AMD launches XConnect, partners with Intel, Razer to drive desktop gaming on laptops

When it comes to gaming, laptop owners have always been stuck between a rock and a hard place. Thin and light systems often portability and convenience, but limited gaming performance. Larger, desktop-replacement systems offer more than enough firepower for gaming, but are typically heavy and fall into the category of “transportable” rather than portable.
The handful of external chassis that have been built by various vendors tend to have their own limitations and often require a reboot when changing the graphics mode, or don’t support laptop hibernation. They’re also typically tied to either a specific product family or even a single product SKU.
AMD wants to offer mobile gamers a more flexible option, and it’s partnered with Razer and Intel to make it possible. XConnect is the name of AMD’s driver support and implementation using Thunderbolt external graphics.
AMD wrote drivers for its own Radeon GPUs in order to support an external graphics chassis. Radeon cards running Radeon Software 16.2.2 or later are capable of plug-and-play configuration with an external chassis. The new software can monitor which applications are running on an external GPU and offers the option to close current applications and prep the system for safe removal. Unlike previous solutions, you can connect or disconnect an external dock without rebooting the system.
Credit: Extreme Tech

I will form a political party soon – John Dumelo

Popular Ghanaian Actor, John Dumelo has hinted that he will form a political party soon.
He made this revelation when commenting on the recent controversy that has arisen from his open campaign for President John Dramani Mahama.
John Dumelo has been in the news for openly campaigning for President John Dramani Mahama at Hohoe in the Volta Region after he participated in a health walk organized by NDC dubbed, ‘Walk for JM’.
He also made headlines when he disclosed that he has a presidential ambition. This has led to rumours that he may seek to contest on the ticket of the NDC in some years to come.
However, he told Adom News’ Araba Aggrey that he would love to form his own political party in future.
“I will love to have my own political party…,” and I will prefer to name it after Adom FM,” he added jokingly.
He also explained that his presidential bid is a long ambition contrary to claims by some critics that he may be contesting anytime soon.
“It is true that I said that I want to be president but it will not be latest than 2032, but even with that I still thinking about it”, the award-winning actor noted.

Credit: Adom Online

Stonebwoy needs psychological help - Socrate Sarfo

CEO of Movie Africa, Socrate Safo has advised BET award-winner, Stonebwoy to just let go of his past and focus more on his music.

According to Socrate Safo, there is this pain in his heart which can go a long way to bring him down when he doesn’t let it go.

He said, “I think Stonebwoy needs help. He needs counselling. I saw him perform at a concert, and I can feel this pain in his heart more or less how people have treated him in the past. Psychologically it can bring him down, he needs to just forget about it, he just have to forget about the mockery he has been through and more in the past.

He continued, “He is a good performer but if he doesn’t let go of the pain in his heart, it can bring him down. He should just be focused and let the pain go”.

Stonebwoy over the weekend revealed that he has gone to do knee replacement to enable him walk fully in the next three months, and is billed to perform in US this Saturday.

Credit: bigtriceonline

Anita Erskine verses world

In her CNN African Voices feature over the weekend, Anita exhibited her bold, beautiful, mightily articulate and extremely confident personality, as she described how desperately she wants to use her career in Broadcasting to influence the way people see Africa in its entirety.
The interview is still trending, with people celebrating her distinct articulation!

Given that this lady is 100% Ghanaian, it was definitely a moment of pride for Ghana. Having spent more than a decade honing her skill and her craft in Television hosting and adding radio to her portfolio a year ago through Starr FM, it may not be so surprising that Erskine’s brand as an African Broadcaster and Media Professional is increasingly becoming recognized!
‘I’m extremely humbled by how many people urge me on at every turn. I adopted what I call the ‘Ant Strategy’ to grow my brand and build little by little, as consistently as possible. It’s has not been easy but I have tried never to let my focus waver even in the toughest of times. I’m grateful for the journey so far. Every day is a new day to start another part of the journey. I am honored’.

