GLITZ MAGAZINE: OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF NEW AFRICAN GLITZ AND GLAMOUR LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

The official launch of this new lifestyle magazine took place at the plush Golden Tulip Hotel and the caliber of people it pulled is only a testament to its high quality and glam. 
 

Celebrities such as Becca, Yvonne Nelson, John Dumelo, Joselyn Dumas, Confidence, Frank Rajah, KKD, Miss Universe Ghana and Kwao Kesse were present. The launch was a very dressy affair with ladies dolled up in cocktail dresses, mix-and-matching colours with wedges and pumps of different colours. MC for the event was KOD, looking fashionable himself in a white kaftan. The people present were treated to a fabulous cocktail.

An interesting formation dance performance commenced the night. The audience was then treated to a remarkable fashion show by a few of Ghana’s Topmost designers. Renee Q displayed her line in accessories, all of which were themed in African print. Her creations ruled in very stylish fascinators, complete with stylish veils (perfect to attend weddings in!) Headbands were also displayed, many of which were sporting flowers made out of African print material. Safoa, the next designer to showcase her accessories, treated her audience to clutches in African print, and heels and wedges, covered in an intricate mix of wax prints. K’Naf Couture oohed and aahed her audience with cocktail dresses and gowns in African print. K’Naf designed Amber Rose’s popular African outfits during her brief time in Ghana, and is the designer for the lovely outfits of  Joselyn Dumas of the One Show. Aya Morrison displayed her remarkably interesting line in swimwear; bikinis, one-piece, beach tops and wraps in rich African prints! Bridget proudly displays the remarkable things she can do with merging lace and wax prints to achieve trendy, classy, upper class casual wear.

After this brief fashion, show, Claudia, Editor-in-Chief, and publisher of the magazine, made a speech about the purpose and dream of Glitz Magazine. Glitz Africa is a magazine that seeks to capture the new trends in celebrity lifestyle in Africa. It aims to capture “local glitz for a global readership”. Glitz Africa is especially for the modern black woman, though with juicy tidbits for men as well. This magazine would be sold in the United States, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Nigeria as well as in Ghana.

An auction was held where Confidence bought the first copy for 2,000 GH Cedis.

The introductory issue of Glitz magazine sports popular actor and ladies’ man, John Dumelo, as the face of the magazine. Inside, there is an exciting feature on him where he bares it all about kissing on set, his love life, how he made it into the Ghana movie scene, his time with three great ladies in Ties that Bind and breaking it into Hollywood. There is also an in-depth feature into the life of Confidence Haugen, CEO of Aphrodisiac Night club, in a bid to portray the new, independent and powerful African woman. Readers are treated to juicy and controversial bits of this powerful Ghanaian woman. Yvonne Nelson lets readers briefly into her world, her achievements and dreams of this year which is quickly coming to an end. Glitz man with style brings to its readers the fashion sense and style of KOD. Four celebrity features in one! Truly a must-read!

Divalicious fashion features add up to the impressiveness of Glitz Africa highlighted by features by Ghana’s most powerful designers such as Ivana Annan who shares personal closet secrets, a spotlight is placed on the emerging African styles through K’Naf Couture and Renee Q. A Celebrity News section by celebrity journalist, Ameyaw Debrah, lets in readers on spicy gossip and news about our Ghanaian celebrities, including our two ex-presidents, J. A. Kuffuor, and J.J Rawlings!

However, the magazine goes beyond celebrities and fashion to sharing real nuggets for living: Living Within Your Earning, by Charles Mensah, advices readers on how exactly that, healthy living tips by Pippa’s Health Centre, cooking tips, relationship advice from Cece, as well as Forbes Top 40 list of Powerful African Celebrities.

Glitz Africa is available in malls, high-end boutiques, Petrol stations, bookshops and many more for 10 Gh Cedis, N1000, 3.99 pounds and $8.

GLITZ, GLAM AND FEMININE POWER AT THE GHANA MOVIE AWARDS!

