www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPfVLnNy3j0

An association of female victims from the Bosnian war are objecting to the film over its alleged content.  It was reported that culture minister Gavrilo Grahovac withdrew the filming permit after meeting with the group.

Jolie’s producers, however, said it was “a purely technical matter.”

“We are obliged to reapply for the permit to shoot Angelina Jolie’s directorial debut with the appropriate government offices in Sarajevo now that the final script is available,” a statement from GK Films read.

“The stories about the film which have recently been circulated are incorrect.”

Currently shooting in Hungary, the film reportedly tells of a Serbian man and Bosnian woman who fall in love during the 1992-1995 war.

Objections were raised after it was reported in Bosnia-Herzegovina that the love story would be between a Serbian rapist and his Muslim victim.

Bosnian actress Zana Marjanovic plays a lead role in the film

The Women Victims of War association reacted angrily to those reports, claiming the film would be guilty of “misleading history”.

Without revealing specific details about the plot, Jolie asked people to “hold judgment until they have seen the film”.

“Obviously any dramatic interpretation will always fail those who have had a real experience,” the Oscar-winning actress wrote. “This is not a documentary.

“There are many twists in the plot that address the sensitive nature of the relationship between the main characters and that will be revealed once the film is released.”

Jolie does not appear in the untitled film, which stars Bosnian actress Zana Marjanovic and veteran actor Rade Serbedzija.

Jolie, recently seen in action thriller Salt, has been photographed on the Budapest set of her film, as has her long-term partner Brad Pitt.

Source: BBC

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The name Sonnie Badu is a Ghanaian-African gospel brand name that constantly reverberates when excellent African gospel music is mentioned.

Not only does he sing but his ability to worship and praise God exceptionally well is what makes him such a phenomenon and this is what he is constantly becoming known for.

He is one Ghanaian artiste who continuously competes with others from other parts of the world in their quest to put their countries on the international map.

Sonnie Badu, distinctively known in the western world as the Worshiper who managed to bag eight (8) awards in 10 months has once again come under the spotlight as he has been nominated for prestigious awards this year.

Born a Ghanaian, many though confuse the nationality of this anointed musician as he is noted for singing in many different African languages, hence the debate about his nationality.

He had his primary and secondary education in Ghana. Since then, he has worked hard to rub shoulders with many great gospel artists in the western world.

Last year, he was awarded Best Gospel Act, UK in the prestigious BEFFTA awards; he later picked up Best Gospel Artist in Europe, Best Gospel Male award at the British Gospel Music Awards among several other mouth watering awards.

Once again, he has been nominated in the Best African Gospel Music category in the 02 African Music Awards (AMAs), UK. www.africamusicawards.com, Best Musician category at the GUBA Awards, www.gubaawards.com and twice in a row Best Gospel Male Act category at the BEFFTA Awards (Black Entertainment, Film, Fashion, Television and Arts Awards), 2010. www.beffta.com.

Sonnie had his maiden homecoming concert in Ghana November last year at the National Theatre which was described as one of the most successful events for the year.

This year, Ghana will see him again in concert in Ghana Worships with Sonnie Badu 2010 (the Double Impact).

The event slated for October 30 at the National Theatre (Accra) and KNUST Great Hall, Kumasi on November 6 is expected draw thousands of music lovers into the presence of God.

Source: myjoyonline

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Jean added that his was “not an easy conclusion to reach” and that it was “thoughtfully made”.

‘Ultimate goal’

The Haitian-born star was told by the electoral council that he could not run for president because he had failed strict residency requirements. The constitution requires candidates to have lived in the country for five years prior to an election. Jean now lives in the US. 

The singer and producer originally said he would appeal the decision, but officials said the electoral body’s ruling was definitive under Haitian law. “Some battles are best fought off the field, and that is where we take this now,” Jean said.  “Our ultimate goal, in continuing the appeal, was to further the people’s opportunity to freely participate in a free and fair democratic process.

“In that regard, the appeal was meant to improve the electoral process for all, candidates and voters alike. “It is one way that I hope to bring light to the functioning of a government that is often ranked as one of the most corrupt on the planet, resulting in a country that is by most measures the poorest in the Western world.  It’s not about my candidacy, this appeal was meant to address the shortcomings of the process for every Haitian.”

