I’m Gay -Panji Anoff Reveals

Ghana’s highly respected music producer and artiste manager, Anoff Panji, has publicly declared he is gay though the country has an open homophobic culture.

“I wish to announce today that I am gay, so that all the people who don’t want a gay friend on facebook, can unfriend me now. I will miss you all, but I think it will make my Facebook world a better place,” Panji wrote on his official facebook page last Monday, becoming the first Ghanaian celeb to publicly reveal his sexual orientation.

Panji is the manager of King Ayisoba, Wanlov the Kubolor, M3nsa Ansah, Yaa Pono, King Luu, Mutombo the Poet, Atsu Numadzi and Mawuko Kuadzi.

Though his statement earned him some insults, many were of the opinion that the Facebook account could have either been hacked or he was using the word “gay” in a certain context since he is a married man with children.

But the renowned artiste manager on Thursday seemed to have cleared doubts on the meaning of his statement when he told Hitz FM on Thursday, “I wrote that because I realise that as I was reading my facebook page and I was coming up against a lot of prejudice and I believe in freedom and I believe that a crime without a victim is not a crime.

“If I am here and I love my boyfriend I don’t see why it is a crime against any human being because who is the victim? This is something that two people have agreed on so who is the victim in this case? So I don’t see how it is a crime or I don’t see how I have made a wrong statement,” he added.

Asked if he was gay, Panji replied, “Yes, that is the statement I made.”

He explained further: “I thought the mode of discrimination levelled against gay practices would have helped me out and earned me the same criticism but that’s not happening. With this feedback, those afraid to make public their sexuality, the impact isn’t that serious as it seemed,” Panji chorused.

The implications of Panji’s statement are not yet certain because Ghanaian homosexuals live in fear and suffer a serious condemnation from society.

There have been reports of people who have been beaten up on the streets or even chased out of their neighbourhoods because they were suspected to be homosexuals.

source: news1ghana

My Heart Is Bleeding -Asamoah Gyan Speaks On Castro

Black Stars Captain Asamoah Gyan has finally spoken on the most discussed media news of the lost of his best friend Castro and his pall girlfriend Janet. these is what the worried Asamoah Gyan had to say:

On my own behalf and on behalf of my family and team, I wish to express profound gratitude to all Ghanaians, persons and institutions that have stood firmly behind us since Sunday July 6, 2014 when we had information that our close friend and brother, popular musician Castro (known in private life as Theophilus Tagoe) had gone missing on the Volta River together with an acquaintance, Miss Janet Bandu, who had apparently hitched a ride with Castro on a jet ski rented by Castro.
The last two weeks have been the most stressful period of my entire life and I have survived only by the grace of my Creator and the encouragement I continue to receive from Ghanaians and the persons around me.
Although the anxiety within my spirit is eating me up, we have remained united in hope and continue to remain optimistic as we endure these nightmarish periods of painful wait and watch hours turn into days and days turn into weeks.
I am very grateful to the search team that has worked tirelessly day and night in hope of finding Castro and Jane. I am particularly grateful to the Ghana Police Service particularly the Marine Police Unit (MPU), the Tema Police Command and the Ada Police Command. I am also grateful to the Ghana Navy, the Greater Accra Regional Minister, the Ada East District Assembly, local fishermen at Ada, traditionalists and the several individuals who joined in the search.
I thank the media, colleague footballers and musicians for standing by me.
The Tagoe family has shown me much love and support through these trying times and I thank them for the encouragement they gave me to return to my club and join the pre-season training.
Though I am geographically away, my spirit and mind is not away and I will be in constant communication with the team as we pray and await the long overdue good news.
I am a Christian and I believe in God. I have not stopped going on my knees to speak to my Maker about this incident and I want to personally appeal to all religious leaders in Ghana and all persons who believe in the power of prayer to intercede for the missing two.
My prayers and support lie firmly with Castro and Miss Jane Bandu and their families. We pray for strength and fortitude for all engaged in the search and we also call on anyone who has useful information to assist in this quest. God bless us all.
SIGNED
Sammy Anim Addo
Business Manager/Spokesperson for and on behalf of Asamoah Gyan.
 Monday July 21, 2014.

