Rousing launch for ‘Naked Wire’

United States Democratic presidential candidate, Barack Obama smiled on hundreds of music lovers last Saturday night at the Tema Sports Stadium during the launch of reggae artiste, Blakk Rasta’s new 16-track album, Naked Wire. Video: Barack Obama by Blakk Rasta feat Nii Lante

Having released the very successful single, Barack Obama earlier in the year, it was clear Obama was the theme of the night as a large, smiling portrait of his face dominated the upper right corner of the event banner.

Members of the audience, as well as the production team, sported ‘Blakk for Barack’ T-shirts and ‘Obama ’08’ pins were attached to the attire of many.

Also on sale, along with Rastafarian paraphernalia and Blakk Rasta merchandise were Obama bumper stickers.

The event, which had been heavily publicized on Blakk Rasta’s popular 103.7 Hitz FM radio show, attracted a significant crowd with an impressive cast of reggae artistes, including Nigeria’s Vibration Kings, Ghana’s Papa Wisey and Stone Boy, as well as Lady Bashment, all the way from Jamaica.

The energetic crowd was unfazed by the two-hour delay and once the first act hit the stage, security had their hands full controlling the enthusiastic fans that wanted to get closer to the performers. Hundreds danced within the stadium, and even more gathered outside, begging for entry despite not having tickets.

By midnight Sean Kwame, a 23-year-old student from Nungua, still hadn’t seen either of his favourite artists – Blakk Rasta or Samini – on the stage, but he did not regret the 45-minute commute to Tema. A fan of reggae music, he believed the event was well worth it.

“I came with some friends because I just wanted to feel alright,” said Kwame who supports Blakk Rasta’s music and intends to purchase Naked Wire because, “I respect Blakk Rasta, he always speaks the truth.”

Despite his limited knowledge on the electoral process in the United States, he strongly believes that “Barack Obama is supposed to get into the White House because he deserves it.” Kwame, however, could not identify Obama’s Republican opponent, John McCain.

But such is the effect of the Barack Obama song on Ghanaians and Blakk Rasta is proud to have been the one to open the eyes of his countrymen to the phenomenon that has become Barack Obama.

The Naked Wire album, which is on the Black & Tuff label, contains other attention-grabbing tracks like Cocaine in the Palace, Evil Disciples, Goat Dance, Dinner with Nebuchadnezzer and Letter From Baby Wrong.

After the concert, Blakk Rasta was pleased with what had happened. “It was successful compared to Ghana standards. It was the first reggae show in Ghana that ended at 4:30 a.m. Nobody moved.”