The presidential election was originally scheduled for earlier this year, but was delayed due to the devastating earthquake that struck the country in January.

 ——Source: BBC

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Nadia quickly hits the news with smallest attention and her relationship with a football icon Michael Essien of Chelsea Football Club and the prestigious Ghana Black Stars inundated the airwaves with rumours that the relationship has hit the rocks; many will wonder what will be the next action for the screen goddess since she easily attracts attention everywhere she goes.

Myjoyonline.com caught up with her when she showed up for the premier of a documentary on the life of boxing legend Professor Azumah Nelson at the Silverbird Cinema on Saturday.

Looking good as usual, Nadia quickly accepted to chit chat with us. Asked what she has been up to, she said she’s got a lot of projects coming up and asked her fans to just keep their fingers crossed, promising to surprise Ghanaians just like she did with the ‘Checkmate’ movie.

“I’ve got a lot of projects coming up…You just have to keep your fingers crossed…just as I surprised everyone with the ‘Checkmate’.”

When Myjoyonline.com decided to find out about a sparkling ring on her finger, that brought out a big smile followed by an unstoppable joy on her face.

She wittily stated: “It’s my little secret. I’m not sharing that…”
she was unyielding to persistent pressure to let her give away her little secret.

The question now is, who is this mysterious man, is it Michael Essien or…?

Source: Myjoyonline

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Considered as one of the best Gospel musicians of time, Andrae ministered a refreshing rendition of some of the best evergreen gospel songs. They include platinum songs such as “Jesus is the Answer”, “The blood that Jesus shared for me”, “I don’t know why Jesus loves me”, “through it all”, “Soon and very soon” and “Mercy”.

 At the event dubbed “He Is Alive”, were many local and foreign artistes including, the prolific gospel music group Vinesong, from the United Kingdom, Ohemaa Mercy, an ace-songstress and the Harvest choir who also led an intense ambiance of worship to the admiration of all.  Reverend Fitzgerald Odonkor, President of Harvest International Ministry (HIM), speaking at the 12th edition of Harvest Praise, a worship and praise concert noted that, the event sought to use music and theatre to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and raise funds to support the needy in society.
   “This annual is a platform for reaching out with transforming message of gospel and projecting the selfless sacrifices of Jesus Christ as ultimate victory for the believer and the only real hop for mankind”.
   He reminded Christians that the crucifixion of Jesus Christ symbolises God’s power and dominion, the peaceful nature of God as well as the good plans he had for mankind which needed to be taken serious.
   Rev. Odonkor said: “The Curtain in the temple which tore into two halves when Christ died indicated that God reign from North through, South, East and West.”
   He noted that the death of Jesus Christ would be meaningless if people always wanted to retaliate no matter the amount of counselling and admonishing.
   Rev. Odonkor explained that retaliation always brought about a cycle of bitterness as generations to come would always want to retaliate for the pains their forefathers went through.
   He said it was about time Ghanaians recognized that they were one people, who loved and forgave one another and entreated people to “draw back their sword as Jesus ordered Peter to do”, to facilitate peace and development in the country.
  Rev. Odonkor presented an amount of GHC 6,500.00, for the upkeep of two adopted orphanages in Suhum in the Eastern Region and Bolgatanga in the Upper East Region through the management Citi FM, An Accra based Radio Station.
  The money was the proceeds of last year’s event.
  The event was organised by HIM with support from Sunny fm, Metropolitan Television, Citi fm, MTN, Ecobank Ghana, Westec Security Limited, Design House Projections, Excel limited, Ghana oversees Marketing limited, Meridian Pre-University among others.

GNA

 Harvest Praise 2010, organised by Harvest International Ministries, seeks to use music and theatre performance to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and raise funds to support the needy in society.  In an interview with Ghana News Agency in Accra, Mr. Yaw Antwi Dadzi, Choir Director of Evergreen Harvest Gospel Choir described “Harvest Praise 2010,” as an Easter must-attend spiritual awakening event.

