Music: Frank Dellé

Frank Dellé is now on Ghana Rising's radar. A much loved reggae artist, -'The Power of Love' -taken from his solo album, "Before I Grow Old" -is just right for a romantic evening -with that special someone [and I love it]. Dellé [aka Eased from Seeed] is of Ghanaian and German descent -and a household name in is his native Germany. I believe that this new album will see Dellé blowing up globally [not just in Germany] -and may trigger collaborations with some of Ghana's finest recording artists [you heard it here first].... Anyway I will let him speak for him-self...please watch the following film clip for more info on Frank.....



For more information about Franke Dellé or to download the 'Before I Grow Old" album please visit: www.dellee.de and myspace.com/frankdellee

Music: Leila Adu

There is something about musician Leila Adu. Beautiful and talented, -Adu was born in London, -raised in New Zealand and is of European and Ghanaian decent. And her music [an eclectic mix of jazz; cryptic soul, sweet pain and contained yearnings] -is beautifully haunting [just check out 'Answerphone']. Adu's sounds how -I image a child of, PJ Harvey and Billie Holiday to sound, -pretty but dark. Her voice has such purpose and commands your ear in a way that –hasn’t happened to me in quiet some time......Listening to ‘For A Man’ I could be listening to some ‘Negro Spiritualist’ song –on some plantation somewhere; -quiet magically really, -the way her voice can transport you like that! Leila Adu is a soulful, cosmic butterfly who has appeared with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and produced two acclaimed albums (’Dig A Hole’ & ‘Cherry Pie’), which led to national tours in Australia, Indonesia, U.K. and Russia. She is now based in Rome… ....and begins touring this February [please see tour dates below].‘Dark Joan’, Adu’s third album as a solo artist is out now. For more information about Leila Adu, the tour or to download her latest album please visit her at: www.leilaadu.com and
www.myspace.com/leilaadu

Upcoming Shows
16 Feb 2010 20:00
Franco Ferguson - IMPROVISED MUSIC @ FANFULLA 101 Roma, Roma

21 Feb 2010 19:30
Scuola Populare di Musica Ivan Illich Bologna, Bologna

17 Mar 2010 20:00
Fanfulla 101 Roma, Roma

3 Apr 2010 12:00
the Hello Goodbye Show RESONANCE 104.4FM www.resonancefm.com, London and South East

3 Apr 2010 20:00
The Vortex London, London and South East

8 Apr 2010 20:00
The Christchurch Jazz & Blues Festival Christchurch, Canterbury

15 May 2010 20:00
Echo Curio Los Angeles, California

Art: TAFA is named Sport Artist of the Year 2010

Congratulations to Ghanaian born artist, TAFA who has been named 'Sport Artist of the Year 2010' by the American Sport Art Museum and Archives (ASAMA). TAFA competed against other sport artists from around the world for the honor. He was nominated by Paul Goodnight, who was the 1997 Sport Artist of the year. TAFA lives and paints in Harlem, NY.

Gospel Music: Maame Serwaah

“I started my singing at an early age in The Church Of Pentecost and joined various singing groups. In the year 2006 I decided to build up the gift God has given me......In God's own time it came to past in July 2009. I hope the Lord will continue to use me as a vessel to minister his word through music to the world.” Maame Serwaah

Beautiful Serwaah Baah Mensah aka Maame Serwaah is Ghana’s next big gospel artist. Hailing from Kwahu Mpreaso [my father’s home town] –Maame’s sweet vocals will touch your soul. I’m loving ‘Mensu Biom’ [translated into English means Don’t Cry again] from her new album called ‘Gospel Rocks’. Full of uplifting songs, –this album rocks –and will have you praising and worshipping with total abandon! To purchase or to download this enriching album or for more information about Maame please visit her website at: www.maameserwaah.co.uk
Maame Serwaah you are beautiful...

