Not just a pretty face - Veeda
She can sing, dance, sexy as hell…what else can Veeda grace us with?
The emergence of fresh African-American splendor is possibly how one would describe her: Otherwise, She is the newest female hiplife and R&B music star whose presence on the scene will create panic among artistes such as Mzbel, K.K. Vidash, Abrewa Nana, Becca, Diamond and a host of other female artistes.
She is Vida Darko, better known in showbiz circles as Veeda. She was born in Ghana, and had part of her education in Ghana, and later traveled to the United States of America where she had her High School education at the Fairmont High School in Maryland and tertiary education at the University Of Maryland.
Veeda, who dreams of becoming a music star, began to build up her musical talent after her tertiary education as a back-up singer for certain top music stars in Ghana and the US, until she decided to work on her own musical album.
She has declared that since her infancy, music has always been her heart’s desire, pointing out that not only does she enjoy singing; she loves composing songs on current issues confronting society.
She disclosed that whilst in the States she had the opportunity to exhibit her talent by acting as a back-up singer for some prolific French singers. “I absolutely feel good about this album; because I feel like it’s my album. I wrote all the songs and I had total control over them” she said.
Now here we are with her debut Album Launch Party that you cannot afford to miss:
ON AUGUST 16TH 2008 @
BEST WESTERN HOTEL
1590 Princess Garden Parkway
Lanham, MD. 2070@ 9pm
With an R&B twist to Ghanaian music, the young woman who has such charming looks that could rival those of international stars like Rihanna, Christiana Milan, Beyonce and a host others, has put together a multi-platinum album.
Her maiden album which has the Title ‘Destiny’ has a lot of danceable songs with good drum beats and choruses. She explained that it has a combining existence of Ghanaian heritage, global glamour and an absolute style. It combined hiplife, highlife and R&B music genres.. This she said is to give her music a global appeal.
Indeed, interesting songs on the album include ‘Biribi Yaa yeme’, ‘Afifi Afifi’, ‘Ice Kenkey’, ‘Chechekule’, ‘Why’, ‘Please Forgive Me’, ‘Love Affair and ‘My African king’. She featured four artistes on the entire album. They are Baba Ashanti, Disastrous, Nickson and Red eye of 2Toff fame.
She would be celebrating the album Launch party with other artist like Reggie Rockstone, Babashante, Red Eye, Papashee, Disastrous, and many more.
She is also using the opportunity to raise funds for her charity, which is the change charity; a charity that would cater for the foster kids in Ghana and Africa as a whole. Her vision is really broad and she is working so hard towards it.
Okyeame Kwame Back In Love
After his relationship with actress, Nana Ama McBrown hit the rocks in 2004, Okyeame Kwame became afraid about opening up his heart and loving again; until he met Annica. “Even though my relationship with Nana Ama ended amicably, I was afraid of what would happen in the next relationship I went into because I felt I might not be able to give my all especially if I carried my emotions from the past into it”, Okyeame Kwame told Showbiz. Then Annica came along and Okyeame’s fears seem to have dissolved.
In their rosy days, Okyeame Kwame and Nana Ama appeared the perfect pair. He was a very popular and upwardly mobile musician. Nana Ama, the actress, had captured the hearts of many film enthusiasts with her beauty and presence on the screen in a number of hit films and for the celebrity couple, nothing could go wrong until bang! The bubble burst and they had to go their separate ways.
After three years, Okyeame Kwame can look forward to a walk down the aisle with Annica. “God willing, I hope to make her my wife before the year ends”, he says.
Although he would not talk about how they met (they are saving it for their wedding day), he willingly talked about everything that was special about her.
“What drew me to her the first time I met her was her quiet nature, she is very laid back and above all very committed.”
Like everyone else, Okyeame Kwame had certain basic qualities the woman of his heart had to have and it was quite interesting, “My ideal woman is the one who is committed to making sure that I’m all right in terms of taking care of me; she invests attention, time and energy into upgrading me.
