Fall (Davido) Cover by BraKwaku

Hello world!

Happy Tuesday, and I hope you are all doing well. The month has been a hot one in terms of weather conditions and we are trying to cope.

If you are in search of new voices, Bra Kwaku Jnr is one guy you should add to your playlist. He is not only a singer, but a guitarist and a pianist also. Double thumbs up.

He does music covers of various artistes, both local and international ones and his voice is exceptional and romantic.

One of my favourite works of his was Davido’s Fall. His blending of voices made the song very beautiful and a new kind of voice art.

To listen to the audio, click here. It will link you to his SoundCloud page. Do not forget to subscribe and like, comment, repost and download your favourite pieces.

Another good thing is, he has a YouTube page too. Subscribe, if you haven’t already and click on the notification bell, so that you can get notified anytime he uploads a video.

Show love by giving his videos thumbs up and hit subscribe.

Share with friends, loved ones and let’s show love in the world of music.

Thank me later, darlings!

The MD Interview: The Story of KBAJ

KBAJ Entertainment is a complete   media house team and event management team committed to providing top-notch services with simplicity, difference, quality and style. We focus on the development and implementation of event strategies for individuals and organizations. We also specialize in mass publicity, event concept creation and management.

- Kwabena Berko Aning Junior, CEO of KBAJ Entertainment

Hello world. Welcome to another interview with Marietta DeGrant. Today, we interview a to-be entertainment mogul, who is trying so hard to make it big in the entertainment industry. His name is Kwabena Berko Aning Junior, popularly known as KBAJ.

When I was interviewing him, I realized that he has big plans in terms of the world of entertainment. He is someone who really appreciates his fans and those who support him.

Read the short interview I had with him.

Marietta: Tell us about yourself.

KBAJ: My name is Kwabena Berko Aning Junior and I'm 25 years old, last born of my parents and I love to motivate and inspire young entrepreneurs like myself and also event organization is my passion.

Marietta: What inspired you to start the KBAJ Empire?

KBAJ: I was inspired by my granddad to turn ma party lifestyle to something meaningful and if it is event organizing I love doing, I should focus on that and make money out of it. Thus I named the company after ma granddad. His name was Kwabena Berko Aning and I added ma last name to it (Junior). So in a nutshell KBAJ is an acronym of KWABENA BERKO ANING JUNIOR.

Marietta: What is the role of KBAJ Entertainment? What do you guys do?

KBAJ: KBAJ Entertainment is a complete media house team and event management team committed to providing top-notch services with simplicity, difference, quality and style. We focus on the development and implementation of event strategies for individuals and organizations. We also specialize in mass publicity, event concept creation and management.

Marietta: What do you personally do apart from running the KBAJ Empire?

KBAJ: I'm a final year student of Perez University College and I manage a night club in Winneba. (Sat C)

Marietta: What are your hidden talents?

KBAJ: I play football very well.

Marietta: What do you normally do during your free time? Do you have any hobbies?

KBAJ: Hobbies. Love playing adventure Games. *Devil May Cry* is my favorite. During my free time, I try to put ideas together and come out with projects and events.

Marietta: What are you working on right now?

KBAJ: As at now we working on getting airtime on TV XYZ and Fiesta TV, so we shooting a Pilot very soon.

Marietta: Any other person who is part of the Board of Directors?

KBAJ: Yes, I have Board of directors I'm working with and the person spearheading goes by the name Francis Nana Boakye, popularly known as Tasty Gh. He is the national President and manager of KBAJ Entertainment.

Marietta: Can we consider KBAJ Entertainment as a club or something like a community?

KBAJ: KBAJ Entertainment, as I said earlier, is a registered company and we have teams in tertiary institutions also, so yes it can be considered as a club.

Marietta:  Do you experience any challenges?

KBAJ: Challenges Yes I have.  I have no sponsorship, so everything I've invested is mine and my board of directors I’m working with and as at now, financing big events is my biggest challenge.

Marietta: How can we stalk you on Social Media?