*Please note Maame Serwaah will be interviewed on www.ka-radio.com on the 30th January 2010 at 5pm GMT –don’t forget to tune in.....x

Fashion: Is Menaye Donkor Ghana's most fashionable woman?........

Is model and socialite Menaye Donkor Ghana's most fashionable woman -and the worlds next big fashion icon? Yes, me thinks.....I stumble across the above fabulous photographs of the beautiful and sparkly Menaye [girlfriend of footballer Sulley Muntari] at 'The Imaginarium Of Doctor Parnassus' Premiere during ‘Rome International Film Festival’ –and was blown away. The hair, impeccable grooming, the clear skin, perfect make-up and that gorgeous dress, – Menaye looks uber hot and ‘fashion fierce’…… Go Menaye…x

Charlotte Mensah launches shea butter cream for hair and skin...

I'm loving this new model/presenter -Corali's hair...I don't know much about her but I stumbled across Corali in Black Beauty and Hair magazine [in a piece about hairstylist Charlotte Mensah's new miracle shea butter cream]. 100 per cent shea butter, -Charlotte's new creams are gentle, natural and kind to hair and skin -and come in authentic calabash shells. After applying the shea butter to Corali's tired, dry frizzy mane-Charlotte's shea butter [enriched with Vitamin E] -tamed, controlled and lovingly restored Corali's crowning glory, -leaving it more manageable, healthy and glossy. The shea butter is made in Ghana and prices starts from £7.99 -and can only be purchased from Charlotte's hair salon -at:

Hair Lounge
347 Portobello Road
London, W10 5SA
020 8969 9444
www.hairlounge.co.uk

Hair: Abena Richardson of A Squared Hair Salon......

I am not a big fan of black hair shows [or award shows for that matter]. They tend to be full of what I call ‘ghetto’ styles. I don’t mind innovative or uber ‘on trend’ styles –but one hideous moving red pineapple of a hairstyle -after another is not my thing. So you can imagine my surprise when I stumbled across the above images of glossy, high fashion, soft hair by ‘British Hairdressing Afro Hairdresser of the Year finalist 2009’ Abena Richardson of A Squared Salon; they have won her and her team –the ‘Black Beauty/WAHL’ Stylist of the Year Hair Award –and the Styling Team of the Year Award 2009. Founded by Afua Akyeampong, Michael and Abena Richardson in 2003 –team A Squared continue to go from strength to strength. Congratulations Abena -your work rocks....

A Squared Salon
20 Catford Broadway,
Catford SE6
020 8690 4758
http://www.asquared.co.uk/index.php

Beauty: Freema Agyeman....

As an avid glossy magazine reader, -I always see beautiful photographs of Freema Agyeman....and I never get round to uploading them onto my blog! Anyway I have managed a couple today –and the above two photos come courtesy of Instyle and Black Hair magazines. Freema like good wine -gets better and better and seems to grow more and more beautiful every day [good for her]..x

Fashion: Charlie Casely-Hayford

The uber dapper and impeccable, –Charlie Casely-Hayford is featured in the latest Dr Martens AirWair Shoes ad campaign. A model, designer and all round fashionista, -Charlie (22) is the son of designer Joe casely-Hayford and one of my favorite London ‘It-boys-about-town’.

Rita Osei....One of 13 breakthrough Brits in the Film Industry...

Last year, producer Rita Osei [pictured seated in grey ruffled gown -next to Kwame Kwei-Armah] was one of 13 black and Asian film industry 'movers and shakers' to be hand-picked by the Film Council -as the 'next big things'. They were flown to Hollywood to meet industry bigwigs -and now, the film industry is poised for a new British invasion. [Credit: Pride magazine/Photograph by Donald Maclellan]

Selena Gomez…Disney actress and singer –visits Ghana…

“That’s why I feel very honored to have a voice that kids listen to and take into consideration,. I had people on my tour asking me where is Ghana, -and they Googled it...… and because I went there, they now know where Ghana is. So it’s pretty incredible.” Selena Gomez

*Selena is doing a good job for UNICEF –and about the above comment…..she is a young girl [17] –and she is right, …a lot of ‘middle America’ don’t know where Ghana is….x

Object of desire: L'ane Organics’s Cocoa Mint Lip balm..

