Star Image: The Case Of Selected Ghanaian Film Stars

Star Image is what we popularly refer to as branding. I will retain star image and forgo branding. Branding has more to with products than human. Another notion that needs to be disproved in relation to Star Image is the individual star character. An actor or actress star image is different from his or her real character.

SOLOMON SAMPA

A veteran actor of impeccable pedigree, he is a blend of seriousness and humour. In the film George of the Jungle (1997) he played the role of a tour guide in the jungles of Africa. The star image he currently enjoy in Ghana is the role of a fetish priest or a priest of the gospel as in the film Letters to My Mother (2013).

PRINCE DAVID OSEI

So friendly if you happen to meet him in person. The star image associated with his style of acting is more of a playboy, and occasionally heading a gang of thugs. In the film Lost in Her Glory (2013) he portrays more of the playboy star image.

ROSE MENSAH (kYEIWAA)

For many years she was without a star image, until Danfo Ba gave her the role of a witch in Kyeiwaa. Since then her star image has been associated with witchcraft. In recent time, the emphasis has shifted in casting her as an action figure in films like Women in Black (2014), B-16 (2014)Kyeiwaa Vrs Ninja (2014) but as to if the action figure star image will stick, we are yet to see.

ADJETEY ANNAN

Also popularly known by the name Pusher from the TV series Things We Do For Love. His star image was a yoyo guy and at often times a hustler as depicted in A Sting in the Tail. I recent times Annan star image has shifted to a tough young man and at times a solemn man. In The Hunters (2013) he heads a killing squad, in Announcement (2014) acted as a priest and in Cheaters (2014) a wealthy young man.

LIL WYNE- KWAJO NKANSAH

Initially he was comical to watch, but following the role in played in DJ Lil Wyne, this brought attention to his musical traits, which he sealed it off in Azonto Ghost (2012) with his perfect Azonto dance. Although he has been featured in some action movies, his star image shines more with dance roles; take for instance his role in Azonto Sisters (2014) and Asafofro (2014).

AMANDA JISSIH

Many people will be surprise at the inclusion of Amanda Jissih as she is known more as a presenter on Ghone entertainment show. This year she has appeared in some films, Announcement (2014) and also in Atemmou (2014) starring alongside Lil Wyne and Nana Ama McBrown. The star image she is building has some angle of gossiping and a kind of sheep in wolf clothing in films.

CLARA BENSON (MAME SERWAA)

Still in school, presumably JHS, the film School Girl (2013) brought fame to her door step. Although she has played countless roles, Clara’s stage image has more to door with an action figure.  Films like Fakye (2014) Akwadaa Kyeiwaa (2014) among her current films attest to that.

AKWESI BOADI (AKROBETO)

It hard pinning down a star image for Akrobeto, he virtually fit any role assigned. A role that he is not most featured for is fetish priest. He is yet to distinguish himself in a film so much so well that a star image emerges out of that. His very current film out is See-Saw King (2014)

KAFUI DANKU

Kafui has a star image of a swindler; she likes to play games on guys. She does so well in her latest Devil in a Dress (2014) also in Letter to my Mother (2013).

I need to make one admission at the end of this article; this is just a scratch on the surface as far as analysis of star image is concern. But I hope it enough to whet your appetite if you intend to create your own star image or if you like brand yourself, Sharparrows- am out.