Stonebwoy and Shatta Wale made history with “Asaase Sound Clash”, a powerful message sent to the world with Dancehall made in Ghana

Before I even get into the details of this historic event, kindly permit me to doff my heart to Asaase Radio 99.5fm for picking Reggae and Dancehall to highlight this campaign against COVID-19! There are several other (indigenous, or even other global) genres they could have looked at and drive this campaign of crushing the deadly pandemic, COVID-19, but they choose to turn to the Reggae/Dancehall community and use 2 of our MAJOR ACTS — Stonebwoy and Shatta Wale — to project it.

Yes, one would say both artistes have done this before (10 years ago) but then again, you’d unquestionably agree with me that it has NEVER happened on this level of engagement (from anticipation to corporate appeal, music tourism, African Renaissance cum other socio-economic values linked with it). Who knew Dancehall Music could keep ‘very high’ members of society such as CEOs/Staff of corporate companies, Big Business Tycoons as well as other top international artistes seated and awake till almost 2:00am?

Last night’s event will go down in history as the biggest night in the history of Ghanaian Dancehall Music with regards to the multiple facets of Sound System Culture.

I could read the perpetual perplex from the many faves of the audience seated in the auditorium when DJ Seani B and Root Eye announced that both artistes would be clashing each other with 40 hit songs apart — the bemusement on some of the faces thought both acts wouldn’t produce that but I think that was the easiest route for Stonebwoy and Shatta Wale who have long been churning out back to back hits since the early 2000s. Though Shatta Wale got into mainstream spotlight before Stonebwoy, both arguably have dozens of hit records from their music knapsack. The 90 minutes set looked like a 5-minutes set with the power packed performances and showmanship from both Dancehall heavyweights on the night with each defending their turfs, respectively — “Bhim Nation” (Stonebwoy’s) and Shatta Movement (Shatta Wale’s).

The Show of Fashion:
Their sense of fashion was one that highlighted the Dancehall culture which cropped from pop culture.

Stonebwoy’s Outfit — a fully clad khaki suit with a blessing of befitting jewelry matching his clean ‘badman’ white sneakers projected the message of peace and Africanness (his expensive African necklace). His appearance also represented the Roots (Foundation of the genre, not just Dancehall but Reggae, which he finely defended with back to back hits from the twin genre). His pop-styled dreadlocks looking like Rapper Lil Wayne on a Grammy stage fitted the concept after he took off the gas mask he stomped the stage with.

Shatta Wale’s Outfit — Full Black!!! Shatta has been an iconic figure who has projected the African/Black image throughout his arguably 20 decades’ career and still counting. Whether planned or not, he also brought a white sneaker game to the table with his 3-striped ‘Kingship’ Shatta Movement/Reign Album socks which was visible to the cameras. He has been a very vocal and boldly astounding gentleman who always preached wealth and riches from his music (lyrics) to dress code and interviews/live videos. All these was evident in the expensive 4 watches he wore for the stage. Oh, he actually came with a plate of meal. Another strategy to show off before an opponent (in this case Stonebwoy) that he could still make a meal for himself before him during a Sound Clash.

Both acts represented well at the occasion with their respective fans with flags, souvenirs and other paraphernalia to accentuate what they defend and the glitz that come with living in stardom at that level of musicianship!

Music & Arts Tourism:
Last night’s show was a major highlight for the African continent to boost music tourism. While many would think it was just an occasion for Dancehall music, it rather opened the doors for foreigners to get acquainted and cognate with the African music culture where both Shatta Wale and Stonebwoy infused the Highlife, Hiplife and Afrobeats genres into their craft — a thing probably will be difficult or totally new for a Jamaican/Caribbeans to do. This in a very powerful way introduced the world and beyond to the African sound which has become very popular and on the ascendancy on the global stage with huge streams and highlights for African artistes. This also means that when the borders open, a lot more socio-economic values through the power of music will be strengthened and built for Ghana and Africa with an influx of music and arts lovers who would visit Ghana to experience these things live and direct from the motherland. Hotels, Airports/Transport System, Cuisines, Media Platforms and all other connect enterprises and sectors to the music game will see a good boost.

