Global Media Alliance Supports UG Sch of Comm Library

The School of Communications Studies, University of Ghana, Legon has received some of the latest edition of books on Communication and Media to enhance their library. The books have been donated by the renowned Public Relations Students Society of America (PRSA) at the James Madison University, Virginia, USA.

The benevolent gesture towards the school and its education is a continuing exercise and has been facilitated by Executive Chairman of Global Media Alliance (GMA), Mr. Edward Boateng.

The books range from first-rate communications literature including Public Relations, Advertising, Telecommunications and Journalism. There were also books on management which will go a long way to equip students with media management skills and leadership skills in other related areas.

This adds to the various corporate social responsibility initiatives by Global Media Alliance, a pan-African communications company towards the School of Communication Studies. GMA has previously donated some books to the school and has always granted graduating students internship opportunities as well as employment opportunities. Mr. Edward Boateng has also been involved in mentoring programmes where he shares with students his experiences. He strongly believes Ghana could be a beacon of hope and excellence for media development on the continent if media leaders would only adhere to the ethics of the profession. He believes a strong regulator is needed to advance media development in the country and the African continent at large.

Donating the books on behalf of GMA and the Madison University, Corporate Communications Manager of Global Media Alliance, Ms. Brooke Nuwati says GMA is committed to promoting communication excellence in Ghana and on the African continent and therefore will not miss any opportunities or efforts that are geared towards the realization of such a dream.

“Being a communication outfit ourselves, we know the true value of effective communications and its role in national development. We are always happy to contribute our quota to promote excellence in this all important field of communication. We hope students will benefit immensely from these books” she says.

Thanking GMA, Ms. Audrey Gadzekpo, Acting Director of the School says the school is grateful for the support it continues to receive from Global Media Alliance. She says students benefit greatly from the books and the other learning materials that GMA has provided in the past, because the materials are always carefully selected by someone who is a celebrated thought leader in the industry.

She also adds that the school will continue counting on GMA’s support for materials such as a collection of the stories that make it for the CNN MultiChoice African Journalist of the year awards since students pick a lot of lessons and techniques as well as inspiration to come up with good journalistic stories and reports.

Light at the end of the tunnel

How often do you not find yourself contemplating on whether or not you are not being considered a fool for doing one thing or the other? Especially when you find yourself doing things that the seemingly high and mighty (oftentimes regarded the wisest) persons would quickly and readily shy away from?

Why must you always be the one cleaning up the mess of others? Why must you be the one making sure the lights and the air conditioners in your office are turned off after work even though your colleagues are fully aware of the implications of wasting electricity and other utilities?

Well, don’t throw up your hands in despair and give up so quickly, because your story may have a happy ending like one told me by grandma about a poor girl who once lived in Afiadenyigba.

Afiadenyigba was a small village inhabited by about 3,000 people. Though the youth (16 – 45years) made up about 60 percent of the population, it was a common thing to find the older citizens engaged in activities that helped to maintain the society clean and safe. They gathered together for communal labour to carry out activities such as clean up campaigns.

There was however a young girl, Enyonam, about nineteen years of age, who was always found among the old folks any time they gathered for any such community activities. It was also common to see Enyonam sometimes weeding the footpath that led to the village riverside, where the entire community went to fetch water. The river was the only source of water for all purposes including drinking.

Enyonam’s mates would ridicule her; call her names like Aprewa or Abrewa Posoposo as they passed by her to the river bank to fetch their water. Some of them walked hand in hand with their young lovers and hooted at Enyonam who ignored them and continued with her work.

Well, it so happened that a huge tree fell down and blocked the only footpath that led to the riverside, making it very difficult for the town folks to cross it to and from the river.

Unfortunately for the town folks, the tree was so huge that any attempts by the usual committed members of the society (the old folks and Enyonam) could not push away or cut the tree off the path to make way. They tried and tried until most of them gave up saying that they couldn’t do anything but wait for the tree to rot away.

The younger men and women on the other hand did nothing to help move the tree; instead, they went round the long tree and with time, managed to create an alternate route to the river, though the new path was very long and rocky.

