H4P Crew to set the National Theatre ablaze on July 16th

It is an undeniable fact that Hollywood movie producer-director-actor, Tyler Perry's brand of movies and theatre performances have given many Christians and non-Christians across the world who enjoy high quality movie productions a place of escape from the stereotypes in Hollywood.

In fact, Perry is regarded as a breath of fresh air within a highly corrupt society. He tells humorous stories that Africans and African-Americans can relate to with ease and excitement, and many who throng the theatres to watch his productions return home extremely satisfied, at least according to Box-Office figures.

Bottom-line is, his movies and drama mirror the ills within the society and presents the alternatives that work. No illusions, no exaggerations; except for the hard facts of life.

An exciting Ghanaian group H4P Crew (Here For Perfection Crew) which is focused on reaching out to Ghanaians through a similar medium of Christian melodrama is set to grace the National Theatre with an innovative genre of theatre performance that will set tongues wagging and leave the sweetest of impressions in the minds and hearts of many.

The Concert dubbed “July To Glorify Concert” or “J2G” will see the group performing in a melodrama titled “Not all Gold Glitter” which is to draw people's attention to the truism and realities of life: that the people we ignore based on their outward appearances could be the reason why certain opportunities pass us by.

In essence, giving credence to Shakespeare's aphorism in his play Macbeth that "there's no art to find the mind's construction in the face."

According to a spokesperson of the group, Elorm Mensah, "the import of Not all Gold Glitter is the fact that we tend to ignore certain things that matter to us but may not look glamorous… We can look at it as an individual or as a nation… Resources we have may not be sparkling and may not be coming in all shiny colours but they are the gold we need to invest in to benefit,” adding “respect people around you and see perfection in other people.”

Elorm Mensah says what makes this group unique, is the unique way their stories are told and interlaced with originally produced and well performed music.

“That's the beauty of H4P Crew. You have four people weaving a story and can keep you on your seat for two hours plus and you don't get bored.”

Melodrama: original music and drama

H4P Crew members flanked by spokespersons, Philip Tetteh(left) and Elorm Mensah(right).

Explaining the rationale behind the formation of the group, Elorm said, H4P Crew is out to make a difference in the world.

“We believe that there is a generation that can decide to be perfect. We have a lot of excuses why we cannot do this, we have a lot of excuses that oh this generation is corrupt. That is because that is what we are hearing out there. We are bringing a new message. We can be here for perfection. No matter who you are; no matter where you are, there is something within you that you can contribute to this world,” he said.

The alternative Christian entertainment group was established in January this year by Rev. Charles Sackey with the vision to impact the world and to set a new trend in the music industry.

The crew is made up of one gentleman and three ladies: Henry Tims Ankrah, Marilyn Martinson, Florence Kpano and Elorm Asiseh, backed by a team of instrumentalists and scriptwriters.

The only guy among the group, Henry Tim Ankrah told myjoyonline.com their quest is to attain perfection in this generation. He said as a creative group they are coached to bring out the most creative aspects of their talents.

Marilyn Martinson, one of the ladies in the group who eternally wears a smile that can soothe the most broken heart said, joining the group has brought the best out of her. She expressed her immense appreciation to the creator of the group for the opportunity.

Florence Kpano, the unassuming, seemingly shy one among the ladies says the group wants to change perceptions and bring a different form of entertainment to the Ghanaian audience. She believes the reception that they have received from Ghanaians so far is a testament to the great things to come.

Elorm Asiseh laughs loudly when she is asked to tell the tale behind how she joined the group. She says for a raw talent who did not have anything to do with showbiz before she was tapped by Rev. Sackey, she has really matured in her role and the reviews on performances so far are enough proof of what H4P is capable of doing.

Even though the group is very young, it has taken up a social responsibility to save lives through the distribution of mosquito treated nets throughout the country. Interestingly, the group funded the nets from its own resources and is therefore calling on the society to join hands with them in helping protect the human resource of the nation.

As part of the concert, the group will outdoor a song which will be used to raise funds towards the malaria eradication project.

Philip Tetteh who is also part of the PR team of H4P Crew told myjoyonline.com that performances rendered at the School of Performing Arts at the University of Ghana and the Trade Fair were received with surprising enthusiasm considering the fact that the group was new.

He said patrons should come to the National Theatre on the 16th of July to witness the artistically inspired group that is changing lives through the power of Christianity and the medium of drama. Such a combination!

Story by Derick Romeo Adogla/myjoyonline.com/Ghana