Held at the Conference Centre, the Awards ceremony was a lush black-tie, designer-gown event, complete with a red carpet for all the notables who make the Ghanaian movie industry what it is. Spirits on the red carpet were very high and excited with most of the celebrities thrilled to meet many of their friends gathered in one place, as well as looking forward to a great night. Fashion was seriously kissed up to! There were the classy, gorgeous gowns and suits: Jackie Appiah showed up in a gorgeous shiny gown, Martha Ankomah in a brown, flowered, above-the-knee cocktail dress, John Dumelo in a fitting suit, Prince David Osei in a glossy similar with his ever-present shades, Shirley Frimpong looked gorgeous in a black, above-the-knee tube dress, made even more fashionable with a red flair on one sleeve, Pascaline Edwards veered off the uniform of the night to coming out dressed as an Indian, complete with short blond hair and a sari. Then there were points when wardrobe turned costume: one man came up with a wig that covered half his face! Ghana’s very own Fashion Police, Fashion 101, was present to give ticks and x’s. The Awards ceremony also attracted powerful personalities from the Nigerian Movie industry such as Olu Jacobs, President of the Actors’ Guild, who was also honoured at the ceremony, Ramsey Noah and Desmond Elliot.

Nana Aba Anamoah and Afare Attoh were MCs of this glamorous ceremony held to recognize and support the work of all in the movie-making industry. The night commenced with a comedy session by Legend. After which, Vodafone’s babies, RnM performed two of their single. One member was missing from the three-girl group, however, the other two held their own very well with their formation dances and danceable beats. MzBel is the final performance to set the tone of the night with her bevy of dancers, dressed in black tights and shiny tops. Her performance was on point as usual, however, the audience seemed eager to get into the business of awarding. During an interlude, Nana Boroo singing “Too much of everything is bad” stole his audience’s attention by including a heavy set woman, who danced incredibly!

The CEO of Multi TV, set the tone for the speeches the night, wishing everyone the best of the evening and highlighting the benefits of Multi TV. David Dontoh, President of the Ghana Movie Awards, stressed on the importance of an award ceremony in his speech, to acknowledge and support the hard work of everyone in the industry. Funnyface was then called on stage by Nana Aba Anamoah to azonto to his latest single, “Aponkye pum33”. His performance drew the first rousing, energetic applause for the night.

Leila Dzansi

Presentation of the awards began at this point. The night seemed to be a battle between, arguably, Ghana’s best two directors: Shirley Frimpong-Manso and Leila Dzansi. Between them, they virtually swept any award that nominated Adams’ Apples or Ties That Bind, pushing aside male Directors such as Frank Rajah, Pascal Amanfo and Samuel Ofori. It was indeed the crowning night for the hardwork of these two female directors who have made their marks in the industry in different ways by bringing a marked increase in the quality of filmmaking.

Another interesting occurrence of the night to note was the difference between the English-speaking award winners and the local-language award winners. Whereas the English-Speaking award-winners came up, mostly alone, or with one other person, to deliver their speeches, it became quite typical of the Local language award winners to come up on stage with a whole entourage. Agyaa Koo came up with about eleven supporters. This time Agyaa Koo’s speech was not peppered by jokes but serious anecdotes of wisdom. Kyeiwaa, by far the most interesting award winner of the night, did a little dance on the walkway, drawing cheers and laughter, before going up on the stage. Instead of going straight to her award before the mike, she went straight to the mike to ask, “Me nananom wo he?”, and she waited till all her family members, including children, were on the stage with her before she went for her award. A powerful way of acknowledging the support of family before anything else in her success.

