LAURIE NAA LAMLE LAWSON CROWNED MISS MALAIKA 2007
It was pomp and pageantry at the National Theater last week Saturday when a bevy of beautiful ladies strode majestically on stage to highlight astounding physical and mental qualities to determine who takes away the enviable crown of Miss Malaika 2007. At the end of the grilling and thrilling sections, without an iota of doubt from the audience, Laurie Naa Lamle Lawson a 20-year-old second year medical student of the premier University of Ghana was flamboyantly crowned "Miss Malaika 2007".
Wearing an infectious smile with a soft and decent ABL wax apparel covering her lithe body, amidst thunderous applause from the teeming well- behaved audience, Laurie was decorated with the golden crowned by her predecessor. Hamamat Milicent Owusu a 21-year- old student from the University of Ghana who wants to be a flight attendant in future was adjudged the first runner-up (first queen) and Akosua Sasu who aspires to be a Journalist took the second runner- up.(second queen).
Undoubtedly the Miss Malaika 2007 was a keen contest and it brought out the best from all the contestants. Their performance on stage right from the onset to the end was exhilarating and educative. The show itself started very well with all contestants coming on stage as they introduce themselves and delivered brief messages, strut their stuff in beachwear and kaba and slit as well as show off their talent. I can confidently say the talent segment was the favorite of the audience. And I might confess the girls really did very well with their various performances.
From dancing, poetry recitals, advertising, creating public awareness, politics, etc. But one performance that scored high point for me was the one by Helena. She imitates the late Luke Dube. Helena came on stage dressed in a camouflage trousers with a soldier boot to match, spotting a Rastafarian hairclass, performed two of his tracks, did the reggae movement so meticulously and in the middle of her performance gun shots from nowhere hit her and slowly she went on the ground dead, as two Angels came and carried the 'dead' body off the stage. Her performance emanated standing ovation amidst clapping.
It was not unexpected she comfortably picked the "Miss Talented" prize of two million cedis cash which was presented to her by the Deputy Minster for Tourism & Diasporan Relations, Hon. Kofi Ameyaw. After scoring 8 votes from her colleagues, Chantelle was awarded "Miss Congeniality". She took home two million cedi. Her presentation was done by the Minster for Tourism & Diaspora Relations, Hon Stephen Asamoah Boateng.
After the awards the number of contestants was cut down to five. And they were: Barbara, Akosua, Millicent, Laurie and Helena. The five were later asked questions randomly picked from a basket which was set by the judges. At the end of this session they were reduced to three namely: Laurie, Millicent and Akosua.
Coming one after the other to answer the same question from Jessica, who was sitting in a sofa leather chair, Akosua was first to come followed by Laurie and Millicent. At the end, the judges with one voice from the audience, the MC declared Laurie Naa Lamle Lawson winner of Miss Maliaka 2007 and the cheers from the auditorium was deafening. For her prize, Laurie drove home a Kia Cerato (donated by Rana Motors), cash prize of 20 million cedis cash, a fun trip to South Africa courtesy South Africa Airways, Miss Malaika Crown plus gold signet Jewellery set from Asanska Jewellery amongst a host other mouth watering prizes.
She will also represent Ghana at the Miss Malaika International event as well as work as an Ambassador with the National Malaria Control Board. The packed audience were treated to musical performance from Five five, who were in their funky element, Becca as usual putting up a great act with 'Mr. Smooth Voice', Kwabena Kwabena, the sensational duo Irene and Jane (and I must confess I didn't hear a word of the song they did) nevertheless I say big up to 'Shakira' Irene and Jane and to your dancers.
But the man of the night was Kofi B performing together with K.K.Fosu. The guys rock the house turning the whole auditorium into a 'highlife paradise'. (But the other guy who joined Kofi B and KK on stage, what was he doing? He was just shouting "Yeah, yeah" into the microphone or is that also part of the song? )
Undoubtedly I think Miss Malaika 2007 was a great experience, I believe the audience had their monies worth and the judges were certain with their verdict. I say kudos to Charterhouse and commendation also goes to the sponsors for their tremendous effort in making the contest a success.
This year's Miss Maliaka 2007 was proudly sponsored by MTN and supported by Rana Motors, Uniique Trust, Lux, GTV, BO 16, ABC Wax, South Africa Airways, Allure Beauty Palace, Simbins Furniture, and Forever Easy. The show was successfully emceed by Jessica Opare- Saforo and Chris Attoh.
By: NiiAmar Amarteifio, (samarteifio@yahoo.com)