Photographer: Sal Idriss

(Credit: Tricky (Adrian Thaws) © Sal Idriss / National Portrait Gallery, London)....Did you know that Tricky's a quarter Ghanaian via his late mother, Maxine Quaye?

There is a certain feel about the work of Kumasi born photographer, Sal Idriss that truly captivates, -I hope to work with him someday. Currently working in the music and film industry capturing images of black figures in mainstream culture like artist -Chris Ofili, architect -David Adjaye, the late great Malian photographer -Malick Sidibé, politician –Paul Boateng, fashion designer - Joe Casely-Hayford and actress - Sophie Okonedo (to name a few), he has also worked for publications like: the Guardian, The Times, the Mirror, GQ magazine, Mojo, Scotland on Sunday and ES magazine –and the likes of; fashion house -Commes Des Garcon, the National Portrait Gallery and City Hall.

Idriss has just completed a moving exhibition of his work entitled ‘Famous For The Wrong Reasons’ –a photographic exhibition aimed to educate and deter those vulnerable to gun and knife crime; inspired by the artist’s own experience and a tribute to his brother Nassirudeen, who died in 2007 as the result of an unprovoked knife attack in Islington, a few days before his 17th birthday. ** I’m so sorry that I didn’t find out about this exhibition sooner, –anyway it is over but you can still view some of the photographs from this exhibition at: http://www.richmix.org.uk/aandc_famousforthewrongreasons.htm

**For more information about this fabulous photographers work visit: http://www.sal-idriss.com/

The Next Big Thing: Mark Asari

If Mark Asari’s – ‘Stay Down’ is anything to go by –then he’s about to blow-up big stylee. I love this guy...his music’s hot. Ghana Rising’s very excited about this talented brother –and will keep you posted ....For more information about Mark please visit: www.myspace.com/markasarimusic

Music: What’s happened to Adam?

**I’m I right in thinking that ‘Fame Ke Ke’ by Adam [featuring X-Doe] is his one and only released single? Does anybody know what has happened to this brother?

Music: Sophia Nelson

My goodness how fabulous is Sophia Nelson? A model turned musician, Sophia has sung with the best of them -Céline Dion, Lionel Ritchie and Johnny Hallyday –and is a fevarent campaigner against sexual tourism in Africa and around the world. I’m new to Sophia’s sweet, soulful music –but I want more. I’m loving Ms Nelson’s latest album ‘a Women in Love’ –it’s everything a Ghanaian Diva’s music should be’ –powerful and sexy! Viva Sophia..... To download the ‘Woman in Love’ Album please visit: http://www.airtist.com/sophianelson

A bit more.....

Like the unstoppable Tina Turner, - Sophia Nelson gets better and hotter! For more information about Sophia Nelson please visit: http://www.myspace.com/sophianelson

Music: Sheriff Ghale

"mock not others in their predicaments, cause you could be the next one to suffer yours.....though not the same as theirs, but are you safe.........???”

“Sheriff Ghale was born Mohammed Sheriff Yamusah in Tamale, the capital of the northern region of Ghana, on the 26th of march, 1978. Born to Alhaji Yamusah Mumuni and Abiba Fuseini, Ghale has a very large number of siblings. He had all his education to the college level in Tamale. After his basic education at the Sakasaka Primary "B" and Bishop's J.S.S respectively, he got in to the Tamale Secondary School from 1994 to 1996. He got trained as a professional teacher at the Tamale Training College from 1997 to 2000 and currently persuing a Bachelor of Education in Music at the University of Education, Winneba in Ghana. Sheriff Ghale started his music career at the age of seventeen and has recorded and published eleven albums to date and still going strong, spreading out his vibes to the whole wide world now. Sheriff Ghale is married with two kids.” www.myspace.com/sheriffghale

Sheriff Ghale is back –big stylee and I believe that his sweet music will be filling up our airwaves very soon [especially ‘Din paai jugu’ –I love it]. For those of us who have been waiting for another Sochira –you will not be disappointed, his latest -'Nindoo' and his 'All Time Hitz' can all be downloaded at: http://ax.itunes.apple.com/dk/artist/sheriff-ghale/id279714579

**For more information about Sheriff Ghale please visit: www.myspace.com/sheriffghale

Music: Scizo

I managed to catch the 'Chart Show' presented by the ever beautiful, Foxxy on OBE TV the other day; -and in at number ten was Scizo’s ‘Rain Rain’ [I love it]. For those of you thinking that the gorgeous Scizo has just arrived ‘it-not-be-so’.. This talented musician has been kicking about for some time -and as far as I’m concerned, –just gets better. Someone needs to sign this guy up -right now –he’s hot! ....