KBAJ: You can follow us on

Facebook:  KBAJ TV || Instagram: @kbajtvgh || Twitter: @kbajtvgh || Snapchat: @kbaj_gh

Marietta: Any shout outs?

KBAJ: Shout outs to my parents and my elder brother because they've been supportive since day 1 and BIG BIG shout outs to my team been through a lot and we still together.  I want to say I appreciate them a lot

Tasty Gh

Nana Kofi Cool J

Nana Owusu

Belinda Boateng

Michael Owusu (Cobbymyk)

Eugeniox

Jeed Photography

George Essel (G-shot Photography)

Octa Sena

Joe Arthur

Yasmine (UK)

Jhnelle

Frimpong Chuckee Jnr

Richmond Kpodo

Ivan Akwasi Appiah

Kweku Jnr

Eric Kolor

Joshua Baffoe

Bismarck Odum Sackey (MANAGER OF NYCE MEDIA)

Mr. Ebenezer Hanson. (CEO OF KINGS N QUEENS RESTAURANT & BAR)

Mr. Owalabi Sikiru (CEO of SAT C Night Club)

Mr. Eric Bempong (Snr. Lecturer in Perez University College)

And to all those who have supported me and guided me to be who I am today. All I'll say is a very big thank you and God continue to bless you. You guys give me reason to keep pushing.

Thank you very much for honouring this interview, KBAJ. You can read other interviews I had with other wonderful personalities.

Rojayjay, the Entertainer

Khemikal, the comedian

Rita, CEO of Rita Xclusives

Krizick

That Guy, ShayD

Hondred Percent and His WTF Album

The Marietta DeGrant Interview: Hondred Percent and His WTF Album

Anyone can do spoken word just the same way anyone can dance. As to whether you will be exceptional is something that only you can answer. If it’s your gift, it will come naturally and even then it’s good to watch others in their art and learn from as many resources as possible.

-Paul Forjoe Jnr aka Hondred Percent 

Hello world! You are welcome back to the blog to read another post on The Marietta DeGrant Blog. Today, we have a Marietta DeGrant interview with a spoken word gentleman and he goes by the stage name; Hondred Percent.

Marietta: Can you please tell us the story behind your stage name?

Hondred Percent: Now that I think about it, I guess I was destined to have the name Hondred Percent as I don't believe in coincidence.

The name came about in 2010 as I contemplated on a stage name to use back in Ghana as I share the same name with my father. What resulted was Hondred Percent (Which was previously Hundred Percent and was edited in 2016 to the current spelling).

My stage name is a testament and challenge to both my audience and self to strive for truth and greatness in whatever you do.

Marietta: When did you start doing spoken word poetry?

Hondred Percent: 2005 in South Africa

 Marietta: Which do you personally prefer? Written word or Spoken Word?

Hondred Percent: Spoken Word

 Marietta: Tell us your first experience with spoken word on stage

Hondred Percent: I was nervous. I was in a different country, trying a relatively different art form that I believed was a part of me. It was different and rewarding because I was accepted by the community as a poet.

 Marietta: Now let’s talk about your most recent Spoken Word project WTF? What’s up? What inspired you to write such mind opening poetry? Tell us all about it.

Hondred Percent: Creating an album has been a dream come true. If I made all the money in the world and did not have an album to my name I would not feel fulfilled....... Since the album is out now I guess I'll switch to making money (just kidding) 😉😉😉

I grew up misunderstood. For the longest time I thought I had to conform only to realize that it was society that wasn't conforming to the natural order of things. I realized after a long while that it's okay to be different and not fit in and that it doesn't make you weird but rather special.

The album WTF? is my way of saying to the world that just because I'm different doesn't mean that I'm bad or wrong. I do this by painting society today with poetry and rap to reflect some pertinent issues that we take for granted.

In a nut shell I call out our hypocrisy as a nation and ask whether this is how we want our future to be like

 Marietta: Which piece in the album is your personal favourite?

