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Hammer applauds resilience, growth in Ghana’s music industry

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Ghanaian record producer Hammer discussed the impressive development of the country’s music industry, despite significant challenges.

Hammer highlighted the lack of structured support and formal record labels in Ghana, emphasizing the industry’s reliance on independent efforts.

Speaking in an interview on Starr Chat with Bola Ray on Thursday Hammer remarked, “It is impressive where we are as an industry, considering the fact that nobody had any help. It’s different when an industry is full of businessmen with structures. We don’t have structures, we don’t have anything. Do we have a record label in Ghana? Hand to heart, do we? No, we have independence.”

Hammer pointed out the critical difference between independent labels and established record labels, emphasizing the importance of connections and networks. “The difference between an independent and a record label is the connections, the reach, the network. We have done well considering the tools we have, and that is why I am impressed with what the boys have done till now.”

He praised artists like King Promise and Black Sherif for achieving international success independently. “Before he got his deal, King Promise was really out there. Black Sherif is out there. Most of these Nigerians are out there because they have some support. But these guys, Charlie, look at how Medikal and Chris Waddle started the AMG thing on their own.”

Hammer also credited producer JQ for laying the groundwork for the current generation of artists. “The good thing you should know about our music is that it all started with producer camp. JQ’s boys, JQ developed a clan.”

Hammer’s insights underscore the resilience and ingenuity of Ghanaian artists, who continue to thrive despite limited resources and support.

Source: starrfm.com

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Pastor Love jailed 48 months in hard labour for stealing

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Pastor Hammond Love, widely known as Pastor Love, has been convicted of theft and sentenced to 48 months in prison with hard labour.

GBC Ghana Online reports that Pastor Love, a former husband of gospel musician Obaapa Christie, was found guilty of the offence after seven years of trial. 

Before he was sentenced, Pastor Love pleaded with the court for mercy, adding that he was willing to pay any fine that would be imposed on him. 

The court presided over by Isaac Addo, took into consideration the fact that the convicted Pastor Love was a first-time offender.

The court held that as a Pastor, he was expected to hold a high level of integrity, especially in matters of trust, and therefore handed him the 48-month jail term as a fair deterrent. 

The facts of the case as presented by ASP Frimpong was that in 2016 one Samuel Amankwah, a resident of the US, shipped a 4×4 vehicle into Ghana and tasked Pastor Love to clear it from the port. 

The convict cleared the said vehicle with his money, after which the complainant told him to sell it for US$50,000 and deduct the amount he paid as duty.

Later, the complainant told Pastor Love to hold on with the sale of the vehicle as he would travel to Ghana and refund his money. 

In April 2017, the complainant arrived in the country and contacted Pastor Love for his vehicle, but he could not produce it despite several demands. 

The complainant complained with the Police and Pastor Love was arrested in May 2017. 

During interrogation, the convicted Pastor Love told the Police that he secured a loan of GH¢40,000 with 20 per cent interest to clear the vehicle and was accruing more interest, so he sold the vehicle at GH¢80,000 without the consent of the owner and paid GH¢70,000 to the loan company.

Meanwhile, Pastor Love was unable to lead the Police to the said loan company to verify the claim and could not also tell who bought the vehicle. 

The Judge said the convict was dishonest to the Court.

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Mahama unveils plans for creative industry in 2024 manifesto

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The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has officially launched its 2024 manifesto, unveiling the party’s plans for the Creative Arts sector.

The manifesto was launched in Winneba on August 24, 2024, and outlines the promises made by the NDC’s Presidential Candidate, John Dramani Mahama.

In the manifesto, the next Mahama government intends to implement the following initiatives:

1. Our Integrated Cultural and Economic Empowerment: will harness Culture for Economic Growth and for Building a Thriving Creative Industry.

– Our Creative Arts Fund will provide sustainable financial support for start-ups as well as ailing large, medium and small creative enterprises with business support as a lifeline for start-ups and struggling creative enterprises – ensuring that recipients can manage their resources sustainably and grow their ventures.

– We will support young digital content creators to develop contents that promote Ghanaian culture;

– Significant Investments in Capacity building and Digital Platforms to further empower artists, with the skills to create commercially viable content, and thrive in a digital world.

This policy also introduces Cultural Villages – vibrant centres for showcasing Ghana’s rich heritage, while doubling as hubs for local content creation. These villages will be pivotal in producing and promoting Ghanaian content; including films, music, fashion and crafts, accessible to both local and global audiences.