He said the host Choir over the months had gone through vigorous rehearsals “to fine tune our musical voices and connect to God for a special 2010 surprise package for the audience”. Mr Antwi-Dadzi said the choir would blend old and contemporary local and foreign gospel music. and “Is set to explode with one of the greatest gospel music event in the history of Ghana”.

Mr Daniel Adjei, Chairman of the Planning Committee, said the show was being carefully managed to harness the excellence of content for a totally fulfilling experience for the audience.
  Considered as the father of Gospel music, Andrae promises a refreshing rendition of platinum songs such as “Jesus is the Answer,” “The blood that Jesus shared for me,” “I don’t know why Jesus loves me,” “Through it all,” “Soon and very soon,” “Mercy,” “The Blood Will
Never Lose Its Power,” and “Bless His Holy Name.”
   Ace Ghanaian songstress, Ohemaa Mercy, would participate with her award winning songs such as “Fefeefe,” “Edin Jesus,” and “Yesu Mogya”.
GNA

They said the appointment of a permanent professional body would not only help to inject professionalism into the operations of COSGA but also to prevent stakeholders’ involvement, which often resulted in problems of conflict of interest.  This was contained in a petition jointly signed by Mr John Mensah Sarpong, President of NASGAMP; Mr Adusah Acheampong, First Vice President; Mr Collins Owusu Afriyie, Second Vice President and Mr Baffour Manu, Executive Member.

 The group accused the IMB of unprofessional conduct and said this was creating tension among stakeholders in the music industry.  The petition cited the inability of the IMB to implement any of the duties for which it was appointed. The Board was mandated to ensure the distribution of levies to members; conduct elections for permanent Executive of COSGA and to clean the flawed stakeholders’ register within three months, but six months on, it has not been able to do any of these.

The petition said members of the Board only continued to allocate to themselves fat sitting allowances, which was severely draining the coffers of COSGA, stating that, the GH¢90.00 allowance per sitting for each member was causing financial stress to the Copyright Society. They touched on a recent levy distribution exercise in Kumasi where most producers and musicians were denied payment of their share for no apparent reason.

They also found it totally unacceptable that musicians in Accra should usually receive their levies several months ahead of those in Kumasi.
According to NASGAMP, “COSGA is the eye and heart of stakeholders and any mismanagement in finances and leadership could be a recipe for chaos.”  

  The petioners said it was on account of these that the Attorney-General should ensure transparency and accountability to promote peace in the music industry.  It said if it were impossible to appoint an independent professional body, then there was the need to appoint representatives from all interest groups in the industry to the COSGA Board to ensure equity and transparency in its operations.

GNA

Speaking at its maiden meeting in Kumasi on Monday Mr Francis Adusah Acheampong, a founder member of the Association, said peace and unity was needed in the music industry to promote its growth. He said they had voluntarily come together to work hard to promote not only their businesses but their social lives as well.  Mr Acheampong said the leadership would initiate programmes that would guarantee regular incomes for the members apart from the annual royalties they receive from the Copyright office.

Mr John Mensah Sarpong, the acting President, said the decision to form the new association was influenced by what they saw as the lack of transparency and unfairness that has characterized the affairs of the already existing ones.  He said the association would help to prevent unnecessary tension and confusion that had become associated with the music industry. Its membership stands at about 100 and they are from all over the country.

The leadership, he said, would promote greater participation and transparency at all levels and appealed to the members to always seek explanation of issues bothering their minds and to avoid spreading falsehood.
GNA

Mignel Orlando Collins (aka Sizzla), a Jamaican-born musician, has released 45 solo albums and over 15 combination albums, crossing different genres of reggae. Twenty of his albums have also made it onto the Billboards Top Reggae Charts worldwide.  Sizzla is expected in Ghana on March 2 and would launch his new album on Independence Day.

As part of remembrance of the founding fathers of independence, two shows would be held on the March 5 and March 6 at the Accra Sports Stadium and Kumasi Stadium respectively.  The concert, according Paa K, would introduce Ghana to high quality Reggae music and performances. Also performing would be Ghana’s Cheesy Wailer, Best Reggae Artist 2009.