Lovingly made by hand [in Ghana by Priscilla Yobo and her team] -from a yummy blend of cocoa butter and olive oil –this deeply moisturizing lip balm will smooth, condition and heal cracked, dry lips, -leaving them soft and kissable. For more information about L'ane Organics –please visit: www.laneorganics.com (Ghana 0244) 387 464)

Music: Dizzee Rascal....

I’m loving Dizzee Rascal [Dylan Kwabena Mills] on the cover of the latest issue of Wonderland magazine. Dizzee’s interview with Ian Gittins is a must read

Ghana Rising Hearts Kanya King…

King is the youngest girl of nine children (seven girls and two boys). Her father, Christian, was a labourer of Ghanaian descent, and her mother, Mary, was a nurse of Irish descent.
In her early days King attended South Kilburn High School in London, proceeding to study English and Drama at Goldsmiths College in South London. Her father died when she was aged just 13, and to help financially she managed various jobs from working in a bakery to running her own promotional company supplying people for market research.
King obtained a position with Carlton Television as a senior researcher where she was a founding member and part of the production team on the Chrystal Rose Show.
She began to develop the successful Music Of Black Origin (MOBO) awards show in January 1996, and ended up financing the first event by re-mortgaging her house. It was only when she obtained a television slot a few weeks before the event that she realised that it was all becoming real. The first MOBO Awards were held at the New Connaught Rooms in London. The 2008 MOBO Awards Show was broadcast live from Wembley Arena on BBC Three and repeated three days later on BBC One. The show was shown in 57 countries. The 14th international MOBO Awards Show was held in Glasgow's SECC on September 30 2009 with performances by N-Dubz, JLS and Kelly Rowland with David Guetta. A television audience of 300,000 watched the live broadcast on BBC Three.
King is a consultant to a number of Government initiatives for disadvantaged youth including the Home Office Task Force to reduce gun violence. She is a patron of the Horniman Museum, and founder member of Net Women, an influential body of high profile women in the media. [credit:www.en.wikipedia.org]

**To be honest –our kanya transcends fashion or style or whatever –for me. Alongside media guru -Oprah Winfrey, American Vogue editor –Anna Wintour, legal eagle -Margaret Casely-Hayford, Michelle Obama –the ‘First Lady’ of America and uber stylista - Genevieve Jones [and some of the other iconoclastic females on both my blogs] –I truly don’t care what they wear. They can all wear bin liners and I would continue to love, admire and be in awe of them. Inspirational, beautiful and strong –Kanya’s business sense continues to inspire me. But thankfully she is also a stylish woman. Just check out her style; that beautiful clear skin, her youthful hair, impeccable grooming, the ‘one off’ dresses and that smile –go Kanya….

Music: VIP’s Second Album Launch Party Saturday 13th February 2010 at Boomerang Nite Club

One of Ghana’s most beloved Hip-Life groups, VIP are back big style and are launching their latest album on Saturday 13th February 2010 from 7pm [the club closes at 6am] at Boomerang Nite Club. This event is strictly by invites only –but you can find out more information via Facebook at: www.facebook.com. If you can’t wait until then –why not check out this fascinating movie about VIP's rise to fame at: www.HipLifeMovie.Com

Enjoy "I think i like am" video -from their latest album...x

Object of Desire: Akua'ba Doll Pendant

“Among the Akan people of Ghana, the Akua’ba (fertility) figure has quite an interesting story. Legend reveals that a woman named Akua had difficulty conceiving a child. She commissioned a wooden figure called Akuaba and cared for it like a real baby. The women of the village called the figure "Akua’s child" but subsequently Akua indeed became pregnant. Since she bore a daughter, Akuaba primarily represents the female. Even today, women in Ghana who desire a child will carry an Akuaba sculptural figure to encourage conception.” www.sankofaworldpublishers.com

