The Farmers Day edition of MTN Music Festival, organized in partnership with Slip Entertainment, was indeed a successful show as thousands of the patrons relished the moment.
Held at the Accra International Conference Centre on December 6, 2019, the event which paraded Kuami Eugene, KiDi, Rex Omar, Samini, Amakye Dede, the Kyekyeku Band, among others as performers, celebrated and expressed the cultural heritage of the Ghanaian through music.
The 4-hour show was punctuated with spectacular events which mesmerized the audience. Here are five of them!
1. The underrated Ashaiman comedian
Patrons were eager to watch the performances of artistes billed for the night and the least they expected was the introduction of an ‘unknown’ comedian. Yeah! It was evident in the manner a section of the audience reacted when host of the event, Mercury Quaye, announced that Ranzy, a standup comedian from Ashaiman, was next to perform. Unlike other acts who were given a cheerful welcome, absolute silence greeted Ranzy but that was not enough to discourage the man in white.
‘Innocent’ Ranzy was witty. He made virtually every patron laugh with his hilarious jokes, including one which suggested Stonebwoy is the biggest ‘fearo’. He acted how the dancehall artiste responded to death prophecies with various songs. What’s more? Ranzy demonstrated how Ghanaian sports commentators cause heart attacks and how God will ask Angel Gabriel whether he indeed created Patapaa.
At the end of his 15-minute performance, Ranzy won hearts. He left the stage amid resounding applause.
2. Andy Dosty and the ‘old’ hiplife musicians
Their introduction on stage completely changed the atmosphere. Loud joyous voices were heard as patrons readied to reminisce the hiplife days.
The curtain was raised by T-Blaze, one of the rappers who ‘ruled’ back in the day with hit songs like ‘Wo Sisi Ye Wo Ya’, ‘Feeling No Ye Deep’ and ‘Secretary’; followed by Exdoe as he performed ‘Maba’ – a song rated by many industry folks as one of the best and hottest diss tracks in the history of Ghana’s music industry.
Prince Bright of Bukbak fame, known for his unique voice texture and rap skills was next. Unlike T-Blaze and Exdoe, Bright performed two songs – ‘Chingilingi’ and ‘I’m Going To Come’.
Although their time on stage was relatively short, the trio who appeared as surprise acts did not disappoint. Aside the energy they injected into their craft, the ‘hiplifers’ engaged the audience amid cheers.
Before their performances, Hitz FM’s Andy Dosty held the audience spellbound with his mixes and soothing voice.
3. Michy turns Usain Bolt
Singer, entrepreneur and baby mama of Shatta Wale, Diamond Michelle Gbagonah, known in showbiz circles as Michy hurriedly left the stage with amusement when host of the show asked her about the father of her son.
Michy, a surprise act on the night, performed ‘Low Tempo, a song she recorded with Shatta Wale when they were happily together. In the absence of the dancehall artiste, the host joined Michy as a hypeman while she performed in a yellow outfit.
Midway through her performance, interactions began. At the behest of the host, the audience cheered Shatta Wale’s signature but Michy refused to do same. Instead of ‘Paah paah paah’, she responded ‘kiii kiii kiii’ and laughed out loud.
“Thank you very much Michy for joining us. How is Shatta Wale,” asked the host – a question Michy refused to answer.
What was more interesting was the fact that she looked around like someone seeking refuge after being given a hot chase and left the stage.
4. Samini’s recognition of veterans
Midway through his performance, Samini doffed his hat to musicians he grew up listening to who were seated in the auditorium.
The reggae/dancehall musician recognising the contributions of the musicians – Prince Bright of Bukbak fame, T-Blaze, Kwaisey P, Exdoe - performed bits of their songs using the Reggae Fest Riddim amid cheers from patrons.
“Before I continue, I see some legends in the place. Big up yourselves. People we saw on TV before we started doing music,” said Samini.
Amazed by the gesture, the musicians, beaming with smiles, danced to the performance.
5. Amakye Dede performs to almost empty auditorium
Highlife legend, Amakye Dede was the last musician to perform on the night after Kuami Eugene, Kidi, Rex Omar and Samini had taken their turns. Despite being relatively old, he was full of energy. Unfortunately, many patrons after a heated and engaging performance from Samini started exiting the auditorium and one could do a headcount of those who stayed through to the end of the show.
Although the numbers were not encouraging and people continued to leave while Amakye Dede was on stage, the veteran was clearly unperturbed. He performed for close to an hour.
Prince Bright of Bukbak fame performing at MTN Music Festival