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Dede Padiki Felt Neglected by Ghana’s Creative Sector Before Her Death – Derrick Manny

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Entertainment pundit Derrick Manny has alleged that late Ghanaian Guinness World Records title holder Dede Padiki endured years of disappointment and neglect despite her contributions to promoting Ghana through art.

Speaking on Kessben Entertainment with host Kojo Preko Dankwa, Derrick Manny recounted an emotional conversation he had with the late artist, claiming she often felt overlooked by the very institutions expected to support her.

According to him, Dede Padiki shared how her journey of frustration began after she gained public attention for creating a live painting during the funeral of highlife legend Daddy Lumba. He said the artwork attracted the attention of the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, who allegedly praised her work and invited her to paint at the launch of the Black Star Experience.

However, Derrick Manny claimed that despite the verbal invitation, Padiki received no official communication before the event. Determined not to miss the opportunity, she reportedly went directly to the venue and introduced herself to the organising committee chairman, Mr. Dogbe, explaining her passion for painting the event. She was eventually allocated a space to showcase her work.

He further alleged that when the minister later saw her at the venue, she remarked that Padiki had “rushed” to the event, but the artist chose not to respond.

Derrick Manny also disclosed that during the UN Reparations Day programme, Dede Padiki was allegedly left out of the official arrangements to showcase creative talents. According to him, it was the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who reached out to her privately and invited her to create an artwork that was later displayed for five visiting heads of state.

He claimed that when the Tourism Minister later saw Padiki’s exhibition, she questioned how the artist had secured a stand at the event.

The entertainment pundit further alleged that before assuming office, the minister had personally assured Padiki that she would appoint her as Chief Executive Officer of the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park if she became a minister. However, Derrick Manny said the promise was never fulfilled after her appointment.

He added that Padiki later paid a courtesy call on Chief of Staff Julius Debrah to explain her achievements, including her Guinness World Records recognition, and expressed concern over not receiving any appointment or official role despite her accomplishments.

According to Derrick Manny, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah reportedly contacted the Tourism Minister to inquire about the matter, but the minister allegedly described the earlier promise as “political talk.”

He argued that the repeated disappointments deeply affected the late artist emotionally and contributed to her growing frustration with Ghana’s creative sector.

“Dede Padiki funded most of her tours herself, with support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs rather than the Tourism Ministry or the creative arts sector,” he claimed.

Reflecting on one of their final meetings about three weeks before her death at the Silverbird Cinema during a movie premiere, Derrick Manny said Padiki repeatedly questioned why Ghanaian creatives were not adequately supporting one another.

He stressed that while reports indicate the artist died from complications related to high blood pressure, he believes the emotional pain of feeling unappreciated within the creative industry may have worsened her struggles.

Derrick Manny concluded by calling for greater support, recognition and investment in Ghanaian creatives, arguing that the country risks losing more talented individuals if institutions fail to appreciate and empower them.

Entertainment

Lasmid expresses gratitude to Okomfour Kwadee for inspiring a new generation

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Ghanaian musician Lasmid has expressed deep appreciation to legendary hiplife icon Okomfour Kwadee, acknowledging the profound influence the veteran artiste has had on today’s generation of musicians.

During a recent visit, Lasmid shared his excitement about meeting Okomfour Kwadee in person for the first time, describing the moment as a memorable and emotional experience.

Reflecting on his musical upbringing, the singer revealed that he grew up listening to Okomfour Kwadee’s songs, which played a key role in shaping his artistry and career.

“We came here today to show our appreciation because you’ve truly inspired us. This is my first time meeting you, and I’m incredibly happy and grateful. Thank you for everything you’ve done for us,” Lasmid said.

He added that Okomfour Kwadee’s distinctive musical style has inspired many young artistes, including himself, noting that his generation has drawn heavily from the hiplife legend’s sound.

“We listened to your music while growing up and took a lot of inspiration from it. Today, we create similar sounds because of your influence. That’s why we decided to come and visit you personally,” he added.

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Akosua Agyapong Rejects Marriage Questions, Criticizes Journalists Over Personal Life

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Veteran Ghanaian highlife musician Akosua Agyapong has explained why she refuses to answer questions about her marriage and personal relationships during interviews, insisting that her private life should remain separate from her music career.

