Despite
being unable to fill the Accra International Conference Centre to
capacity as they have done repeatedly in the past even with larger
venues, the organizers of ‘Ghana Meets Naija’, Empire Entertainment,
surprisingly gave the audience their money’s worth as the musicians
together with selected DJs demonstrated the musical chemistry between
Ghana and Nigeria yesterday in Accra. A selection of chart topping
musicians from both nations
graced the stage and the fans responded with loud cheers and excitement.
The 2019 edition of the ‘Ghana Meets Naija’ concert; a concert that celebrates the musical compatibility between Ghana and Nigeria, was earlier criticized for its choice of artistes for the event. Critics described the line up as ‘weak’ hence predicted a very poor turn out and even a possible flop of the event. Also, with the absence of the two most talked about artistes in Ghana currently; ‘Shatta Wale’ and ‘Stonebwoy’, many thought the show would have a Luke warm reception from the audience. But, to the amazement of many, the event went rather well with the likes of DJ Vyrusky providing hot mixes that kept the audience cheering on their feet.
There
were other memorable moments of fun like when Ghanaian Reggae artiste
‘Ras Kuuku’ brought some energy as he performed his hit songs and made
the audience laugh with his controversial campaign for the legalization
of marijuana in Ghana. Ghanaian duo ‘Keche’ proved that out of sight
does not mean out of memory as they took the audience through memory
lane of their hits like ‘diabetes’ and ‘slow motion’ and the audience
responded with cheers and a standing ovation. There was an appreciable
variety of music at the event as always and this time both inspirational
and Highlife music were well represented as
Highlife
prodigy ‘Bless’ showed that authentic Highlife music is still enjoyed
as he got the audience singing and even politician John Boadu rocking in
his seat to the tune. Preye Odede from Nigeria took the audience to
church as they performed their hit single ‘Ebezina’.
Some of the musicians took the opportunity to promote their unreleased singles during the night. Both ‘Kelvynboy’ and ‘Dadie Opanka’ after a very applaudable performances announced their new singles and gave their audience brief listening moments before exiting the stage. “This is a new one. I don’t expect you to sing along; just listen”, Kelvynboy said before he began to sing the song.
Like last year’s edition, this year’s ‘Ghana Meets Naija’ also had some surprises that excited the audience. It was a blast from the past with Ghanaian rappers ‘Kwaw Kese’ and ‘Edem’.
But the show could not be completed without Nigerian new sensation and B.E.T 2019 nominee ‘Teni’ who effortlessly delivered very admirable vocals on her hit songs at the event enticing both her Nigerian and Ghanaian fans to sing along.
The ultimate icing on the cake was Afropop and Hip Hop duo ‘R2Bees’ as they performed a string of their hit songs which lit up the auditorium. There were other commendable performances from ‘Medikal’, ‘Fameye’, ‘Pataapa’, ‘Creamy’, ‘Wade Cole’, ‘Kwamina MP’, ”Lil Shaker & Kojo Cue’, ‘Akoo Nana’ and more.
‘Ghana Meets Naija’ is the only event across West Africa the celebrates music from Ghana and Nigeria by creatively pairing musicians from both nations to perform on the same stage with the sole purpose of uniting both cultures. It is an initiative of Empire Entertainment; a Ghanaian owned company.
By Jerry Wonder