Anita is known to touch projects that take her to the next level of her professional journey and desire to inspire – Making of a Mogul, The One Show, Discovery +233 to name a few. You may recall her win last year at Viasat 1’s Jigwe Awards. She picked up the KpaKpaKpa Award which was designed to poke fun at Anita’s multi faceted approach to business.
Anita Erskine Media is her multi media content production company she launched on International Womens’ Day, through her first effort Sheroes of Our Time.
‘Sheroes of our Time by Lux, is my way of getting Women to hear, see or read about themselves. This way, they will know that the world appreciates their efforts and respects their journey. At the same time, I want the next generation of women to know that it is not easy. But it’s extremely possible to realize their dreams!’

The television aspect of the campaign started airing on Viasat 1 last night in celebration of International Women’s Day. If you find Anita’s social media handle and that of her esteemed partners, Lux, Airtel, Viasat 1 and Starrfm, you will read the stories of African Women making a mark on their societies. The radio leg of Sheroes will air on Starr FM and it’s affiliates.

Anita Erskine’s brand is synonymous with pure authentic, African power. Her voice is undoubtedly a strong tool, using it to nurture dreams and aspirations across the continent. For most, it is her smile that gives off the notion that ‘everything will be alright!’
‘The Broadcasting and general communications landscape is broad and CAN be tough. Running a multitude of projects simultaneously is extremely challenging – financially and physically! But you can never allow a challenge to cripple you. It’s actually fuel injection! This is the more reason you need to work at it!’ says Erskine.

The way things are going and her acute grasp of strategy, we are beginning to suspect that Erskine may soon be seen and heard from the staples of an International network, much like the late Komla Dumor. Fingers crossed. That would be another proud moment for Ghana.

Credit: NYDJ Live

Holding anger is poison – Nadia Buari

Nadia Buari took to her Instagram page to offer her fans a noteworthy counsel.

In the same post, she shared a photo of her new look wearing a grey t-shirt with a mass of curls sitting atop her head.

She sported a fuchsia lipstick, nude eyeshadow and a black eyeliner as she stared at the camera.

She wrote, ‘Holding anger is poison. It eats u from inside. We might think that hating is a weapon that attacks the person who harmed us.. But no, hatred is a *Curved Blade*. And the harm we do, we do to ourselves!.’

Credit:  Ghana Vibes

Juliet Ibrahim bags another big Ambassadorial deal

A few days after her 30th birthday, top Ghanaian actress, Juliet Ibrahim has been appointed an ambassador for international energy drink, Cintron.
The ‘Shattered Romance’ star will be joining American-Senegalese act Akon as the first African ambassador.
In 2013, Cintron was the official sponsor of Juliet Ibrahim’s premiere of her movie, ‘The Number One Fan’ which held at the National Theatre in Ghana.
Both camps have since maintained a cordial relationship leading to the new endorsement deal.
 
Credit: thenet.ng

 

Yaw Siki rejects Sonnie Badu’s financial assistance

Hiplife artiste, now Evangelist Yaw Siki, may be in need but he has politely turned down an offer made by UK-based Ghanaian gospel musician, Sonnie Badu, to assist him financially.
The ‘Wo Pe Dodo’ singer said his rejection of the benevolence was because Sonnie Badu rather chose to make his kind gesture public rather than contact him privately.
Quoting scriptures to support his decision, Yaw Siki told Graphic Showbiz in an interview that it was dishonourable for people to make their good deeds known to others just for human praise.
“I’m not saying that it was his intention to get praises for the intended act but it wasn’t right to make it known to everyone.
I know that life hasn’t been easy since I gave my life to Christ but the truth is that, I just had to reject my senior brother’s offer,” he said backing his position with Mathew 6:1-4 in the Bible.
“That isn’t to say that I don’t appreciate it but of what good is a blessing when you make your good deeds public for human praise.
“If he truly wanted to assist, he could have contacted me first without making it public. I’m not in support of that because my Christian beliefs are against that so upon careful consideration, I had to turn down the offer,” he said.
Now an evangelist, Yaw Siki makes a living from offertory he receives after preaching in commercial buses and other places in the Tema Metropolis, as well as support from his family.