Kanye Clears Up Wedding Rumors

Kanye West has a lot to say about his wife, Kim Kardashian!
The rapper appears in the new issue of GQ magazine, where he opens up about his destination wedding, his relationship with the paparazzi and confesses his love for the reality star.
West—who tied the knot with the 33-year-old in Italy earlier this year—said that the big day was a bit of a disaster.
When the interviewer read a passage from page six of the rapper about the couple’s wedding—which claimed Kanye had a meltdown and sawed the bar in half before the pair said “I do” – the “Gold Digger” crooner said that never happened.
“For the person that wrote that, were they involved with anything last year that was as culturally significant as the Yeezus tour or that album? They didn’t even talk there about the photographs, or the dress, or Andrea Bocelli singing, or the marble tables. They’re like: ‘It’s a gold toilet.’ No. The bathrooms—that usually would be a porta-potty—were wrapped in a fabric that was neutral to match the fort. The bar was terrible, and the wedding planner didn’t approve it with me. I was having issues with this wedding planner the entire time on approvals, and I get there and they threw some weird plastic bar there. So the same materials that were used to cover the bathroom, we said, ‘Let’s just use that, because this is all we have to make the bar look better.’ Which it did, in the end. And anyone knows that you cannot pick up tools yourself, because of—what are those rules about the workers?” the singer explains.
West said that because of the labour unions overseas, he was not allowed to personally work on the property before the big day. The report also said Kanye gave a 45-minute toast to himself—which he did not deny.
“And what I talked about in it was the idea of celebrity, and celebrities being treated like blacks were in the ’60s, having no rights, and the fact that people can slander your name. I said that in the toast. And I had to say this in a position where I, from the art world, am marrying Kim. And how we’re going to fight to raise the respect level for celebrities so that my daughter can live a more normal life. She didn’t choose to be a celebrity. But she is. So I’m going to fight to make sure she has a better life,” he explained.

University Sacks Grace Ashy Over Exams Fraud

The Methodist University College, Ghana (MUC) has suspended gospel artiste Grace Ashy, a student of the school, over charges of examination fraud, NEWS-ONE has gathered.
The popular gospel musician, known for her cheer songs for the Black Stars,  was reported to have been caught a couple of times cheating during internal examination; a behaviour the school considered as gross misconduct and eventually penalised her.
When NEWS-ONE called Grace Ashy on Tuesday afternoon over the story, she said the matter could not be discussed on phone and therefore declined giving any explanation.
“Grace Ashy and some other students who were caught cheating during the exams were hauled to face the DC (Disciplinary Committee) but they were unable to defend themselves. They were therefore suspended. This is not the first time she has been involved in such a thing,” a course mate of the musician told the paper.
The duration of the suspension is unclear. While one report said Grace Ashy is on suspension for two semesters, another said she is on suspension for two academic years.
Grace Ashy doubles as the proprietor of a private basic school and a role model to many children.
She has strongly backed the Black Stars, Black Queens and the U-20 Women’s side for several years.
Her amazing cheer songs for the Black Stars have rallied support for the team and the country as a whole.

source: news1ghana.com

Sarkodie Prays For Castro On Birthday

Ghana’s Award-winning rapper Sarkodie turned 29 on Thursday with a special prayer request for God to intervene in the ongoing search for fellow musician Castro and his friend Janet.

Sarkodie had been silent since news broke on July 5 that the hip-life artiste, Castro, had drowned in the Volta Lake, till he posted a picture with him on a social media yesterday.

“My biggest bday gift…God Please Bring Ma Brother Home Please!!!!!!,” Sarkodie posted on his Facebook page.

Castro was on holidays with Asamoah Gyan and a few other people at a resort at Ada Foah where he drowned.

Rescue operations commenced last Sunday for Castro and Janet Bandu, the lady he was riding the Jet Ski with before the unfortunate incident happened. Till date, both bodies have not been found, neither have they washed ashore.

Sarkodie is among the host of celebs in this country who have been calling for people to keep the hope of finding both Castro and Janet alive.

