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WAWDA – Introducing Professional Dog Training to West Africa

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A trained Canine is an asset. It is a means to enhancing different operations wherever humans find themselves. However, to ensure your canine gives its best, one must learn from the very experienced trainers around the world. WAWDA is making this easy for all canine professionals in the West African sub-Region.

Kim Hechler - Lead trainer for WAWDA CAMP
Kim Hechler – Lead trainer for WAWDA CAMP

About WAWDA Trainers, Helpers, and Performance Judges Camp

The WAWDA Trainers, Helpers, and Performance Judges Camp is a 14-day transformative training program designed to enhance the skills of trainers, helpers, and judges in the canine field. The camp is led by internationally renowned trainer, breeder, and judge Kim Hechler, a Vice-World Champion of IGP with over 35 years of expertise. Participants will benefit from a comprehensive curriculum blending foundational knowledge with advanced skills in canine performance and service work.

Kim Hechler 1
Kim Hechler 1

Key Details

  • Dates: February 25 – March 11, 2025
  • Venue: Aburi Botanical Gardens, Ghana
  •  Lead Trainer: Kim Hechler
  •  Target Audience: Trainers, helpers, judges, and organizations with canine units
  •  Modules: 7 comprehensive modules designed for all experience levels

Modules Overview

  • Module 1: Introduction to Cynology and Canine Behaviour (2 Days)
  • Understanding canine evolution, anatomy, and behaviour.
  • Recognizing working breeds and their suitability.
  • Module 2: Foundational Training and Obedience Development (3 Days)
  • Positive reinforcement techniques and managing problem behaviours.
  • Establishing basic commands such as sit, stay, and recall.
  • Module 3: Intermediate Skills for Service Dog Tasks (3 Days)
  • Training for task-specific skills like retrieval and alerts.
  • Introduction to scent work and focus building.
  • Module 4: Specialized Training for High-Performance Dogs (3 Days)
  • Advanced scent detection and protection work.
  • Preparing dogs for real-world, high-pressure environments.
  • Module 5: Handler-Helper Collaboration and Communication (2 Days)
  • Enhancing teamwork between handlers and helpers.
  • Practical collaborative exercises and role alignment.
  • Module 6: Performance Judging and Evaluation (2 Days)
  • FCI/IGP standards for scoring and feedback.
  • Mock trials to practice evaluating canine performance.
  • Module 7: Final Integration and Certification (2 Days)
  • Full-scale trial simulations and certification evaluations.
  • Collaborative reflections and certificate presentations.

Benefits of Attending

  • Learn from a globally recognized expert, Kim Hechler.
    • Engage in interactive training sessions and personalized feedback.
    •  Enhance collaboration between trainers, helpers, and judges.
    •  Expand your professional network in the canine training and security industry.
    •  Earn a certification that validates your expertise and enhances credibility.

Pricing

The WAWDA camp offers flexible pricing to encourage participation:

  • 1 Module: GHS 3,500 | NGN 353,500 | XOF 143,500.
  • 3 Modules: GHS 2,300 per module (GHS 6,900 total) | NGN 232,300 per module (NGN 696,900 total) | XOF 94,300 per module (XOF 282,900 total).
  • 7 Modules: GHS 1,800 per module (GHS 11,600 total) | NGN 181,800 per module (NGN 1,272,600 total) | XOF 73,800 per module (XOF 516,600 total).

Special Offers:

  • Early Bird Discount: 10% off for registrations by February 7, 2025.
  • Group Discount: 5% off for groups of 3 or more participants.

Venue Details

The serene Aburi Botanical Gardens in Ghana offers a tranquil environment perfect for focused training and collaboration.

Contact Information:

For inquiries and registration, please contact:
+233 547 531 934
+233 242 313 385

Importance of Training Canines

Keeping a trained dog goes beyond making you day enjoyable, it actually improves the dog’s well-being and safety. Training fosters a positive and healthy relationship between the dog and its owner. It also contributes positively to the wider community. From being a friend, dogs can be the eye and ears of the blind and deaf respectively. They can also be the protector of the family.