The young rapper gave his life to Christ after he escaped a near fatal accident on the Tema Motorway in 2013, a divine escape he attributes to the work of God who gave him a second chance to live and to use him as an instrument of His salvation.
“What I am doing now isn’t new to me at all. I was born and raised as a Christian with strict Christian values but I made the material things of this world more important to me than my salvation. I must say that I was lost but like the prodigal son, I’m back home now because God has given me a second chance,” he told Showbiz.
Yaw Siki, who first shot to fame in 2011 with his popular Wo Pe Dodo song, was noted for his risqué lyrics, a period the evangelist described as “the dark moments” of his life.
From his high-flying days as a secular musician during which time he enjoyed a huge following, Yaw Siki lives a relatively lonely life with fewer followers since becoming a born-again Christian, admitting he knows his new lifestyle would not appeal to all.
Narrating his experience after the motor accident, Yaw Siki, real name, Isaac Okai said the unfortunate incident left him bed-ridden for months and almost helpless.
“I couldn't take my bath for three months, I had to be assisted to do such things. It was a very unpleasant time for me. I coiled into my shell and reflected on what life had to offer me and how I had used my youthful days to champion the devil’s kingdom rather than that of God.
Since giving his life to Christ, Yaw has released songs such as Thank You, Ohene and Medi Wo Akyi. Unfortunately, the songs did not get attention as his secular songs did but that, he said, was not much of a problem to him now since God has directed him to abandon music and concentrate on evangelism.
“I have tasted both worlds and I know there is nothing good in what I was doing previously. I pray my brothers and sisters find out the truth and follow the right path,” he added.
Credit: Graphic Online

My son could have been 'Abraham Attah' if ... - Bandex

Entertainment critic Ahmed Banda, popularly known as Bandex, has described Abraham Attah’s recent ascendancy in his acting career as a dream come true for the young actor.
According to Bandex, who is father of Ghana’s exceptional child actor Rahim Banda, Abraham Attah deserves the role he played as ‘Agu’ in the award winning movie ‘Beasts of No Nation’ since his son, was the one to have been chosen but due to his fair-coloured skin he was not featured in the award winning movie.
Speaking with Kojo Preko Dankwa on Kasapa Entertainment on Kasapa 102.3FM Saturday, the Movie cum music producer asserted that sixteen year old (16) Rahim Banda was the only young actor who was auditioned twice and on the eve of the auditioning at TV3 premises, Abraham Attah was absent.
Bandex noted that though Abraham’s success is phenomenal, journalists or media critics should be circumspect in their reportage to save the 16-year-old actor’s career.
When asked if he (Bandex) agrees to the clamour by the public for Abraham Attah’s relocation to the US, the Entertainment Pundit said, “Yes Abraham should relocate to the US but should be trained to be versatile since movies like Beasts of No Nation comes once in a while with good story line and good directing.”
In an answer to Attah’s recent comment that he will not feature in ‘Local’ movies, Bandex said, Beasts of No Nation is a local movie as compared to other Hollywood movies, adding that it is a low budgeted film.

Ahuofe Patri shows of gorgeous mother

Fast rising Ghanaian actress Priscilla Opoku Agyeman popularly known as Ahuofe Patri has showed off her beautiful mother.

Ahuofe's mother is celebrating birthday today Wednesday, March 9 and she has taken to social media to celebrate the number one woman in her life as she described her as "My love, My best friend, My sister My mother "

The "Boys Kasa" actress shared photos of her and her mother in all white, obviously celebrating the gift of life and her mother's birthday.

She wished her mother a happy birthday.

"My life may not be a fairytale but I am a princess because you are my Mummy! Happy birthday to the Queen of my life ".

