Wednesday 24 August 2011

100 People -A World Portrait

The following statistics are an abbreviated version of the research that we commissioned from the University of Wisconsin - Green Bay. The detailed research and source information can be found here. The statistics contained in the email that originally inspired the project have been retired, but can still be viewed here for purposes of comparison.



If the World were 100 PEOPLE:

50 would be female

50 would be male



20 would be children

There would be 80 adults,

14 of whom would be 65 and older



There would be:

61 Asians

12 Europeans

13 Africans

14 people from the Western Hemisphere



There would be:

31 Christians

21 Muslims

14 Hindus

6 Buddhists

12 people who practice other religions

16 people who would not be aligned with a religion



17 would speak a Chinese dialect

8 would speak Hindustani

8 would speak English

7 would speak Spanish

4 would speak Arabic

4 would speak Russian

52 would speak other languages



82 would be able to read and write; 18 would not



1 would have a college education

1 would own a computer



75 people would have some supply of food and a place to

shelter them from the wind and the rain, but 25 would not



1 would be dying of starvation

17 would be undernourished

15 would be overweight



83 would have access to safe drinking water

17 people would have no clean, safe water to drink



Sources: Fritz Erickson, University of Wisconsin - Green Bay and John A. Vonk, University of Northern Colorado, 2006; Returning Peace Corps Volunteers of Madison Wisconsin, Unheard Voices: Celebrating Cultures from the Developing World, 1992; Donella H. Meadows, The Global Citizen, May 31, 1990.
 

Tuesday 23 August 2011

Ghana Rising Hearts Jonas Hammond




Ghana born, Berlin based R&B/Soul/Jazz musician, Jonas Hammond’s single, James Town has all the zesty bright-yellow-sunshine-on-a-Saturday-morning vibe that I need right now, and I’m loving it. Easy listening with soul, Jonas Hammond [he’s new to Ghana Rising’s radar] is an incredible musician and his latest CD also entitled James Town is full to bursting with hits including the uplifting; One Smile, That Ghetto Soul, S.I.S (Suffering in Silence and Thank you Lord, -I just can’t believe that I haven’t heard of him until now, and I’m guessing that after you check out and download his music at http://www.reverbnation.com/jonashammond -you’ll also agree. I’m predicting big things for Mr Hammond. You can keep up with all his musical happenings via: http://www.myspace.com/zariaproductions

Monday 22 August 2011

Ghana Rising Hearts Prince Silk Creations










"I hope my work will inspire you to dream big and know that you are capable of doing all things you desire.

Our journey on earth is not affected by what is done to us but how we handle the good and the bad, our reactions to what occurs on this journey determine our outcome. Do not be a spectator, a passenger along for the ride, Take action! Manifest your own destiny with a positive attitude and you will not only achieve fabulous results for yourself but inspire others to achieve excellence! As long as you have faith in the lord, motivation, diligence, you never give up no matter what obstacles you may encounter, you will have great success in life! You may encounter some bumps in your road to success that may deter you momentarily but don’t let them throw you off , stay strong, do not give up and I promise you all your hard work, faith and conviction will pay off and you will be blessed to reach heights you never could have imagined!"
Prince Duncan-Williams


***Prince Duncan-Williams’ Prince Silk Creations are new to Ghana Rising’s radar and I’m sooo pleased to have stumbled across them on Facebook. I’m now a fan. From Prince Duncan-Williams’ Abstracts to his African inspired pieces -they all have a certain jour de vive and conscious verve that lends itself to the here and now and I love them. You can find out more about Prince Duncan-Williams’ art and purchase the above pieces at: http://princesilkcreations.com/ https://www.facebook.com/princesilkcreations


More Info...
Kumasi, Ghana native Prince Duncan-Williams relocated to the United States in 1982. After studying architectural engineering at Takoradi Polytechnic, he joined a family tradition of silk art creations. Nearly 4 decades in the making, Prince Duncan-Williams has perfected this art carried down from generations to create breathtaking large scale masterpieces that combine African and American Culture. Prince is most inspired by Jazz Music, Rhythm, Harmony, Native Art and the great Pablo Picasso. The musical influence is apparent in his pieces from the harmonious juxtaposition of colors and shapes creating a melody of color, texture and perfectly balanced shapes. It is amazing that Prince Duncan-Williams has had no formal art training, it must be in his blood, handed down from generations of other family members.

