2nd edition of HOMOFEST launched

(Mrs. Ofosu Agyare delivering the keynote address to launch the Homofest)

The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts last Friday launched its 2nd edition of the Homofest under the theme “Unity and Development” at the Foyer of the National Theatre.
The main objective of the Homofest is to afford the chiefs and the people of Ga-Dangbe an opportunity to showcase their rich, diverse culture and creative arts potentials to both the local and the International Community for socio-economic development.

Speaking at the launch, Mrs. Elizabeth Ofosu-Agyare, the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts noted that, the festival was used to bring all Ga-Dangbe Chiefs and Queen mothers under one umbrella in a historic nature, and also serve as a means for people to reflect on their past, settle on their differences, forgive one another and to show love.

She then commended the Ministries of Local Government and the Rural Development and Chieftaincy and Traditional Affairs, the Greater Accra Regional coordinatingCouncil, the Accra Metropolitan Assembly ,all Assemblies in the Greater Accra Region, the Regional House of Chiefs and other Stakeholders for supporting for Ministry to create this festival.

In his speech, Hon. NiiLanteVanderpuije, Deputy Minister of Local and Rural Development, stated that, “the core values of the Ga tradition is fading, as some cultural events are retrogressing due to adulteration by the youth”.
He therefore stressed on the need for the tenets of the Ga culture to be inculcated into the training of children, adding that schools at various levels should incorporate cultural studies into their curriculum. “The Homofest is to showcase rich and unadulterated cultural events to revive the cultural conscience of the Ga-Dangbe people”, he reiterated.

The Homofest is to climax the celebrations of the Homowo Festival of the People of Ga-Dangbe after all the various stools namely Tema, Nungua, Osu, Teshie, La, Prampram, Ningo, Ga Mashie have all completed their individual celebrations.

Here are some pictures of attendees the launch;

DEMAND FOR WRIST WATCHES DECLINE…..as mobile phone business booms

Through the advent of technology, a lot of things have evolved with time, from fashion to the food we eat. This has gone a long way in our strong desire for the use of mobile phones over watches in telling the time.

History of watches
In the past, the medium used in telling the time was the crowing of the cock and the sun, in the mornings and the afternoons respectively, but it was a bit challenging because if you miss the cock crowing in the morning, the only time you would get to know the time again is when the sun set.
Notwithstanding the fact that people struggled to patronize wrist watches in the past, due to how expensive it was, which allowed the affluent and the middle income earners to have access to it.
Watches were highly commended because it was believed to add some touch to the dressing of both ladies and gentlemen.

Watches in the markets
There are different types of watches on the Ghanaian markets counting from
The leather watch, bracelet form- like type of watch and the rubber type which are bluffing and attractive to put on.
It also has several brand names like the Rolex, Gucci, Hermes Bul-gari among others which are the latest brands on the market and are quite expensive though there are imitations to serve the same purpose.

Lifestyles
These days the patronage of cell phones has taken over the markets of most appliances because of some multi- functional purposes it comes with, such as cameras, video recorders, radio, scanners, internet access and even television
Modernization has given way to technology and other forms of watches and clocks were designed to suit the preference of every taste. Little did we know that the use of mobile phones will one day replace wrist watches?
In an exclusive interview, Enoch Baah, a banker expressed that he normally sought to his handset as a means of telling the time since watches nowadays look bulky in size and finds it unease when wearing it.
Another lady also hinted that she has different kinds of watches to suit every occasion and anytime she wears it, it makes her feel complete as a woman.

Sales
Most watch vendors this reporter interviewed complained about the low sales of the purchasing of watches nowadays. Kwame Boahene, a watch seller and repairer at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle, said that for the past two years there has been low sales of the purchase of wrist watches which has made it difficult for him to fend for his family. He added that customers fail to collect their repaired watches after he has incurred extra cost on them.
Also the low sales of watches have become a blessing in disguise for some phone vendors and repairers. Nana Kofi who has been in the phone business for 10 years, noted:” there has been a boom in my business since customers visit my shop to repair their phones frequently and want the early looking at it’s multi-functional purpose “
Although people do not patronize wrist watches as they use to do, it stills adds some sort of confidence to people who use them and gives them some respect.