I love it…I don’t know if it’s made from real gold…but it looks fabulous. I would replace the black cord with my gold chain –and strut… $25.00 www.sankofaworldpublishers.com

Object of Desire: Kente Cloth Pillows

“These beautiful pillows are made from vintage kente cloth from the Asante and Ewe people of Ghana.” www.indigoarts.com

Just add these beautiful Kente cushions to your sofa, bed or favourite armchair –and transform your home. Bold and so on trend –Kente, I believe is going to be the print ‘du jour’ this year –and these comfy cushions will make your interiors pop. I’m just waiting for someone to re-upholster my tired favourite armchair in Kente Cloth... –and I’m left wondering ...is there anybody back home selling beautiful –quality furniture made with vintage Kente Cloth? The Kente Cloth Pillows are available from $44.00 –from The Indigo Arts Gallery at: www.indigoarts.com

Kwesi Boakye: The future is very bright...

I stumbled across Hollywood's rising star, Kwesi Boakye’s information via www.ghanalinx.com and I’m so happy, because he is the future….enjoy x

Title: Kwesi & Hope:Tyler Perry’s New Hollywood Rising Stars [Dated: September 21, 2009 by G.O]
Tyler Perry is the master at discovering new talent and inaugurates two young rising African stars 10-year old Kwesi Boakye and Hope Olaide Wilson, to his latest number one film “I Can Do Bad All By Myself.” The film hit theaters on Friday, September 11th. The red carpet was rolled out for the screening, held several days prior in the heart of Chelsea, Manhattan. The premier generated a media frenzy as we all waited in line to get the best shot, sound bite or a quick interview from the all star cast: Taraji Henson, Gladys Knight, Mary J. Blige and Tyler Perry.
In all of Tyler’s movies there is always a message of hope and faith. He also believes strongly that, “Somebody has to give the underdog a chance. As you will see in this movie there is a lot of new and great talent.”
Kwesi Boakye, a Los Angeles native with Ghanaian heritage lights up the screen with his cute face and witty charm playing “Manny,” a troubled kid. Hope Olaide Wilson London born with Nigerian roots, gives a phenomenal dramatic performance as she plays “Jennifer,” Manny’s teenage older sister. Tyler’s new protégé and protégée are receiving outstanding reviews.
Tyler Perry is not the only one bragging about his new faces to the Hollywood screen, for Taraji Henson describes Kwesi’s performance in an interview as impressive and amazed at his ability to cry on cue. Kwesi modestly describes his crying techniques as just being easy, “I just think about something sad like how my dog got hit by a car and then I cry.”
For many adult actors, memorizing lines can be a challenge, but for Kwesi his photographic memory allows him to learn a script of any length with ease. “I am unsure of what the longest script I have had to memorize is, but it was definitely double digits, one hundred percent.” He described working on set with so many celebrities generated a little nervousness initially but overall “Tyler Perry is cool, a lot of fun and he is like a big kid.”
At such a young age he has a lengthy resume that includes a list of television appearances on multiple episodes of “Days of Our Lives,” “Day Break,” and “Boston Legal.” His talents are not limited to being on-camera. He has contributed his voice to countless animated series and is most noted for his performance on the Award Winning animated feature, Happy Feet. One may assume with such a busy schedule that he is home schooled. Surprisingly enough this confident, humorous and wise beyond his years kid is about to enter the 5th grade with a straight “A” average. “My favorite subject is Math because it is challenging and I like challenges, then I eventually get it.” When he is not auditioning he enjoys playing basketball and reiterates, “I have been playing since I was three.”
These two rising stars are not your typical Hollywood child actors; they come from families of humble beginnings that instill values and a belief system that all things are possible through hard work, preparation and dedication. Like Kwesi, his co-star Hope excelled in school and upon her entering into the American high school system she skipped three grades and graduated from high school at the age of 15.
Overall, when you are on set or in the classroom there is always an opportunity to learn something new. Kwesi’s greatest lesson from working with Tyler Perry was, “I learned how to ad lib.” This naturally poised and articulate 10-year old concluded our interview with one key advice for aspiring young actors “Always keep your head up and never keep your head down.” [Credit: www.ghanalinx.com]

