping Ghana, we just had to use ‘Ghana’ and ‘Piano’, coining the term, ‘GhanaPiano’. The funny thing is, the favorite song is not yet out. You’ll hear it and be amazed.”
Shifting the conversation a bit to focus on how they got separated during their Secondary school days, one of the twins, Tony Boafo known as Twist, takes viewers down memory lane as he reveals he had to rap-battle his brother, Micheal Boafo popularly known as B2.
“My dad separated us when we were going to high school. I went to a boys’ school; GSTS and my brother went to Sekondi College. We used to have inter-college rap battles. I go to school after school and battle with the best rappers there. I then met my brother’s school. When I went there, I hadn’t seen him in a while so I asked who the best rapper was and they brought this guy (referring to his twin),” he disclosed.
The ‘GhanaPiano’ EP has been outdoored with songs like ‘Gboza’, ‘Clap’ and ‘Check My Zingo’, streaming on all platforms. The duo promises more fire and asks fans to stay put, anticipating for what is yet to come.
source: 3news.com
Veteran Ghanaian musician Okyeame Kwame has announced a new initiative aimed at engaging teachers and students through music and creativity.
The award winning artiste in a social media post revealed that the “Clap Challenge” will begin this week, starting with schools across the country.
He explained that the challenge will require a teacher together with students to record a video of themselves singing his “Clap” song.
According to him, the video must be lively and engaging to stand a chance of winning.
He stated that participants must also post their videos on social media with permission from their school authorities.
They are expected to use the hashtag #clap4others and tag him on any social media platform.
He added that one teacher will be selected as a winner every week and will receive a cash prize of GH¢1,000.
He noted that the final decision on winners will be made by him.
The musician encouraged teachers and students to take part in the challenge, stressing that it is designed to promote creativity, unity and positive expression among young people in schools.
This follows a GHC100,000 support from businessman, Richard Nii Armah Quaye, who lauded the musician for composing a song which has the tendency to change society and help eschew jealousy.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Veteran Ghanaian actor, Fred Amugi, has been cast in the upcoming Pan-African television series, Kismet, where he will play the role of Chief Ademola, a wealthy and influential Yoruba patriarch.
The series, set for production in Abuja and other parts of Nigeria, brings together a diverse cast ensemble from Ghana, Nigeria, Cote d’Ivoire, South Africa, Cameroon, Kenya, and the United States.
A statement copied to the GNA in Accra said “It forms part of a broader effort to strengthen collaboration within Africa’s creative industry while positioning African stories for global audiences.”
Speaking on his involvement, Fred Nii Amugi, whose acting career spans more than four decades, described the role as a meaningful milestone.
“It is a proud moment for me at this stage of my career to be part of a Pan-African series,” he said.
“Playing a Yoruba character as a Ghanaian reflects something deeper about who we are as Africans. It reminds us that we are one people, connected beyond borders,” he indicated.
He added that his preparation for the role went beyond performance.
“As a Ghanaian of Ga heritage, I am taking time to study the historical and cultural links between the Ga and Yoruba people.
“I am learning about these connections so I can represent the character with truth and respect.”
“It is important that the world sees the shared identity that exists across our continent,” he noted.
Kismet is being developed as a high-quality thriller series with a Pan-African perspective, drawing talent from across the continent and the diaspora.
According to Nana Dwomoh-Doyen Benjamin, President of the African Chamber of Content Producers and production advisor for the project, the series represents the united image of Africa that is capable of contributing to the global creative economy.
“As part of building a Pan-African creative economy, Kismet is a call for Africans to come together and tell our stories as one people.
“We are also aligning this effort with the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to create a strong continental market for African content,” he underlined.
The producer of the series, Paul Joegad, emphasised the global ambition behind the project.
Based in the United States, Joegad noted that the production was designed to meet international standards while maintaining authentic African storytelling.
“We are leveraging diaspora networks and global experience to create a series that resonates across cultures,” he said.
“Our goal is to produce content that can stand on international platforms through quality and strong storytelling.”
He added that assembling the right team had been central to the project’s vision. Among those involved is Mawuko Kuadzi, a Casting Society of America (CSA) member and the first African to win an Artios Award in its 40-year history.
The producers say the series seeks to position Africa as a major player in global content, fostering international Pan-African partnerships. –GNA