She is that woman who though firm makes me lord of her heart. She is a possible homemaker and a person who understands that when it comes to love, the one who wants it must give it first and is focused enough to know the difference between the person I am and the character Okyeame Kwame and I believe I have found my ideal woman in Annica, she is everything I have ever wanted.”
What has even strengthened the relationship so much is the unconditional support from his family, “My family has no problem with her, they love her. They know what is best for me and they know that I have found the best so everything is all right with them.”
When Showbiz spoke to Annica, who is an M.A student in Business Administration at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, she said that her relationship with Kwame is as perfect as they come.
“It is everything I hoped it would be, in fact those who know us know it is a picture perfect relationship and the success is because there is no cheating on both sides. I cannot handle cheating at all and I believe it is what leads to the breaking up of a lot of relationships. So since we don’t have that problem, everything is great.”
Like her man, Annica would also not talk about how they met but said that “I was on my way to Accra from Kumasi when I met him, we were not friends before we met, it was just a one time thing, we met and decided to go out.”
Since they began going out, she has become a Kumasi resident and has not been to Accra even though she is an Accra girl.
“The only time I was in Accra was when I worked with Guinness. It’s all a matter of wanting to be with the person I love anywhere he is and that’s why I have moved there. Besides that, I also school in Kumasi.”
Like most music loving people, she knew of who Okyeame Kwame was before they met. “I knew of Akyeame before I met him. The first time I heard of Akyeame I was about 14 or 15 and I loved their songs, I mean that, I’m not being patronising or trying to please him.”
And although she knew he was a celebrity, she had no reservations going into the relationship because “I am a person who checks a person for who that person is, not what he or she is and I know the difference between what he is and who he really is,” she said.
In spite of the fact that Kwame had dated a high profile personality before meeting her, Annica says that she did not feel any pressure because she was an ‘ordinary’ person.
“I am someone who doesn’t feel that anybody towers over me so I did not feel that I had to fit into anybody’s shoes in order to be loved. I thought that I was a whole lot of package on my own.”
If there is one thing that has made this relationship endure all this while it is compromise. “We are both very intelligent and focused and we work at making things work.
We know about the bad things and we discuss them and even talk about what we would do if it happens to us and that has helped a lot,” Annica said.
They can also count on the support of Annica’s parents as well who have given their blessing to the relationship.
“The first time I took him home, he had dreadlocks and my dad called him ‘mpesempese’. He told him that if he took them off, everything would be ok and when he did, they were alright with him.”
Agya Koo Voted Most Most Bankable Ghanaian Actor
Movie Producers take note! With more than 1000 votes, Agya Koo has been voted by Ghanasentertainment members/guests as the most bankable actor in our movie industry today followed closely by Van Vicker. Knowing Ghanasentertainment Demographic, This win comes as a surprise to me nevertheless he does appeal to both Young and old such as myself.
Agya Koo is one of Ghana's most favourite actors and a top star, whom people, especially children, would like to see and listen to every second. He always puts smiles on every sad face in all the movies he acts.
His movies are mostly characterized by comic relief therefore; some people always prefer to watch them to offload stress.
Here is an interview from The Saturday Statesman with Agya Koo.
What is your real name?
My real name is Kofi Adu.
How did you acquire the name 'Agya Koo'?
I got this name in the 90s when I joined the Key Soap Concert Party, performing as a comedian. Since then, my real name vanished from the system and it’s always been Agya Koo.
Can you tell us about yourself?
I’m an Ashanti, born and raised in Kumasi.
How did you come into acting?
It all began in 1994 when I was introduced into the Concert Party. Though I sometimes took part in the acting, I preferred the comedy part because I know that’s what the audience enjoys most. In 1999 I entered the film industry.
When did you come out with your first movie?