Christ Birthday 2009 was the best....

I have been meaning to put up my Christ Birthday 2009 photos forever. My baby [Alexander ‘Jojo’], his father and me –had a really great time [just the three of us. After years of finding it very, very difficult to be in the same room [myself and my baby’s father] –we were finally able [by God’s grace] to accept errrm....stuff and let go of all the disappointments. Alexander had the time of his life.....

As always; Christ Birthday started with Alexander and me putting the Christmas tree and ‘our’ kind’ of decorations -up. I’m not a tinselly person but I do love baubles -so I put lots of clear glass vases filled with bauble [of ever colour] all around the flat. Then I shopped like a woman possessed –in the snow [I hasten to add]..

Father Christmas’s sledge made it annual appearance [right outside our window] –the day before my Alexander’s nativity play...At Alexander’s nativity play [the following day] -the older children [year two] had the main roles –so Alexander’s class [year one] took the minor roles and he was one of nine donkeys in the nativity –bless him, -and he done us proud.....[I think all the children have to play a role in school nativities –now, by law [hehehehe], –in my days there was only one donkey ...and if you didn’t have a role to play -you just sat down. My Alexander’s nativity had chickens, cows, a turkey and ‘all sorts’ bless them...





For our Christ Birthday dinner, I cooked Lamb, duck and the usual turkey....and my apple crumble went down –well. I forgot the crackers and I didn’t die...[two years ago this would have killed me]. We used the large white ‘Banana Republic’ plates and my very special white porcelain ‘Limoges’ bowls for our pudding.



I brought out our ‘Rudolph glasses’ and light candles and put flowers all around the house [mainly my favourite pink roses, orange gerberas and Lilies]...

Towards the end of the meal I made some herbal tea [I put it into my ancient bone China ‘Sandon’ Wedgwood teapot and used my latest favourite –hand painted vintage cup and saucer] –lovely . Alexander and his father then demanded hot chocolate.


After some light conversation; more laughter and the opening of presents, –uncle Kwame came to pick up the father and son duo –and took them -to his and auntie Stephanie’s new house in Watford...And me? Well I put my feet up and chilled out [Amen]...then did some blogging [just what the doctor ordered].....And how was your Christmas?...............xxx

Please don’t forget Haiti when it’s no longer in the headlines…..

"Pray for the people of Haiti please..........I cannot stress enough what a human disaster this is, and idle hands will only make this tragedy worse. The over two million people in Port-au-Prince tonight face catastrophe alone. We must act now........President Obama has already said that the US stands ready to assist the Haitian people. The US military is the only group trained and prepared to offer that assistance immediately. They must do so as soon as possible. The international community must also rise to the occasion and help the Haitian people in every way possible." Wyclef Jean



**Ghana Rising is sending out Love and Prayers to our brothers and sisters in Haiti…….The following are people(s) and bodies who are helping –please send your donations to:

The World...
You can donate from anywhere in the world via Wyclef Jean’s Yele Haiti Foundation website at: www.yele.org

In the UK…
“It is a tragedy beyond imagination and there is a deep sense of loss felt by the whole of the British and Irish people about the tragedy that individual families in Haiti are experiencing at the moment. We send our message of sympathy and support to the people of Haiti at this most difficult of times......Where men, women and children are suffering under the heaviest of burdens, that place must, for that moment, become the centre of our world’s attention, the world’s compassion and the world’s humanitarian help.” Prime Minister Gordon Brown