Ramsey Noah

Highlights in the speeches made that night by the award winners were Joseph Osei, winner of the best supporting actor in local language, saying, “I thank God for won this award”, which drew quite an amount of mirth from the audience. Majid, after winning best actor in leading role (English) said most heartily, “I’m going to my wife tonight, I would hold her in my arms and we would sleep tight!” This drew the expected roar from the men in the audience. One presenter of an award for the night cracked a few very dry jokes: To follow “Merry Christmas”, it should, in the light of “Merry”, be “Joseph New year”. Also, to respond to “Afehyia Pa”, instead of  “Afe nko meto yen”, it should be “Akoko nko meto yen”. Funnyface announces during his speech to Nana Ama Mcbrown, “I love you in my mind for now!” Martha Ankomah becomes teary during her Thank you’s and begins to preach to her audience about the power of God. Kyeiwaa, coming up to receive an award for Vivian Gem, says what she has learnt in English that night was “Oh, boy!”, which had everyone going home with that gimmick to recite. Ramsey Noah, in response to a comment passed by Majid that Van Vicker could play Obama in a movie, said Van could not play Obama. Instead Dumelo could play Obama while Van played Qaddafi. One can imagine the laughter that filled the Conference Centre! Sandra Thomson was hugged for a tremendously long period by Funnyface when presenting his award for best TV series. The long hug proceeded to Funnyface going down on his knees and hugging her still. Did it draw crazy laughter!

Van Vicker

 Below is the list of award winners:

Award: Best Story

Presented by:  Ekow Smith Asante

Winner: Adams’ Apples

Award: Best Writing Adapted on original screen

Presented by: Miss Buari, Miss Ghana 2002

Winner: Adams’ Apples

Award: Best Art Direction

Presented by: RnM

Winner:  Ties That Bind

Award: Best Cinematography

Presented by: Stacey Boateng

Winner: Ties That Bind

Award:  Best Visual Effect

Presented by: Confidence

Winner: Graveyard

Award: Best Editing

Presented by: Jefferson Sackey

Winner: Ties That Bind

Award:  Best sound Editing and Mixing

Presented by: George Gyimah

Winner:  Ties That Bind

Award: Best Music

Presented by: Samual Dartey

Winner:  Agyaa Koo Gbengbentus

Martha Ankomah

Award:  Best Music, Original Score

Presented by: KKD

Winner:  Adams’ Apples

Award:  Best Directing, local language

Presented by: Akosua Adjapong

Winner: Agyaa Koo and Augustine Abbey

Award: Best Directing, English Language

Presented by: Lexis

Winner:  Ties That Bind

Award: Best Picture

Presented by: Ben Asamoah

Winner:  Ties That Bind

The awards above were decided by the jury alone, without public votes.

Award: Best Cameo Actor

Presented by: Samini and Ama K.

Winner:  Kofi Adjorlolo in Somewhere in Africa

Nadia Buari,Jackie Appiah

Award: Best Cameo Actress

Presented by: Alex

Winner:  Grace Nortey in Adams’ Apples

Award: Best Actress in Supporting Role, English

Presented by: Ekow Blankson

Winner: Nadia Buari

Award: Best Actress in Supporting Role, Local Language

Presented by: PY Addo Boateng

Winner: Kyeiwaa

Award: Best Actor in Supporting Role, English

Presented by: Kwesi P.

Winner: Majid Michel for Somewhere in Africa

Award: Best Actor in Supporting Role, Local language

Presented by: Pascaline Edwards and Uncle Chester

Winner:  Joseph Osei Osofo

Award: Best Discovery

Presented by: Bennie Blanko

Winner: Kweku Mainoo

Award: Best Actor in Leading Role English

Presented by: Funnyface and Okyeame Kofi

Winner: Majid Michel for Somewhere in Africa

Award: Best Actor in Leading Role, Local Language

Presented by: Nii Clark

Winner: Agyaa koo

Award: Best Actress in Leading Role, English

Presented by: Ameyaw Debrah

Winner: Kimberley Elise

Award: Best Actress in Leading Role, Local Language

Presented by: Derrick Boateng

Winner: Vivian Gem

Award: Best Actor, Africa Collaboration

Presented by: David Dontoh

Winner: Ramsey Noah for Memories of my Heart

Yvonne Okoro

Award: Best Actress Africa Collaboration

Presented by: Ken and Chris Attoh

Winner: Omotola Ekeinde for Ties That Bind

Award: Best Costume

Presented by: Fusena

Winner: Samira Yakubu

Award: Lifetime Achievement Award

Presented by: David Dontoh

Winner: Olu Jacobs

Award: Best Actor for TV series

Presented by: Honourable Minister for Transport

Winner: Funnyface for Chorkor Trotro

Award:  Best Actress for TV series

Presented by: Honourable Minister for Information

Winner:  Aunty B for Effiewura

The next set of awards are the Cineafriq Special Awards.