HOW TO CONTROL YOUR MIND TO WORK FOR YOU

Have you ever wondered why things are not moving in the direction you want? It’s because of the kind of mindset you have, which is yielding you to unsatisfied results. It’s a choice to live in wealth or poverty, failure or success, death or life, depending on what you engulf in your system.
There are instances that we find ourselves in bizarre circumstances which we find it difficult to opt out because we have failed to think deep into which path to take. In our social circles we encounter people who have climbed the ladder of success, not because they are exceptionally intelligent or have a special IQ, but they have a winning mentality.
Are you struggling with your grades? Do you think it’s too late for you in life? Are your peers ahead of you in life?
Don’t worry here are 3 steps to unleash your dreams with your mindset;

•The winning mindset
It’s possible to achieve your set goals with a sure chance of winning, if you have the winning mentality. Someone will ask how? It works because your mental cavity has process the word “winning” in that space ,so you realize that your efforts is catapulted into winning.
However, you can also achieve that if you forgo the lapses you’ve encountered in the past to fulfill what’s ahead.
One fact about the attitude of winning is you don’t stop till you win and its quite challenging because in the cause of it you face some impediment on the way, but your source of inspiration comes from your way of thinking.
The winning mindset has a determined spirit.

•The discipline mindset
Discipline is very important in fulfilling any task, because without it, one can never attain the desired results he /she needs.
Self discipline involves a lot because you tend to invest your time, resources and energy into whatever you wish to accomplish.
An indiscipline mindset is bound to fail because it fails to make sacrifices for the set goals and purpose.
How do you expect to pass your examinations without proper planning and effective studies? You are sometimes compelled to sacrifice your night sleeps in order to come up with good grades.
Promotion at your job doesn’t come cheap, though some are awarded promotion on biases. Having a discipline mindset can lead you to your promotion, because hard work pays.

•The optimistic Mindset
Research has shown that man’s true reflection is based on the thoughts processes, so you should be particular with the intake of things you feed your mind with. Always have a positive mindset, though negative thoughts may conflicts along the line, and just allow positive thoughts to dominate your mind because the more you practice that you would see positive results.

VLISCO AMBASADDOR TOURS NETHERLANDS

The Vlisco Ambassador, Elizabeth Patterson, joined other Vlisco ambassadors across Africa on an exclusive 3-day trip to the Netherlands as part of their prize for winning Vlisco Women’s Month 2015.
During her trip, Elizabeth got to enjoy the sights of Netherlands and visited the Vlisco factory in Helmond, to get a behind-the-scenes look at how the authentic Dutch wax fabrics are made.

Here are her experiences and insights she shared about the trip which took place earlier this month:

• You recently returned from a trip to Holland with the other Vlisco Ambassadors, visiting the home of Vlisco - How was the experience?
I enjoyed the opportunity to visit Holland again, meet with the other 5 ambassadors, learn their stories, and about their journeys. We got a tour of the Holland factory and several workshops and tutorials, which I believe made us all true connoisseurs of style by the end of the trip.

• What was the highlight of the trip for you?
The highlights of the trip were meeting and engaging with the other ambassadors and the surprise horseback riding activity on the third day. I had not been on a horse since my teenage years in high school. It was great to literally get back on the horse after so many years.

• How was it interacting with the other Ambassadors from Africa?
This was very good. I connected with Dotun from Nigeria the most as we were partners for "the path to being a heroine" workshop which allowed us to share professional and personal stories with one another.

• What insight did you gain about Vlisco during your trip?
The trip allowed me to broaden my knowledge of the Vlisco brand more. Touring the factory gave us a visual of the attention to detail that goes into the making of a single fabric- from design to mass printing and distribution. One of Vlisco's pillars is to be innovative and forward thinking - this was seen in the fact that they have collections for the next 3 quarters of 2015, 2016, and 2017! The design team is constantly thinking ahead and creating unique colour combinations that no other brand has.