Pappy Kojo escapes death in motor accident

Hip-hop artiste, Pappy Kojo escaped death after he was involved in a motor accident on his way from Asabaako Music and Art Festival in the Western region.

Confirming the news to the media, Ameyaw Debrah, manager of the artiste said the accident occurred on Tuesday.

“A car from nowhere hit his from behind while they were coming from a show held at Asabaako in the Western region. He had a small cut on the head but has been given treatment… He was not the one driving; his road manager was. They are all fine,” he said.
Credit: Abrantepa

Eight killed in Limpopo bus accident identified

Polokwane - Eight of the 10 people killed when a bus overturned on the R528 in Magoebaskloof in Limpopo have been identified, police said on Wednesday.
The victims included 12-year-old Foster Sebila from Phalaborwa and 44-year-old Rebecca Paulina Pilusa and her 11-month-old baby Motheane Monyela, Colonel Ronel Otto said.
The other five were: Molatelo Rebecca Pilusa, 60, and Enos Mahlolane Shai, 35, both from Phalaborwa; Modjadji Kwathisu Mashimbyi, 63, Janet Matlala Rapetswa, 53, and Mbanzina Midlovu, 42, all from Giyani.
Two victims were not yet identified, said Otto.
On Sunday, the Limpopo department of transport said the bus was on its way to Phalaborwa from Moria when the accident happened.
The Zionist Christian Church has pilgrimages to what is known as the Zion City of Moria.
Dozens of people were injured in the accident.
The transport department said 50 people were reported to be injured, while ER24 paramedics said 60. They were taken to hospitals in Tzaneen and Nkua.
The cause of the accident was not known.

Credit: Genevieve Quintal, News24

Kwaw Kese explains why he named latest album, “Forever”

Fante rapper, Kwaw Kese has stated that his latest and sixth album, “Forever” is dedicated to his late manager, Fennec Okyere.
Kwaw Kese in an interview on Hitz FM’s Daybreak Hitz, Wednesday, said he decided to name the album ‘Forever’ because he believes the legacy of Fennec, who was his friend and manager for a long time, will live forever.
“The album has songs we did from 2012 to date. We selected twenty from the lot for the fans. The album is the biggest album to come out of Ghana for a long time. It’s historic. I chose ‘Forever’ because I feel we have been in the game for a long time and that means we are not quitting. Also, the album is dedicated to my late manager, Fennec Okyere which means Fennec’s legacy will live forever,” he told host, KMJ.
It would be recalled that Kwaw Kese in an interview with Graphic Showbiz indicated that he was still grappling with the loss and was having an emotional difficulty over a decision to replace the late Fennec, who was his manager for a long time.
“I want to use this opportunity to emphasise that, I have not replaced Fennec Okyere. He is irreplaceable; neither do I have plans of getting a permanent manager now. I am still mourning my brother and friend. When I make up my mind on which path to take, I will let my fans know, but right now, I am not looking or scouting for a manager,” he had said.
Fennec Okyere, was found dead at his Manet Gardens residence on March 13, 2014. Reports suggest that he was stabbed by some unknown assailant(s).
The album signing comes off on March 12 at Silverbird Cinema Foyer, Weija at 11am.
Credit: Hitz news

Kwaku Manu names new baby after Prophet Kobi

Celebrated Kumawood actor, Kwaku Manu, whose wife gave birth to bouncing baby boy last week, has exclusively disclosed to the media that he will be naming the child after his trusted prophet Leader and Founder of Glorious Waves Church International Prophet Emmanuel Badu Kobi.
According to Kwaku Manu, his decision actually confirms the saying that "one attracts whatever he or she respects" --- because, he has always been saying that he will name his child after the prophet.
"I've been hearing of him but I've not had any close encounter with him until recently. I'm proud to disclose that I will name my son after him. I've also told my wife about it. "
The 'I'm Love You' comic actor also added that he will be meeting the said prophet soon to make his intentions officially welcomed by the prophet.
Asked if his wife did not raise any objection when he told her about his decision, he said the wife gladly welcomed his decision as the head of the family. "She agreed based on the reason I gave her. I have 4 kids now -- 2 boys, 2 girls. I'm done."