Award: Favourite Actress

Presented by: Ben Egan, Secretary to the Cabinet of Ghana

Winner: Martha Ankomah

Award: Favourite Actor

Presented by: Representative of MultiTV

Winner: Majid Michel

Award: Favourite TV series drama

Presented by: Sandra Thomson

Winner: Chorkor Trotro

Controversies of the night lay with Kimberley Elise winning the award for Ghana’s Best Actress. Many argued that the message this was trying to imply was that Ghana’s very own best actress is not even Ghanaian! Also, Majid Michel winning Best Actor in supporting role and leading role for one movie is unheard of.

What is such an event without controversy!

JOHN DUMELO LAUNCHES THE J.MELO FASHION LINE!!

In a special conference, held at Golden Tulip Hotel, John Dumelo, one of Ghana’s favourite actors, officially launched the J.Melo line. The Line, which definitely has a pan-African direction, specializes in Jewellery (gold, silver and diamond), beads (necklaces, bracelets, waist beads, etc.), African Print tops for males and females, clutches in African print and even African print boxers for men! A shoe and perfumery line would be launched in 2012.

Quite the number of celebrities were present to  support the launch and make it successful: Prof. Lartey, Son of the late Dan Lartey, Desmond Elliot from Nigeria, Majid Michel, Leila Dzansi, Ama K. Abebrese, Juliet Ibrahim, Abdul Salam Mumuni, Ken Attoh, Chris Attoh, Shirley Frimpong-Manso, Joseline Dumas, Martha Ankomah, Prince David Osei, Nadia Buari, Yvonne Nelson, Yvonne Okoro.

Nana Aba Anamoa was the MC for the event which treated its dressy and perfumed audience to a great fashion show, followed by an auction, during which Nana Aba managed to strongly persuade a few people to buy some jewellery. 20% of everything sold is to be dedicated to the Foundation. There was a brief interlude by Funnyface to bring comedy into the heated building.

Capitalizing on his fanbase which has grown over the years, the J.Melo line was hatched two years ago to raise funds for the J.Melo Foundation for the needy in society. The foundation’s most current project is a school being built in the Upper West region. John Dumelo, in a brief statement, shared his hopes that this line would give great labels like Cartier a run for their money. Other launches of the J.Melo Line are scheduled for Paris, New York, the UK and South Africa, early in the fast approaching year.

PROJECT WALKWAY GHANA

Project Walkway is a Fashion Reality TV show that would be aired on Metro TV and GH1 in Febuary 2012.

In this 13-episode show, the designers will be set tasks to accomplish and the results of those tasks will be judged by style icons and established fashion designers in and across Africa. Each week a designer will be eliminated in search for the newest designer on the block and the winner will be offered a fantastic opportunity which is yet to be revealed.

Impression Model House (the organizers) is about celebrating the beauty of Ghana, giving both ladies and gentlemen a platform to express themselves through imagery and fashion. The models that will be casted to model various pieces from the designers in Project Walkway Ghana will also be signed to Impression Model House so the two projects will run concurrently.

The concept of both projects is derived from Mrs. Bertha Owusu. These projects are geared by her love for fashion and beauty, as well as her desire to put Ghana on the map as a force to reckon with in the fashion industry

                                                                             Press statement by Project Walkway Ghana

Juicy Package of events this Christmas!!