• How would you sum up the trip in one sentence?
The trip was the official beginning of my journey as Vlisco's Ghana brand ambassador and I learned a great deal to become a true connoisseur of style.

• Anything else to add about the trip?
Meeting with the Vlisco staff and team was equally good for me and the other ambassadors. We observed the dedication the teams have for the Vlisco brand.

Elizabeth is the founder and executive director of the Girls Education Initiative of Ghana (GEIG) whose mission is to provide academic and financial support for girls including applicants with special needs, so they may access secondary, higher education, and professional opportunities.
Below are some of the pix of her trip with the other ambasaddors;

FATHERFEST @ 5-Health Concern Ghana Celebrates

The Executive Director,Mrs Aboagye delivering a speech at the event.

Health Concern Ghana, a non-governmental organization last week marked its 5th annual Fathers’ Day celebration dubbed; “Fathers: Key Actors in Improving Maternal and Neonatal Health”, at the Victory Presbyterian Church in Accra.
The programme was centered on engaging fathers to improve maternal and neonatal health, because the organization believed that fathers, right from conception plays integral part to the health of both mother and child.
Other activities also included fathers cooking completion, health screening, bounty castle, football gala and a launch of “Save a mother, Save a new born Campaign”.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Director of Health Concern Ghana, Mrs. Mary Aboagye, said that every year there were about four million neonatal deaths worldwide, of which infections form( 36%),pre-term( 28%) and birth asphyxia( 23%).
Besides, she noted said “these newborn death’s occur in developing countries whiles most die at homes against a background of poverty, sub-optimum care seeking and weak health systems”, adding that two-thirds of those deaths could be prevented.
She advised fathers to find time to accompany their spouses to antenatal clinic and stressed the need for fathers to be educated on conception, pregnancy, delivery and childcare.
A representative for the Minister of Health, George Kumi Kyeremeh, hinted that statistics from the Social Welfare of the Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit(DOVVSU) of the Ghana Police Service revealed that the number of fathers noted to be irresponsible had risen over the past three years, with fathers mistreating their wives during pregnancy
He appealed to all fathers to renew their commitment to their civic, religious and traditional responsibilities by supporting their spouses at home.
Fatherfest is an initiative of Health Concern Ghana with a three-fold mission; to acknowledge the role of fathers in the society, create an avenue for people, show appreciation to their fathers and equip fathers to assume their role effectively.

THE RETURNS OF AN UNFORGIVING HEART

I was mesmerized when I joined my Sunday School Children’s service department to observe what the children have been studying in their class.
Actually, I was assigned by my pastor to monitor how the Sunday school teachers go about in delivering their role as teachers.
As I sat in my small corner, watching the children sung tuneful songs of worship and praise, I watched in awe to see how these children knelt down with their hands up, worshipping God.
I pondered over their actions for while, and thought they did not know what they are about since they were young.
A few minutes later, the Sunday School teacher asked them the relevance of the “ Holy Spirit”, a couple of kids gave their answers but one answer drew my attention, just as I was leaving to join the adult church, a petite 6 year old boy answered, “As Christians and believers of God, we are suppose to have a forgiving heart when we make the holy spirit available in our lives and related it to the popular adage that goes like “To err is human but to forgive is divine”.
The statement made by the little boy sent chills down my spine because his tone was so discerning and deep, I took my mind back to recent publications in the dailies which have headlines such as; “ WOMAN BURNT FINGERS OF CHILD FOR STEALING”, “HUSBAND STAB WIFE FOR CHEATING”,WIFE CHOOPED HUSBAND’S MANHOOD FOR FLIRTING”.
Yes they have done you wrong, but do two wrongs make a right?. The truth of the matter is there is no relevance in paying back the wrongful acts of somebody, is best to make God the judge of all situations.
I called a friend and asked of her the plans for her dad towards the father’s day celebration, in fact I did not like her response because there were no excitements in her voice unlike how she called me on mother’s day to inform me of her intentions.
I asked her why she is not celebrating her dad and she disclosed to me; “My dad abandoned my mum when I was five months old, I just came into contact with him when I completed medical school”.
Humanly speaking, it’s very hurting to experience such a dreadful act by nobody other than your own blood, and urged her to forgive her dad and show him earnest love, because at the end of the day her dad will be drawn in guilt and shame.
I shared with her how research has proven that harboring resentment could lead to severe heart ache and blood pressure.
Am not scaring you folks, but how does it feel to see someone who has offended you?
Why would a normal human being commit such an unpardonable offense to a person?
If these culprit knew the essence of Forgiving one another at a tender age the harm meted on these victims would reduced. The subject of Forgiving should be taught in our homes, churches and school because they are places we normally engage our children.
Can you imagine how the world would have been, if we all knew the significance of forgiving one another, there would have been peace and harmony.
My dear brothers and sisters lets all champion this course to exhibit the habit of MAGNANIMITY.
Oops ,I forgot to wish you a happy Fathers’ Day,guess you had a package for your dad because we are still in the fathers’ day month.
Anyway Happy belated Fathers’ Day to all fathers in the world and potential fathers.

