UTV’s United Showbiz; A Great Show on the Verge of Losing it’s Mojo – DerrickManny Writes

Ghana’s entertainment industry woke up to the birth of undoubtedly one of the best entertainment shows on television, a few years ago.

Some great showbiz personalities have featured on the show, making news headlines, creating content, setting agenda, as well as educating the public.

The likes of self-acclaimed Africa Dancehall king Shatta Wale, Stonebwoy, Bulldog, A Plus, Arnold Asamoah Baido, Togoe Sisters, Pat Thomas, Gifty Adoye, Fameye, Rose Adjei , Afia Schwarzeneger, Abeiku Santa just mention few, have graced the show with spectacular performances and insightful analysis.

All these contributed to placing the show at the number one spot as far as entertainment shows on TV in Ghana are concerned.

Beautiful actress Nana Ama Mcbrown, with her vast experience in the entertainment industry proved that she was capable of hosting the show.

As animated, confident and articulate as she is, she was mostly on point with her sense of humour, posture, gestures and interactions.

With such qualities carried out by a host, people stayed glued to their sets anytime she was on.

However, as KODA rightly put in his song ‘Nsem Pii’, “things are not the same any more.” Things are falling apart and if care is not taken, the centre can definitely not hold.

Last year, Nana Ama McBrown was absent from the show for some time when she travelled outside the country for medical care.

Abeiku Aggrey Santana, the host of Okay FM drive time show ‘Ekwanso dwoodwoo’ and ‘Atuu’ on UTV sat in for her during the period.

His versatility did not match with the show and for once I think he’s more of a radio gem than television.

Many people were not satisfied with his performance.

THE BEGINNING OF A LIMPING LEGACY

This year, Nana Ama has not been on the show. It is not clear where she is and what is amiss but there have been a number of people sitting in for her as hosts of ‘United Showbiz.’

The ‘celebrity hosts’ concept has generated a lot of arguments and controversies as to whether the management/producers know the harm they are causing to the show. The likes of gospel artist Empress Gifty; actress Fella Makafui; actor cum politician, John Dumelo; actress Yvonne Nelson; among others have all been on the show as hosts.

Many people have raised concerns about the the random changes of hosts, and this is really driving viewers away from the show.

A show which was well structured, planned and had all the thumbs up of Ghanaians now records low viewership.

The show is now boring! It is losing its fire and must be rescued as soon as possible.

Until Nana Ama returns, a better host should be chosen for the job.

I came in peace, not in pieces.