Hondred Percent: It’s between the outro-WTF? and BNS Remix

Marietta: What inspired you to write gidigidi? Is it bad to be naturally gidigidi? (Also, define your understanding of gidigidi…lolz xx) 😏

Hondred Percent: I was inspired by an instrumental by DJ Julz which was titled gidigidi.

 Is it bad to be naturally gidigidi? Hmmmm...... all I'll say is that too much of anything is bad. Its neither good nor bad but must be controlled.

Gidigidi to me has multiple meanings. I see it as a Ghanaian adverb or adjective that is used to describe attitude, passion or the present state of an entity.

Depending on how it is used it could be perceived as good or bad.

Marietta:  Do you think if Africa could send a WhatsApp message, Africans would read and be more conscious of the things happening around them?

Hondred Percent: I believe so but to ensure that the message is well received it should be accompanied by a striking video that is laced with humor, shorter than 2 minutes and less than 50 MB.

Marietta:  Is it advisable for Pastors who want to preach against swear words to actually mention those words while preaching?

Hondred Percent: I believe so. Truth be told these are just words. It’s we humans and our interpretation that make them swear words. The words fool and stupid have both been used in contexts where they have communicated extreme displeasure than some so called swear words.

We need to realize that these words originated from somewhere. Understanding its origins and being honest about it helps in comprehension. For all you know these words may feel misunderstood.

 Marietta: What are the reviews regarding WTF? Are they finding any controversy?

Hondred Percent: Not many thorough reviews have come my way but the general consensus is that it's a good album. It’s not found controversy yet but I am hoping for some in the future.

 Marietta: What are you working on right now?

Hondred Percent: I'm working on my next album titled LISX. The only thing I will say now is that it will include features. 😉

 Marietta: Let’s get into your personal life a little. What do you do apart from Spoken Word?

Hondred Percent: I have a 9-5(more like a 9 till forever lol) 😁that occupies most of my life. Aside that I have entrepreneurial interests I am exploring.

 Marietta: Please share with us your writing routine.

Hondred Percent: I don't really have one. It’s kinda like playing Pokemon Go. Sometimes inspiration hits you and you go with it. 

I could however say that when inspiration hits, seldom do I finish a piece at a sitting. It usually takes months or so to find inspiration again and pick up from where I last left of. This goes on and on till the piece is done. After which some edits come again as I go through the whole piece.

Marietta: What does it take to do Spoken Word poetry? Any advice for someone like me, who is shy to start and thinks he/she does not have the right voice to participate.

Hondred Percent: Anyone can do spoken word just the same way anyone can dance. As to whether you will be exceptional is something that only you can answer. If it’s your gift, it will come naturally and even then it’s good to watch others in their art and learn from as many resources as possible. 

My tip is to be creative and think outside the box. Think Key soap and Golden Tree met at a bar.

 Marietta: Social media handles please

Hondred Percent: Everything of mine is @hondredpercent

My website is www.hondredpercent.com

Thank you so much Paul for honouring this interview. we can't wait to hear your next album

For more inquires about The Marietta DeGrant Interview, please send an email to degrantm@yahoo.com.

Read other Marietta DeGrant Interviews below

That Guy Called ShayD

Rojayjay's Interviews and Posts : Here, here and here

Krizick

Khemikal

Rita Fashion Designer

The MD Interview: That Guy Called ShayD

As the name says "ShayD" I just can't be predicted. You can't tell my next move.

-ShayD

Hello world and welcome to another interview with Marietta DeGrant. I introduce to you a new act, ShayD.

When I was interviewing ShayD, I realized that he is very passionate about his career as an artiste, and determined to move forward with music. He said music is his way of life. His life.

Read the short interview I had with him.

Marietta: Tell us about yourself

ShayD: I go by the name Nana Kojo Amakyi. Last of 3 children, born on 6th Sept, 1993. Attended St. Augustine's College in Cape - Coast then to the University of Ghana, Legon

Marietta: What kind of genre do you do?

ShayD: I'm into Afro Dancehall

Marietta: Apart from music, is there any other thing you involve yourself in?