But not Enyonam, she did not give up entirely, any time she had some free time to herself, she went there to continue cutting the trunk of the tree, still believing that, sooner than later, she would clear the way so the villagers could have their smooth and short path back.

Unknown to everyone in the village, the king had always admired Enyonam and her spirit of diligence and perseverance. He thought and thought about how best to reward the young girl.

And so on that fateful day, the king prayed in his heart that his plans worked as he gathered the entire community at the village square to make his announcement.

The king said “My people, there’s a serious issue that must be attended to in the palace …. It is time for the prince to take unto himself a bride”.

The crowd, especially the damsels went agog with joy …. Oh that the prince will pick me … they giggled among themselves.

"But, there is a condition for this tradition to be fulfilled. Your prince has misplaced his royal necklace and we must find this necklace before we can progress with the marriage. Whoever finds the necklace will be greatly rewarded and should the person be a young maiden, befitting a bride and finds favour in the prince’s sight, she becomes the lucky bride", the king concluded.

As the crowd dispersed, the girls talked excitedly about how nice it would be to be the lucky person to find the necklace. Enyonam, though she prayed sincerely in her heart that the prince found the royal necklace she only went back to complete her task to clear the path. She could not even imagine herself as the lucky bride; after all, everyone knew her as abrewa …. an old lady.

And so she continued day in and day out with her part time job. Gradually, she succeeded in cutting through the big trunk. On the final day however, something happened. Enyonam’s eyes caught sight of the royal necklace under the tree! She quickly picked it up and headed straight to the palace. The king was very pleased and most importantly happy because, no one else but Enyonam had found the necklace. His plans had worked. He has found his son a good wife.

Interestingly, the prince also loved Enyonam and was very happy that she would be his bride. They had a colourful wedding ceremony that became the talk of town in the community and all the surrounding villages for days. The king then revealed how he came up with the plan to teach the young men and women a good lesson. Perseverance pays and modesty is a virtue, he told his subjects.

Aware soooooo !!! … Enyonam.

I Learned from the Best

And so Asiwome’s mother always said to her; you must grow up into such a lady as gorgeous and responsible as a first lady.

Asiwome, you must do this you must do that. Okay mum, I hear you, certainly mum I hear you.
“Asi, (as her mother affectionately called her) it is so unlady-like to talk, eat, walk or even breathe that way!”

Of course mum, you are right, and I hear you, thank you. Asiwome would reply her mum frustratingly, tired of the constant nagging and boring lectures about what a lady is supposed to do and not to do.

And guess what, what a lady Asiwome grew to be! A lady of such make-up men and women alike feared and despised her. She would scream and shout at the least provocation any time; anywhere. She was notorious for being the worse late comer everywhere she found herself.

Asiwome always turned heads and raised eye brows wherever she went …. Why? ….. Her way of dressing often incurred the wrath of people especially the tongue-lashing Pentecostal brothers and sisters who would have nothing to do with such lost souls!

What a woman I have for a wife! Her husband complained constantly to friends and family. She would not behave as a lady – she rules the house, and that is that! She decides whatever happens in the house and she always has the final word. Imagine that! Her husband kept lamenting to his family and friends.

It so happened that Asiwome turned out to be such a black sheep in her society her mother wondered where her daughter picked up such an up-bringing and attitude.

“People called me Maame Dzata and they could all testify that I raised you with iron hands, not even your father could have a say in your up-bringing” her mother often complained
“Mum, I learned from the best”, Asiwome simply told her mother.

What is the best? She demanded angrily. Oh yes, mother, thanks to you I learned how to control my husband … from the way you deftly manhandled my father and everything else in the house…..remember?

Yes, everyone calls me names like ‘madam buy-no-pay’ … yes I remember so well, the hide and seek game we used to play with the people that came to demand their money while you went into hiding in the bedroom and I skillfully sent the people away with the excuse that you had travelled or taken my 119-year-old grandmother to the hospital.