DECEMBA 2 REMEMBA
When: Saturday 24th December 2011
Where: Conference Centre

SARKODIE RAPPERHOLIC - LIVE-IN CONCERT
When: Sunday 25th December 2011
Where:The Dome

KOJO ANTWI CONCERT
When:Saturday 24th December 2011
Where: Oxford Street, Osu.

AFIA SIRIBOE
When: Sunday 25th December 2011
Where: National Theatre

GHANA MOVIE AWARDS
When: Sunday 25th December 2011
Where: Conference Centre

NIGHT OF 1013 LAUGHS
When: Monday 26th December 2011
Where:The Dome

T-PAIN CONCERT
When: Saturday 24th December 2011
Where: The Dome

GHANA ROCKS - CHIPMUNK LIVE IN GHANA
When: Tuesday 27th December 2011
Where:The Dome

FASHION 101

Fashion 101 is a new TV program to be aired on TV3 at 8:30am every Saturday, commencing from the 31^st of December 2011.

This program, fashioned after Fashion Police, would have two segments. The very first segment would take its viewers to the red carpet where a panel of judges would point out fashion faux pas, bloopers and showstoppers. The second segment would be a make-over session where the audience is informed about the right ways to dress for different events. The show is to be hosted by Sandra Ankobiah, Miss Ghana 2002 runner-up.

A press conference was held on Tuesday 20^th December 2011 to officially launch the program and quite the number of celebrities was present: Juliet Ibrahim, Chase, J-Town, Majid, John Dumelo, Anna Maria (Miss Ghana 2004), Nadia Buari, D-Black.  

For a hands-on experience of what the show was going to be like, a few excerpts were shown where Uncle Chester (resident panelist) was being very critical of Jeremy and others. A few of the celebrities present were called forward for a live show. John Dumelo in a striped short sleeved shirt and jeans was given an 8 over 10. Chase in a suit and slippers was given a thumbs up for the suit but a no-no for the slippers. D-Black slipped away quickly before he was called. Nadia Buari was given a thumbs-up for everything including her pose in her green cropped top and red and black print leggings with black pumps. Majid shouted heartily, “You’re afraid of Nadia”, and this definitely caused him to be pulled out and criticized. It was noticed his shoes for once were polished, but his glasses were put in the “wrong” place. This was a bit confusing, because this was the same place Dumelo placed his (against his chest), and was given a thumbs up. However, this exercise drew quite a number of laughs and was an exquisite fore-runner.

This program is not to step on anyone’s toes but to draw a hearty laugh, learn a lot about fashion dos and don’ts and get even closer to celebrities!

Fashion 101 is executive produced by Emerald Paradise Productions, of which Sandra is the CEO, and supported by the Aviation Social Centre, Wardrobe Essentials, Ark Accessories and Tracy J.

Ties That Bind - Kimberley Elise, Omotola Ekeinde and Ama K.

Leila Dzansi proves yet again that she is a woman of incredible story-writing, directing, and producing abilities in her latest movie, “Ties That Bind”. Set in the picturesque and rural areas of Kroboland, this story tells of the suffering of three women of relatively different backgrounds, and how their common pains bind their destinies together.

Omotola Ekeinde

Adobea, played by Omotola, is a village woman who discontinued school due to poverty, got married and within those years of marriage has lost all seven children; some died in her womb, others died shortly after they had been born. This trauma has scarred her inevitably; she has an aura of sadness about her, and seems to be quite sick, coughing out blood regularly. Her mother-in-law accuses her of being a witch who eats her own children. The movie begins with her in preparation for the final days of her seventh pregnancy.

Ama K. Abebrese

Kabuki (Ama K.) is a successful, good-looking doctor in  what was supposed to be a happy relationship with Lucas (John Dumelo). He loves her very much and is willing to marry her. However, there is one problem: they cannot have children because their blood types do not match. This turns Buki into a bitter woman where her relationship is concerned. Torn by grief and disappointment, she is constantly waiting for her fiancé to become the typical “African man” who would go seek out another woman to have babies with, and actually jumps to hasty conclusions once and breaks off their relationship. To run away from the bitterness of her relationship, Buki takes a job as a doctor in a remote village in Kroboland. Here she is faced with a broken down, abandoned clinic that is haunted by a “ghost”.

