Last December, Accra came to life with the vibrance of a cartoon rainbow in the spring. After the festivities, I asked my followers to vote on their favourite bars and concerts. These were the results of the poll asking about their favourite concert in Ghana during the detty season via Snapchat, Instagram and Google Forms.
1. BHIMNATION FESTIVAL
In contrast to previous editions, Stonebwoy's annual Bhim Festival during the Detty December took center stage at the Accra Sports Stadium, presenting a daunting challenge to live up to the standards set by Shatta Wale the year prior. However, Stonebwoy exceeded expectations, elevating his performance and solidifying his place as a top-tier artist. On December 22nd, the Bhim Nation concert captivated the entire city, and rightfully so. With a stellar lineup featuring renowned artists such as Jahmiel, 10tik, Ras Kuuku, Keche, Larruso, D-Black, S3fa, Edem, Kofi Kinaata, Fameye, Epixode, Efya, DopeNation, Olive the Boy, Lasmid, and the dynamic dance routines by Incredible Zigi, the event was an unforgettable spectacle. The audience was entranced by the sheer talent on display, making it an unquestionable success.
2. BLACK SHERIF 2ZAAMA DISCO CONCERT
Despite a last-minute venue change less than 10 days before the event, the second installment of 2Zaama Disco's Christmas concert for Black Sherif climbed two spots from the previous year's ranking. Drawing a dedicated crowd of over 3500 enthusiastic fans, this concert showcased the unwavering loyalty of Sherif's followers. Building upon the success of last year's mesmerizing performance, this year's concert maintained the same high standards and well-organized format.
Black Sherif's presence was divided into three captivating acts, each separated by intermissions featuring performances from beloved local artists. This strategic arrangement ensured continuous entertainment for the audience, minimizing waiting time between Sherif's appearances. Additionally, Sherif's attention-grabbing wardrobe changes during these star-studded interludes added to the excitement of the evening. The lineup of guest performers was nothing short of impressive, featuring esteemed artists such as Kofi Kinaata, Fameye, Kuami Eugene, La Meme Gang, Oseikrom Sikani, Sefa, Romeo Swag, Xlimkid, and more. Their contributions enhanced the overall experience, solidifying the concert's reputation as a must-attend event in the festive season.
3. DETTY RAVE WITH MR. EAZI
Despite dropping one position from last year's second place, Mr Eazi's highly anticipated Detty Rave concert continued to impress, drawing an audience of over 6000 attendees. Once again, Mr. Eazi delivered a flawlessly executed event, leaving no stone unturned in aspects ranging from ticketing to aesthetics, timing, security, and performances. With meticulous attention to detail, he ensured the satisfaction of his devoted Ravers. Voters praised the impeccable timing, venue setup, diverse entertainment lineup, and captivating firework display, further solidifying Mr. Eazi's reputation as a top-tier performer and event organizer.
4. AFROFUTURE
Dropping one position from its previous year's ranking, Afrofuture, one of Ghana's most anticipated annual events, treated over 10,000 attendees to two days of uninterrupted excitement. The event featured captivating artistic displays, electrifying DJ sets, and boundless energy from both local talents and renowned acts they enlisted. With the star power of performers like Davido, Black Sherif, and others, Afrofuture continues to earn its place as a staple on the top 10 list of must-attend events.
5. PLANNING & PLOTTING WITH MEDIKAL
In contrast to the previous year when Medikal co-hosted the Freedom Wave concert with Shatta Wale for a crowd of over 40,000 fans, Medikal took the reins solo in December with his Planning and Plotting event. The overwhelming excitement from attendees clearly indicated that he had absorbed valuable lessons from his collaboration with Shatta Wale and successfully implemented them to provide fans with a compelling alternative. Serving as one of the inaugural concerts of the last Detty season, Medikal's event established a strong precedent for the Christmas festivities to follow.
