Alicia Vikander’s “Tomb Raider” finished second in its opening weekend in line with expectations with $23.5 million from 3,854 sites for Warner Bros. and MGM. Lionsgate-Roadside Attractions’ faith-based drama “I Can Only Imagine” outperformed forecasts with $17.1 million at 1,629 venues.

Disney’s second weekend of time-travel adventure “A Wrinkle in Time” followed in fourth with $16.6 million at 3,980 locations, lifting its 10-day total to $61.1 million. Fox’s launch of gay teen comedy-drama “Love, Simon” took fifth with $11.5 million at 2,402 venues.

“Black Panther” has become only the seventh title to pass the $600 million milestone at the North American box office, and is the second-fastest film to do so. It’s the fourth-highest fifth weekend of all time, and the first time a film has held the top spot for five weekends in a row since 2009’s “Avatar.”

The overall box office took in about $130 million, down 50 percent from the same weekend last year when Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” opened with $174.5 million. Thanks to “Black Panther,” the year-to-date box office is up 2 percent over the same period a year ago at $2.5 billion, according to comScore.

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Source: Reuters

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Diamond, who turns 77 on Wednesday, cancelled his March tour dates for Australia and New Zealand on medical advice.

The Solitary Man singer was midway through his 50th-anniversary tour.

In a statement, he said he took the decision “with great reluctance and disappointment”.

“I have been so honoured to bring my shows to the public for the past 50 years,” he said.

“My sincerest apologies to everyone who purchased tickets and were planning to come to the upcoming shows.”

Parkinson’s is a progressive condition in which the brain becomes damaged. It can lead to tremors, difficulty moving, speech changes and eventually memory problems.

Diamond hopes to continue writing and recording for some time to come, a post on his website reads.

As well as his own hits, Diamond wrote the famous Monkees track I’m a Believer
“My thanks goes out to my loyal and devoted audiences around the world,” he said. “You will always have my appreciation for your support and encouragement.”

With a nod to his hit Sweet Caroline, he added: “This ride has been ‘so good, so good, so good’ thanks to you.”

Diamond, who has sold over 130 million albums worldwide, is set to receive a lifetime achievement award at Sunday’s Grammy Awards.

Friends and fans sent their best wishes to the singer on social media as news of his retirement spread.

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Source: BBC

The post Neil Diamond retires from touring after Parkinson’s diagnosis appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

In the song the former Praye member is heard calling out the two Praye members, stressing that he will not get back to the group to do all the ‘donkey’ work for them.

He says just when he wanted to return to the group to make things better, they are going about spewing garbage about him.

He also says in the song that, he is waiting for a reply from the duo if they really have what it takes to do good music.

Recently, the group and Choirmaster have been throwing missiles at each other on social media. While Praye has called Choirmaster ‘fake,’ the latter has also said his former group members are the reason he is not shining.

However, Choirmaster has expressed his interest in seeing to the comeback of the group this year.

“I’d really want to solve this issue before this year ends. I want to see Praye united although I will still be doing my solo projects. That is what I was working by posting something on 1^st January, which was misconstrued by them,” he told Citi Showbiz yesterday.

Meanwhile, some have said this could be a stunt by both parties to prepare the grounds for a re-union.

Listen to ‘Donkey’ by Choirmaster below:

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By: Kwame Dadzie/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Choirmaster ‘disses’ Praye in new song [Audio] appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

The 46-year-old star has already covered the genres rap, hip-hop, and reggae and is planning to try something new in 2018.

He told Billboard: “I have always wanted to try Gospel. This may surprise some people but all I gotta say is get ready for some good for your soul music in 2018! Ya know I’m always cookin’ up something. I’ll have some new projects for y’all in the New Year.”

Snoop also spoke about his recent music video for ‘My Last Name’, which was a tribute to his wife Shante Broadus.

He said: “Boss Lady has held me down since day one. She’s always there for me and our beautiful kids. This video was just a visual tribute of the love we’ve shared for decades.”

While Snoop revealed he would love to collaborate with Sade, he has also been hugely impressed by up and coming rapper STIX.

He said: “I’ve been rocking with rapper out of Watts, California, called STIX. He’s hungry, talented, and has hit the road with me for a few shows and tours the past year. He is really at the top of his game. STIX hustles and is definitely someone to keep an eye on. Lots of exciting things come up for him.”