Silk art creation is a unique, laborious, and complicated process in which a blended silk and rayon thread is arranged by hand and glued in rows. The rows of thread, work around in a spiral and every so often, changing directions, creating facets, patterns, and depth. These contrasting flows of colorful thread enhance the texture and mood of each dazzling image, creating a truly unique art form unto itself. There is no stitching involved in silk art creation; every piece is done entirely by hand, making each an original. Depending on the size, a single silk art creation requires 30 to over 320 hours of meticulous labor.

Prince Duncan-Williams has displayed his work across the nation at such esteemed galleries as the Getman Gallery in both their Venetian and The Fashion Show Mall locations. He has also displayed his work at The Time Gallery and The Edge Contemporary Gallery. Prince travels the nation bringing his masterpieces to fine art shows across the globe and has garnered numerous awards and accolades. His work continues to be admired by collectors from around the world.

Friday 19 August 2011

Vote for Wanlov The Kubolor





**Watch out for the first few frames in this film clip directed by Dean Cornish, if it doesn’t shame us into cleaning up Ghana nothing will… Anyway do visit:

http://www.rfimusic.com/news-music/wanlov-kubalor-ghana -and vote for Wanlov The Kubolor -who’s music and verve continues to put Ghana on the map.
 
You can keep up with all of Wanlov The Kubolor’s musical happenings via https://www.facebook.com/kubolor
http://www.myspace.com/wanlov

AfricaFashionGuide launches CONTEMPORARY AFRICAN FASHION BOOK & WEBSITE on the Friday 9th September 2011 from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM (GMT) at The Africa Centre….



AfricaFashionGuide, a not-for-profit social enterprise promoting the African fashion and textile industry is launching their highly anticipated CONTEMPORARY AFRICAN FASHION BOOK & WEBSITE on the 9th September 2011 at The Africa Centre in Covent Garden.
This event will include a forum with contribution from fashion professionals and industry experts who will discuss and debate on the topics: ETHICAL . FASHION . AFRICA with panellists including:

Liesl Truscott - Textile Exchange
Tamsin Lejeune - Ethical Fashion Forum

Annegret Affolderbach - Choolips

Ola Shobowale - Fashion Show Director

Minna Salami - MsAfropoltan blogger
and more...!

Address
The Africa Centre
8 King Street
WC2E 8JT London
United Kingdom

For more information visit:
www.facebook.com/africafashionguide
www.twitter.com/africafashionguide

****Please note: That this is an invitation only event, please register your space early to avoid disappointment

Ghana Rising Hearts Joshua Kissi.....A very stylish man….










All images courtesy of Street Etiquette.com http://streetetiquette.com/


When uber fashionista and all round fabulous girl about town Noelle Bonner suggests something, you take note -and the thing in question is streetetiquette.com/ -a truly fashion fierce blog about menswear created by Ghana Rising’s latest man crush, Joshua Kissi and his mate, Travis Gumbs. On point, on trend and relevant -it’s a must for all things men/style and NOW. Plus Joshua Kissi has uber style.. You can check out all of Joshua’s fashionable happenings and style at:
 
More Info…
Founded in 2008, Street Etiquette is a style blog that approaches personal style from an urban perspective. With sartorial influences stretching over many areas and eras of fashion, owners Joshua Kissi and Travis Gumbs, each just twenty years old, combine to publish a truly unique vision of fashionable menswear. Among other accolades, Street Etiquette has been featured in magazines such as GQ and Complex, ranked Best Men’s Style Blog by the Guardian UK, and named among “40 Bloggers Who Really Count” by the London Times.