Sarkodie aka Michael Owusu-Addo is one of the artistes who had very close relations with Castro-Theophilus Tagoe. The two released an inspirational tune titled ‘Adonai’ which is currently receiving a lot of airplay.

Sarkodie won the ‘Best Hip Hop’ at the 2014 MTV Africa Music Awards at the Durban International Convention Centre (ICC) in Durban, South Africa in June.

He also got nominated for the ‘Best International Act (Africa) category at the just ended Black Entertainment Television (BET) Awards.

source:news1ghana

Kwaw Kese Single Again After 6 Years Of Marriage

Hiplife artiste Emmanuel Botchwey aka Kwaw Kese has ended his marriage with his American wife.

The rapper's wife is a white American who used to work at the American Embassy in Ghana.

Reasons for their separation is yet to be known but with regards to his tweet about he being single again now I know that he is no longer the husband of his wife.

Kwaw Kese has two kids with his wife: a boy and a girl whose names are only known as Sean and Veronica.

The rapper tweeted the news about his divorce with his wife rather than coming up to say it verbally. Reasons for why he choose to spread the news on the social media I don’t know, but I will keep you updated when any new news comes out from both the artist and the divorced wife.

Below is the exact comment on tweeter:

 

How Davido Got Presidential Welcome In Rwanda

Young Nigerian pop music star, David ‘Davido’ Adeleke is no doubt one of the biggest artistes in the continent of Africa at the moment. Days after winning the coveted MTV Base ‘Best Artiste of the Year’ award, he was named the ‘Best African Act’ at the BET awards.

He commands top shows in the continent and he is well known in many African countries, which has raised the argument among music buffs that Davido is now the most popular artiste in the continent, with many people claiming D’Banj, Wizkid, P-Square and the likes cannot match his popularity now in Africa. Well, that is a topic for another day.

 

It was gathered that on July 4, 2014, President Paul Kagame of Rwanda welcomed Davido to the country, who was billed to perform at the country’s annual Liberation Day celebrations at Amahoro national stadium in Kigali.

Davido reportedly performed before about 60,000 fans as well as other East African presidents and left many asking for more.

source:nigeriafilms.com

Castro Is Alive, Needless Crying Could Prevent Him From Coming Back To Earth - Marine Agent

Castro is alive and undergoing training in the underworld, a ‘Maame-Water’ or Marine spirit/agent has claimed.

The renowned Hiplife Musician is reported to have drowned together with his girlfriend at an estuary in Ada on Sunday.

But according to the marine agent who spoke to Okay FM on Monday, if sympathizers and fans of the music icon, should keep on wailing, it would automatically shut the spiritual door which would bring Castro back to live.

Marine spirits are generally referred to as spirits which have operational base in the waters. They are spirits thrown down from Heaven (Rev 12 vs 12) and (13 vs 1) and made the oceans, seas, rivers, streams and lakes their abode. They execute their plans by possessing either a man or a woman.

Marine Agent Introduces Herself

The marine agent who only disclosed her identity as Dzifa Avaga, insisted that the circumstances which led to the demise of the late musician, was a normal occurrence to people who could relate to the underworld.

“As I speak to you, I am a marine spirit; I exist because I made two people give birth to me. When I heard (Castro’s) news on air, I wasn’t surprised because the authorities in the sea had already informed me that they were going to have a visitor. And that was the same moment I heard Castro’s story on radio.

This made me believe that Castro had gone for a visit and was not dead as earlier reported,” she said.

When To Expect Castro

Pressed forward to disclose the exact date Castro would return, Dzifa Avaga explained that no exact date has been fixed for his return. She however added that it might take months or years for him to return.

Her only caution was that the needless crying must cease now since that could affect his Castro’s mood and force him not to return.

“If you should keep on crying, then he (Castro) could be annoyed and decide not to return to earth again,” she said.

She continued that everyone should expect to see Castro spotting a new look upon his return. According to her, he would be wearing dread locks when he comes back to the land of the living.

source:peacefmonline.com

Shakira, Wyclef To Close FIFA World Cup

Popular Colombian musician Shakira will make her third consecutive appearance at the FIFA World Cup when she performs during the closing ceremony of the 2014 tournament at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday, July 13.