Aside Shatta Wale and Stonebwoy, another very key component of the show which we need to appreciate and highlight is the set by our very own Poet cum Spoken Word Artiste, Nana Asaase. Doesn’t even this make it the best fit for Asaase Radio to pick Nana Asaase as the lead poet for this historic night? I bet you’re having a crescent smile by now picturing all that he brought on stage with the local traditional drums and rich tradition of our Kente cloth and other local designs spotted by him and the dancers as well as the drummers who complemented his set. How did Asaase Radio 99.5fm connect all these dots seamlessly? A lot of credits need to be given not just the organizers but the production crew too for their immense coordination and strategic plots. Having two of our most (arguably) powerful music icons on the same Stage with their mammoth following definitely is a Herculean task but the production team on “Asaase Sound Clash” made it look so easy and enviable for any other media house or event organizer to emulate!

Security:
Prior to the event, many were the naysayers who predicted all kinds of mishap for the show but it’s quite satisfactory and even more warming to know that there were no casualties or ill-incidents recorded at the event. Not even a single one!!! From the main entrance into the hotel compound, security was top notch and well-knotted! Aside security, the observation of COVID-19 protocols was a thing we need to applaud as well. Everyone at the event came with their face masks and made sure they observed the COVID-19 protocols. From the ushers to security was a very smooth coordination without anyone overrunning each other. Sanitizers were even more visible than water bottles at the event. Ushers were quick to sanitize everyone at various parts of the hotel and everyone seemed comfortable.

Sorry, I won’t skip the meals! Many folks I’ve seen took more than a plate at the venue. Yes, that’s what happens when the food is delicious, finger licking meals — both local and continental was served — not to talk of the expensive drinks that came to every table set for the event free of charge. From local drinks to exotic drinks, all was made free for all. Asaase Radio has raised the bar for other Ghanaian show organizers! Not to demean other event organizers but this is a MAJOR FACELIFT and a blueprint for other Ghanaian Event Organizers to look at and learn from. I’m just happy all these is happening with Reggae and Dancehall because for a long time that there’s been doubts and reported skirmishes, we have been given the platform to prove ourselves. The bigger news was even after the show no eerie incidents among fans was recorded.

The Undercards Set:
This set was another amazing spotlight that needs to talked about! The gender balance equation came in where MzVee was made to take a lead for the show, with the “Ladies’ First” policy. She serenaded fans both at venue and online with her hits back to back, performing features she had with both headlining artistes — Stonebwoy and Shatta Wale within her set. Another symbol of unity and peace accentuated.

Ras Kuuku and Kamelyeon — this dey was the best teaser we could have for the night before the main show down. Both had a jolly time with their ‘mini clash’ and fans enjoyed their back to back call with “chune fi chune”. It was rather unfortunate the energetic and bubbly performance from both ended short where Ras Kuuku was reported to have dislocated his arm and had to be rushed to the hospital for treatment. Latest information I’ve picked up from Ras Kuuku’s Manager suggested he’s feeling better but still would need some medical attention. But deep down their hearts they feel very excited about their set and how it was going for them (until the mishap). I’ve written quite a verbose one so I wouldn’t want to detail everything. You can get on Asaase Radio 99.5fm Facebook official page to watch the show in case you missed. The above is just my highlights of last night’s HISTORIC event. I personally look forward to similar and MORE of such so it can give opportunity to other Ghanaian Reggae/Dancehall artistes because we have a huge number of them who can equally do the same. Thank You again, Asaase Radio 99.5fm and all sponsors who made this materialize!

(Story: Elorm Beenie)

HERE ARE SOME MORE IMAGES FROM THE EVENT. PHOTO CREDITS to Rob Photography Ghana & Manuel Photography Ghana: