When the Nigeria Movie Industry (NOLLYWOOD) took over the Ghanaian entertainment space, it took the likes of Agya Koo, Nana Ama McBrown, Mercy Asiedu, Bill Asamoah, Akrobeto, Martha Joyce Arthur, Portia Asare, Bernard Adusi Poku, Naana Hayford, etc, I mean KUMAWOOD Stars to save the face of the Ghana Movie Industry. With timeless movies like Kumasi Yonko, Asoreba, Nsem Pii, Wo Nyame Som Mpo Ni, Kumase Fie, Ntetie Pa, etc.
Not forgetting veteran actors like Grace Omarboe, Kwaku Twumasi, Grace Nortey, Mary Afriyie Forson, Rose Mensah, Maame Jane, Judas, etc. Some stars who are no longer with us; Samuel Owusu Ansah, Katawere, King Aboagye Brenya, and Santo stood through their toils to see the movie industry survive.
It was later that this Accra Movie Production started. Even some of these Accra-based actors like Nadia Buari at a point shot KUMAWOOD movies we all saw her. In one movie she acted as a prostitute and her father was Agya Koo. Later when the movie ‘Beyonce’ blew up the Accra Movie Production to the African movie market, some of these Accra Movie producers, actors, and actresses started disrespecting the Kumasi Movie Industry.
It must be noted that, at the time there was nothing like KUMAWOOD. The name was strictly GHALLYWOOD both English and Twi speaking movie industry. It was after the disrespect, sideline, and selectivity the Kumasi Movie Actors, Actresses, and producers faced during programs and projects. Particularly during the Ghana Movies Awards night, it was worse. Awards mu selectivity ne favouritism ɛsɛ wo ani.
It was this disrespect and discourtesy that compelled the Kumasi Movie Production to pull away from GHALLYWOOD and come out with their own signature name KUMAWOOD. They established their own awards scheme called the ‘KUMAWOOD Akoben Movie Awards’. And the rest they say is history……
As for the disrespect it has been there from ‘some’ of these Accra actors and actresses toward the Kumasi Movie crew. Sadly, the disrespect doesn’t come from the Ghallywood actors and actresses who have earned their names, made some good money, and played lead roles in popular and celebrated movies oo. It is always the struggling actors, those who play 2nd and 3rd class supporting roles, those who are noted as sexual objects in movies, and those who are still renting in Accra are the ones known to be doing that. It didn’t start now but one thing they can’t fathom is how we are able to do it.
Now your Ghallywood movies have collapsed Kumawood is still strong taken a different dimension in the mainstream media. Oheneyere Mercy Asiedu has taken over Adom TV, Matilda Asare has taken over UTV, and Onua TV and co are all showing Kumawood series every afternoon and evening. Kumawood stars have taken over Akwaaba Magic & Akwaaba Magic Abusua channels on DsTV. They have built their own film villages and doing what you couldn’t do.
Even today, the Nigerian movies they all so desire to be like have taken turns. Now most of the popular and latest movies were done in their local languages with English subtitles. In some cases 70% local language 30% English, and in other cases 100% local language. Eg; Anikulapo, Lionheart, A Tribe Called Judah, King of Boys, Battle on Buka Street, etc.
For decades, KUMAWOOD has maintained our local language yet shot great movies of all time. Movies you don’t feel shy when watching with your kids. Movies you will get great advice after watching, movies that teach about our culture and tradition, teach married couples to be careful in their marriages as well as singles to be prudent in their relationships, teach the young to respect the elderly, and the elderly to be responsible. Counsel us about good parenthood, and a whole lot.
Despite all the disrespect, these Kumawood stars are the most sought after by companies and media stations as brand ambassadors and TV hosts. Apart from Asante dehyie Jackie Appiah, tell us one single Ghallywood star who is currently a major face in the Ghanaian entertainment and mainstream media like Nana Ama McBrown, Akrobeto, Dr Likee, Lil Win, Agya Koo, Vivian Jill, etc.
Long Live KUMAWOOD
