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Leila Djansi Challenges African Filmmakers To Look Beyond Netflix For Validation

J.K Oppong
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Leila Djansi Challenges African Filmmakers To Look Beyond Netflix For Validation

Award-winning filmmaker Leila Djansi has sparked conversation with a social media post urging African creatives to stop treating Netflix as the only benchmark for success.

She said the obsession with Netflix has blinded many filmmakers to the wealth of opportunities across other platforms. “You can land Hulu, Prime Video, or Apple TV deals, but if it’s not Netflix, you ‘haven’t made it,’” Djansi noted.

She recalled once being dismissed because her films weren’t on Netflix, a claim she laughed off. Her work, she explained, had already streamed there and now lives across U.S. platforms including Starz, BET, Apple TV, YouTube Movies (U.S. only), and AMC’s AllBlk, which currently holds the rights. That process, she said, is what industry insiders call a “waterfall.”

The filmmaker argued that treating Netflix as validation is a trap that stifles creativity. Instead of chasing the same platform, she urged African filmmakers to explore other avenues and innovate. “Netflix is NOT validation. It’s not the win. It doesn’t mean you’ve ‘arrived,’” she wrote, pointing out that Prime Video is striking multimillion-dollar overall deals and that Hulu, Max, and other platforms also carry world-class content.

READ ALSO: Adjetey Anang Advocates Unity In Creative Arts, Welcomes Mahama’s Funding Pledge

Djansi also called out audiences, particularly in Ghana, for fueling the obsession. With what she described as “paltry” Netflix subscriptions in the country, she questioned why viewers often demand that films be on the service before supporting them. “If a filmmaker posts a link to their film, don’t go asking ‘Is it on Netflix.’ Is watching on Netflix going to change the storyline or something? Do better! Support!” she urged.

Sharing her own journey “from Ho to Hollywood,” Djansi explained that breaking through required both preparation and seizing opportunity. “Do you know how I broke in? I took a VP to lunch. That was it. Food. But I also had a movie that was internationally appealing. I was prepared to meet opportunity,” she said.

Highlighting examples such as Zambia’s On Becoming a Guinea Fowl being distributed by A24, she reminded filmmakers that global breakthroughs are possible with persistence and vision. “Everything is possible if you put in the effort,” she added, poking fun at critics with a quip that maybe resistance to possibility comes not from logic, but from “village people.”

See her post below.

Patapaa Vows Not To Marry Again

J.K Oppong
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Patapaa Vows Not To Marry Again

After parting ways with his German partner, Liha Miller, Ghanaian artiste Patapaa says he has no intention of ever marrying again.

The “One Corner” hitmaker shared his stance in an interview with Nana Romeo on Okay FM, stressing that he is content without a wife and believes marriage should not be treated as a must for everyone. He also advised the younger generation to slow down before committing to such life decisions.

“I don’t think there is a marriage in heaven, therefore I will not marry again. We shouldn’t make marriage compulsory because there is a spirit in marriage. When people are not married, the couples look happy, but right after the wedding, arguments and anger come in,” he explained.

READ ALSO: Patapaa used to block me every 2 days – Liha Miller recounts

Patapaa made it clear that reconciliation with his ex-wife is not on the table. He also questioned her motives for entering the marriage in the first place.

“My wedding was for hype. So from the onset, I knew that it was not going to stay for long,” he added, suggesting Liha was drawn more by attention than by love.

Watch his statement below.

Everybody Is Being Selfish – Efia Odo On Ghana’s Music Industry

J.K Oppong
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Everybody Is Being Selfish – Efia Odo On Ghana’s Music Industry

Efia Odo has complained about how the Ghanaian music industry is being dragged down by its own selfishness. She believes that the lack of unity among artistes has created barriers to growth and progress.

The actress and socialite-turned-singer stressed in an interview with Ghana Weekend that true advancement would only come when musicians stop competing as rivals and start working together as one.

“If I could change one thing about the Ghanaian music industry, it would be how we relate with each other. Everybody is doing selfish things. We are a collective, the music is for the people, not for us. We need to support each other more,” Efia Odo said.

She argued that sharing each other’s work and building combined platforms could unlock bigger opportunities for the industry. Pointing to her own social media presence as an example, she highlighted how collaboration could multiply their reach.

READ ALSO: I’m Done With The Back And Forth; I’m Grown And Mature – Sista Afia On Issue With Efia Odo

“If I have 100,000 followers and another artiste has 100,000, and we share each other’s work, it only expands our reach. But selfishness is holding us back,” she noted.

The entertainer also revealed that she has shifted her focus fully to music, saying she has moved on from the scattered brand image she once had.