I went about the false defence so well, I won the sympathy of the people chasing after their money and so they rather went away and left you some money to help you take care of “my almost 120 years old grandma”. Good job, you always said when they left … remember? …I learned from the best.

A husband beater, people call me, and you seem surprised? You never allowed daddy to have a say in the house. Your wish was his command all the time because you were the breadwinner.
Asi, you are too disrespectful, …. Remember you taught me that it was a sign of strength for a woman to be stern and difficult? … people have to fear you …. Who are those good-for-nothing folks expecting that Auntie Normesi (my dear mother) would greet or smile to them?
After all, the first lady is passing by and everyone must give way. Not that you are a snob, it only resonates your importance..... you used to justify when I asked you why you carried yourself in such a manner as though nobody was good enough to deserve your greetings in the neighbourhood.

And so mama, I learned from the best.

Our children and other young people continue to look up to us in every aspect of our lives. What we do is oftentimes a more revealing and quickly passed on lessons than what we say. Let us instill good morals in our children by setting good examples especially in this techno-advanced age where children are exposed to all forms of lifestyles in the media.

Grandma had had her say!

Together as one

Enyeeee yi, Enyeeee yi le nyornu velia gormeeeee!!!
Wofor kpewo fom dokpui, wofor yio fom dokpui,
Enyeeee yi, Enyeeee yi le nyornu velia gormeeeee

(Hahahahaha …. this is certainly a tongue twister to many of you, especially you non-Anlo speaking folks. Don’t worry, because as I keep telling you, it’s a singular opportunity for you to learn some interesting words and expressions in Anlo, the uniquely heavy Ewe dialect).

The story is told of two women who were married to the same man and stayed in the same compound with their children. Ablavi, the first wife and Ayador, the second and childless wife had to deal with the daily issues that came with being married to the same man. Yes, they were rivals. (I wonder why we call two or more women married to the same man, ‘rivals’).

Well, by the virtue of what they were called, it was not surprising the heated rivalry that ensued between the two women. They would quarrel, fight and refuse to talk to each other for days.

Often times, the lucky, perhaps unlucky man looked on while his wives went on with their little farrago. He would only intervene when things seemed to be getting out of hand, for instance when one woman threatened to injure the other or when the harm was already done.

The second and younger wife, Ayador in particular was very quarrelsome and bitter. As much as Ablavi tried to make peace with her, Ayador only pushed her farther away with insults.

“You evil, haggard looking woman, to hell with you. Who do you think you are for me to be willing to resolve issues with you? You only continue to grow older and more ugly every minute, you and your miserable children.” Ayador would say, any time Ablavi tried to resolve any issues with her.

Little did Ayador know that, as the faithful hands of the clock kept ticking, second by second, so her days went by with her dazzling beauty fading away also. She thought she would always remain young and fresh.

One day though, they went to the farm together – husband, wives and children to cultivate some maize on a piece of land that they have tilled together, virtually without Ayador …. She often complained of or feigned one sickness or the other that kept her away from working together with the others on the farm. Lazy she! Being the more sober and wiser woman, Ablavi never complained of Ayador’s endless excuses that exempted her from working on the farm. She would rather work her lungs out than picking a fight with Ayador.

Unknown to the rest of the family, anytime Ayador complained of one ailment or the other which sometimes enabled her to be given some time to be alone, relaxing while the others worked, Ayador always sneaked to steal the food that the family brought with them to the farm. She would eat everything or throw away whatever she couldn’t finish, just to make the rest of the family, especially her rival and her children suffer from hunger.

The family often went through the trauma of discovering that their food was gone. You can imagine the ordeal and frustration when they came to empty bowls and plates after retiring from a hard day’s work under a hot scotching sun. They often attributed the misfortune to a strange wicked animal that came for their food while they worked.

Ayador, on the other hand, while the others, including her husband agonized about their loss and hunger, was filled with joy. She was satisfied that the others were suffering because of her greed and selfishness. She said to her herself …. Efiawo! Efiawo! Efiawo! (A sarcastic expression that means …. You’ve learned your lesson/You deserve it!) This, she said with such emphasis, her forehead was wildly knitted and pleated if you saw her say it!