Speaking in an interview with JoyPrime TV, the celebrated musician said she is frequently questioned about her relationship with fellow musician Nat Brew, popularly known as Amandzeba, but believes such issues are nobody’s concern.

According to Akosua Agyapong, she is under no obligation to discuss her personal life with the public and will only respond to questions related to her music and career.

“Nat (Amandzeba)? That should not concern anyone. It’s not part of my music. Nowhere in my music career have I indicated that I’m going to talk about my relationship or marriage because that is my personal life. When it has something to do with music, I am ready to answer,” she said.

The veteran singer stressed that she has children whose well-being comes first and does not want to make comments that could negatively affect them in the future.

She urged interviewers and media personalities to stay away from questions about her private life, explaining that celebrities can sometimes be pushed into making statements they later regret.

“Stay away from my private life because I have children. I will not come and sit here and say things that could hurt my kids. Some presenters throw questions at you, and if you’re not smart, you start answering things you may later regret. I came here because of my music, so ask me about my music career,” she stated.

Akosua Agyapong also took a swipe at some journalists and media personalities who constantly probe celebrities about their marriages and relationships. She suggested that some of these interviewers may themselves be facing challenges in their own relationships.

According to her, rather than focusing on their personal issues, some presenters appear more interested in uncovering details about the private lives of public figures.

“If you look at some of the presenters asking these questions, if you go behind the scenes, what they are going through in their own relationships may be very bad, yet they want to find out about somebody else’s,” she added.

The highlife icon maintained that while she is always willing to discuss her music, performances, and career, her marriage and family life are personal matters that should be respected.

@joyprimetv_

YOU ARE A LAZY JOURNALIST! Akosua Agyapong, Veteran Highlife Musician, opens up about NAKOREX and descends hard on journalists and bloggers who spread fake news about people. She speaks on the need for accuracy and responsibility in journalism while calling out those who damage reputations through misinformation. #Changes #joyprimetv #joyprime #viraltiktok #viralvideo #goviraltiktokvideo #fypシ゚viral #fypシ #joyprimegh #viral #fyppppppppppppppppppppppp #changes #Changes

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Ernest Adu Kumi Warns Kweku Smoke Over FBI Comment, Says Timing Was Wrong

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Entertainment pundit Ernest Adu Kumi has expressed concern over rapper Kweku Smoke’s recent social media post referencing the FBI, cautioning that the timing of the message could attract unnecessary attention if the artiste has unresolved issues from his past.

Speaking during a discussion on Hitz FM on July 15, 2026, Ernest Adu Kumi praised Sarkodie for discovering and nurturing Kweku Smoke’s talent, describing the award-winning rapper as the person who helped transform the young artiste into one of Ghana’s notable music stars.

According to him, Sarkodie recognized Kweku Smoke’s potential long before many people did and deliberately invested in his growth.

“Now, he is leaving it for us to know that he had something that people didn’t see and, for that matter, Sarkodie saw it and decided to nurture that talent. That’s how we’re seeing the Kweku Smoke we are seeing today,” he said.

His comments came after Kweku Smoke made a post on social media that read

“If you no show me work, like by now FBI carry me,”
while crediting Sarkodie for changing the direction of his life.

Despite acknowledging Sarkodie’s role in the rapper’s success, Ernest Adu Kumi warned that publicly mentioning the FBI could be unwise if Kweku Smoke has any unresolved issues that could be linked to criminal activity or past misconduct.

He explained that such a statement could encourage people to revisit the rapper’s past and question the circumstances under which Sarkodie introduced him to the music industry.

“However, I hope that he doesn’t have a past that may come haunting him. Looking at the period or the timing, if he has some past that may incriminate him, then I think the timing was wrong, and it was not strategic,” he stated.

Ernest Adu Kumi further stressed that if Kweku Smoke had ever been involved in anything that could be connected to the FBI or criminal investigations, making such a comment at this time could invite unwanted public scrutiny.

“That is, if he has done something in the past that connects to the FBI arrest, the timing may be wrong. People will begin to find out what he was doing then for Sarkodie to redirect his attention into the music business that he is praising him for,” he added.

Ernest Adu Kumi added, “That is, if he has done something in the past that connects to the FBI arrest, the timing may be wrong. People will begin to find out what he was doing then for Sarkodie to redirect his attention into the music business that he is praising him for.”

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