Meanwhile, Snoop announced his 16th studio album, ‘Make America Crip Again’, in October.

Explaining his album title, Snoop said: “Certain people feel like we should make America ‘great again,’ but that time they’re referring to always takes me back to separation and segregation, so I’d rather make America Crip again.

“What I mean by that is, in my lifetime, that’s when young black men in impoverished areas came together to help their communities and to take care of their own because society basically left them for dead.”

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Source: capitalfm.co.ke

The post Snoop Dogg to record gospel album appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

The year 2017 has been very eventful with a lot of song releases and hits, few movies and for the other recherché arts forms, the story has not been different; not too much attention has been given them.

I have therefore put together the top 10 entertainment issues that got a lot of people talking – stories that travelled beyond the core people of entertainment. They have been arranged in descending order.

• Afia Schwarzenegger’s ‘cheating’ video

In September, 2017 a video which suggested that comedienne and actress Valentina Nana Agyeiwaa aka Afia Schwarzenegger had been caught in bed with another man went viral. This video which was purportedly recorded by Lawrence Abrokwah, her husband, captures Afia in a headscarf, trying to cover her nakedness with a white towel.

In the video, the ‘husband’ Lawrence threatens to pour something in a bottle he claims is acid on her face. Afia is heard crying and begging Lawrence not to pour the acid on her.

It was later reported that Lawrence Abrokwah, husband of Afia had been charged by the police for recording and circulating the video that captures Afia’s nakedness, and threatened to harm her.

The issue has since been in court and reports have it that new charges have been added to the initial charges.

However, sources say the marriage had collapsed about months before the video went viral.

• Rashida ‘Housefly’

Rashida Black Beauty, an 18-year-old Berekum native girl known for her notoriety for insulting her ‘Malafaka’ ex-boyfriend last year, was seen in a 2 minutes video where she can be seen in some provocative poses.

Rashida’s nude video leaked on the internet was described as the most disgusting nude video to be ever leaked in Ghana.

Later, the social media sensation-turned-actress was invited by the Berekum police for interrogations over why and how her nude video leaked.

• Jennifer Lomotey and the Krobo tussle

Kurl Songx, winner of MTN Hit maker 2016 released a single titled ‘Jennifer Lomotey’ this year. The song which features Sarkodie came under serious criticism by a section of the public who believed a portion of Sarkodie’s rap was demeaning to Krobos.

In the song, Sarkodie raps: “Krobo nii baa papa a ahwenie da ne sisi. Okomfo Anokye de adwaman no abo ne dua.” This literally translates as “A good Krobo lady with beads around her waist. Okomfo Anokye has cursed her with promiscuity.”

Okomfo Anokye is great priest of the Ashanti Kingdom who is believed to have cursed Krobo women with promiscuity.

‘History’ has it that some Krobo girls got cursed by Okomfo Anokye with promiscuity because they had seen his nakedness when he was bathing by the riverside.

The song irked the Krobo community so they requested it was edited and apology was rendered to the entire Krobo community.

The Krobo youth group Kloma Hengme, through their lawyers also asked that an amount of GHc 2m was paid to the community as recompense for impugning their image.

Even though Kurl Songx and his management did not budge to the requests of the Krobos, they did not sue them as they had earlier threatened.

• Stonebwoy’s marriage

Just a day after being signed on to the Zylofon Media record label, dancehall artiste Stonebwoy got married to Louisa Ansong.

The wedding which has generated buzz on social media was strictly by invitation. Report had it that there was high security presence at the Unique Floral at the Trade Fair Centre in Accra.

Earlier on, the traditional marriage had been held at Louisa’s family house in Tema.

Louisa Ansong is a dentist who graduated from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Ghana in 2016. She won a lot of academic awards when she graduated.

• Christabel Ekeh’s nude photos 

Another scandal that broke in 2017 was when actress Christabel Ekeh splashed on her Instagram page, nude photos of herself in a yoga sitting position and in an almost backflip position.

However, she said the nude pictures were the new image she was carving. When asked who this ‘new Christabel’ was, the actress who has starred in popular movies like ‘potomanto’, and ‘sweet mistake’ answered, “it is whoever you can imagine.” “That’s why I’m not wearing anything. So whatever you want to wear on me, that’s your imagination”.