“Now it’s just music. If you go on my page, I’ve archived almost everything off. I’m intentional about what I’m doing, and right now, I’m just giving you guys music back-to-back…” she disclosed.

Efia Odo added that she speaks not out of personal interest, but from a genuine desire to see the industry thrive collectively.

Agya Koo Calls For NPP’s Return, Says Ghanaians Disappointed Under Mahama

J.K Oppong
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Agya Koo Calls For NPP’s Return, Says Ghanaians Disappointed Under Mahama

Ghanaian actor Agya Koo has stirred political debate after urging the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to reclaim power, arguing that many Ghanaians feel worse off under President John Dramani Mahama.

In a video shared online, the popular actor said that ordinary citizens often compare the current administration with that of former President Nana Akufo-Addo, and many conclude that life has become more difficult.

“Ghanaians are not happy with President Mahama, and many are calling for the NPP government to return to power. They say things have changed as compared to the tenure of former President Akufo-Addo, and if that is how the people feel, then indeed the NPP must come back to power. But the question is, who do we present?” Agya Koo queried.

READ ALSO: Abeiku Santana Challenges Narrative, Assures Creative Arts Sector Was Financed In 2025

He stressed that his comments were not motivated by personal gain but by concern for the country’s direction.

“You all know that I am an actor, a comedian, and a musician, but please, do not insult me, because I speak with good intentions. I only echo the concerns of the people,” Agya Koo stated.

Watch the video below.

Abeiku Santana Challenges Narrative, Assures Creative Arts Sector Was Financed In 2025

J.K Oppong
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Abeiku Santana Challenges Narrative, Assures Creative Arts Sector Was Financed In 2025

Deputy Chief Executive of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Abeiku Santana, has rejected claims that the 2025 national budget ignored the creative arts sector.

Speaking on Okay FM on September 16, 2025, Santana clarified that while no specific line item was outlined in the budget, several agencies under the sector are already carrying out projects that have received financial support.

“Just because the president said an allocation is going to be made for the creative arts doesn’t mean no money was spent on the body this year.

“We cannot claim that we have not spent any money in the sector, that’s not true. We are spending and there are a lot of things going on. Look at the Black Star Experience; they are moving around, getting things in motion. There is funding for that. The creative arts agency is also moving around, planning things out. So there is some funding for all that,” he explained.

READ ALSO: Adjetey Anang Advocates Unity In Creative Arts, Welcomes Mahama’s Funding Pledge

He emphasized that President John Dramani Mahama’s assurance of a budgetary allocation in 2026 refers to the release of a comprehensive program and the financial estimates needed to deliver it.

“What the budget will be for is when they finally release a proper timeline of events. Then the amount needed will be given to them. That is what the President meant by a budgetary allocation will be made next year.

“So things are going on; it’s not like the sector was abandoned or there was no money for it. I’m urging people to be patient and trust the process,” Santana said.

He further assured stakeholders that funding for film, music, and other creative industries will be prioritized once the 2026 fiscal budget is rolled out.

I’m Done With The Back And Forth; I’m Grown And Mature – Sista Afia On Issue With Efia Odo

J.K Oppong
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I’m Done With The Back And Forth; I’m Grown And Mature – Sista Afia On Issue With Efia Odo

Sista Afia has declared that she is a changed person when it comes to beef. Commenting on her issue with Efia Odo, which happened some years ago, the singer said that chapter of her life is firmly closed.

In a recent interview with Delay, the ‘Weather’ singer revealed that she has outgrown the hostility and no longer gives it space in her life.

“Now, I’m done with the back and forth. I’m grown and mature. Some of these things don’t tickle me anymore. I’ve done this stuff, and it’s enough. Honestly, I don’t think about her. She’s the last person I’d think of,” she said.

The feud, which began in 2019, once pushed Sista Afia to her breaking point after enduring insults and body-shaming from Efia Odo. She recalled one incident in London when Odo ridiculed her outfit after a performance.

READ ALSO: I Realised I May Never Be The Industry’s Favourite After Releasing ‘Jeje’ – Sista Afia Discloses

“She insulted me, asking if Ghanaians don’t have stylists. I said nothing at the time,” she explained.

Months later, when Odo’s clash with actress Fella Makafui, Afia’s close friend, made headlines, the singer finally hit back.

“Because Medikal was family, I decided to take her on. I did a video slamming Efia Odo, and it went viral,” she recounted.

Even so, Sista Afia insists those days of trading shots are behind her. She emphasized that she is focused on peace and no longer has the energy for grudges.

“I’m cool and reserved, but when I get to the point where I cannot take it, it’s different. Now, though, I’m done with all that,” Afia stated.