This happened on a number of occasions when the family retired to empty bowls staring hard back at them. The poor folks even attributed the issue to an evil spirit who came for their food because they took a number of measures that they believed could keep their food safe when they retired to eat. But Ayador also intensified and improved her schemes to get the food.
On one other occasion, Ayador, just after a few minutes work on the farm, as usual, came up with another excuse to allow her do what she enjoyed doing most ….. causing pain and frustration to the rest of the family, especially Ablavi.

“I feel very horrible in my stomach. I think I must visit the toilet” Ayador announced to the others (any open space in the bushes a little away from the others, did for a toilet). So she went into the bushes, sneaked to where the food was securely kept from the “evil spirit”. After helping herself with all the food, she decided to go a step further in her little adventure.

After her meals, she squatted on the pot, eased herself so hard to produce the most beautiful laying concrete that one has ever seen. Then she attempted to get up with the intention of covering her newly prepared dish for the family. She tried and tried to get the pot off her butts, but the pot would not move. She hit the pot with anything that she could lay her hands on with all her strength and might. But the pot wouldn’t move. Today, her cup was really fool and perhaps the pot decided to tell Ayador, “efiawo ha” (You’ve learned your lessons too). Reading the time, she knew her husband and rival would soon be out to eat their food and start looking for her. She hurried to a nearby bush to hide.

Consequently, the family returned and once again saw that their food was gone but this time with the pot as well. They started calling out for Ayador to ask her if she knew what had happened to the food and the pot. She held her breath from her hide-out to prevent the rest from seeing her. Then, all of a sudden, a song was heard from a distance ……

Enyeeee yi, Enyeeee yi , Enyeeee yi le nyornu velia gormeeeee!!!

Efor kpewo fom dokpui, wofor yio fom dokpui,

Enyeeee yi, Enyeeee yi le nyornu velia gormeeeee

(I wish you could hear me sing it they way grandma did ….so terrifying!)

That was the mystery pot tightly clung to Ayador’s butts, telling the folks that she was under Ayador’s buttocks. With a loud cry, the pot went on to explain that Ayador, had tried to get her off, but she wouldn’t. They couldn’t believe it. A pot singing?!

Ayador was eventually caught and it had to take a hot burning metal to take the pot off her buttocks. With much pain and embarrassment, she confessed to the family how she often sneaked out to steal their food, just to punish them and make them suffer. She asked for Ablavi’s forgiveness and promised never to be wicked and greedy again.

This tale, any time I remember it, still sends shivers down my spine. I remember how I coiled around my grandma as she told us this tale under the moonlit in our compound. For days, I couldn’t go alone to our electricity-less room when I was sent in the night. I was scared of lifeless objects singing to me in the dark. I was scared because of the little, little evil that I knew I was guilty of. This tale has made me a kinder person. It has taught me never to treat people with wickedness and malice.

Grandma, I’ll never forget this tale. I miss the moonlit and the stars that we tried to count. We never succeeded because they were so many. Maybe, the tales you told me and the lessons are equally countless!

I leave you to deduce your own lessons from this tale.

Enyeeeeee yi ……….

CNN MULTICHOICE AJA 2010

Entry forms for the prestigious CNN MultiChoice African Journalist Awards are out for the year 2010.
Journalists interested in submitting their work for consideration should pick up entry forms at Global Media Alliance, Airport Residential Area, Accra or visit www.cnn.com/africanawards to download the forms. Completed forms should be submitted to Global Media Alliance or MultiChoice Ghana offices by January 28, 2010. Entries received after this date will be disqualified with no exceptions.

Co-founder of the Awards and Executive Chairman of Global Media Alliance, Edward Boateng says it is his hope that many more Ghanaian journalists will make it to the finals in next year’s awards and possibly bring home the title prize.

“It is disheartening that Ghana’s journalistic works have not received much of recognition in the awards. It means there is something we are not doing right. I encourage all journalists to be guided by professionalism and quality in their work, this is what the awards is all about … rewarding excellence” Boateng says.