SSNIT DONATES GH¢ 206,440

The Social Security and the National Insurance Trust (SSNIT, has donated a cheque of GH¢206,440.00 to the Burns Unit of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra in support of the victims f the June 3 twin disaster incident.
The corporate Affairs manager, Miss Eva Amegashie disclosed that the donation is part of their corporate social responsibility as an organisation.

Ms.Eva Amegashie(right)presenting the cheque to the Deputy Director of Nurses Ethel Odei- Lartey

"CHOOSE YOUR FRIEND, DON’T LET YOUR FRIENDS CHOOSE YOU”

It feels good to call someone a friend, buddy, or a companion. Friendship is built within a period of time, just as enemies.
It’s so amazing to see people who have known each other for longer period of time turn into worst enemies based on so many factors.
In our walk of life, we come into contact with all kinds of people, whom we might meet them from diverse places and later tag them as ‘friends’, ‘best friends’ and the rest, depending on the kind of help being offered.
One thing we should try and consider is that, the fact that there is a mutual affiliation which keeps the flavor of friendship amongst you does not connote or qualify him/her as a friend.
The question is what value is he/she adding to your life’ what sort of impact have you benefited from your friend ever since he/she came into your life?
Have these questions ever wondered through your mind before.
The Oxford Dictionary defines ‘friend’ as a person you know well and like, and who is not usually a member of your family’, though its not in debt ,but my grandmother’s definition is so striking which I always go by it. “Someone who shares your vision, objective and goals which is geared towards creating impact in our lives”.
This definition is so deep and help you to take critical steps in choosing your friends.
Here are 4 steps to enable you make wise decisions in making and building friendship ties.

*Know the Person
It is very important to know the person you are mingling with, knowing the family background, the persons interest and passion is also needed which will enable you flow with the person well. This will help you to know the likes and dislikes of the person to ensure a smooth relationship.
“Ever since I met my bestie, time spent, moments shared has helped the friendship and blossom, we hardly fight, a friend disclosed.

*A Good Listener
A friend who gives you the ear and listens to you is worthy to be cherished. In times of problems or hard situations, a friend who gives you that room to share your issues with releases a sort of burden because there is adage which goes like “problem shared is half solved”.
“It’s so heart warming, when I get a gentle tap from my friend saying it’s well after sharing a problem, gives me great pleasure” another friend informed.

*An Advisor
There is nothing as fascinating as having a friend who gives you a good advise when there is a problem, it get’s exciting when that advise yields a good result. One thing an individual should look out for is a friend who is ever ready to give an advice when the need be.
A set of advice plays a major role, because it can cause a great influence in your life. Be mindful and vigilant in the kind of words, we consume in our minds , because it can make and unmake you.

*A positive Influence
There is nothing as beautiful as having a friend who would have a good influence in your life. This helps you go a long way in life because your success ladder will depend on the kind of associate you have come into contact with.