Credit---UK9-Security - Ghana

Remember, JUST DON’T QUIT.

Isolirium Entertainment’s Breakthrough: Dr Pushkin and Ataman Nikita

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Isolirium Entertainment features B-Wayne

Defying Odds

Isolirium Entertainment has continuously promoted and pushed music brands under the label. Through all legitimate means, the record label has ensured Dr Pushkin’s music has travelled worldwide from online platforms and TV channels to live performances at the SXSW festival. The label remains committed to promoting its artists. When it eventually unveiled the amazing vocalist Ataman Nikita, there was no wane in ensuring his music and brand thrived. This article is a story of how much and far Isolirium Entertainment has gone to bring you two of the finest musical acts of now, Dr Pushkin and Ataman Nikita.

Rising from the Grave.

Imagine being buried alive to create compelling visuals for a music video. That is precisely what Dr Pushkin endured on the set of Empty Grave featuring B-Wayne. While B-Wayne played the first Black Angel from Bolgatanga, Dr Pushkin bore the brunt associated with the heat in the dirt of the savanna. This was how the hit song “Empty Grave” became the people’s choice music video.

In a spirited display of showmanship, Rapper Dr Pushkin has teamed up with a young Director in the Northern Region for a visually stimulating music video. Exuding an Afro-oriented biopic of hatred and a classic display of “enemies within”, the Director uses a relatable storyline to advance the message of the smashing hit song Empty Grave. The song, which features the enigmatic Afro-Pop trapper B-Wayne, goes beyond the thought-revealing lyrics to scenes of trust, betrayal, and caution.

Timtooni, the Director of “Empty Grave”, aims to tell a story, be creative, and stay within an African setting. In his brief on the concept behind Empty Grave, he described the visuals as “a deeply symbolic exploration of betrayal, redemption, and the resilience of legacy.”

Dr Pushkin in branded Isolirium Entertainment Shirt and Timtooni
Dr Pushkin in branded Isolirium Entertainment Shirt and Timtooni

Below is an extract from the Director’s brief.

“The narrative draws inspiration from timeless archetypes and stories. Echoes of Judas’ betrayal at the Last Supper and Jesus’ resurrection weave through the story, as do parallels to Odysseus’ journey to reclaim his home and legacy. These references inform the story’s emotional weight but remain subtle, inviting viewers to reflect on the human struggle for justice, redemption, and triumph over adversity.

At its core, the video also speaks to a powerful metaphor: how detractors, naysayers, and the pressures of life often attempt to bury our dreams. When people seek to silence you or dim your shine, they are essentially trying to bury your potential, vision, and unique voice. The more we succumb to these influences, the more we risk creating a “Graveyard of Dreams.” But this video is also a testament to hope—no matter how deeply our dreams may seem buried, there is always potential for resurrection and redemption. It’s a call to resist the world’s external pressures and reclaim the brilliance and purpose within us.” … Junaid Timtooni Yakubu

Promoting Empty Grave

Isolirium Entertainment premiered the music video on the 26th of December 2024. The visuals became an impressive complementing factor to a song already gaining traction in Ghana and worldwide. Having stayed on the Top 10 Videos from Ghana YouTube for weeks, Empty Grave found its way onto multiple TV channels in Ghana, Brazil, Sweden, and several countries. Many who have seen the video on TV or heard it on the radio will acknowledge the heavy rotation of the song and music video.

While typing this, Empty Grave’s numbers across digital platforms kept surging, indicating that this impressive body of art has an infinite peak. Empty Grave is that song and video that reaches all senses in this precarious world of relationships.

Empty Grave was released under Isolirium Entertainment. The label has left imprints on music lovers’ minds in the past year. From releasing top-charting songs and apt collaborations to stellar music videos, the record label continues to carve a unique path with consistency.

Isolirium Entertain 2024

Going into 2024, the two prominent artists on Isolirium Entertainment, Dr Pushkin and Ataman Nikita, appeared poised to wow music lovers. Thus, at every point in the year, there was a new song to jam with. Characteristic of eclectic creatives, song after song proved worth the hype.