As to which year it was out, I don’t think I can remember, but what I can remember is the title, ‘Kumasi Yonko’ 1&2. In fact, it didn’t really sell me as a person but the one which made me more popular was ‘Obi nnim Awie ye’.
Have you acted with Nigerian stars before?
Nigerians? No. The only collaboration we have with them is the directing aspect. Even that one does not apply to all the movies.
And do you intend to act with them in future?
Never! I don’t think so. In fact, I haven’t even dreamt of shooting a movie with them.
Why don’t you like to act with them?
You see, in this world if God gives you wisdom and you try to teach God how to use it, He will definitely collect it back. So it is better for me to stay here and exhibit what I have rather than to divert and lose it at the end. My sister, the problem with Nigerians is that they want us to act in the English language throughout; but in the end they will benefit at our expense because their people will understand and enjoy the movies better because of the use of the pidgin language.
They really need me but I don’t want to go there. I also know for a fact that some of the Nigerian stars have started acting with some of my colleagues. I wouldn’t condemn that but all I can say is, they are doing this to collapse our industry. That is why we here are also working hard so that such a misfortune will not befall us.
How would you compare yourself with Nigerian comedians?
We are all not perfect; and none of them can act like me because I have my own unique way of acting. As I told you earlier on, they need me but I don’t need them. To be frank with you, the only person I admire most and like to work with, is Mr. Ibu. I just love the way he acts so I am looking forward to meeting him because I leant he is also looking for me.
Have you noticed any change in the movie industry?
There has been a whole lot of improvement in terms of marketing. Why am I saying this? Formerly our predecessor acted in the English language throughout and so the industry couldn’t stand on its feet, but you will bear with me that since we started using our own local language, our market has been really good. In all, I will say it is better than before.
Do you agree with people who are on the view that the local language is too much?
No. I totally disagree with them. In fact, I sometimes find it very hard to understand why Ghanaians want to learn other country’s language first before theirs. It’s very absurd. When you watch foreign movies like Chinese and Indian, they use their own languages and interpret them for others to understand; so why cant we also use our local language and interpret it as well?
Most importantly, it doesn’t fetch money at all. Any producer who tells you that he is getting profit by producing movies in the English language is a very big liar. It is either he loses his money or gets his money back without any profit. There is this saying of mine which goes like ‘a proverb said in the local language is more pleasing in the ears than in English’. So I rest my case.
Don’t you think it will have an effect on children’s education?
Oh. No. It will never affect their education. It is optional, that is why in this era we have different political parties like the NPP, NDC, CPP and the others for every one to choose his/her favourite from. It is up to any body to decide whether they feel English movie is good for them. If it is, they should go for them while we also patronize our local ones.
How has the movie industry affected your life?
I’ve improved a lot; you know I’m a nice boy and as such I am highly respected in town. Currently, I am training 94 people in acting; others are also coming in with more applications. I’ve also had the opportunity to travel to countries like; America, Germany, Canada, Italy, Holland, Spain, France and a whole lot.
Why is majority of your movies about witchcrafts?
I know it is becoming too much on the scene lately, though it also serves as a caution and advice to witches. To be honest with you, I’ve realized that such films have dominated the scene and so these days when people invite me to act in such movies, I try to avoid them because I notice people are complaining too much.
How do people behave towards you in town?
Majority behave nicely towards me. I have also received a lot of insult from people. Some also threaten me on phone; at times too people throw stones at me, I remember just last month someone poured water on me while I was walking along the street. Well, I’m not all that bothered because as a human being it is not every one who will like you.
Can you tell us about your marital life and how your family is coping with your job?
I’ve been married for 15 years now and have three lovely kids. By God’s grace they are all coping with it because they see it as a normal occupation.
The man who for years was Ghana's most wanted criminal has been sentenced to 70 years in prison with hard labour.
Aryee Aryeety, alias Ataa Ayi, was found guilty of robbing at gunpoint a foreign exchange bureau of $7,000.