Contrary to speculations that the actresses’ account may have been hacked into and the pictures posted by someone else, the actress took responsibility for the act.

Some even questioned why the police did not arrest her for putting her naked pictures out there.

• Joe Mettle wins VGMA Artiste of the Year

The 2017 edition of the annual Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMAs) ended on a high-note with gospel artiste, Joe Mettle setting a record of being the first non-secular artiste to win the most coveted “Artiste of the Year” award.

He beat competition from five (5) other contenders in that category including the reigning Artiste of the Year, EL to win the award.

Joe Mettle won two other awards; Male Vocalist of the year and Gospel artiste of the year.

Kofi Kinaata also took home three (3) different awards. Music producer and singer, Nacee also won two awards.

Manifest, Stonebwoy and VVIP also took home two awards each in various categories.

Hiplife sensation, Medikal, who earned the most nomination in this year’s award, failed to win any award at the event.

Joe Mettle earned a lot of commendation and respect from people who had thought it was impossible for a gospel artiste to win the overall artiste of the year award in the VGMAs.

Some have even suggested that he stands a good chance to win the same award in 2018 for his works in the year 2017.

• VGMA Bribery allegations 

Prior to the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards, George Quaye, Head of Communications for Charterhouse, the organisers of Ghana Music Awards, was reported to have said on his entertainment television show, Pundits on GH One TV that the most offers of bribe that had come to him as an executive of the VGMA scheme were from gospel artistes.

Days after the alleged bribery scandal broke, George Quaye took a u-turn to apologise.

He added that his motive for expressing regret for his derogatory comments was because he wasn’t ready to mention those artistes involved in the scandalous acts.

Some Gospel musicians including Ohemaa Mercy and Minster OJ, vowed never to be part of the awards if George Quaye failed to mention names of which gospel artistes tried to bride the award organisers.

Consequently, Peace FM’s Kwaso Aboagye alluded that if George Quaye was not ready to mention names of Gospel artistes that tried to bribe their ways through the VGMAs, then he was the one that took the bribe.

This resulted in George reporting Kwasi Aboagye to the National Communications Authority; the result of which was an apology Kwasi Aboagye rendered to George Quaye.

• Ghana @ 60 concerts and matters arising

The controversy of the Ghana 60 Years On celebration started with news that Don Moen was headlining the gospel concert for the anniversary.

Most people said it was wrong for a foreign gospel artiste to headline a concert that was meant to celebrate the nation’s independence.

During the anniversary parade, Agya Koo and some Kumawood actors put up a sketch about girl child education but most people criticised the act, saying it was not well staged.

Months later, Ghanaian poet and playwright, Chief Moomen, said he was facing the most difficult times of his career as government’s huge indebtedness to his company has put it on a verge of collapse.

The situation has put his upcoming stage production in jeopardy as he has to deal with the huge debt he incurred producing a play at the behest of the government.

In an emotional appeal published on Facebook on Thursday, the famed poet lamented that government had contracted him to show his ‘Wogbejeke’ theatre as part of activities to make Ghana’s 60th anniversary celebrations in March, and had since paid only half of the bill.

According to Chief Moomen, several attempts to get government to pay the other half of the bill has proven futile, forcing him into a terrible financial situation.

He said he has had to put his car on sale to help raise money to sustain his business.

The Chairman of the Ghana 60 Years On Planning Committee, Mr Ken Amankwah, however said they did not owe Chief Moomen any money and that, the playwright did not even make time to sign a contract with them. Even though Moomen insisted that what he said was true and would make sure he retrieved his money, it appears the issue has been dead and forgotten.

• The ‘One Corner’ dance craze

The year 2017 birthed Patapaa, an Agona Swedru-based artistes whose song ‘One Corner’ became a hit after the performing it at the Akwambo Festival at Agona Swedru.

The song came with a crazy dance accompanied with extra energy that requires one secludes oneself in a corner amidst gyrations.

Even though dance had been touted as demonic and a few people had been involved in accidents while performing it, it has travelled beyond the boundaries of Ghana.

• Miss Ghana brouhaha

Few days ago, UK-based Ghanaian blogger Chris-Vincent Agyapong of GhanaCelebrities.com published some audios of conversations with three former Miss Ghana winners which suggested that they had been unfairly treated by the organisers of the beauty pageant.