This time it will not be Waka Waka-This Time for Africa, which she performed with vivacity and virtuosity four years ago in South Africa, but it will be La La La, the Brazil 2014 Signature tune.

The Hips Don’t Lie hitmaker and wife of Spain and Barcelona football star, Gérard Pique, said in a statement in Brazil that she was anxiously waiting for the day of the closing ceremony.

"I can't wait to perform this song as the fans have displayed an overwhelming support for it", the 37-year-old iconic artiste said.

Sharkira's explanation as to why she continued or loved to perform at big football festivals, such as the World Cup, must be revealing: "l have a close relationship with football for obvious reasons and understand what the World Cup means to so many people, including myself".

It will be her third World Cup performance on the trot after the first show at Germany 2006.

However, South Africa 2010 was what must have brought her into world football prominence yet with her enchanting and exhilarating performance of the Waka Waka beat, which is even still reverberating and being played at the football stadiums across Brazil.

But Shakira will not be the only one to perform at the July 13 ceremony to bring the curtains down on the Brazil tournament as other artistes of foreign and local repute will also be in attendance.

Organising Committee of the Brazil 2014 tournament sources also indicate that celebrities, Carlos Santana and Wyclef Jean, accompanied by national star, Alexandre Pires, will be performing the official 2014 World Cup Anthem, Dar Um Jeito.

Other performers will include students, who will do the famous 'samba dances', while a local star, Ivete Sangalo, is expected to thrill the crowd with a series of popular Brazilian lyrics.

source:graphic.com.gh

Hiplife Musician Castro Dead

Reports reaching Peacefmonline.com has it that renowned Hiplife Musician, Castro has drowned in the Ada Estuary.

Unconfirmed reports say he died while trying to save a female friend from drowning.

The ace musician has been holidaying at the Aqua Safari Resort in Ada since Saturday.

Though details of his unfortunate demise are still sketchy, Peacefmonline.com is reliably informed that he (Castro) together with a couple of friends and his close buddy who is captain of the Senior National Football team, Asamoah Gyan went to Ada on a weekend rendezvous.

Asamoah Gyan usually rents out a yacht to accommodate close family members and friends whenever he is in town for holidays. However, according to peacefmonline sources, the said yacht was unavailable this time around, as it had been sent out for repairs.

The group, therefore, resorted to using ski boats.

Castro, real name Theophilus Tagoe, was therefore said to have gone jet skiing with a female partner, believed to be his girlfriend. The lady's ski crashed and she fell into the water and in the process of saving her from drowning, the "Adonai" crooner jumped into the sea and met his untimely death.

The entire area has been cordoned off with the Marine Unit of the Ghana Police Service leading the rescue operation.

source:peacefmonline.com

Jesus Would Back Gay Marriage – Elton John

English singer and pianist Sir Elton John says he believes Jesus Christ would have supported gay priests getting married.

In an exclusive interview with Sky News, the star told Dermot Murnaghan he hopes to marry David Furnish sometime next year and that it would be a low-key affair.

He also revealed his thoughts about the Pope – describing him as a “wonderful” man whose tolerance was an example to the Church of England.

The ‘Candle in the Wind’ singer said he hoped a concert, performed for the charity SportsAid at Stoke Park in Buckinghamshire last night, would raise £500,000 for the fund.

Sir Elton added that the global fight for gay rights was stalling and that he planned to talk with Vladimir Putin in Russia on the subject in November.

“Globally, we seem to have gone backwards over the last 18 months. I will see Putin and talk to him – I don’t know what good it will do though,” Sir Elton stated.

Discussing gay rights, he said that the Church of England might learn from the humility and tolerance of Pope Francis.

“The new Pope has been wonderful, he’s excited me so much. He’s stripped it [the Church] down to the bare bones and said it’s all basically about love,” Sir Elton said.

Sir Elton agreed that gay clergy should be allowed to get married and suggested that the celibacy vow for Catholic priests be abolished.

“These are old and stupid things. If Jesus Christ was alive today, I cannot see him, as the Christian person that he was and the great person that he was, saying this could not happen. He was all about love and compassion and forgiveness and trying to bring people together and that’s what the church should be about,” he said.