This year’s awards held in Durban, South Africa had 26 finalists from 38 countries including Anas Aremeyaw Anas of Crusading Guide as the only Ghanaian finalist.

The thirteenth edition of the awards was held in Accra, Ghana in 2008 receiving 1912 entries from a record 44 countries throughout the continent, including French and Portuguese speaking Africa. Daniel Nkrumah of Daily Graphic and Israel Laryea of Joy FM were among the finalists with Israel picking up an award in the Radio General News Reporting category.

The journalists selected by the panel of judges will enjoy paid finalists’ programme of networking activities and workshops in Kampala, Uganda in May 2010, culminating in a Gala Awards Ceremony. Each finalist will receive a cash prize with each category winner also receiving a laptop computer and printer.

The overall winner of AJA 2010 will receive an additional cash prize and will have the opportunity to participate in the CNN Journalist Fellowship at CNN Headquarters in Atlanta.


About the Awards

The 'CNN African Journalist of the Year Competition' was established in August 1995 to encourage, promote and recognise excellence in African journalism. In the early nineties Edward Boateng, then Regional Director of Turner Broadcasting (CNN's parent company), was travelling around the African continent on business. During his travels he became concerned about the lack of respect journalists received and he decided to try and help them gain recognition for their hard work and commitment.

Working with Edward to launch the first competition were Gary Streiker, then CNN Nairobi Bureau Chief, the late esteemed photographer Mohamed Amin and the late Esom Alintah, then Secretary General of the African Business Roundtable. The first Awards Ceremony took place in Ghana on August 11, 1995. 2009 awards was the fourteenth year of the awards which were held in Durban, South Africa with Kenya’s John-Allan Namu emerging as the biggest winner.

LESSONS EVERYWHERE

Mmpt! Mmpt! Mmpt! (hahaha …. just trying to inscribe the kisses of my favourite pet, Blackie). This interesting dog would always jump, kiss and even try to hug me any time I enter my house. No matter how late it takes me to get home, Blackie as we affectionately call him, is always there, as faithful as my shadows waiting for me.

Wagging his tail and jumping high, it is all obvious that Blackie is always happy to see me after a long break (twelve hours’ break is long enough to make us miss each other).

But tell you what, it’s not only about wagging of tails, blowing of garbled kisses or running away from a hug of a four-legged animal that has so endeared me to this dog. This dog continues to teach me in a very natural way something that not even the most renowned motivational speaker or preacher would be so successful in making me understand!

One interesting thing that amazes me about Blackie is his level of patience. There are three dogs in my house. Anytime I enter the house, all three, including Blackie would jump around me and follow me until I close the door behind me and go into my bedroom. They would then leave, but not Blackie, Blackie my faithful friend would always linger around some more till after a time, long enough to convince himself that I was probably asleep and not coming out anymore ….. He never takes chances, in case I came out with some goodies wrapped for him. He must wait …. Yes Blackie has the spirit of waiting on his mistress ….. such admirable gift of patience! Oftentimes, I surely do have something for my dogs, but Blackie ends up having all of it. For the others leave before I come out with the goodies, just in case I decide to take a quick shower or sit through the evening news before giving them their treat. Faithful Blackie is surely always there because he has learnt to wait long enough.

Oftentimes, there are so many good things around us that we fail to see. We stretch our eyes too far in search of things that are so close to us if only we cared to look around us. There is no need looking for greener pastures when in fact the grass is greenest in our own land.

So, any time I find myself in a restless situation, and thoughts of giving up engulf me, I only remember my dog and smile. My friend, Blackie has taught me to be patient and let things work out for me. This does not mean you shouldn’t try to push your way through when it becomes necessary. On the contrary, it has taught me the art of perseverance …. Not to give up too easily. It also means we must try to let time take its course and that we must understand that there are certain things that we simply have no control over. No amount of fretting, chuckling or unrestlessness will make any positive difference if we decided to interfere with time’s plan of action. Like Blackie’s mistress in this tale, people or situations may decide to move at their own pace, rather than at your expected pace. You may get frustrated and lose it all if you don’t have some patience.