Full list of winners, Africa Magic Vewers Choice Awads 2016

The AMVCA is appreciated by the continent’s biggest players. Organizers maintain the scheme will endeavour to cultivate and inspire new talent within the various Pan African industries through its development programme. Content and technical Master Classes took place prior to the awards.

Ghana’s Patrick Asante of House of Eccentric lost out on the award for Best Costume Design for the Juliet-Asante-directed ‘Silverrain’ while Nana Mensah also lost in the Best Actress (Comedy) category. Juliet Asante missed out on winning the Best Movie in West Africa as well as the overall Best Movie award, which went to Stephanie Linus’ ‘Dry’.

Ghana’s nominated duo of Majid Michel and Van Vicker in the Best Actor (Drama) were beaten to it by Daniel K. Daniel for the movie ‘A Soldier’s Story’.

This year’s ceremony was hosted by South African beauty Minenhle Dlamini and IK Osakioduwa.

FULL LIST OF WINNERS HERE
Best Art Director – Frank Raja Arase for “The Refugees”
Best TV Series – Ariyike Oladipo for “Daddy’s Girls”
Best Makeup Artist– Louiza Calore for “Ayanda”
Best Short Film – Oluseyi Amuwa for “A Day With Death”
Best Writer – Trish Malone for “Ayanda”
Best Lighting – Stanley Ohikuare for “Common Man”
Best Cinematography – Paul Michaelson for “Tell Me Sweet Something”
Best Sound Editor – Marquez Jose Guillermo for “Dry”
Best Picture Editor – Shirley Frimpong-Manso for “Rebecca”
Best Costume Design – Uche Nancy for “Dry”
Best Local Language (Swahili) – Single Mtambalike for “Kitendawali”
Best Local Language (Hausa) – Salisu Balarabe for “Dadin Kowa”
Best Local Language (Yoruba) – Abiodun Jomoh & Jumoke Odetola for “Binta Ofege”
Best Local Language (Igbo) – Paul Igwe for “Usekwu Igbo”
Best Documentary – Remi Vaughan Richards for “Faaji Agba”
Best Supporting Actor – Sambassa Nseribe for “A Soldier’s Story”
Best Supporting Actress – Tunbosun Aiyedehin “Before 30”
Best Actor (Comedy) – Folarin Falz Falana for “Jenifa’s Diary”
Best Actress (Comedy) – Funke Akindele for “Jenifa’s Diary”
2016 AMVCA Trailblazer – Kemi Lala Akindoju
2016 AMVCA Industry Merit Awards – Bukky Ajayi & Sadiq Daba
Best Movie (Southern Africa) – “Lilongwe” by Joyce Mhango Chavula
Best Movie (Eastern Africa) – “Mapenzi” by Elizabeth Michael
Best Movie (Western Africa) – “Road To Yesterday” by Chinny Onwugbenu, Genevieve Nnaji & Chichi Nwoko
Best Actress (Drama) – Adesua Etomi for “Falling”
Best Actor (Drama) – Daniel K. Daniel for “A Soldier’s Story”
Best Director – Akin Omotosho for “Tell Me Sweet Something”
Best Overall Movie – “Dry” by Stephanie Linus

Maria Sharapova failed drugs test at Australian Open

Former world number one Maria Sharapova has revealed she failed a drugs test at the Australian Open.
The Russian, 28, tested positive for meldonium, a substance she has been taking since 2006 for health issues.