6. THE REBIRTH WITH SARKODIE
Rising two spots from the previous year, Sarkodie delivered his 11th Rapperholic concert, gifting fans with yet another unforgettable experience. Over the years, Sarkodie has honed his craft and refined his show, ensuring that even skeptics and those unfamiliar with his style thoroughly enjoy his Rapperholic Concerts. Featuring performances from artists like Black Sherif, King Promise, Efya, and more, attendees were treated to a diverse array of Afrobeat styles throughout the night. The concert's consistency and familiarity have solidified its position as one of December's premier events, making its ascent in the Top 10 list unsurprising.
7. MANI-FESTIVITIES
Ascending from the 10th to the 7th position this year, M.anifest captivated audiences with his annual Manifestivities concert, establishing a dominant presence in the Untamed Empire. Voters showered it with praise, highlighting its impeccable organization, dynamic lineup featuring promising newcomers, and electrifying performances of M.anifest's hit songs. The concert boasted a star-studded lineup, including familiar faces from the season such as Ladipoe, King Promise, A Reece, the Asakaa Boys, the La Meme Gang, Show Dem Camp Live, alongside emerging talents like Rey Cooper and Marince Omario, ensuring an unforgettable music experience for all in attendance.
8. TASTE OF GHANA
As the sole free event featured on this list, the Taste of Ghana Festival, hosted by the GIPC, left attendees astounded by its impeccable organization, diverse range of activities, culinary offerings, and star-studded lineup. The inclusion of international figures like Boris Kudjoe added to the event's allure. Featuring an attention-grabbing fashion show and a tantalizing array of meal options, the festival's concert segment showcased performances by Eno Barony, Kofi Jamar, Gasmilla, Sefa, Adina, EL, R2bees, and the beloved Shatta Wale. Despite initially modest expectations, the Taste of Ghana Festival exceeded all anticipations, delivering a top-tier concert experience that left event-goers thoroughly impressed.
9. EFYA
Efya surprised and delighted fans with her unexpected addition to the Detty December concert lineup! Despite having the smallest attendance of all the events, Efya captivated over 500 attendees with a concert that exceeded all expectations. Featuring performances from renowned artists such as Sarkodie, Medikal, King Promise, Maya Blu, Becca, Cina Soul, Kwabena Kwabena, and R2bees, Efya's performance was nothing short of spectacular. With breathtaking costume changes that impressed even the most seasoned designers, Efya left attendees in awe. The star-studded audience, including personalities like Nana Ama McBrown, Fella Makafui, and Gingams, was left speechless by her performance.
10. LADIES LOVE RUGER
On Christmas day last December, Garage Lounge treated Accra to the mesmerizing performance of Ladies Man Ruger, following up on the success of Shallipopi earlier in the season. Despite the modest size of the venue, Ruger drew in over 2500 fans who were enchanted by his captivating hits, leaving the ladies in the audience swooning. This unique concert stood out as the only event on this list to feature just one headlining performer, without any warm-up acts. While other events boasted multiple stars and performers, Ruger held the spotlight as the sole attraction at Garage Lounge on that memorable day. As one of Africa's rising favorites, Ruger's solo performance proved to be more than enough to satisfy his eager fans.
WORST CONCERT
Plagued by controversy and disappointing no-shows, the Wildaland Festival held in Shai Hills received over 18% of all votes for the worst concert of the season. Several performers failed to honor their time slots, leaving their dedicated fans disappointed and disillusioned. Attendees who had purchased tickets and traveled outside of Accra were met with an uncomfortable and subpar experience that fell far short of their expectations. The event was widely criticized for not being worth the effort and failing to deliver on its promises.
Out of the 51 concerts mentioned in the votes, the Concerts above stood out the most as the Top 10 Concerts in Accra in December 2023! Check our Featured and Top Events pages to see more things to do in Accra and check back in 2 weeks for more articles. Till then remember that life is for living, so live it up!
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