Starting with “No Heroes” by Dr Pushkin and Lyrical Joe, Isolirium Entertainment was the force for 2024. Following that, with an infectious and innovative fusion of Afro Pop and Kologo Music, “No Go Go” by Dr Pushkin featuring Ataman Nikita and Kojo Cue was unleashed.

Next up was the monstrous exhibition of talent in “Just Watch” by Dr Pushkin, which featured CJ Biggerman, one of Ghana’s finest rappers. In all of it, the countdown to Ataman Nikita’s first single was eminent, but before that, “Empty Grave”, which has become a people’s favourite, was released. Next up was a remix of the very inspirational song “Winning”. It originally was a Dr Pushkin featuring Quata Budukusu song; however, American rapper Wyldthang jumped on a remix that gave a different perspective to the music.

Suffice it to say that Isolirium Entertainment went into the year to win. Then came a return to the roots, i.e., Dr Pushkin journeyed to Kumasi, where he remains a legend. This journey birthed another classic featuring Ataman Nikita and Strongman. The song “Still Here” came with accompanying visuals shot in Kumasi. Ataman Nikita’s role in this song would be the precursor to his first single, “Enigma”. Enigma revealed Ataman’s stature as an unmatched vocalist; it served as a taste of what the public was to expect from this fantastic Bolga-based singer.

After Ataman Nikita featured Dr Pushkin on his first single, Enigma, he dropped a love ballad to celebrate his wife – titled “Beauty Queen”. The serenading song drew massive attention as RnB has not been explored as a genre; with his sultry voice, ataman Nikita had revived a relatively obscure genre from within Ghana.

While Isolirium Entertainment was promoting the above, Dr Pushkin recruited Gingsen and King Ayisoba for “No Easy”, a fusion of Hip-Hop and Kologo. The standout factor for this song was the stature of all three artists. Each brought a uniqueness from their respective stables to the music.

As we inched closer to 2025, Dr Pushkin released a primary thought-provoking song, Questions II. The song is a sequel to Questions, which was released some years ago. The new song, however, sort of questions the human psyche and births a new perspective for 2025. That could have been the wrap for Isolirium Entertainment; however, Dr Pushkin and Ataman Nikita had more to give.

Just before the year ended, Dr. Pushkin featured Aphee and Azkonna on “Free?”, a song highlighting the true definition of freedom by asking whether we are indeed free.

To finally wrap up the year 2024 and usher in a grand 2025, Dr Pushkin and Ataman Nikita dropped a song titled “My Time”. My time is more of an affirmation of the greatness about to be unleashed musically in 2025.

Isolirium Entertainment‘s grand entry into 2025.

True to it, 2025 opened with Ataman Nikita featuring B-Wayne in a song that dared B-Wayne to sing over an RnB instrumentation; in the process, a piece of musical magic was birthed in “Never Falling”.

2025 has already started with “Never Falling” by Ataman Nikita ft. B-Wayne. Dr. Pushkin is readying a banger for release. Empty Grave is adorning major TV networks around the world. Isolirium Entertainment is set to drop three albums. More music to feed the soul this year doesn’t get better than this.  

Dr Pushkin is getting ready for another massive performance at the SXSW Festival in March 2025. Meanwhile, Isolirium Entertainment is set to make major announcements on the upcoming albums of both acts.

Dr Pushkin
Dr Pushkin

Kologo Fusion Genre Outdoored By Dr Pushkin, Ko-Jo Cue and Ataman Nikita with “No Go Go”

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Is Kologo Fusion here to stay?

 No Go Go by Dr. Pushkin, Ko-Jo Cue, Ataman Nikita (isolirium.com)

The talk about who wins a Grammy from Ghana has been a subject of debate for a long time. However, very little attention has been paid to the ingenious music being made by musicians without the A-list or Mainstream Tag. Artists like Wiyaala, Atongo Zimba, Worlasi, and others who stand out for their ingenuity are never considered potential winners. However, with the release of No Go Go! by Dr Pushkin ft. Ko-Jo Cue and Ataman Nikita, one may be tempted to ask, “What will it take to win a Grammy as a Ghanaian artist?”. Is it just attempting to fit into popular genres or using established genres as a footing to create imaginative, artful, and inventive music?