ShayD: I am solely into music. Aside music I own a clothing line yet to come out "Psycho Wear"

Marietta: Why the name ShayD? Any history behind the name?

ShayD: As the name says "ShayD" I just can't be predicted. You can't tell my next move

Marietta: What is it with musicians and stage names? Can’t they just use their own name?

ShayD: I believe stage name gives an artiste the unique feature they need. Also makes you easily identified. Other artistes however use their own names, example Joe mettle. Lol 😀

Marietta: What inspired you to be an artiste?

ShayD: Well, I won’t say I was inspired. It is a gift I have had since birth. I will say it is a lifestyle.

Marietta: When did you come out of the sheets as an artiste?

ShayD: I have been following music since childhood. I was a member of the choir at church.

Marietta: Is there any singer/rapper that inspires you in the world of music, or was it an ordinary person?

ShayD: Talking about idols, I have a couple of people I admire, but the inspiration was all by myself. I said to myself, I have the talent why not go out there and do your own thing. And that is where it has brought me now

Marietta: Do you write your own lyrics?

ShayD: I am my own music writer, no ghost writers whatsoever

Marietta: Now to my inquisitive question, how did you meet Trigmatic?

ShayD: I met Trig together with Ghana’s finest producer B2 during one of the studio sessions. At that time I had the song done but without Trig's verse. B2 played the song, Trig listened and liked it and just then magic made.

Marietta: Are you signed to any record label?

ShayD: I am under PsychoMovement headed by myself.

Marietta: Drop your social media handles

ShayD: 
IG: @justshayd

Twitter: @justshayd

Facebook: ShayD GH

Marietta: Give some shoutouts

ShayD: Shouts to my team Psycho Movement. Shouts to Dopenation and to everyone who supports me. I appreciate the love. It's your boy ShayD😀

Thank you very much for honouring this interview, ShayD. Get his latest music here

Also, catch up with other Marietta DeGrant Interviews by clicking on the links below

Rojayjay, the Entertainer

Khemikal, the Comedian

Rita Benyiwaa, CEO of RitaXclusives

Krizick

For more enquiries, drop a line at degrantm@yahoo.com

This Guy is Sick-Krizick

Krizick is a singer songwriter and a software developer, and

Best RnB/Pop Artist at the 2015 GUM (Ghana Underground Music) Awards.

Welcome to another Marietta DeGrant Interview. Today, we have a musician and a software designer here. I enjoy interviewing musicians (singer songwriters) because they write, and I am interested in writing. Interviewing young art people is interesting, because they go through challenges people do not know about. Growing and making it in the art industry as a young person sometimes makes you want to give up, but we learn lessons and we grow with it.

Marietta: Hello and you’re welcome to the Marietta DeGrant Blog. What does your name, Krizick mean, and where did it come from?

Krizick: It's Kriz and sick combined. The name came about one time in a studio. I got into the studio one day and the producer Fab was working on a hot beat for another act. So when I got in, all I said was, Damn! this beat is hot! So I started laying some bars as I got in. So as I was laying the bars (rap) they were all like, Damn! this guy is sick. So when I got done the act whom the beat was meant for asked my name and I said Kriz and he said Kriz you sick. So anytime they went like Kriz those bars were sick and all that. So my producer Fab was like I think you should add it to your name, so we both sat down and came out with Krizick.

Marietta: Oh really. Long history.

Krizick: Hahaha. Yeah

Marietta: Ok, so what inspired you to join the world of musicians? In order words, what inspired to be a musician?

Krizick: Been a fan of music for a very long time. I think the passion for music got the best of me. So I started creating and making my own sound

Marietta: So, when did you come out of the blankets as a musician and is your family musical?

Krizick: Way back in Senior High School; Osei Tutu Senior High School. My family is not really a musical family.

Marietta: Alright cool, but is there a famous musician that you admire who influenced you to be in the music world, or an ordinary person?

Krizick: I think both. It was Sarkodie, El, Jayso, Jay Cole, Drake and my producer Fab and my high school friend Lesley.

Marietta: Do you write your own lyrics?

Krizick: Yeah, and make my own beats too.