Emmanuel Yawson of ‘SOF’ fame reveals the brain behind his single “Midnight Cry”

After winning the Charter House reality show, Stars of the Future, in 2011,with his hit song ‘’My time” Emmanuel Yawson now Immanuel Emmanuel was “absent” from the music scene, till the release of his new single “Midnight cry”.
In an exclusive interview with the stylish musician he disclosed, the inspiration behind his new single was drawn from the frustrating moments in his life, especially when he grieved upon publications of him being absent from the music scene with his fame fading.
“I woke up one midnight to pour out my heart to God but something amazing happened, whilst praying I unknowingly worshipped God instead of complaining like I planned”.
Explaining further, he said as soon as he opened his mouth to sing, the lyrics from the song started coming out. “It was such an amazing, spiritual and intimate experience with God, thus the title of the worship medley “Midnight Cry”, he disclosed.
“Instead of a cry, God gave me a song and revealed to me that, my laying low from the musical scene for two years was His conscious decision”.
He confessed that his absence from the limelight enabled him make significant discoveries about himself and mostly about his style of music.

How it all began

At a tender age of 6, Emmanuel discovered an amazing gift, implanted in him by God, after joining his elder sister and cousin to perform at their grandaunt’s 80th birthday party.
Emma was brought up from a noble Christian family. He started singing in church with a wonderful support from his family especially his mother, and then the passion for singing grew with time, which led him to join Stars of the future train where he emerged as the winner.
“I wanted to prove to myself I was destined for greatness,and I chose stars of the future reality show because I believe it was more challenging and very diverse than other reality shows”,he said.
He acknowledged God’s favour for having emerged the winner of the 2011 SOF show even though there were equally talented people like Kaaki, Daniella, Noella among others.

Future Prospects
The smooth voiced singer aspires to go International, by producing chart topping music and award winning songs to leave a musical legacy. With his gift, he wishes to reach out to the world, proclaiming God’s amazing love.

Convictions
He is a fan of Kojo Antwi and Manifest, but believes his music ideas and style of delivering is heavenly inspired. “I love to sing and write about my most personal experiences with God and my fellow man” he said.
He then urged the need to scout for more song writers and more music producers who have international ideologies when it comes to creating music and, applauded the various stakeholders of Ghana music industry for massive improvement.

Education

A proud alumnus of the Central University College, holding a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration Management, he plans to study Company and Entertainment Law.
He also participated in exchange programs in Boston, USA during his junior high school days which gave him enough exposure to learn about different culture and lifestyle.

You can interact with Immanuel Emmanuel via;
IMMANUELemmanuel,twitter
@real_immanuel,Instagram
@immanuelemmanuel,google+IMMANUEL EMMANUEL.Youtube IMMANUEL EMMANUEL on sound cloud and reverbation.


Watch "Immanuel Emmanuel - Midnight Cry (Official Video)" on YouTube - https://youtu.be/kqKXBKbs_a4

6 WAYS TO ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS

You wake up from your bed expecting to live in a luxury and well furnished apartment, cruise the latest cars, wear good clothes and eat healthy, forgetting that all these can never be accomplished when you have a goal in life.
The world’s richest man, Bill Gates never built his empire of wealth in just a day, It was built based on dream, goal and a plan.
Its so fascinating how individuals expect to achieve certain target in 6months without first thinking of the outline of the hows ,whats,where, and when to accomplish that.
Goals are very important in our lives because it put you on your toes and serve as a guide. A person without a goal can never live in a purpose driven life, because it’s best to look at what motivates you, your passion and your dream to help identify your set goals.
Join me as I share with you 6 ways of achieving your set goals;

• Have a dream

A dream is very important in achieving your goals because it gives a detailed outline of what you want to do. A dream is simply a wish of things you want to accomplish, that state of process leads you to the dream,until you don’t have something in mind it that dream withers. Having a dream set you on the cause which enables you to arrive at a juncture of knowing what you want .There is more after having a foresight.