No Go Go (Dr. Pushkin, Ko-Jo Cue, Ataman Nikita) – LYRIC VIDEO (youtube.com)

Ordinarily, most artists would be clamoring at the successful fusion of sounds that has the potential to birth a new genre or direction. However, when two talented creatives meet, the satisfaction is in bringing art and impact to the fore; such is the case of this masterpiece of a song. No No Go! It thrives on rhythmic percussion backed by the pleasing, incessant sound of the Kologo. In what Dr Pushkin calls “Kologo Fusion”, the genre is not just another attempt at creating something new but a conscious fusion of indigenous sound and musical instruments in popular music genres, offering a refreshing listenership to fans and music lovers.

Despite being a fun song, No Go Go is art-in-protest; the lyrics are a resounding reminder of the need to stand firm against the systematic failures of leadership. Time and again, Ghanaians have suffered instances where politicians use state institutions to shut up people who speak against the system’s wrongs. However, No Go Go! is a reminder to the powers that be about the relentlessness of the people despite the oppressive antics. It is a reminder that the people will match and protest till the wrongs become right.

Who else to recruit for such an experimental sound but Ko-Jo Cue? Kojo Amankwah Cue, better known as Ko-Jo Cue, has proven to be an amazing lyricist, storyteller, and voice for the voiceless. While he doesn’t pick up a megaphone to chant impactful messages, his music has always contained a full dose of serving as a person. It, therefore, came as no surprise when Dr Pushkin chose to collaborate with him on creating a beautiful song set to be the anthem for protests in Ghana and beyond. For a rapper whose album “For My Brothers” contains so much about life, he is well-experienced in life to put that to a beat.

Ataman Nikita, a brother to Dr Pushkin, also brought on his melodious voice to No Go Go with hooks and a chorus, giving the song a flawless transition from one point to another. His impressive vocals combined with the rap performances by Dr Pushkin and Ko-Jo Cue over the beautiful Kologo Fusion instrumental by AzkonnaBeatz has birthed No Go Go, a new sound capable of putting Ghana at the top of ingenious music production.

What is Kologo Fusion?

Kologo is the popular 2-string guitar found mostly amongst the Gurune-speaking ethnic groups of the Upper East Region. It has become a symbol of what truly exudes the musical culture of that particular ethnic group. Kologo has also been the instrument behind successful and ingenious artists like Atongo Zimba, King Ayisoba, Stevo Atambire and several traditional musicians from the Bolga area who are conquering the world with the unique sound of the Kologo.

Kologo Fusion is a blend of the Kologo musical instrumental and popular music genres. While rap has likely been fused with Kologo for decades, the current modern iteration of Kologo Fusion can likely be traced to Soorebia’s “2 Strings” – a track produced by AzkonnaBeatz and featuring rapper Akan. Artists Wanlov The Kubolor and Stevo Atambire have also contributed immensely through their collective “Alostmen” and their unique brand of Kologo Rap. No Go Go! is the first of Dr. Pushkin’s Kologo Fusion song, and we can expect several more to appear on the album, including one with Stevo Atambire.

No Go Go by Dr. Pushkin, Ko-Jo Cue, Ataman Nikita (isolirium.com)

Dr. Pushkin features Lyrical Joe in “No Heroes” ahead of 2 Album Duology

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“Ain’t Nobody saving anybody!” – this is a profound statement from “No Heroes” by Dr Pushkin.

Through experiences at SXSW 2023, OFF GRID, and North2South 2023 Dr Pushkin has met many artists and interacted with lots of different people. With his first release of 2024, Dr. Pushkin is confirming that he will continue to use Rap as a tool for socio-conscious messaging. 