The International Tennis Federation (ITF) said the five-time Grand Slam champion would be provisionally suspended from 12 March.
Sportswear company Nike said it was halting its relationship with her until the investigation was complete.
"I did fail the test and take full responsibility for it," said Sharapova, who won Wimbledon as a 17-year-old in 2004.
Sharapova has been the highest-earning female athlete in the world in each of the past 11 years, according to the Forbes list.
With career earnings from tennis alone amounting to almost £26m, she claimed she had taken meldonium "for the past 10 years" after being given it by "my family doctor" but had known the drug as mildronate.
"A few days ago, after I received a letter from the ITF, I found out it also has another name of meldonium, which I did not know," she said.
Sharapova's lawyer, John Haggerty, told Sports Illustrated he was hopeful the player would avoid a lengthy ban.
"We think there is a laundry list of extremely mitigating circumstances that, once taken into consideration, would result in dramatically reducing any sanction that they might want to impose on Maria," he said.

Credit: Graphic Online

Stonebwoy had a successful knee surgery in Germany

Ghanaian dancehall artiste, Stonebwoy has revealed that he has undergone a successful knee surgery.

The ‘Go Higher’ hitmaker was involved in a fatal accident several years ago which led to the death of his twin brother and him limping.

Performing at the MTN Pulse Friday, Stonebwoy said he will start walking normally in a few weeks after the successful surgery.

“You noticed for the past weeks I wasn’t in Ghana. I went to Germany to do my leg…I want to show them that I can do it but I love the way I live and I love the people I inspire.

“You see this my knee, previously it doesn’t bend but now you see it is bending. I have finished with the surgery and now I am doing physiotherapy, in the next three months I will walk normal,” he told the audience at the concert.
Credit: Starr News

Bisa Kdei wins big @ MOGO Awards 2016

He may not have entered the game too early, but he has indeed left an indelible mark on lovers of quality highlife music, and crowning his efforts with four individual awards and another for a collaborative piece, at the 2016 Music of Ghanaian Origin (MOGO) Awards, is certainly not out of place.

Out of the ten award categories, the ‘Mansa’ and Brother Brother’ hit maker, had seven nominations going into the event at the Alisa Hotel Ridge Arena on Saturday night.
On the night, he was named the MOGO Artiste of the year, his song ‘Mansa’ was named the MOGO Song of the Year, and he was named the MOGO song writer of the year, as well as the MOGO Best Male Act.
To crown it all, Obrafuor’s ‘Pimpinaa’ won the Best MOGO Collaboration which featured Bisa.
Bisa, who’s on a tour outside the country, had his Business Manager Kojo Akuffo picked the awards on his behalf.
The MOGO Awards, a Citi FM initiative and a subset of the bigger MOGO Festival, seeks to celebrate authentic Ghanaian Highlife music and also reward those whose efforts have kept the genre ablaze.
This year’s event, which was interspersed with great performances from Amakye Dede, Bessa Simons, Ebo Taylor and Bob Pinodo, also treated invited guests to a dinner dance, where there was enough to eat and drink.
The MOGO Festival started on February 29, with the 3 Nights with Music Greats series, which featured Bob Pinodo, Ebo Taylor and K.K Kabobo at the +233 Jazz and Grill Bar.
That event prepared the grounds for the main awards night at the Alisa Hotel.
Full List of Award Winners
MOGO Best Song – Bisa Kdei – Mansa
MOGO Best Song writer– Bisa Kdei MOGO
Artiste of the year – Bisa Kdei
MOGO Best Performer – Amakye Dede
MOGO Album of the year – Sarkodie
MOGO Best Female Act – Efya
MOGO Best Band/Group – Ohia be ye ya
MOGO Best Producer – Kaywa
MOGO Best Collaboration – Obrafuor/ Bisa Kdei – Pimpinaa
MOGO Male Act – Bisa Kdei
MOGO Lifetime Achievement Award – Bob Pinodo and Ebo Taylor
The MOGO Festival 2016, is powered by Citi 97.3 FM, sponsored by the National Lottery Authority and Rehoboth Properties and supported by Alisa Hotels and the +233 Jazz Bar and Grill.