Kenya, May 14 -- Ghanaian content creator and media personality Afia Schwarzenegger, whose real name is Valentina Nana Agyeiwaa, made headlines at the 26th Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA), held at the Accra International Conference Centre.
Known for her bold persona and unfiltered commentary, Schwarzenegger's appearance and actions at the event sparked widespread discussion across social media platforms.
Schwarzenegger, a prominent figure in Ghana's entertainment industry since her rise through the television series Afia Schwarzenegger, attended the TGMA red carpet in a striking outfit that divided opinions.
While some fans praised her confidence, others criticized her attire as inappropriate, fueling debates about her style and public image.
Her enthusiastic support for performances, particularly Stonebwoy's, was also noted by attendees, "Afia Schwarzenegger was all vibes, jamming to Stonebwoy at TGMA."
Beyond the event, Schwarzenegger has been vocal about challenges faced by Ghanaian creatives.
Recently, she expressed frustration over the lack of support, saying, "Ghanaians are quick to criticize but slow to uplift creatives. It's discouraging."
Her outspoken nature has kept her in the spotlight, with recent reports highlighting her personal milestones, including a generous GHC 50,000 gift from former Chief of Staff Hon. Akosua Frema Opare at her late mother's funeral, which sparked mixed reactions online.
Earlier this year, Schwarzenegger addressed rumors about her work as an Uber driver in the U.S., proudly defending her hustle.
"I'm making money and don't need to explain myself to anyone," she stated in a fiery response to critics, as reported by outlets like YEN.com.gh.
The incident underscored her resilience and ability to turn controversy into conversation.
With a career spanning television, radio, and social media, Schwarzenegger remains a polarizing yet influential figure.
Schwarzenegger found herself at the center of a high-profile scandal in September 2017 when a video allegedly showing her in a compromising situation with another man was leaked online.
The incident, which involved her estranged husband, Lawrence Abrokwah, sparked widespread controversy and legal proceedings, with repercussions still discussed in Ghana's entertainment circles.
According to reports from the time, Abrokwah recorded the 2-minute-23-second video after receiving a tip from a housemaid that Schwarzenegger was with another man in their matrimonial home.
The footage, which surfaced on social media, showed Schwarzenegger pleading with Abrokwah, who was heard threatening her with what he claimed was a bottle of acid.
The man in the video reportedly fled the scene. Schwarzenegger initially denied the video's existence but later acknowledged it, claiming she and Abrokwah were separated at the time.
Abrokwah, who was arrested and granted bail, faced charges of possessing and circulating obscene material and threatening harm.
He denied leaking the video, stating in an interview with Kofi TV, "I did record my wife, but I will never do such a thing as putting her video on social media."
He claimed to have sent copies only to Schwarzenegger, her father, and the police, insisting he still loved her and would not tarnish her reputation. Investigations into the leak's source were inconclusive, and the case faded from public view.
The scandal led to intense public debate, with some criticizing Abrokwah's actions and others questioning Schwarzenegger's conduct.
Actress Kafui Danku and other public figures condemned the leak, highlighting gender disparities in such incidents.
Schwarzenegger reported Abrokwah to the Achimota Police Station, and he appeared before the Domestic Violence Court in September 2017.
Since the incident, Schwarzenegger has rebuilt her career, hosting shows like The Breakfast Show on Schwar TV and founding the Leave2Live Foundation to support domestic violence victims.
In 2021, she revealed she had remarried, keeping her new husband's identity private, and described him as "not as lazy" as Abrokwah.
She has faced other controversies, including a 2023 contempt of court fine of GHC 60,000 and ongoing social media feuds, but remains a polarizing figure in Ghana's media landscape.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Bana Kenya.