As I sat down lately, reminiscing about grandma, and I was suddenly snapped by something she used to say; “nunya, menye agbale me ko wole ooooo” (literally, knowledge is not only found in books). Yes, and it’s so true! There are invaluable amount of lessons around us …. even less endowed creatures like dogs have some knowledge/lessons to offer. We only need to look around us to appreciate them.

Grandma was so right. She never went to school but she knew so much I even wonder if I could ever get to acquire half the wisdom of my beloved grandma.

Thank you, Blackie.

Otumfuor Welcomes Anigye102.5FM

Anigy102.5FM has been officially launched in Kumasi over the weekend. Management of Global Media Alliance Broadcasting Company (GMABC), led by Executive Chairman Edward Boateng, before the launch, called on the Asantehene Otumfuor Osei Tutu II to ask for his blessings for the new venture, Anigye102.5FM in the Garden City.

Anigye102.5FM is the newest broadcasting entity of GMABC adding to Happy98.9FM, Y107.7FM and e.tv Ghana, Weekend World newspaper and Silverbird Cinemas and Lifestyle Stores all in Accra.

The launch of Anigye102.5FM is in line with GMABC’s commitment and determination to make the company a center of excellence when it comes to Media and entertainment.

The King, Otumfuor, expressed gratitude and joy for the call and commended Mr. Edward Boateng and his group for the good work they are doing in the nation. He urged them to continue with the good work in order to promote the national interest.

The Asantehene also commended Boateng for initiatives such as founding of the CNN Multichoice African Journalist of the Year Awards which is going a long way in the promotion of media excellence on the continent.

The King said it was a good thing that Global Media Alliance has started to expand their operations to cover other regions of the country instead of concentrating only in the national capital, Accra. He said all Ghanaians must have a taste of the quality that Global Media Alliance is known for.

Thanking the King, Mr. Edward Boateng said, “We are very glad for the warm welcome and your words of wisdom and encouragement. This will only re-energize us to be more committed in our quest for quality and liberation of media in Ghana and on the continent at large. Coming to Kumasi is heartwarming and it feels us with a sense of pride and honour because we have been able to give to our own people a chance to have a taste of quality entertainment. Anigye102.5FM will offer Kumasi and its environs quality in radio, focusing on music and sports” Boateng said.

Boateng continued, “We are soon rolling out to the rest of the country with our new television station, e.tv Ghana. Plans are advanced to extend the channel to Kumasi to give the people of Asanteman an opportunity to experience quality in television”.

Also at the Palace to pay homage to the King were various groups of people including Comedians of Asanteman descent led by the famous Agya Koo, Anloga Carpenters Association, religious leaders and some old and senior teachers who had once tutored the King when he was a young boy.

Dignitaries attending the official launch of the radio station at the Hotel Georgia in Kumasi included Nana Akyeampemhene and the Mayor of Kumasi. The launch of the radio station was followed by a massive float (Anigye Float) through the principal streets of Kumasi and a frenzied street jams held at the busy Bantama streets which attracted over seven thousand (7,000) people.

Aniyge102.5FM has already captured a large following with their quality programming. The radio station, after the official launch has started full programming to the delight of the people of Kumasi and its environs.


About Anigye102.5FM
Anigye102.5FM is a contemporary hit radio with a mission to provide quality programming. Anigye102.5FM believes in breaking barriers and making a difference. Thus Anigye102.5FM offers more music (75%) and less talk (25%). The metropolitan hit radio will also be running other interesting programmes including Sports, local and international news as well as community-related programmes. Moreover, Anigye listeners will also be treated to some live feed to be drawn from Happy98.9FM, a sister station in Accra.

With a well qualified and talented staff, listeners and clients will have nothing but the best in music and sports. AnigyeFM is here to make radio a true delight and strengthen the bond of intimacy between listeners and their radio sets. The station is committed to bringing back those memorable days when people could not do without their radio sets - their closest companions. Discerning listeners want the best, and Anigye102.5FM is the best.