The DEC [Disasters Emergency Committee ] Haiti Earthquake Appeal is the safest website in the UK and can be accessed via: www.dec.org.uk

In NYC
To make a financial contribution please send a tax-deductible donation to:
IFCO/Haiti Relief
418 West 145th Street
New York NY 10031

DAYTIME DROP-OFF HOURS ARE MON. - FRI. 11:00-4:00 P.M.
@ FLANBWAYAN HAITIAN LITERACY PROJECT
(718) 774-3037 208 Parkside, 2nd floor, Brooklyn, NY 11226

EVENING DROP-OFF HOURS ARE MON. & WED. 6:30-8:30 P.M.
HAITIAN WOMEN FOR HAITIAN REFUGEES
335 Maple Street, 2nd Floor, Brooklyn, NY (this is not a mailing address)
(718) 735-4660 (718) 735-4660
Please use rear entrance on Lincoln Road between Nostrand and New York Avenue.
Enter through St. Francis Church parking lot
[Credit: NYC details from -www.thehaitianblogger.blogspot.com]

Dr Gus Casely-Hayford’s Lost Kingdoms of Africa on BBC Four is a must see [Tuesdays at 9pm]

I’ve just finished watching this week's ‘Lost Kingdoms of Africa’ by Dr Gus Casely-Hayford [featuring the ancient Kingdom of Ethiopia] -and he’s the best, –engaging and passionate [with none of that patronizing verve that most art historian Possess]. Part of the most influential black family in the UK, -like the rest of Casely-Hayford clan –he is at the top-of-his-game. **Don’t forget to watch Dr Gus next Tuesday –it’s about the lost Kingdom of Great Zimbabwe. Please visit the BBC website for more information. www.bbc.co.uk

Fashion: The Hemma 2010 Collection

“Hemma creates fresh, elegant collections using authentic hand-woven Kente, a textile rich in African royal tradition. Kente began to flourish in West Africa in the 17th century and still remains prominent representing social prestige, luxury, and cultural sophistication. Each garment is uniquely handmade from intricately hand-woven kente imported from Ghana. By incorporating the same techniques used to dress Ghanaian nobility for centuries, Hemma allows each client to exude royalty.” www.thehemmacollection.com

In a world full of fashion labels –it take a truly exquisite, high-end label to stand out –and the Hemma fashion label does just that. Beautifully handmade with the best quality hand-woven Kente, the Hemma label is all we sybarites dream about. A Luxurious [all their Kente pieces are scrumptiously lined with silk], elegant, show stopping label, –the Hemma 2010 Collection is 'to-live-for'. I’m crazy about the blue Chanel-esque ‘Asante Jacket’ [$550.00] and the black stretch wool ‘Sena Dress’ -with Kente detail [$500.00]. Hemma has just launched The Hemma Foundation –and will be donating a percentage of all sales directly to the ‘La Yahoushua Middle School’ in Ghana. For more information about Hemma please visit: www.thehemmacollection.com

Ghana Rising Hearts Anna Reynolds

I love, love Anna Reynolds’ style, music and verve. An eclectic dresser, –the minute you buy the purple leggings and bombastic t-shirt combo -she wore last week, she’s already moved onto her 80’s faded denim skirt, Miami Vice jacket and one of her uber coveted ANNA-ALPHA-BETIC t-shirts. Bold colours, one-off dresses, African inspired pieces mixed with Euro-trashy leggings and hot minis - Anna Reynolds is Hot and unafraid. A fan of, Jeremy Scott, Christian Joy, Zakee Shariff, -her sister's label PRICCI and of course her very own -ANNA-ALHA-BETIC collection, Anna -like her latest Album, ‘Android Girl’ is out of this world. www.anna-reynolds.com