2. Our Tourism Infrastructure and Experience Enhancement Policy seeks to enhance Tourism and harness culture to create holistic tourism experiences.

Tourism as a driving force in Ghana’s economy, must renew its focus on enhancing infrastructure and visitor experiences. This policy will see the refurbishment and modernisation of Ghana’s iconic cultural heritage sites and the development of potential sites, coupled with the construction of new Centres of National Culture and the refurbishment of existing ones, into spaces that will not only attract international tourists but also foster domestic tourism through immersive, community-based cultural programming.

Diverse tourism offerings, from culinary to health and wellness tourism, will be developed – showcasing the multifaceted appeal of Ghana, and creating sector job and commerce opportunities within local communities.

To complement these physical experiences, the NDC Administration will introduce digital tourism platforms, offering real-time online databases and virtual reality tours that offer interactive experiences of Ghana’s most treasured sites. This digitalisation effort will broaden the reach of Ghana’s tourism offerings and sustainably put Ghana on the global map as a top-tier tourist destination.

3. Inclusive Cultural Participation and Protection 

At the core of this policy, is ensuring that Ghana’s cultural and tourism sectors are accessible to all and devoid of financial uncertainty. Legal and financial protections, including a pension scheme for creatives, will secure the careers of those contributing to the cultural economy. This initiative will create a safety net for artists, allowing them to focus on excelling at their craft.

– We would review and strictly enforce broadcasting, digital media and local content provisions to stimulate local artistic productions;

– facilitate, enforce and enhance the collection and management system for copyrights and royalties in Ghana; and

– Partner with the private sector to build an ultra-modern recreation village with auditoriums for films, musical concerts and other special events.

– Additionally, our government will prioritize the refurbishment and development of tourist facilities that accommodate access and comfort requirements of People Living with Disabilities (PWDs), and training opportunities for such persons to discover and sustain jobs in the sector.

– The policy also extends to the Ghanaian and African Diaspora, with a legal and ethical framework to help those wishing to relocate to Ghana integrate smoothly into our cultural economy.

– Collaborations with diplomatic missions will be engaged specifically to promote Ghana’s cultural and tourism offerings abroad, enhancing the global presence of Ghanaian culture.

The NDC also seeks to create and promote ‘The Black Star Experience’ as Ghana’s flagship Culture, Arts and Tourism brand to make Ghana a preferred tourism destination. The Black Star Experience will undertake a year-round celebration in all the major entertainment, artistic and educational disciplines.

This will include the celebration of the following:

1. The Pan African Month, Celebrating Heritage, History and Diaspora Engagement.

2. The Ghana Film Festival and Awards Month.

3. Ghana World.

4. Culinary Month.

5. Architecture, Design, Arts and Crafts.

6. Fashion and Textiles Month.

7. Literacy/Literary Month

 Ama Ata-Aidoo, Ephraim Amu, and Kofi Awoonor flourishing our February: Literacy/Literary Month,

 March: Heritage/History/Diaspora Month – telling the true history of the people of Ghana, perhaps Kwame Nkrumah will have his day of truth after all! In March &

 Please remember the following events and themes for each month:

April: The Black Star/Pan African Month, where we will be joined by the likes of Martin Luther King Jr. and Marcus Garvey.

August: Niyenii (Food) and (Drinks) Month, celebrating the diversity of Ghanaian culinary arts, including Akple, Fetridetsi, Tuo Zaafi, Tumbaani, Adunle, Kom k3 Kena, and Sobolo.

September: We will celebrate Ghanaian architecture art forms and highlight new challenges.

October: Ghanaian Film Festival and Awards.

November: Focus on fashion, textiles, garments, accessories, and precious minerals.

December: Ghana Festival Month, featuring highlife, hiplife, dancehall, choral, traditional, and dance, as well as awards.

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I believe Mahama’s policies are achievable

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Gospel artiste Nacee has revealed that he believes the policies of the flagbearer of the opposition National Democratic Congress [NDC] John Dramani Mahama are doable.

The NDC is launching its manifesto in Winneba. Nacee who is set to perform at the launch – in an interview with Channel One TV stated categorically: “Yes, I believe Mahama can do it…Looking at his records, I am very optimistic that he can do it”

Known in real life as Nana Osei, Nacee, is known for his popular Mahama campaign tracks like “E dey bee”, “Onaapo”, and “Mahama Okada”,

While the legendary sound engineer’s collaboration with Mahama began in 2012, he has previously worked with individuals from various political backgrounds, including former president John Agyekum Kufuor.

Watch the interview below

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