Agya Koo and A B Crenstil are performing LIVE this Saturday 20th August 2011 @ 8pm at Takoma Park, Maryland….




Sorry for the late notice….


Agya Koo has starred in over 100 Ghanaian movies since his introduction to the Ghanaian film industry; he now wants to take his music life too serious.

If you don’t know, Agya Koo started singing in the early 90s even before he started Key Soap concert party and has finally released his album, ‘Atoro Adiyifuo’.

Akwaaba Entertainment in partnership with Charlie Sound & Video is doing a concert with Agya Koo and AB Crentsil on the 20th of August, 2011 in Maryland, USA.

Come and experience good highlife music by purchasing a ticket for $30 and make sure you there before 8pm.

AB Crentsil and Agya Koo are happy about this concert and want Ghanaians to be at the venue ground which is Sligo Adventist School, 8300 Carrol Avenue, Takoma Park, MD 20912
 
 

More Info...
Event Title : Agya Koo & A. B. Crentsil Live in Maryland
Event Type: Concert

Event Details : Charlie Sound & Video Presents -Agya Koo & A. B. Crentsil live in Concert!!

SAT. AUGUST. 20TH. 2011

Venue: SLIGO ADVENTIST SCHOOL

8300 Carroll Ave

Takoma Park, MD 20912.

Hosted by: Charles Lawson

Time: 8PM to 4AM.

Contacts: Charles - (240)478-5765

Albert Asiedu-Ofei(Mixmaster Berto)- (703) 298 -9531

MC Papa Linc - (718) 924-6727



Thursday 18 August 2011

Flowers and fascinators by Ama Pokuaa at ntflowers.blogspot.com




New to Ghana Rising is flower and fascinator guru, Ama Pokuaa. Honestly, I don’t know much about her, but I’m in love with her blog called ‘ A Touch of Flowers and Fascinators’. Showcasing her delectable creations, this pretty blog offers snippets of her designs, her love of weddings, flowers and cake -plus a lovely advice piece on how to wear fascinators, thus, making Ama Pokuaa’s blog is a must for girly girls and lovers of hats and weddings. You can check out the blog at: http://ntflowers.blogspot.com/


For Flowers and fascinators customised to perfection by Ama Pokuaa -contact:
Order: +233 261– 563405; +233 243- 343855
Ntflowers12@gmail.com
 
*** Credit: The above creations are all by Ama Pokuaa. The photos come are courtesy of Ama Pokuaa

Victoria Street in Newark, New Jersey, USA is renamed Ghanaian Way...



Victoria Street in US renamed Ghanaian Way
On Saturday, June 24 2011, history was made in America when a local street was named; “Ghanaian Way’. The former Victoria Street is where Dream African Market is located.

In attendance were; Congressmen Donald M. Payne, The Consul General; Ghana Missions, NY – H.E. Ernest Lomotey, the City of Newark Municipal Council leaders, many chiefs, queen mothers and the general public. The Co-Chairperson for the ceremony was; A. Zachary Yamba, now retired and was the New Jersey’s longest-serving college president.

Dream African Market is a lcoal hot spot for many africans who live in New Jersey. Its Manager is; James Ken Kwofie.

The brain behind the street naming of the street Ghanaian Way is Council Member Ras Baraka.

It started during the Ghana vs. USA soccer match in South Africa 2010 where Ghana beat USA. Many Dream members who were watching the game started jubilating on the then Victoria St which is now Ghanaian Way. A squad of Police Officers thought they were having a riot and wanted to arrest them. Then a phone call was made to the Councilman Baraka who ordered the road to be closed but the football fans continued jubilating throughout the night. Later on the Councilman came to witness carnival Ghanaians had and they decided to name the street; Ghanaian Way.

Many Ghanaians living in the United States have expressed excitement at the development.