After an event-filled 2023, the ever-thriving enigma, Dr Pushkin, has released a heart-throbbing “audio-graphic” song titled No Heroes featuring VGMA 2022 Rapper of the Year Lyrical Joe. The two artists, whose prowess includes being great lyricists, have stirred the hornet’s nest by claiming something contrary to the norm. 

Performed over a hard Hip Hop beat produced by Phredxter, “No Heroes” is an empowering song that seeks to prompt people on self-belief by drawing from within. The notion that people must look up to “Heroes” and expect saving while emulating the so-called heroes has stopped many from reaching their full potential. In an imperfect world, we must aspire to grow by acknowledging our weaknesses. 

Dr. Pushkin sums it up by saying, “This is your world – once you take control!”

No Heroes is coincidentally the title of Dr. Pushkin’s 1st album of 2024. He will follow that up with another album titled “No Miracles” – with the Duology telling a single related story. The two titles represent an entire worldview; they also restate the impact of rap on community activism and the fact that rap music is a voice for many and a medium for education. While the former highlights the power of self, the latter highlights the power of “getting it done”. In Dr. Pushkin’s own words, “We get it done by doing, not speaking”.

The two albums are a result of thoughts and interactions; from reading books, to meeting people, and reflecting on the views of others. Having performed at the SXSW event in Austin, Texas, in 2023 and also staged three musical events in Ghana, Dr Pushkin has decided to unleash a barrage of music collaborations. Both albums will feature both solo songs alongside a spicy dose of awe-inspiring collaborations. 

Dr. Pushkin is set to feature a tall list of artists from the USA, Indonesia, South Africa and Ghana. It is a repertoire filled with impressive talent from across the globe. Each artist on the album represents a unique culture of self, skill, and reach, making the collaborations artistic, effective, and timely. 

The first feature is Lyrical Joe on No Heroes. This will be followed by features including Kojo Cue, Strongman, CJ Biggerman, Eno Barony, AzkonnaBeatz, TeriWiizi, Alaptawan, B-Wayne, Kwadjo SPiRi, Muphasah, JaHWi, Gingsen, Quata Budukusu, Jahbone MP, and Stevo Atimbire (among other surprise names yet to be announced!) – all fellow Ghanaian artists. On the International front, Dr. Pushkin features Tuantigabelas and Yacko – two of the illest rappers from Indonesia, 3pleB from South Africa and Americans AZA and Aggie. Ever present is Dr. Pushkin’s brother Ataman Nikita. 

The album includes beat productions by Phredxter, Peewezel, Paul Azunre, Nikita Tolkachev and AzkonnaBeatz.

If you loved Dr. Pushkin in 2023, prepare for a new level unlocked in 2024.

Music is indeed work work work, and Dr Pushkin is proving to own a seat at the table of men with an impressive work ethic. 

2024 is definitely the year Dr. Pushkin’s label Isolirium Entertainment fully unveils his intention to stay and dominate.

“No Heroes” is the first of many collaborations that will wow fans and music lovers this year. 

No Heroes is available on all streaming platforms via the link below:

https://music.isolirium.com/noheroes

Dr Pushkin takes the North2South Event to America on December 3rd inside Volstead Lounge, Austin, Texas.

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Having staged 2 Successful Music events in Accra & Bolgatanga, Texas, Ghanaian Rapper Dr Pushkin has dared to test the waters in the US. Under the North2South Experience franchise, the event seeks to bring Ghanaian artists in the Austin, Texas, Area and their American Counterparts to the same stage. The event will occur inside the Volstead Lounge in Austin on December 3rd, 2023, from 7:30 PM. While admitting a dichotomy between the North and South divide worldwide, the musicians billed to perform each represent the North or South of their respective nations. The idea is to foster a creative unity to help defy the economic disparity often associated with the North and South divide.

(32) North2South – Episode 1 – YouTube

Dubbed North2South Experience – Austin, the event is a collaboration between Isolirium Entertainment and Underground Voices Live, an independent creative platform in Austin – Texas, dedicated to giving new and upcoming artists a voice. 

