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.