Marietta: Where do you get your inspiration from, in terms of writing your lyrics?

Krizick: Mostly inspired by what I hear and what I see.

Marietta: And, do you play any instruments?

Krizick: A little bit of the keyboard.

Marietta: That’s nice. Are you signed unto any record label?

Krizick: Yeah. I am working with Winning music now.

Marietta: What are you working on right now?

Krizick: I am working on some mixtape album, soon to drop.

Marietta: How did it feel like to win best RnB/Pop Artist at the 2015 Ghana Underground Music Awards?

Krizick: It was awesome at least you know people appreciate and love what you doing. It was a great moment for me

Marietta: Yeah, I know right. Even nominations show that people love and appreciate what you are doing. Which do you enjoy most? Being in the studio or on stage?

Krizick: I think I love and enjoy the studio more... you get different vibes and all that but I enjoy and love my fans too

Marietta: I see. How do you handle mistakes during a performance?

Krizick: I always try to give my all when so where there are hitches I re-organise myself and make it happen.

Marietta: That’s smart. Have you personally experience any beef, or competitive nonsense? What is your opinion on them then?

Krizick: Not really, I think it's not healthy for our industry as this old saying goes together we stand, divided we fall. We need that togetherness love to move forward.

Marietta: I like that. But I heard you are a software developer too. Tell me about it.

Krizick: Yeah... I used to fancy how computers and applications works. So I was all in finding how to connect the dots that landing me into learning how to code.

Marietta: Do you think your knowledge in ICT also helps in creating beats, ‘cause your beats are so sick.

Krizick: Yeah I think so. My knowledge in ICT influences most of the things I do.

Marietta: How do you balance your growing music career, with other obligations-school, internship, social life?

Krizick: It's quiet hectic but I try my best to put music on the low whiles in school and music full time on vacations. When I say music on the low, in the sense of, not being in the studios or recording new material.

Marietta: Give us a day in the life of Krizick. We want to know whether your life is boring, or glamourous.

Krizick: I’m the indoor type, so mostly on my laptop either working on an application as in programming or making beats or writing down lyrics. I like to get some me-time at the studio so I mostly go to the studio late at night work through the night then come back in the morning. Apart from that I’m home.

Marietta: Hey, I’m curious. When writing down the lyrics, do you use pen and notebook, or you are the digital type?

Krizick: I'm the digital type. I don't want to be searching for my songs book and can't find it so I keep it digital as in anywhere where I am I can have access to it and I can write and update it anytime.

Marietta: Oh wow. This is my first time of meeting someone who likes to go digital in terms of writing. I am usually the cute notebook and pen type. Hahaha. But let’s talk about the music business. How do you feel about the internet in the music business?

Krizick: It’s been great as in helping musicians share their works globally.

Marietta: Ok. Give us one reason why a lady shouldn’t date a musician.

Krizick: Being a musician is one hell of a hectic job sleepless nights in studio and not mostly around. So if you are a jealous type I would advise you not to.

Marietta: Jealous people should not date musicians. I thought, you wouldn’t answer that. What are some of the challenges you face in the music industry of new discoveries. We sometimes think, you have no problems. Everything goes on smoothly for you guys, but are there any challenges?

Krizick: Being a new act itself is challenging. It's hard to get DJ's to play your songs, getting people to buy into your ideas, even people to support you is sometimes a problem. Mainstream acts will check your song they will tell you it is dope but will never link up or connect you.

Marietta: I guess it’s a dog-eat-dog music world. Any shout outs?

Krizick: Yeah to DJ Germinae, Yaww Views, Ekow all the fans, family and supporters. God bless them all and to you too for having me...I appreciate it

Marietta: Thank you. How can fans stalk you and access your music?

Krizick: They can follow me on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

You can access his music here, here or here

For more enquiries about the interviews I conduct, send an email to degrantm@yahoo.com or head over to my contact page.

Other interviews on the blog

Khemikal

Rojayajay, the Entertainer

Rita Benyiwaa

Fun Randomness with Rojayjay