Music: Shasha Marley

“SHASHA has recorded alongside several top artists and has won several awards to his credit. When the Hall of Fame multi Grammy Awards winner, Isaac Hayes heard his music, he said “Wow, this brother is pure talent, he and I are going to do great things together”, and sure enough, they have.” www.shashamarley.com

I remember the first time I heard ‘So Nyame Mu’ –I couldn’t get the melody out of my head –and fell in love with the song but I didn’t catch the name of the artist [very frustrating] –and had to wait for some time before I heard it again. Well the moment I heard the name Shasha Marley –I just had to google –and I’m so glad I did...what a ‘force-of-nature’! Ghana’s very own Lucky Dube, -Shasha is a national treasure –and I’m kind of disappointed that I hadn’t heard of him sooner. We must celebrate this great talent! Anyway congratulations to Shasha who has been nominated for best African Reggae Artiste at The KORA AWARDS 2010 [It will be taking place on 04-04-10 at PALAIS De SPORTS, Ouagadougou –Burkina Faso: 7pm]. For more information about Shasha Marley please visit: www.shashamarley.com

Kwaw Kese aka Abodam featured on BET’s "it's my Thing",

It was fabulous to see Abodam [Kwaw Kese] representing Ghana [hard] on BET the other night…I love this guy [for me he of the same school of music and verve as Okomfo Kwaadee] –and I pray big things for him… For more information on Abodam please visit his website at: http://www.abodam.com/

Music: Brie Boateng's 'Free your Mind' Rocks....

I'm loving Bridget Brie Boateng's latest tune, 'Free your mind' -its fabulous uplifting funky house music at its best.....Go Brie! For more information on Brie please visit: www.myspace.com/brieboateng

Music: R.E.U.B's new album's out....

"I am rededicating myself to making "myself" happy, and what I think will make "myself" happy, is being absolutely honest, creative, and free. So here goes nothing: I am not a crip, blood or any other type of gang member. I am not a pimp or womanizer, I am not ignorant (if you and I got a problem I will try to talk first, then beat your ass!), I don't sell crack, and I don't drive a Benz yet! Now that I got that out of the way, lets get to it: I hate that stupidity is the climate in which I am living. The dumber the better, that's the slogan for the last 10 years. Its everywhere, sports, television, life in general, and of course music. The lyrics in hip-hop are weak, like old lunch meat left on the counter to spoil in hundred degree heat for a month. No one cares, no one loves, and no one dares smile: we all have bad attitudes, sell crack, degrade women, shoot first, snatch chains, and drive Bentley's but never leave the hood! How many CD's can be about the come up! Can someone black write about something else. Can there be some more black movies, that ain't about hood life. What about a black movie that was just a movie but happened to have black people in it... you know just a good movie! At the end of the day: I write to entertain myself not you, because you collectively don't care what I say. At the end of the day: My face is the only face in the crowd that I really want a smile out of, so love it or hate it, I'm going to do what I love the way I love to do it! At the end of the day: it's dark!" R.E.U.B

*Ghanaian born and DC & NYC raised, R.E.U.B. (it stands for: Real Entrepreneur in the Underground Business of hip-hop)’s new album, ‘The Black Rappers Show’ is now out. A talented MC/Producer [R.E.U.B has been releasing albums since 2004] –has collaborated with DJ/Producer Clinton Sparks for this hard-hitting album. I’ve had the pleasure of listening to the album –and it's hot. To download or Listen to ‘The Black Rappers Show’ please check out: www.reubmuzik.com or www.myspace.com/ReubMuzik1

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

Music: Jay Ghartey

“We shot the video in Ghana in October with Gerald OG Gyimah. It took a while to finish, but it was worth the wait. We shot the video in 2 days. The first shots were in Jamestown, Accra. The lighthouse is a landmark, the oldest in Ghana. The kids were great! You can’t script those smiles. We shot the second scene at Tawala Beach, it turned into a crazy party quickly as soon as the music started.” Jay Ghartey

One minute I think I have Jay Ghartey’s music sassed. Sexy R&B with, ‘I Don’t Give a Damn’ – then he gets all Sade-like with, ‘Can I Make You Love Me’ –and I’m blown away. Talented and easy-on–the-eye, -this NYC based producer/singer/songwriter is about to go Stellar. Check out his website and download his music,–my very favorite is, ‘Black Star’ –I think its going to be the Anthem of mylife.....www.jayghartey.com

Music: Nya Jade

Talented and beautiful – singer/songwriter Nya Jade has the most exquisite voice. Soulful, –this Ghanaian born ‘ray-of-sunshine’s album "The Road To Adam" –is jam-packed with mouth watering music [the type that makes you fall in love]-and is available on iTunes. For more information or to buy the album please visit:www.myspace.com/nyajade and her Official Website at:www.nyajade.com

Music: Caroline Lund ‘The Next Big Thing’….

If you love dance music [or like me, –are always on the look out for the ‘Next Big thing’] then you’ll love Caroline Lund’s music. Born in Ghana and raised in Stockton, California – Caroline’s a fierce musician and dancer. Check out her hot, club-tastic music at: www.myspace.com/carolinelund

Music: Atongo Zimba

Delicious .......Where can I buy my brother Atongo Zimba’s ‘Barefoot in the sand’ (Hippo Records) in London?

