Concert Gives Preview of Hip-life’s Future in the U.S.A.

Bronx, NY -- Gauchos Gym, Bronx NY provided the showcase for what might possibly become hip-life music's future, when Ghana's top three heavy weight acts performed there Saturday night. Unlike the United Kingdom, Hip Life Music is an emerging music in America; yet to be heard on mainstream radio and media outlets.

The concert kicked off with TIC TAC of TN Records debuting tunes from his latest released album, "Accra Connection". TIC TAC took the audience by surprise. He came out to a near- capacity crowd and delivered hit after hit. Rocking glasses and a white military officer uniform, TIC TAC took control of the stage with his signature tune, "Kwani, Kwani". With his hype man, Chica, by his side; TIC TAC delivered a high energy performance featuring hit songs, "Kangaroo", "Fe Fe Na Efe" and others.

VIP fans were anxiously waiting the arrival of the treacherous three: Promzy, Lazy, and Prodigal. VIP admirers bum- rushed the stage; leaving not an inch of space when VIP took the stage at the cue of DJ ICE of the United Kingdom. VIP specializes in hip-life influenced raps, with the rest of their set basic street tales that depict the group's Nima background. The audience joined in on several tunes like "Ahomka Womu", "Besin", and "Manoko" and other classic hits. The group rapped over prerecorded beats and samples provided by DJ Ice of UK and delivered yet another hot stage performance. Without giving the audience a chance to catch their breath, UK based artist Mensa and Manifest took the audience to another level. Like seasoned emcee's, Mensa and Manifest hyped the crowd; to get ready to receive a historical performance. As the crowd chanted, "Reggie!!!", "Reggie"…Reggie!!! Reggie took full control of the stage with ease and grace. Reggie Rockstone performed pure Hip Life Classics like "Eye Mo De Anna". Known for supporting emerging and upcoming artists, Reggie performed alongside UK based artist Mensa and U.S. Based hip-hop artist; Manifest. The group's collective performance and funky repetitive samples conjured images from the '80s and 90's of the Hip Life Scene in Ghana and the U.S. The highlight of the event took place when Reggie Rockstone called Hashim Haruna to the staged and thanked him for his endurance and strength for launching the first true Hip Life Concert in America.

The special invited guests in attendance were; His Excellency, Obeng Gyan Busia, Consul General, Alhaji Mardah and Former Secretary General, NCOGA and Isaac Abaidoo, CEO of Goodies Productions. Bronx, NY. Papa Linc and Flipman jointly hosted the concert.

After attending the Ghana @51 Concert, His Excellency, Obeng Gyan Busia, the Consul General, expressed gratitude to Boogie Down Nima Productions for a job well done. The Consul General pledged his full support to helping Haruna expose Hip Life Culture & Music to the American public as BDN prepares to launch the first major U.S. Hip-Life Tour during the summer of 2008. Busia met with the musicians and reiterated the importance and significance of their roles as cultural ambassadors of Ghana. He further told the musicians to exercise extreme caution with their art; and to make sure that the music they create represent the core values of Ghanaian culture & tradition. His Excellency expressed his gratitude to the artists for providing stellar performances during the March @51 Concert.

The concert was sponsored by; Sankofa Restaurant, Sapara-Sapara Clothing Store and Kuwait Shipping.

Extensive photo coverage of the concert would be featured in the upcoming international magazine; 3G.