• Set Goals

After having that wonderful dream, you set up the goals. Setting the goals is the pacesetter of accomplishing it. It is the first step in turning the invisible to visible .You could set it daily, monthly and long term goals which will enable you to know what you are about.It is advisable to write it boldly write them in a clear,concise one which will serve as a reminder in fulfilling it. “As soon as you enter my room,my goals in life is written and pasted on my wall and anytime I pick a glance at it, I am always alert “a friend disclosed.



• Plan

A goal without a plan is a wish,planning it gives you an outline of how the goals can be accomplished. A well planned goal helps you to achieve your set target and gives measures or tactics to achieve that goal.



• Take Action

Every step you take in fulfilling your goal is an action. In this step you go the extra mile and making it possible to come out with the required desire. Taking action involves determination and discipline to go with. We take action to win.



• Focus

Whilst you’ve taken action, you need focus to complete your journey, since there will be hurdle along the way. It’s very important to give your full attention ,living behind external factors which will thwart you from completing your task.
Focusing helps you to achieve a satisfactory result.



• Celebrate

There is nothing as exciting than achieving a goal set to you by your boss or your teacher. It brings joy and happiness into your heart, because not only will you be celebrated but you will be celebrated with a reward, promotion or fulfillment.
People with goals succeed because they know where they are going.

5 Revelations why women smile

Wearing a smile on your face portrays some sort of personality in the minds of people, your first appearance is   key because you are being judged by it. Often times we attract people with the attention of our smile.

A person who smiles is being speculated as a friendly person.

In my search for facts why people smile, I came across some women who shared with me reasons why they smile; here are 5 amazing revelations behind a smile;

Adds Beauty to My Personality

“My outlook is an essential asset for me; it has added beauty to my facial curves. My beautiful facial look is based on the consistent smile on my face, thus makes me excited “a lady confessed. It is so important to have a smiling face to enhance your look.

Keeps me young and Refreshing

“Smiling makes me feel young and healthy, I don’t look my age and I attribute it to my frequent smiling expression”, another hinted. To keep being   young and healthy is by being nice to people and welcoming them with a beautiful smile.

After a good sex

“Anytime my partner gives me a good sex, my whole day is carried with smiles because thoughts of the moments shared brings joy and makes me active in my daily routine.

To Boost Confidence

If you want to be bold and confident just wear a smile and you are put on the “Go”.

‘’Anytime  I have a presentation at my work place, I go through my closet and the only beautiful dress I find is my Smile, which is so easy to wear. It enables me to flow and speak boldly which has indeed helped me gain recognition in my office, a friend revealed.

To get more Acquaintances

Another way to get more people connected is by putting on a friendly look which is so easier to do.”I normally make positive minded people as friends anytime I attend events”.

MAYBELINNE NEW YORK LAUNCH

The world’s number one makeup brand officially launched in Ghana last night with an upscale party at the trendy Coco Lounge in Accra, featuring an electrifying fashion show with some of Ghana’s top makeup artists.  Guests were treated to a vibrant procession of fashion shows with exciting themes ranging from Crazy Carnival and Funky Brides to Haute Avant-Garde, Glow in the Dark and Glam Night Out. The shows featured beautiful models whose faces were used as a canvas for the makeup artists to creatively express their unique styles using Maybelline New York makeup.

Brand Manager for Maybelline New York in Ghana, Aretha Yorke Sabeng said: “Maybelline New York is a brand that empowers women to make a statement, explore new looks as well as flaunt their own creativity and individuality.  Hence we created a diverse and inspiring fashion show that allowed us to demonstrate how this can be interpreted locally.  Maybelline is now available in Ghana, giving women the opportunity to have trendy, high quality and affordable makeup that allows them to achieve the latest looks from the catwalk effortlessly.”

Maybelline New York is just the latest brand under the L’Oréal Group umbrella to launch in Ghana, joining popular brands like Dark and Lovely and Blue Ice. Executive General Manager of L’Oréal West Africa, Jean-Dominique De Ravignan said: “L’Oréal has been in Ghana since the year 2000 and during this time we have grown the business significantly thanks to the peaceful and warm nature of the country and its people. Launching Maybelline New York in Ghana as it celebrates its 100^th anniversary, is a giant step for us. However we are very excited at what the future holds and we are confident that the brand will do well in this market.”