Random : Wanlov the kubolor and friend dancing.....

I stumbled across this sweet clip and just had to share it. I don't know whom Wanlov the kubolor is dancing with -but they have warmed the cockles of my heart... God bless them. Enjoy...............x

Samini wins at the oh so Political ‘MAMAS’

Congratulations to ‘our’ Samini who won Best Performer at the MTV Africa Music Awards 2009. Personally I find this Award Ceremony far too political to be taken seriously -but I’m very pleased that our Samini is getting the recognition he sooo rightly deserves. I might start taking the MAMAS more seriously when: Ghanaian, Congolese and Ivorian Artists are taken more seriously –but off cause this won’t happen, –as the people behind this organization all belong to one country and thus – only have one agenda. What a shame that MTV would lend their name to this!!! –and further perpetuate and encourage these poor deluded people behind the MAMAS... xx
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Support Akua Boateng aka AKUIYAH to win Open MIC Competition UK 2009

Akua Konama-Boateng aka AKUIYAH is a gorgeous and talented R&B singer who is competing for a place in the National Final at the Open Mic UK 2009 auditions [for the chance to win a break through recording contract]. This South London based artist has been singing and writing her own songs for 6 years -and has produces some of her music -and is now gigging. Support Akua by voting for her at the Regional Final -which will be taking place on Sunday 11th October at Beck Theatre. The show starts at 1.15pm and the tickets cost £7.50. If you are interested in tickets -or want more information on the show please contact Akua via her Facebook page or email: akuakboateng@yahoo.col.uk

To show your support please join Akua's Facebook Support Group.

For more information about Akua Boateng or to listen to her sweet soul music please visit: www.myspace.com/akuiyah

Thanks xx

Black Star: R.I.P Carl Beatson Asiedu aka Charmz (1989-2009)

Words cannot express the shock and sadness felt by Ghana Rising; -that Carl Beatson Asiedu aka Charmz, -a handsome, young; humble, talented, promising musician -has been taken away from his family, his friends, his community [and a bright future] in such a brutal way. God Bless the Asiedu Family and give them peace. Rest in Perfect Peace Carl Beatson Asiedu (1989 -2009)Paulina Opoku-Gyimah

Title: Talented rapper dies after stabbing -Carl Beatson Asiedu, known as Charmz, was on the brink of a promising music career when he died after being knifed outside Club Life in Kennington, south London (Credit: Rachael Wheeler -Dated: 3 August 2009 For The london Paper)

AN ASPIRING rapper who was stabbed to death was on the brink of a brilliant music career, friends said today. University student Carl Beatson Asiedu was found dying of his injuries in the back of a car by police who had stopped it for jumping a red light. Known as Charmz, the 19-year-old was being driven by friends to hospital desperate to save his life after he was repeatedly knifed after playing a gig. Officers called paramedics in the early hours on Saturday morning but despite efforts to save him, the teenager died at the scene near Waterloo station. Asiedu, from Norbury, south London, was pronounced dead just after 5.30am. Officers believe he was stabbed outside Club Life nightclub in Goding Street, Kennington. Police believe Asiedu and a friend were ambushed by a gang outside the venue. Police believe Asiedu and a friend were ambushed by a gang outside the venue. His 19-year-old friend was also stabbed but survived. Asiedu is the 11th teenager to die violently in London this year - eight of whom have been knifed (see right).

Today friends described the teenager as “funny” and “charming” and said they will pay tribute to him by promoting his first record and raising awareness of knife crime. More than 3,000 have joined a memorial page to him on Facebook. His friend Christopher Coco told thelondonpaper that a group were working with a production company to make a professional music video with an anti-knife crime message as tribute. Coco said: “Charmz loved music. It’s what he would have wanted. His life was cut short and it wouldn’t be fair if we didn’t push his first single on MTV Base. I want the video to be finished before his funeral so that we can raise money to support his family. “Charmz was very popular,” he added. “He had no problem with anyone and no one hated him. He was funny, and, hence his nickname, charming.”

Asiedu grew up in the capital and had just finished his first year at De Montfort University in Leicester. In his spare time, he performed as half of a music-duo known as Kid n Play at events and universities across London and the Midlands. On the night Asiedu was killed, the student was performing on stage as Kid n Play at Club Life, said Coco. Two men have been arrested in connection with the murder and have been bailed pending further enquiries. Please read the rest at: Please read the rest at: www.thelondonpaper.com To join the memorial page for Carl Beatson Asiedu on Facebook please visit: www.facebook.com

Music: Stereotype by Blitz the Ambassador is out TODAY!! [August 4th 2009]

I love this brother.....anyway, 'Stereotype' is hot -go out and buy it !!!.....(you can sneak a listen at: www.blitztheambassador.bandcamp.com) For more information about Blitz please visit: www.embassy.mvmt.com