2011-08-15 13:08:16



KFC is now in Ghana….



Flicking through Facebook, I do it at least once a day [I need to be on top of things] -I stumbled across FB friend ‘La-Paradise Inn Accra’ -and fabulous news (or not sooo fabulous depending on how nutritionally on the mark you are) that Ghana now has a KFC restaurant. ‘La-Paradise Inn Accra‘, offer one and two bedrooms self-catering apartments in Accra -

are worth a visit -as they are always on top of their game concerning all the yummy happenings in Accra. You can visit them at: http://www.la-paradiseinn.com/

Back to KFC -according to ‘La-Paradise Inn Accra’ KFC is located at “Danqua[h] Circle better Oxford Street just few minutes from us” -in Osu, Accra. I guess this is very good for tourism and you all know how I feel about Tourism, I only hope that in five years time -we don’t find ourselves on the ‘Worlds worst Obesity list’ -because we just don’t have the health service needed to combat that, as we all know Korle Bu Teaching Hospital is in desperate need of renovations…can you believe it??? Ok lets not go there……I just don’t have the energy to talk about it -right now…Do let me know your feelings concerning KFC… xx

More Info about La-Paradise Inn Accra
Right in the heart of the vibrant Osu Area of Accra,LA-PARADISEINN is sorrounded by a diverse array of shops and restaurant,cafe's and clubs offering no-stop day and night activities. Yet when you wish to relax ,the confortable Apart'Hotel offers a soothing reprive from the buzz. Each of the apartments features a modern living space wich doubles up as a home office, complete with the high speed broadband internet access and satellite TV. Outside the apartments you can enjoy the swimming pool and the tropical garden. With everything from culture to cuisine to commerce righ to your doorstep, you'll never have a dull moment at LA-PARADISEINN. http://www.la-paradiseinn.com/

Thursday 11 August 2011

Can anyone wake up today and open a church in Ghana? If yes -who is regulating these people -and keeping the people of Ghana safe?

Title: I Cursed The Baby And Paralyzed Him For What The Mum Did To Me – Bishop Obinim

By: Beatrice Adepa Frempong/Peacefmonline.com

Date: 10-Aug-2011

Founder and General Overseer of the International God’s Way Church (IGWC), Bishop Daniel Obinim


Founder and General Overseer of the International God’s Way Church (IGWC), Bishop Daniel Obinim has openly admitted that he crippled and rendered mad, a child he is alleged to have fathered with his former ‘sex partner’ Gifty Pokua.

He confessed on-air to having placed a curse on the child as punishment for Gifty’s desire to dent his image and to prove that he still had the anointing of God.
Interestingly, he concedes having an affair with the woman but states that the relationship occurred some five years ago.

Speaking in an exclusive lengthy interview with Kwami Sefa Kayi on PeaceFM’s “Kokrokoo”, he claimed that Gifty Pokua, the wife of one his junior pastors, has unbeknownst to him been recording private conversations between the two of them with the mindset of blackmailing him, and so decided to teach her a lesson.

“I passed my hands through his head, so his mind is completely destroyed and I held his feet and paralyzed him so that the child can never walk… I used the power of Jesus that is in me. I wanted to prove to her that she (Gifty Pokua) cannot destroy the work of God that I was doing because I am not the only man of God who has slept with another woman…That is my way of proving to her that she cannot do what she has done because the relationship we had was some three, four years ago. However if she apologises to me, I would heal the child,” Bishop Obinim said.

The Head Pastor of IGWC, who showed no remorse for cursing the baby, pointed out that Gifty Pokua should have at least been a bit thoughtful by considering how he (Obinim) also felt, when she went on radio tarnishing his reputation.

“If I am cut with an object, it is blood that comes…I am not an Angel, I am human,” he added.

Bishop Obinim further recounted that he nearly committed suicide when the shame and embarrassment became unbearable; adding that the only thing that kept him going was the wise counsel and inspiration from some powerful men of God.