Asked about his own wedding, he said: “I don’t think we can get married until next year.

“However, when we do, it will be very quiet and off the cuff – we had our big shebang when we had our civil union.”

source:orange news

Beyonce Is World’s Most Powerful Celebrity

American singer Beyonce, who earned £62m last year, has been named the world’s most powerful celebrity.

Forbes credited Beyonce’s massive concert tour for pushing her into the top spot ahead of her husband, rapper Jay Z, who ranked sixth.

Beyonce’s current position was formerly occupied by Oprah Winfrey.

Winfrey has dropped to fourth place in the Forbes’ list after basketball player LeBron James and record producer and rapper Dr Dre took the second and third places.

A Forbes spokesman said Beyonce played 95 shows.

Along with her latest hit album ‘Beyonce’, which was released late last year, she earned millions from endorsement deals and her clothing line.

Last week she kicked off her first world tour with Jay Z.

Although Beyonce was not the highest earner on the list, her presence in the press and on social media assured her the top spot.

James, 29, who last week opted out of his NBA contract with the Miami Heat team, jumped from 16th place last year to second.

He earned an estimated £42m thanks to his performance on the basketball court, endorsement deals and the sale of headphone maker Beats Electronics to iPhone-maker Apple Inc for £1.7bn. James was a small part-owner of the business.

The most impressive rise on the list was Dr Dre, born as Andre Romelle Young. He earned £362m in 2014, and climbed from 63rd spot in 2013.

Forbes said the 49-year-old co-founder of Beats earned more money in the past 12 months than any other person in the history of its list.

Forbes compiled its 15th annual top 100 by estimating pre-tax earnings from June 1, 2013 to 2014 from tours, books, contracts, endorsements, movies and residuals.

Fame and influence is gauged by how often celebrities appeared in the media and the impact they had on the entertainment industry and culture.

Forbes also used StarCount, which looks at 11 social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, to determine presence in social media.

The top 10 most powerful celebrities are:

1. Beyonce

2. LeBron James

3. Dr Dre

4. Oprah Winfrey

5. Ellen DeGeneres

6. Jay Z

7. Floyd Mayweather

8. Rihanna

9. Katy Perry

10. Robert Downey Jr

 credit:orange news

Davido Wins Best African Act At BET

Nigerian music icon Davido, over the weekend won the Best International Act at the 2014 BET Awards.

The ‘Aye’ singer, who was nominated alongside African heavyweights like Sarkodie, Tiwa Savage and Mafikizolo, received the award at a pre-event taping before the main event.

Sarkodie who has been nominated twice for the Best African act category won the award in 2012 but lost to Davido this time around.

The 2014 BET Awards was held on June 29 at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles and Ghana was well represented in Los Angeles in some the pre-event festivities.

On Saturday Sarkodie, Nigeria’s Tiwa Savage and Mafikizolo from South Africa graced the stage at the ‘BET Experience in LA’ hosted by Ghanaian actress Nadia Buari and Singer Fally Ipupa from D.R Congo.

 

Below is the list of Winners:

Best Female R&B/Pop Artist     Best Male R&B/Pop Artist

Beyoncé                                                    Pharrell Williams

Best Collaboration                                       Best Movie

Beyoncé f/ JAY Z – ‘Drunk In Love’            12 Years a Slave  

Best Actress                                                        Best Actor   

Lupita Nyong’o                                                      Chiwetel Ejiofor

         

Video of the Year                              Best Male Hip Hop Artist   

Pharrell Williams – ‘Happy’                               Drake

Best Female Hip Hop Artist                            Best Group

Nicki Minaj                                                                 Young Money 

Subway Sportsman of the Year              Best Gospel Artist

Kevin Durant                                                                 Tamela Mann

Subway Sportswoman of the Year         Best New Artist

Serena Williams                                                         August Alsina

YoungStars Award                                              Centric Award

KeKe Palmer                                           Jhené Aiko – ‘The Worst’ 

Best International Act: UK        Video Director of the Year

Krept & Konan                                                      Hype Williams

Best International Act: Africa

Davido (Nigeria)