With the theme ‘New York Meets Accra’, the launch of Maybelline New York flawlessly united these two cities and allowed guests to experience distinct elements of both cultures. From the food and cocktails which were a perfect blend of New York and local ingredients, to a free style rap performance from Feli Nuna and legendary hip hop and high life mixes from the ever funky DJ Kess, guests were hard pressed to say whether they were in Times Square or Independence Square.

Celebrity guests such as Juliet Ibrahim, Lydia Forson, Joselyn Dumas, Sacha Okoh, Efya, Naa Ashorkor, AJ Sarpong, Ama K, Marie Humbert and many more were excited to take part in the live “Find Your Shade” bar, where makeup artists gave expert advice on the best Maybelline New York products for their skin types and tones, ensuring that everyone could find their perfect shade of Maybelline face powder. 

                      

                             Lydia Forson,Kokui and Guest

                                  

                                               Aretha Yorke Sabeng Maybelinne New York branch manager

                                                Guest,and Marie Humbert

                                   Efya signing in the Maybelline Wall kiss

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GHANA ABOUT TO MEET PROLIFIC MAKE-UP ARTISTS

This Friday (24^th April), Maybelline New York, the world’s number one makeup brand will officially launch in Ghana at Coco Lounge, and a superstar team of leading makeup artists dubbed the Maybelline Board of Influencers, will lead the launch, using their skill and expertise to show off the many diverse looks that can be achieved with Maybelline New York products.

The launch party will feature a fashion show from each makeup artist, keeping guests entertained with riveting themes and striking makeup. Introducing;

-          Sparkle and Shine: Lawrencia Owusu and Stefanie Duse are the duo behind Sparkle and Shine and have done makeup for everything from corporate documentaries, to leading Ghanaian fashion houses, editorials in magazines and bridal makeup work that got them started in the industry.

     

-  Dollface Makeup: Sally Poku ditched her plans for a law career to pursue her true passion, makeup artistry and her strength lies in bridal, couture, air brushing and face designing makeup.

-          Glamfaces: Priscilla Nyarko is the founder and head makeup artist of Glamfaces and her work has been featured on billboards across West Africa as well as fashion shows, music videos, magazines and on several Ghanaian celebrities.

-          Annette Akyi: Annette began her career as a self-taught freelance makeup artist and her specialty is bridal makeup, having worked on numerous brides over the course of her career, as well as doing makeup for Ghana Design Fashion Week and editorial shoots with seasoned photographers.  

-          Alexandrina Makeup Artistry: Founder Sandra Don Arthur is known for her dynamic and creative makeup. Her work spans across editorial shoots, advertising campaigns, bridal beauty and primetime TV shows broadcast across the continent and beyond.

ANITA ERSKINE TO CO-HOST STARR FM DRIVE WITH BOLA RAY

Ghanaian Television personality extraordinaire, Anita Erskine is set to join Starr Fm, Drive Time Show an

 urban lifestyle radio in Accra with Bola Ray.

She expressed her joy for being part of the Starr Fm team and noted , ““I am a huge fan of Bola Ray’s work, which is why I am so excited and honored to be part of the Starr FM family and such an important show for Ghanaians’ drive time”, she said.

After a lengthy career spanning hosting prestigious events to owning her own production company and presenting multiple successful television shows, Anita brings a lot of experience to Starr Drive and is ready to dive into the show, bringing her usual wit and charm to accompany commuters on their often long drive home.

 Hosting a radio show is really returning to her roots, for Anita started her career producing, directing, writing for and hosting an urban gospel radio program in Canada where she used to live. 

“I plan to take my almost twenty years of experience in the broadcast industry to truly add value to the show and connect with the listeners.  I want to inspire people and talk about the issues that really matter to the public, whilst at the same time having fun” she hinted.

