By:   JAYNE BUCKMAN-OWOO

FOR a movie to run into as many as seven parts and still running, there must be something very spectacular about it. That is the fame Kyeiwaa, a Danfo BA production is currently enjoying on the Ghanaian scene.

The movie, which hit the screens in February this year has been the talk of film enthusiasts, part after part, with the eighth part expected to be released in the next couple of weeks.

Showbiz caught up with the Producer/Writer Kafui Divenu and the lead actress Madam Akua Ataa, who now has no choice but to respond to the name Kyeiwaa wherever she goes.

Kafui, who is also an actress and aspiring Director and plays the role of Kyeiwaa’s granddaughter in the movie told Showbiz that the response has been overwhelming, “we are coming out with more because people are asking for more, they just love bit of it because they can easily relate to the story line, when I am writing I look out for angles that will make people yearn for more”

According to Kafui, the story is based on pride, riches, greed and witchcraft, issues that live with us day in and out and for which reason people can identify with. “When I started writing the story, I realized that the various themes could be elaborated so that kept us going”.

“Again, the reaction from the public always gives us various angles so we realized we could run it”, she said. Asked why they are not running the movie as series on television, Kafui said that will be a bit costly for them because they will have to buy airtime, “but if there are some companies out there who would want to come on board, our doors are open”.

Guess what? Kyeiwaa will go as far as part nine and probably beyond, this is what this reporter gathered from Kafui who says the movie is doing great and followers of the film are urging them on to’ continue.

In a chat with Madam Akua Ataa, she said her role as Kyeiwaa has made her very popular though she has been acting for some years now. She said she is given a hearty welcome wherever she goes and her fans go out of their way to do her favours.

The other side of it is that there are people who actually believe that she is a witch because of the role she plays in the series. Does this bother her?

“Not in the least because I know I am not a witch. As an actress you need to be very observant to be able to carry your roles very well, I keep my ears on the ground so I am able to gather certain characteristics of witches which enable me to bring out the Kyeiwaa character well”, she said.

She gave examples of how some witches confess during prayers and how they are generally perceived.

“One the whole I have gained more favours for playing the role so I am not at all bothered that some people actually think I am a witch besides, acting for me is by the Grace of God”, she added.

Madam Akua Ataa started her acting career with the Concert Party, she then joined Daakye, an Akan Drama Group with Ghana Television then moved on to Cantata.

“It was when I joined David Dontoh’s Edikanfo Concert Party that I started getting gigs and had the chance to play in Fresh Trouble through Waakye-(Prince Yawson). Danfo BA discovered me and started giving me roles in his productions”, she recounted.

Madam Ataa has starred in movies like Abebrese and Gyina Pintin for Danfo BA and Brenya for Movie Africa.

“Kyeiwaa is my latest and most popular movie and now everybody calls me Kyeiwaa.

Having played the lead role in a production that has ran seven parts and still counting, Ataa would not say whether the effort has reflected in her bank account. She would only smile and say “I am comfortable”.

She just loves acting and believes that the local industry will survive for a long time to come and she will always be part of the story because she intends to act for the rest of her life. Her only daughter Abena Sophia, her friends and family are all very supportive of her chosen career and she has no intention of letting them down.

Ataa expressed gratitude to Danfo BA, all Ghanaians for welcoming her wherever she goes and to all drivers for their favours.

Other faces that can be seen in Kyeiwaa are Saka Brown, Abaawa Mary, Irene Opare, Wofa Guy, Mawuli Semevor, Fred Amugi, Akyere Bruwaa and a host of others.

Kwaku Boakye, popularly known as Danfo BA is the Executive Producer of Kyeiwaa. He has in his camp other productions like Too Late, Money Makers, Sika Nti and The Cross.

Graphic Showbiz    -                 Thursday, October 25 – 31, 2007             Page: 11