Roots, Rock & Independence Day Reggae
Sylvia Arthur of What’s On Ghana magazine reviews the 2007 Independence Day music in Accra.
Ghana’s 2007 Independence Day celebrations were bought to a euphoric musical climax on 6 March when three of the country’s top musicians took to the stage to deliver a rousing two and a half hour set.
Rocky Dawuni’s Annual Independence Splash attracted an audience of thousands, many of whom made their way to the La Pleasure Beach venue straight from the official Independence Square parade. And it was clear from the outset that people were there to party!
At around 4.30pm revellers were treated to a traditional warm-up from musical collective Hewale Sounds , who played a variety of indigenous instruments that set the tone for the main performances of the night. By the time griot sensation King Ayisoba and his band mounted the stage at five o’clock things took on an altogether different flavour. Performing tracks from his current album, the multi-tonal Ayisoba delivered a frantic and energetic routine that bought the house down and had the crowd in a chanting and dancing frenzy. But it was his wildly successful track, ‘I Want to See My Father’ that really kicked off proceedings and paved the way for a politically-tinged performance from Ghana’s golden boy, Samini .
The artist formerly known as Batman has been in demand since winning a MOBO award last year for Best African Act and he didn’t disappoint his legion of fans who’d waited for hours to see him. During a highly-charged 45 minute set the reigning king of raglife delivered a polished show, interweaving political commentary with popular rhythms and drew from his extensive repertoire, performing his breakout hit ‘Linda’ and the show stopper ‘Samini’.
All of this was in anticipation of man of the moment, Rocky Dawuni . Backed by four magnificently dressed singers-cum-dancers, Dawuni took to the stage just as the sun was about to set on a historic day. Cheered on by an enthusiastic crowd, he gave an inspirational performance singing tracks from his latest album ‘Book of Changes’ and showcasing his unique fusion sound of reggae, Afro Beat and traditional African music. Dawuni has a commanding stage presence, which captivated the audience until well in to the night.
A surprise speech by World Bank head Paul Wolfowitz provided a brief interlude but was in tune with the event’s development theme. The show was produced in conjunction with UNICEF to promote clean water, sanitation and hygiene throughout the country. Rocky Dawuni, Samini and King Ayisoba all hail from Northern Ghana, a relatively poor part of the country but the region has produced a rich vein of musical talent over the years including internationally renowned world music artist Atongo Zimba and popular local hip-life musician Kwadee .
The Independence Splash was a first-rate example of how music and development can work together for the unity and advancement of the people. It perfectly symbolised just how brightly Africa’s Black Star continues to burn and lived up to its promise of “the ultimate in African revolutionary music.”