Kimberley Elise

Theresa (Kimberley Elise) is a University lecturer in the city who loves her job but is haunted by the consequences of a horrible past which drove her child away from her. Physically abused by her mother as she grew up, Theresa grew up marked with post-partum depression. However, despite her problem, she found a man who loved her truly, flaws and all, and married her. However, still struggling with the violence of her depression, things turned very bitter. She gave birth eventually; however, she was not the typical mother. Instead of her baby’s cries drawing motherly concern, it drew violent thoughts of hurting her own child. This scared her terribly, fearing she was becoming like her abusive mother. She then gave full custody of the child to her husband and went to seek for help. After treatment, fate found her in Africa, as a lecturer, and making two new long-lasting friends: Buki and Adobea, much later.

This movie is phenomenal, made so especially by very emotional scenes: Adobea is made to stand in a circle made up of her husband’s family, her husband (David Dontoh), a fetish priest (Fred Amugi), as the fetish solution is given to the short lives of all her children. The scene gets ‘weepingly’ emotional when she is forced to strip naked in front of all these different people as the fetish puts a herbal concoction in her private parts. The pain and humiliation of this is perfectly carried across by Omotola. The reality is made even more starkly painful when one realizes that these things still happen. The fetish, however, seems to get something right. He says she has bitterness in her which her children feed on. When they do, they die. He advises her to get rid of the bitterness. This bitterness turned out to be lung cancer, which she has ignorantly been suffering from all these years (discovered by modern doctors!).

Another scene which would captivate the heart of its audience was a scene where Buki’s neighbor (played by Ebbe Bassey) delivered a heartbreakingly truthful monologue. Her husband, a promiscuous drunkard, had contracted HIV. In search of a cure, he was misled by a fetish priest that he had to sleep with a virgin. He chose his very own five year old daughter who was knocked unconscious by the pain. The village lynch law smelt blood and dragged this shameful father out in the open to stone and burn him alive. Buki’s neighbor, his wife, was beside herself with grief, and rushed out to save her husband. However, before she left, she delivered an emotional to monologue to a very disapproving Buki (who believed the man deserved to die). She told her in simple painful truth that no matter what, he was still her husband and the father of her children, suffering from HIV. It was her duty as a wife to stand by him no matter what. And in accordance with these words, she knelt by her husband’s side and was stoned on his behalf.

After managing to save him from his harsh judges, with the help of Theresa, Adobea and a grudging Buki, there came the most emotional scene in the entire movie. In tears, and suffering from the pain of the stoning, she hit him continuously in her grief, asking him whys, reminding him of how she had stood by his side even when she found out he had HIV, only for him to copiously pour salt in her wounds and rape their own daughter. Spent emotions and grief later, she asked him to leave and take his HIV with him. This was only after she had gone through the ultimate sacrifice of risking her life to save his life. Talk about true fidelity! Theresa says most appropriately, “I learnt the meaning of courage today.”

The resolution of the movie was quite a happy ending for the three leading characters. Theresa, after futile efforts of trying to reach her daughter, getting a restraining order in the process, adopted a Sudanese refugee who happened to be the “ghost” in the clinic. In the glow of a new outlook on life, she has gathered the courage to return to the States and go all out to reach out and know her own child.

Adobea, sponsored by her friend, Buki, is going to get a life-saving surgery, to cure her of her lung cancer. After the surgery, she plans on going to nursing school to assist Buki in the clinic.

Buki, finally has the important talk with Lucas, and airs out her worries. Lucas assures her of his love and his willingness to be with her for life and adopt children. Their wedding day is the final scene.

This movie raises many issues that still exist in our society: a woman is a witch if she does not bear children, a man is allowed to have children with other women if his wife fails to give him a child, the power of fetishes; is it all bad?, child abuse, lynch law versus police, letting go of past pains and starting a new guilt-free life. Raising an issue, allows the bitterness to be aired out, and thinking and possibly, brainstorming about solutions are in the wing.