North2South Experience: Austin is a Hip Hop and Afrobeats Festival featuring incredible performances by Dr Pushkin, Koo Kusi, and Quata Budukusu, representing Ghana. Aggie, Ative, SpaceGoonz, The Boy, and WyldThang will represent America. The venue opens at 7:30 PM.

If you are in the Austin – Texas, area and want to be at this event, click the link below.

North2South Austin Experience in Austin at Hotel Vegas & The Volstead Lounge (do512.com)

What is the North2South Experience?

The concept was born of a desire to see Ghanaian artists have a tour opportunity with several stops that could span the entire country. Considering how polarized the Ghanaian Entertainment Industry is, a deliberate attempt to draw artists from the North and South of Ghana for a Nationwide Tour became necessary. With the above in hindsight, Dr Pushkin, who has been promoting his Outlandish Album, took the absence of an initiative like North2South Experience to initiate the same. Doing so through his Isolirium Entertainment Record Label, the rapper who doubles as an Artificial Intelligence prodigy has not only marketed his music but has created an opportunity for others.

The First two events under the North2South Experience franchise came off in Accra at the Alliance Francaise and in Bolgatanga at Jocom Golden Hotel. Both events saw an array of artists drawn from the North of Ghana and the South of Ghana. All artists on the bill proved worth the spotlight as they took turns mesmerizing fans who graced the events. Despite being a self-sponsored initiative, Isolirium Entertainment ensured stellar logistics characterized the event to give patrons quality output through sound, stage, and lighting.

The success of both shows has informed Isolirium Entertainment of the need to inject further ingenuity into future editions. Thus, subsequent editions will see an increase in venues and the creation of a Festival that would bring the North & South together through Art and entertainment.

Dr Pushkin is an SXSW 2023 Alumnus named an “Essential SXSW 2023 Act” by the Austin Chronicle. He first shot into prominence with his genre-bending conscious Trap tune “Questions” – the song highlighted the deficiency society suffers through a leadership that makes bad choices for the people.

(32) “Questions” by Dr. Pushkin (feat. Dane) – YouTube

North2South Experience, Austin, is the first event powered by Isolirium Entertainment outside Ghana.

Check a short documentary about the North2South Events in Ghana below.

North2South – Episode 1 – YouTube

Nsromamusic’s Sophomore Album Ready to be Unleashed.

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NsromaMusic, known for her exceptional talent and powerful vocals, is ready to captivate audiences once again with her highly anticipated sophomore album, “Nsroma – the Star Project”. This album holds significant importance as it marks her return to the music scene after a decade since her first release, “Reign of Grace”. Fans have been eagerly awaiting new music from NsromaMusic, and this album promises to showcase her growth and maturity as an artist.

The album boasts a diverse range of songs that highlight NsromaMusic’s versatility and songwriting skills. Tracks such as “Only You”, “A Note from God” featuring Akesse Brempong, and “Reason” featuring MOGmusic are expected to be fan favorites. Each song on the album has been meticulously crafted to deliver a unique and impactful listening experience.

One aspect that sets this album apart is the high-class production quality. Most of the songs have been produced by Francis Osei, a renowned producer known for his ability to bring out the best in artists. The combination of NsromaMusic’s raw talent and Francis Osei’s expertise ensures that each track on the album is a masterpiece in its own right.

“Nsroma – the Star Project” is undoubtedly a must-listen for gospel music enthusiasts and fans of NsromaMusic. Her soulful voice, heartfelt lyrics, and impeccable delivery make this album a standout in the genre. Whether you are seeking inspiration, solace, or simply a musical experience that transcends boundaries, this album has it all. Two other tracks to look out for on the album are Always there, which is the title track and Jubilee. These are songs any music lover should hear.

As the release date approaches, excitement continues to build among fans. An executive Listening Session and a release concert are planned to celebrate the launch of this highly anticipated album. NsromaMusic’s return is set to make a significant impact on the gospel music industry, and “Nsroma – the Star Project” is poised to solidify her position as one of the industry’s leading voices.

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