The 34-year-old also received a concurrent 70 years for conspiracy. His three gang members received two concurrent sentences of 69 years.
The 10-month trial has been keenly followed by Ghanaians in one of the country's biggest recent court cases.
The BBC's Kwaku Sakyi-Addo in the capital, Accra, says the robbers, who had pleaded not guilty, seemed stunned when the verdict was announced.
Their lawyers say they plan to appeal.
The gang are due back in court soon before the same judge along with another gang for allegedly robbing a businesswoman of approximately $70,000 three years ago.
Until a spate of robberies several years ago, Accra was considered to be a very safe city.
Agya Koo, Wayosi And Lawyer Atta Storm USA
The Ghanaian community in North America of late has been disappointed about various concerts that were cancelled at the 11th hour. Some vowed never to attend any future shows unless they see the artistes in person in order to believe that they have indeed arrived. Well, cry no more.
One Comedian with a legion of fans worldwide is about to wipe out the disappointments and replace it with non-stop laughter. Agoo, Hear ye! Hear ye! - after widely acclaimed performances in Ghana, Europe and beyond, Ghana's most popular and award winning comics and movie stars; Agya Koo, Wayosi and Lawyer Atta have arrived in the United States for a series of performances alongside gospel musicians - Soul Winners, Joyce Warmann, Josephine Paemka and a list of other invited guests.
Noted for his comic moves and utterances, Agya Koo has to his credit - the redemption in the image of the Ghanaian movie industry which has facilitated Ghanaians patronage and competition in the international market.
By virtue of this and for their dominance in the industry by popular movies such as OBINIM , OLD SCHOOL BOYS, KA WO NAN TO SO, ONE DAY BILLIONAIRE, ASEM ASA, NSEM PII,OHIA ASOMAWO, to ASOREBA, MA TRICKI WO, EDA WA NIM ,WAZINGA and many more. AGYA KOO has won Ghanaian hearts as well as the best GHANAIAN COMEDIAN AWARD on numerous platforms.
Also known for his sarcasm, pranks and deviance which in return raises Agya koo's bait, WAYO a.k.a BORBOR disclosed in an interview that their performance in the USA promises to be the best of its kind…
"America will see that there are REAL GEES in Ghana (Africa)".
The wildfire is never satisfied in burning down only one tree, as Agya Koo and his group promise to entertain the CROWD in USA…
"A SEED UNTIL ITS RELEASE IS ONLY A PROMISE OF A TREE,"
The three comics said they are aware of the disappointments but surely they are in town. In fact when they got to JFK, they were some fans at the airport who cheered and welcomed them to the USA.
So fellow Ghanaians, Africans, let's all make a date with AGYA KOO, WAYO BORBOR and LAWYER ATTA.
EMMANUEL MENSAH PRODUCTION in collaboration with The RI Crusaders, Annan Productions and WCCATV13 in Worcester, MA is set to bring you this renowned live gospel and comedy show in Pawtucket RI, Worcester MA, Dallas TX and Bronx NY.
For bookings or info for the show, please contact EMMANUEL MENSAH PRODUCTION at www.mensahproduction.org
AGYA KOO, WAYOSI AND LAWYER ATTA would be appearing at the following dates and locations
September 22, 2007 8:00pm - 12:00am @ The Apostolic Church International,01 Dunnell Lane, Pawtucket RI 02860
September 28, 2007 7:00pm - 12:00am @ Worcester African Cultural Center, 33 Centerbury Street, Worcester MA 01610
October 6, 2007 6:00pm - 12:00am @BBT Hall, 1877 Bathgate Avenue, Bronx, NY 10457
October 13, 2007 6:00pm - 1:00am, Dallas, TX - Location and time coming soon!!!
For Info Contact: Manny: 401-641-7203 | Rex: 401-241-8780 | Ken: 508-414-9531 | Cecil: 917-340-6565 | Maud: 469-417-9448