Source: Beatrice Adepa Frempong/Peacefmonline.com

****To listen to the audio attachment which has Bishop Daniel Obinim in an interview with Peace Fm's Kwami Sefa-Kayi on "kokrokoo" programme visit: http://news.peacefmonline.com/social/201108/62167.php


I don’t normally write about people I consider to be beasts [I don’t like to give them the attention they desperately crave] like the founder and general overseer of the International God’s Way Church (IGWC), Bishop Daniel Obinim but I felt compelled to share this disturbing story. I truly believe that with his lack of remorse, he posses a real danger to not only his congregation but to other children. If he thinks very little of his own child what of other people’s children? I wonder will the authorities intervene and investigate this blatant man-of-the-under-world? Also, God is good and has no evil in him, so I wonder, what power is Daniel Obinim using in his church and why aren’t his congregation asking themselves this very questions? As for him sleeping with someone he shouldn’t have, that is nothing new -right???

Wednesday 10 August 2011

Have you ever had your email account hacked and broken into? I did and its taken sometime to recover, literally….



My email account was violently hacked into! It then proceeded to send out the most awful, disgusting spam and links to everyone in my contact file and as you can imagine this wasn’t good. I don’t know if some of the people in my contact file thought I had created the spam in my kitchen and was sending them out but I've had the worst week of my life and at times didn’t think I could recover. But what’sbeen the biggest eye opener and the biggest lesson is that those at the very top of their game, artists who have Giorgio Armani on their speed dial and persons who have truly made it -understood. But there were one or two wannabes and a few individuals who haven’t exhibited since 2002 -surprisingly rude!

Still I understand that someone’s emailing/sending you spam, possibly to infect your email with viruses is not good but I wonder if any of these individuals thought about how this has effected and impacted me?

I’ve been truly shaken by this hacking. I’ve lost numerous contacts, files, addresses and most importantly interviews, images and things of that nature intended for Black Star magazine. Plus I’ve learnt that the minute I receive something in my email account, I must deal with it straight away etc. But mostly that my reputation matters to me and that certain people thinking that I intentionally sent them spam is very hurtful. And that certain people felt the need to email and tell me to remove them from my contact list was very upsetting.

I don’t know if I’m doubly effected and sensitive because I spend morning, noon and night up, rewording some of hideous work sent to me by some of Ghana’s finest, who believe that YES & No are right and OK answers for interview answers being sent to a high-end magazine, and that -adjacent to the old American embassy is an address, can you imagine?

Anyway, I didn’t at times think I would recover but I have Amen and I’m tired. I’ve also grown and would like to take this opportunity to apologise again to anyone who received spam from my old email address. Microsoft Works have finally closed down said account. And I’m still pressing on with Black Star. To contact me please leave notes under any of my latest postings or message me via Facebook but my new email address is now private and strictly for business.

Thanks and have a Blessed day.

Monday 8 August 2011

No Kwakoe Festival in Amsterdam this year?


I had a fabulous time in 2005 and 2006 at Amsterdam’s Kwakoe Festival and recommended it to everyone I meet there after, so I’m shocked that due to luck of funding it’s a no show this year… As the name suggest [Kromanti] Kwakoe is used to celebrate the end of slavery and is also celebrated in Suriname. It’s a real shame because our people, the Suriname community and beyond love and look forward to it.

Its got me wondering, what do folk in Bijlmer and Amsterdam Spot [if you’re not familiar with this part of  the Nederland’s -it’s a must, its all parties, lace front weaves and some of the best Ghanaian and Ivorian food in the world] -think about the no-show, so I rang Amsterdam Doris [nee Sunyani Doris] and she concluded, “the council is cutting down on spending, the organisers behind the festival couldn’t raise the funds needed and it was cancelled.” I hope its back on next year, as I’m thinking fashion shoot with the festival as a back drop!! What do you think? Do you wanna go?

