Last year, Wanlov the Kubolor landed in Ghana after living in the states for over seven years. Some people were skeptic of his reception because his music is fresh, but Wanlov has allayed all their fears.
Before Wanlov’s listening party @ Hypnotic he had already performed in Tema for the children at a fanfare alongside Kwaw Kese & King Ayisoba.
He also performed with them at an ADOM FM blood drive held that very day and they closed the night with a live performance and interview on Meridiam FM also in Tema.
Wanlov recently featured with Reggie Rockstone on his upcoming greatest hits album on the remake of “Eye Mo De Anaa?” featuring Tic Tac.
The Kubolor was so inspired to be in the studio with the godfather of Hiplife that he did not even waste time taking the track, produced by M.A, home to write to. Wanlov simply paced up and down in the studio while putting the lyrics together in his head and recorded it some minutes later.
Wanlov’s Bless Da Mic night @ Hypnotic in Osu put together by Da Movement, Mi Prime Entertainment and Atta Productions on the 20th of December was a huge success. The venue was packed and full of good energy. Kwame Faakye and Nana Kwame of Atlantis radio were there; Bush K, Nasei & other members of Vibe FM were present.
Chanel O was in the building to capture this kubolor moment as well.
Prior to Wanlov, artists like Mutombo and Juda Browning had set the tone for the evening with some good poetic and musical vibes. Wanlov performed with Nii Okai of Hewale sounds on Gome and Aaron Bebe Sukura on Seperewa. It was a fantastic performance finished off with the Kubolor rapping the crowds’ favorites like “Kokonsa”, “Chinese Kokonte” and “Mek U No Try” – on which he was joined by Eddie Blay of Metro TV- whiles DJ Ritchy Pitch controlled the decks. Channel O interviewed Wanlov after the event.
The next day Wanlov was invited to a Chanel O Hiphop conference @ Busynet mc’d by Eddie Blay. Reggie Rockstone, DJ Black, Kweku T and many other artists were present.
On the 22nd of December Wanlov the Kubolor had his Nima afternoon jump held @ Frankies Hotel from Noon till night courtesy of Pidgen Music & Atta Productions. It featured King Ayisoba and Kwaw Kesse. Other artists like AB, Jahwi, Lil’ Chris, Mokin, and Kochoko did some guest performances. The earlier part of the afternoon was used to shoot the “Look My Shoe” video by King Ayisoba featuring Wanlov The Kubolor, Mokin and Kwaw Kese. The video was made as they rapped and sung while walking the streets of Nima with many children tagging along. To the crowd’s amazement Wanlov the Kubolor was just in a mudcloth skirt with no shoes or shirt. In no time you could hears shouts of “kubolor” join in the shouts of “abodam” and “kai kai kai kai”, trademark sounds of Kwaw Kese and King Ayisoba, coming from the crowd. Footage was also taken to be used in Wanlov’s video for “Kokonsa” during his performance which was followed by Kwaw Kese’s performance and finished off by King Ayisoba and his Bolga squad.
Mokin, Wanlov the Kulor and Kwaw Kese joined King Ayisoba on stage during the “Look My Shoe” performance and the crowd went insane. The crowd enjoyed it so much that they asked in unison for the the 4 rastateers to perform the “Look My Shoe” song again. It was a lovely night.
Wanlov was invited for the second time to Adom fm to promote the Temafest 07 at which he was to perform. The first interview Wanlov was asked several questions on air by Jerry Justice like why he wore a skirt, where he was from and so on. As for the second time he performed live on air with Dr.Duncan all n promotion of Temafest.
The Kubolor performed again with Nii Okai and Aaron Bebe for Bless Da Mic @ Hypnotic on the 27th and it was even more powerful than the first time with cameos by Kochoko, Trigmatic, Scizo and Habinjah. Wanlov signed cds and posters for the fans who purchased copies of his album “Green Card”. The place was packed tight.
On Dec 28th, Wanlov & his band amazed the audience on the first night of Temafest with the only live instrument performance. Right before their performance had begun some technical difficulties were being faced with Aaron’s instrument mic so Wanlov held the crowd of about 3000 with kubolor accapellas. After every other line you could hear the audience roar with praise or laughter.
Finally Aaron’s mic was sorted out and the crowd was entertained with songs like “My Skin” which got a lot of reaction. It was a short performance which left the crowd wanting more. Kubolor could be heard being shouted from every corner.
The next day of Temafest, Wanlov performed to an even larger crowd. When Wanlov was called to stage, the night was deafened with shouts of “kubolor”. Wanlov gave a powerful performance during which his skirt almost came off, but he just put down his pure water and the microphone to re-wrap his skirt on stage and continued to the crowd’s delight. Other artists that performed that night were Kochoko, Mokin, and Scooby Selah who closed the show with a solid performance.
On The 30th of December Wanlov & his band did a free concert alongside Tic Tac for a cancer gala held @ La Palm in Labadi. Wanlov was seen busily taking pictures with fans, signing cds and posters after the show. Ama Abebrese of OBE TV approached Wanlov and expressed interest in interviewing the Kubolor for her TV show.
On the last day of 2007 Wanlov the Kubolor performed at a Reggae event at the Roxy in Adabraka.. It was a lovely show organized by Daddy Bosco and Culture B. Wanlov started his performance with an accapella of “Human Being” which everyone chanted along to. Then Wanlov performed “Kokonsa” followed by “Akwaaba” on the Jamrock riddim before ending with an accapella of “How” which warmed the hearts of many.
On the first day of 2008 The Kubolor shook the streets of Osu at the Vibe Street Carnival. Wanlov went on right before Tic Tac and set the level high for the evening with everyone shouting “kubolor” in series by the time the Kubolor was done blessing the event. Tic Tac’s performance was followed by Samini’s to close the night.
On the 3rd day of 2008 the Kubolor was back in Osu performing at Promiseland for the people at a mini street carnival organized by Raglife artist Patan. It was a heavy show featuring Agbeko, Jahwi, Patan and more. The Kubolor gave a kuboloristic performance which the children and adults alike really seemed to have enjoyed.
On 26th of January Wanlov will be performing live with his band at an Afrobeat event headlined by critically acclaimed Nigerian Afrobeat/Jazz band Ayetoro. Also on the bill will be Sena. Venue and other artists to be announced.