Watch the interview below.

Ibrahim Mahama To Enroll Suzzy Pinamang in New School After Successful Eye Surgery

Kwabena Ansah
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Ibrahim Mahama To Enroll Suzzy Pinamang in New School After Successful Eye Surgery

The Ibrahim Mahama Global Foundation has confirmed plans to enroll Suzzy Pinamang, the senior high school student who survived a shooting incident, in a new school as doctors in London have cleared her to continue her education.

Pinamang, who underwent eye surgery in June, travelled back to London between September 10 and 16 for a medical review.

Doctors expressed satisfaction with her recovery and confidence in the success of the procedure.

Speaking with gratitude after her return, Pinamang said the journey had been difficult but life-saving.

“This has not been an easy road, but I thank God for life and for the doctors who have given me hope again.
I am also thankful to everyone who stood by me, especially Mr. Ibrahim Mahama, he’s truly God-sent, and to everyone who has supported me with prayers and kindness,” she said.

The Foundation, which has been supporting Pinamang since the incident, says arrangements are underway to place her in a new school so she can resume her studies in a safe and supportive environment.

Pinamang’s case has drew widespread sympathy which prompted the benevolence of Mr Ibrahim Mahama.

Adom FM’s Okyeame Amoako Darkwa Passes Away After Health Battle

Kwabena Ansah
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Adom FM’s Okyeame Amoako Darkwa Passes Away After Health Battle

Ghanaian media personality Okyeame Amoako Darkwa, widely known for his work with Adom FM and Adom TV, has passed away.

The seasoned journalist and broadcaster died on Thursday, September 15, 2025, following a prolonged illness.

Amoako Darkwa was a prominent figure in the media landscape, having held various roles throughout his career. He was a familiar face on Adom TV’s political and current affairs program, Badwam, where he provided incisive commentary and analysis.

Before his time with Adom FM and Adom TV, Amoako Darkwa worked with several other media houses across the country.

His journey included serving as the morning show host at Takoradi’s Kyzz FM, the Operations Manager at Good News FM, and the head of Programmes at Shaft FM in Obuasi.

Beyond his work in broadcasting, Amoako Darkwa was also known for his active role in reporting on critical issues.

In 2017, his efforts were instrumental in the arrest of nine illegal mining suspects—five Chinese and four Ghanaians—in the Western region, a story widely reported by Modern Ghana.

Wode Maya, Rocky Dawuni, Dentaa, And Other Creatives Get Diplomatic Passports From Foreign Minister

Chris Osei
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Wode Maya, Rocky Dawuni, Dentaa, And Other Creatives Get Diplomatic Passports From Foreign Minister

The creative arts industry in Ghana has received a major boost after five of its most influential personalities were presented with diplomatic passports by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, on Wednesday, September 17, 2025.

The recipients include travel vlogger Wode Maya, Grammy-nominated reggae musician Rocky Dawuni, broadcaster Anita Erskine, visual artist Ibrahim Mahama, and entrepreneur Dentaa Amoateng MBE.

Continue

I Realised I May Never Be The Industry’s Favourite After Releasing ‘Jeje’ – Sista Afia Discloses

J.K Oppong
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I Realised I May Never Be The Industry’s Favourite After Releasing ‘Jeje’ – Sista Afia Discloses

Sista Afia has opened up about her struggles with acceptance in Ghana’s music industry. She admitted that despite years of investment and effort, she doubts she will ever be embraced as a favourite.

The Ghanaian singer told Delay in a recent interview that the success of her ‘Jeje’ song featuring Shatta Wale made her realize she might never win over the industry fully.

“Since I released ‘Jeje,’ was when I realised that I may never be a favourite in the industry. I’ve invested so much effort and funded everything with my own money. If I had saved that money, I would have likely achieved more by now. It’s frustrating because I put my heart and soul into each project, even spending my last penny on a music video, because you don’t know which song might blow,” she said.

READ ALSO: Sista Afia Reveals Why She Has Stayed Single For Eight Years

Sista Afia explained that she has financed her career independently without external support, but the lack of recognition makes her question whether her sacrifices have been worthwhile.

When asked why she felt unwanted in the industry, Sista Afia pointed to her personal background as a possible reason. Unlike some artistes whose rise from hardship and slum beginnings shaped their appeal, she believes her return to Ghana after living abroad has created doubts about her place in the music scene.

“Many thoughts cross my mind. Sometimes, I wonder if my background is a factor; it seems people tend to prefer artistes who come from the slums, those who were once unknown and then became popular. Some people say, ‘Afia comes from abroad, so why is she trying to make music here?’” the singer clarified.

Watch the interview below.

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