They alleged that the Chief Executive Officer of the company, Inna Mariam Patty exploited, verbally and sometimes physically assaulted them.

The three, Stephanie Karikari (Miss Ghana 2010), Antoinette Delali Kemavor (Miss Ghana 2015) and Giuseppina Nana Akua Baafi (Miss Ghana 2013) also narrated to the portal they were sometime pimped to raise money to support the pageant.

This has opened up the conversation of what young women go through in beauty pageants as more people come out to give accounts of their experiences with these pageants.

Meanwhile, the organisers are yet to respond to the specific allegations raised by the former beauty queens.

Conclusion

All these issues and many others have happened in 2017. Unfortunately, the negative stories made the bigger headlines. This reflects what the media feeds the people or what the people are interested in.

Let’s see what 2018 brings the arts and entertainment industry.

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By: Kwame Dadzie/citifmonline.com/Ghana

([email protected])

The post Top 10 entertainment stories that got everybody talking in 2017 appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

The rapper announced this via his twitter handle expressing his joy at hearing his song ‘B.E.A.R in the documentary which aired on NBA TV 24^th and 26^th December, 2017.

“Airing on NBA TV! Dope to have my song B.E.A.R featured on the soundtrack of this Hoops Africa documentary,” he tweeted.

Hoops Africa: Ubuntu Matters is a documentary spotlighting basketball’s impact on society and the development of the sport on the African continent.

The film begins in Harare, Zimbabwe, focusing on the journey of 16-year-old basketball player, Watida, who was raised participating in Hoops 4 Hope, a nonprofit organisation that uses basketball to teach life skills to children growing up in the city’s high-density neighbourhoods.

After being named a Basketball Without Borders participant, Watida then travels to Johannesburg, South Africa, to Basketball Without Borders, a clinic for the most talented basketball players in Africa.

The film then covers the action surrounding the NBA’s Africa Game, which is the first time the NBA played a game on African soil. This storyline also examines how basketball has the power to transcend continents through the story of the Boston Celtics, who rallied around the African philosophy of Ubuntu to overcome adversity on their way to winning the 2008 NBA championship.

Hoops Africa explores the dreams of young Zimbabwean youth and how basketball can be an incredible force for good. Through interviews with young Zimbabweans, prominent NBA players and legendary coaches, Hoops Africa demonstrates that the game of basketball can literally change lives across the world.

Featuring Hakeem Olajuwon, Dikembe Mutombo, Adam Silver, Luol Deng, Luc Mbah a Moute, Chris Paul, Doc Rivers, Paul Pierce, and many more NBA greats, this documentary shows us all why #UbuntuMatters.

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By: Kwame Dadzie/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post M.anifest’s song features in Hoops Africa documentary appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

The concert, began with a performance from Adomaa followed by B4Bonah who thrilled patrons with his songs including “Dear God.”

Fancy Gadam also followed with an electrifying performance.

Magnom, Adina, Kuami Eugune, Kidi, MzVee, Kurl Song and King Promise, also put up their best in charging up the atmosphere.

The 90’s bad gal, Ebony, also staged an awesome performance at the event giving patrons value for money.

The ‘Maame Hwe’ hit maker started with her gospel song Aseda, and followed with other songs from her repertoire like ‘Kupe,’ ‘Poison,’ ‘Sponsor’ ‘Date Ur Fada’ and ‘Hustle.’

King Promise crowned off the night with a stellar performance, keeping the audience on their feet right until the curtains fell on another brilliant event.

The show was hosted by Brunch in the Citi host, Osei Kwame and AJ Sarpong of Citi 97.3 FM.

Decemba 2 Rememba is an annual musical concert organized by Citi 97.3 FM. Over the years, it has generated much excitement among music fans and the general public.

#D2R2017 was sponsored by Prime Insurance, Kwese TV, Ring and powered by Ved Investment.

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By: Godwin Akweiteh Allotey/citifmonline.com/Ghana
Follow @AlloteyGodwin

The post #D2R2017 in pictures appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

The mad rush for tickets to this year’s official Christmas Party resulted in them being sold out only days after they were released to the public.