About the film clip above, its soooo familiar, -right? The faces, music, the dance, the handkerchiefs and the need to form a circle, its all there -remnants of Kwaku….

Sunday 7 August 2011

Justin Nana Kwame Akomiah launches Pick Mix magazine





“Welcome to Pickmix Magazine, the publication intent in pursuing the search of new talent to create aplatform for those without a voice. With every turn of a page we aim to stimulate all of your senses with a medley of a luring imagery and captivating articles. Pickmix is an electrifying celebration of great fashion,beauty and talent. We are a fusion of photographers, writers artists and stylists expressing individual stylesto create fashion in its pure form. We delve deeper into the essence of trends with encapsulating visualsand a commitment to report truthfully to our readers. Our purpose is to influence. To influence and inspire a new generation of individuals.” Pick Mix magazine




Pickmix_Magazine_Issue_1_Consume_Consortium from Justin Akomiah on Vimeo.


**A Facebook friend, I spotted Justin Nana Kwame Akomiah’s fashion talents way back and made a note of his name, adding him to a list of people I want to work with once I started work on Black Star magazine. Well imagine my surprise when I googled his name and out popped info about his very own publication called Pick Mix. I’ve checked it out and its fierce and on-point, and I love it. Joining the ranks of other fabulous Ghanaian publishers like Reggie Ansah of Luxure magazine, [and my soon to be self], I expect great things from Mr Akomiah and wish this young Ghanaian man every success with this uber fab glossy and hope to still work with him in the near future. For more info about Pick Mix magazine visit: http://www.pickmixmagazine.com/
http://pickmixmagazine.blogspot.com/
****All cover images come courtesy of Pick Mix magazine…

Ghana Rising Hearts Faustina Agolley …2011





For many women once they're engaged or married, style and fashion go out of the window but not Ghana Rising fave, Faustina Agolley, she is engaged to footballer, Harry O'Brien. Upping her game, Mz Agolley took Rosemount Australian Fashion Week by storm earlier this year and cut a dash in this pink & black colour block dress. I also love the playful spacey jumpsuit and lovely maxi dress above. The first and last photos come courtesy of
http://www.zimbio.com

Hot Blog Alert: Vanessa Sarpong’s blog is a must-visit…




“The Official Blog for Vanessa Sarpong aka Vinesse Vgramour, here you will be able to go with Vanessa on the journey, the journalistic journey which means music, fashion, art, films, news and much more. Everything Journalistic can be found here. Vanessa is a Newsreader and Producer for 107 Spark FM, the views expressed here are Vanessa's and not those of 107 Spark FM or its affiliates.” Vanessa Sarpong



I’ve had my eye on the ever beautiful and consummate blogger Vanessa Sarpong, -forever. I’m not a big fan tumblr.com but I make a habit of visiting Mz Sarpong’s blog as she has the most exquisite taste. A fabulous writer, her blog is an eclectic mix of fashion, quotes, wisdom and all of Vanessa’s yummy happenings. Do check it out at: http://vanessasarpong.tumblr.com/

Ghana in the Park 2011




























Photos come courtesy of Talk of Gh… you keep up with all their hot happenings via:
http://www.talkofgh.com/

AQL Collection, Anita Quansah’s A/W 2011 collection..








I’m thankful that I passed by Ohemma Shadders’ blog today [http://www.shadders.net/]. On-trend and of-the-minute, the Shadders website is a must for all African fashion lovers. I was searching for info about yesterday’s African Fashion Week and noted she’d written about Ghana Rising fave, Anita Horsfall [nee Quansah ??]. One of our favourite jewellery designers, Anita Quansah’s latest AQL collection is to-live-for. Inspired by ‘Avatar’ and work by artist & designer, Valentim Quaresma- the collection has her signature, bold, fierce and sexy feel about it. I’m inspired, I hope to shoot these pieces soon. For more details or to purchase the above visit: http://www.anitaquansahlondon.com/