We set off on Friday on one of the scariest journeys I have embarked on in my entire life on earth. We were six in number riding on motorbikes to Navrongo; one of the fun loving towns in the Upper East region.
Although scared, I was full of joy for one thing run through my mind as I sat on the motor as a pillion rider; I want to be part of the history of entertainment in the Upper East region.
At exactly 9:00pm, we made it to Navrongo, the Municipality was calm with a few individuals pacing the streets. After five minutes ride we made our way to the Mayaga Hotel which was booked for the “Taking Over” show.
Although the venue was set for the show, there were no signs the people of Navrongo were willing to part ways with ten Ghana cedis to support their artistes grow their art. Thoughts running through my mind by then was, are these not the same people always yearning for “STARS” from this part of the country.
We Know Them So Why Should We Pay To Come Watch Them
Been surprised at the turn of events and the fact that people were outside the gate but refused to part ways with ten Ghana cedis to support their artistes, I questioned a lady friend I met at the venue and to my surprise she retorted “ah but we know these guys, they are always seen in town on the motors riding up and down and looking hungry on the streets of Navrongo so why should we pay to come and watch them?” I was shocked a 21st century youth haboured such a mentality but hey, I could begrudge her because branding is a necessary key in the showbiz industry but hasn’t been taken seriously by artistes in the Upper East region.
The Organisers of the show did a poor work hence the low turnout
Apart from the fact that they are known faces, some blamed organizers of the show for doing a poor job with publicity. Some patrons I spoke to were hearing the show for the first time but made it to the venue because some friends pulled them there. Asaga Pharuz, a friend on Social media told me “They did a poor work; they did not hype the show very well so no one knows about this show. I heard of it when you said you were coming to Navrongo on Facebook. It is a shame and I think they will run at a serious loss. They could have registered huge numbers but they did not hype this thing”.
When Forgetti saved the day
As of twelve midnight, the show had not started but Dj Phatbone billed for MC duties on the day saved the face of the show after he organized series of dance battles to keep the few people who had entered on their toes and active so they do not leave like other people had left.
Shatta Wale’s ‘Forgetti’ came in handy as people present danced their hearts out to the tune.
Performances
There were several performances from artistes signed onto the ‘Free Your Mind’ record label. From T-Roll who came to bore the crowd with his poor stage craft to Aphaska who got the few people who attended the show up on their feet dancing, performances on the day was on the average good but lacked the quality that could get an artiste out to the world beyond the confines of Mayaga hotel.
Indiscipline, smoking
For the few who attended the how, the security of the venue was nothing to write home about. There was no presence of Security and patrons stood the risk of been subjected to manhandling at the hands of any lunatic who decided to. The stage was left open that any members of the patrons were allowed entry onto the stage. One shocking observation about the event was the rate at which the youth smoked marijuana. I was amazed to see SHS girls smoking their hearts out all in the name to seek public approval from their friends