The 2017 edition of the Decemba 2 Rememba concert (#D2R2017)will feature a number of the nation’s biggest acts of the year,  including the ‘90’s bad girl’ Ebony Reigns, ‘Daavi’ MzVee, Lynx Entertainment’s newly-signed acts, Kidi and Kuami Eugene.

To whip up the ambience of the Christmas season, re-united Wutah will do justice to ‘Bronya,’ and other hit songs from their repertoire.

The Pride of the Northern Region, Fancy Gadam, King Promise of ‘Oh Yea’ fame, music producer and singer Magnom, ‘Jennifer Lomotey’ hitmaker Kurl Songx, Adina, B4Bonah and many other entertainers will be at this year’s Decemba 2 Rememba.

Decemba 2 Rememba, is an annual concert organised by Citi FM, and hosts the most sought-after artistes and entertainers on one stage.

According to the Programmes Manager of Citi FM, Jessica Opare-Saforo, this year’s edition promises to be electrifying as all the artistes have fervently prepared to give off their best.

“Every year of Christmas Eve, Citi FM puts together what is called the biggest concert which features all the hitmakers of the year so typically what we do is we scan the music landscape to see which artistes are making hits. And we have a surprise comedy act from Nigeria,” she said.

#D2R2017 is sponsored by Prime Insurance, Kwese TV, Ring and powered by Ved Investment.

There will be a live streaming of the event on social media powered by Citi TV.

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By: citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post #D2R2017: Citi FM rocks Accra tonight with official Christmas party appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

The former pupil of St. Martin De Porres School said that because she did not enjoy being in school, she always wished she finished early.

“Me, I didn’t like school oo. I wanted to finish early and leave,” she said.

That notwithstanding, the ‘Rewind’ singer moved on to St Mary’s Senior High School and later studied Business Administration at Ghana Telecom University.

Vera Hamenoo-Kpeda on born 23rd June, 1992, MzVee burst onto the Ghanaian music scene in the summer of 2012 as the lead singer of Lynx Entertainment’s girl band D3.

The band, released hit singles such as ‘Good Girls Gone Bad’ and ‘Gyani Gyani’ before splitting at the end of 2013 due to educational commitments of the young group members.

MzVee launched her solo career with debut single ‘Borkor Borkor’ released in January 2014. She followed this with hit single ‘Natural Girl’ and went on to win the ‘Unsung Artiste Award’ at the 2014 Ghana Music Awards. Her debut album was released in November 2014 and features collaborations with several award-winning artistes such as Stonebwoy, VIP, Shatta Wale, Richie Mensah, Manifest and Didier Awadi.

Following the success of her award-winning debut album, MzVee released her second album titled ‘Verified’ in November 2015 to rave reviews.

The album has earned MzVee 7 nominations at the 2016 Ghana Music Awards including ‘Album of the Year’ and ‘Record of the Year’ for the single ‘Abofra’ which features Efya. Her highly anticipated third album ‘DaaVee’ was released in May 2017.

She is performing at the 2017 Decemba 2 Rememba concert at the Accra International Conference Centre on 24th December, 2017.

Also performing on the night are Wutah, King Promise, Kidi, Ebony, Kuami Eugene, Magnom, Adina, B4Bonah, Fancy Gadam and other surprise acts.

Tickets for Decemeba 2 Rememba are available at Citi FM front desk, Baatsona Total, Max Mart, Bosphorous, Silverbird Cinemas, A & C Mall, for GHc 90 (regular) and GHc 150 (VIP).

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By: Kwame Dadzie/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post I hated school – MzVee appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

As part of a series of activities which included a commercial shoot for Menzgold as brand ambassador, the 2015 BET Best International Act: Africa, paid a courtesy call on the chief of Elmina, Nana Kodwo Condua VI.

The Chief respectfully accepted and pleasantly received Stonebwoy whose entourage included his Road Manager Blakk Ceddi, and representatives from his Management and Record label Zylofon Media.

By way of information, Zylofon Media partnered with Elmina to organize this year’s Bakatue Festival.

The sponsorship package included Over 2000 branded T-shirts, re-painting and branding of the Elmina Chief’s palace, and an undisclosed amount of money, among other goodies.

Watch the video below:

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By: Kwame Dadzie/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Stonebwoy visits Chief of Elmina appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.