Craze for Michael Jackson's THIS IS IT @ Silverbird

It was unbelievable; the multitude of people who filled the theatres at Silverbird for the exclusive world premiere of the much anticipated King of Pop Michael Jackson’s finale ‘THIS IS IT’.

The red carpet affair attracted hundreds of people including the crème da le crème of the capital city of Ghana, Accra all donned black & white. The grand event kick started with chocolate and sparkling wines, accompanied by Ms. Toni Madeson’s Jazz Band dishing out MJ numbers in notes of jazz. A young MJ look alike did his gig to take the King of Pop fever right to the hilt.

“Let the lights go off and the fire burn”—MJ while rehearsing for ‘This is it’ concert. The entire foyer of the Silverbird Cinemas was branded black and white to compliment one of Michael Jackson’s numero uno chart hits ….Black or White. There was also a memoire book placed amidst gently lit candles for fans who wanted to express their loving memories of how Wacko Jacko has touched their lives. The memoire book after two weeks of screening the film will be sent to Micheal Jackson’s family in LA, as an expression of gratitude from Ghana.

Among dignitaries to grace the occasion were Hon. Minister of Information, Mrs. Zita Okaikoi; Mr. Talal Fatal, Managing Director, Metro TV; Mr. Edward Boateng, Chairman of Silverbird Africa Group & Chairman of Global Media Alliance; Mrs. Linda Larbi, Senior Operations Marketing Manager, Coca Cola Equitorial, Ghana; MD of Stanbic Bank, Mr. Andani Alhassan; Chairman of the Accra Mall, Mr. Owusu Akyiaw; MTN Chief Marketing Manager, Mr. George Andah amongst others.

Honourable Zita Okaikoi after seeing the one hour, 40 minutes show said, “Indeed, this is it! I never knew Michael Jackson was so down to earth. He loves people and I’m so drawn to him. Thanks to Silverbird and MTN, so many people will get to know who Michael really was”.

Also in full attendance were movie makers such as Shirley Frimpong-Manso and Ken Attor (Director of the famous Perfect Picture), as well as other celebrities like Black Koffee.

It was a memorable night and Ghanaians truly affirmed the fact that Michael Jackson even though departed, continues to reign with his music. Silverbird hosted viewers in two of the 300-seater theatres where excited audiences seemed to never have enough of the King of Pop. They jeered, cheered and sang along till the very last beat.

“Not even time could ever uncover the myth surrounding this man” said an enthusiastic fan.

Viewing is now open to the public from October 28, 2009 where everybody can have the opportunity to experience MJ like they have never before.

“It took a lot of determination and hard work to bring this occurrence for Ghanaians, in the next two weeks, Silverbird is giving Ghanaians a unique opportunity to experience this history making event” says Mr. Edward Boateng, Chairman of Silverbird Africa Group and Executive Chairman of Global Media Alliance.

This Is It was a planned series of 50 concerts by Jackson, which was scheduled to begin in July 2009 until March 2010 before his untimely death just three weeks before his first show of London. The film features a compilation of interviews, rehearsals and backstage footage of Michael Jackson as he prepared for his series of sold-out shows in London.

The “This Is It” tour would have marked Jackson’s return to the live concert scene since the History World Tour in 1997. Michael Jackson passed away on June 25.

Silverbird Entertainment Ghana Limited is a joint venture between the Silverbird Group, a full service media, entertainment and real estate company with holdings in Radio, Television, Retail Malls and Cinemas and Global Media Alliance, an integrated pan-African media and entertainment company. Silverbird Group also boasts of excellent locations in Kenya with 18 screens at five premier shopping centres.

The Silverbird Group, the third largest entertainment company is taking a bold step in the African retail entertainment market and can guarantee that all products found in any Lifestyle store and Cinemas are legal and legitimate in terms of copyright and intellectual property. Silverbird's objective to establish a world class Pan-African Entertainment Company is well on course, with fast growing establishments in East and West Africa. The Silverbird Group guarantees that all products found in its Lifestyle store and Cinemas are legal and legitimate in terms of copyright and intellectual property.