Anita is the host of Making of a Mogul, Discovery +233, Pamper Your Mum and the One Show.

BEX MORRTY TELLS MORE ABOUT MOVIE 'FREETOWN'

Freetown, a film about Liberian missionaries fleeing violence in their hometown, premiered at the Silver Bird Theatres in Accra Mall last Thursday night before the international release date, allowing viewers a sneak peak of the buzzed-about movie that was filmed exclusively in Ghana and stars popular African actors, thanks to Agbeko Mortty. 
 

Acclaimed producer Adam Abel and director Garrett Batty worked with London-born Ghanaian casting director, Mortty, popularly known in the industry as Bex, to hand pick some of Ghana’s best talent such as Nuong Faalongto star in the movie and bring the story to life on screen.

“I was thrilled to get involved with this film because it had such a clear message about the power of faith.  I knew that I had to find actors with the strength and spirit to really deliver a forceful performance in each scene,” said Bex.

The film, based on a true story, has been met with much excitement and positivity after showings at the 2015 Pan Africa Film Festival (PAFF) as well as the Latter Day Saints Film Festival (LDSFF), largely due to the cast’s ability to equip the film with a palpable honesty. Critics hailed it as a thrilling study of the consequences of the violence in Liberia as well as a testament to what conviction, hope and belief can accomplish.

 “There were members of the cast that had lived through this civil war we were trying to recreate. They had their own experiences to draw from, [and] that made it all the more palatable when we were recording,” Batty said, “[Bex] has a remarkable eye for talent, and an incredible way with people.”

Perfecting the cast of Freetown is just one project in the docket of Bex’s busy career. In addition to his involvement with that movie, he is also the casting director for the upcoming film Children of the Mountain and acts in it, playing the love interest of a woman who has a special needs child. On top of that, he is a hunter in the upcoming film The Cursed Ones. Both films are expected to be released this year.

Although Bex already owns a successful IT company, QNS and Q-Vision Productions, performing fulfils a dream Bex had as early as his primary school days in St. Theresa’s, North Kaneshie, where he first started acting and dancing. Today, his resume boasts international involvement with projects in theatre, television, dance and film, and he still finds some free time to pursue his passion for music, playing the saxophone, drums and percussion.

In London, Bex acted in the play Rainbow Uprising, a Reggae musical featuring the music of Bob Marley that featured at the Astoria West End theatre and Saddlers Wells theatres. He played a role in The Amen Corner as well, which opened at the Central School of Speech and Drama, and began his now lengthy career on film with a role in the film Back Home Again, the tale of a Ghanaian returning home filmed in both London and Accra. Bex spent five years honing his dancing craft with Brekete, a dance group that performs all over Europe in popular festivals including the World of Music, Arts, and Dance festival (WOMAD), Edinburgh Fringe, and the Reading Festival.

 After returning to Ghana, Bex wasted no time getting involved with both theatre and film productions, working with Rover man Productions in the plays Apartment N1 and Everyone Has a Secret, and delved into roles for television including The 5 Brides, Poisoned Bait and Ashes. Poisoned Bait can be seen on DSTV Africa Magic Channel 150 every Thursday at 8:30pm, and Ashes can be seen on Multi TV Joy Prime every Saturday at 8:30am.

His extensive credentials have enabled him to be a part of multiple projects with award-winning directors such as Leila Djansi. In addition to remarking about how Bex was so believable in his Poisoned Bait role that she had to hold her mouth to keep from laughing on set, when speaking about working with Bex on the film Trip to Hell Djansi said, “He came on set with his character prepared and it was perfect. That is an actor.”

Bex, an enstooled chief who serves as the Mankrado of Gbledi Gborgame in the Volta region, is enjoying his return to Ghana and has big plans for his future projects. One of those projects is the film Hosanna, a crowd-funded movie examining the hardships experienced by immigrants in America through one man’s compelling story. 

Support it on https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/hosanna–2.

“This is a great environment for inspiring creativity and getting involved in films and shows that really make an impact,” said Bex, I’m always excited to start the next project, and challenge myself to do something greater each time.”