The movie, however, gets quite slow as the story progresses, slow enough to lose its viewers, before it picks up again eventually.It was interesting also to see Omotola and Ama K. speak in Krobo, and Twi! 

“Ties That Bind” is to be premiered on the 30^th of December at the Silverbird Cinema. It is, without a doubt, a must-see for all.

Screening of "Ties That Bind"in Toronto, Canada

FIRST TIDINGS OF CHRISTMAS CHEER: MASQUERADES

Lydia Forson proved herself more than just an actress in this Christmas comedy she co-wrote. Breaking the walls between the local language (Twi) and English, Lydia merges the two to help start ringing the bells for a joyful, laughter-filled Christmas!

Lydia says most assertively that, “I did Creative Writing at Legon. Unfortunately, most people don’t know that part of me. I love to write.”

Starring Desmond Elliot, Adjetey Annang, Selanu, Katawere and Lydia Forson, this movie exploits a very crazy form of humour but leave its audience with quite a strong message for the Chrismas Season. Nana Yaa Boateng (Lydia Forson) has just arrived from the United States of America, to attend her dead uncle’s funeral (Katawere) and, much more importantly to her, to hear the reading of his will. Her brother Kwesi, who lives in Ghana, goes to meet her at the airport to bring her home and the drama begins. Nana Yaa most definitely wants to make her “American” presence felt and adopts a seriously horrible LAFA accent, and is pumped with airs and graces. However, behind the masquerade of the successful been-to, Nana Yaa Boateng (or Naya Boat-eng as she preferred to be called!) had quite a few, if not as serious as skeletons, fish bones in her closet. She is in fact, not the celebrity PR she claims to be but a cleaner in New York. But none of her family can know that!

Tunde, played by Desmond Elliot, is an old friend of the family who has also just arrived from the UK. He arrives to make a show of his wealth, to help in the funeral of his uncle, as well as to woo Naya.  His accent simply reeks of a bogus accent, ending all his sentences with “mate”. His masquerade is to hide his poverty and incessant borrowing abilities. He borrows from car to clothes from a rich friend of his to take Naya on a date. Pretty hilarious, especially when he berates Naya for pretending to be who she is not.

Kwesi, Naya’s brother played by Selanu, is very down-to-earth and appreciative of his bankus and taxis. He definitely does not feel pressured to shun his Ghanaianisms, though his sister and their family friend do. However, a huge scam has been played on Kwesi by his old Uncle and his Uncle’s lawyer (adjetey Annang).

His uncle pretends to die with the help of the lawyer, Nicholas, to be able to retrieve money from his insurance. Unknown to him, his lawyer has a plan B: to kill him and steal the insurance money.

The comedy unearths the awkward moments when the Twi-speaking side of the family meets with the English side, and no one can understand each other! Laughter would just rip through your sides as they stumbled through what was supposed to be a family meeting.  One also gets the common Ghanaian occurrence where a distant member of the family always comes around, pretending to care and worry about your welfare, in order to get some ‘malt’ when he or she is leaving.  Scenes of typical Ghanaian Christmases were interspersed between the drama: children playing with ‘knockouts’ (fireworks), Churches holding huge Christmas programs where everyone is dressed in their Sunday best, an actual masquerade where men on stilts did the azonto dressed in the Christmas colours. The movie ends with a lovely scene where the family is joined together at the dining table, eating a delicious Christmas meal, spiced with laughter and love.

Important lessons:

Ø  Be yourself

Ø  Christmas is a time for family reunion, an important fact that seems to be fading away in the current fast-paced world.

Masquerades is produced by Zedec Entertainment in association with rLG communications and directed by Xavier Arijs.

"Masquerades" would be premiering on the 16th of December at the Silverbird Cinema.

“For me, Christmas was about family, about sitting down together, eating and watching a good movie. Just really bonding.” – Lydia Forson