Obour "funkdafied" New York with Konkontibaa

Manhattan, New York -- He lived up to his signature tune; "Obour woho ye huhuhu" (Ateteben). He was Hot, Dynamite, acrobatic and Funky.

The "Konkontibaa" phenomenon has taken the world by storm. In any Ghanaian event one goes to, one would attest that "Konkontibaa" always makes noise and brings "da house" down. The song is really making history. It is loved by all generations; even if one is in clutches, he or she can still dance to it.


On his first historical performance on the American soil, Obour was a genius. He put up an award-winning brief performance which many in the US had never experienced before since the renowned Kojo Antwi concert in New Jersey in 2003.


The Easter Dance was organized by the Kwahuman Association of New York, and Obour's performance was made possible by Jutaco Music Production.


Easter Dance in New York has never been better. New York had been a disappointed location to host a Ghanaian concert tour by promoters. The show is always great but the turnout is always "wacky". But what happened last Saturday gives promoters a new idea of strategically planning their next event. The event was hosted by Steve Kwabena Adjei and Nana Kwabena Adom. The special guest of honour was the Consulate General of Ghana; Deputy Consulate General, NCOGA, chiefs and representatives of various associations, media personalities and many corporate sponsors.


Prior to Obour's performance, the world renowned Ghanaian Comic/MC, Abeku Santana delivered a splendid introduction. He proved that when given a task, he can take his craft to a whole new level. He is currently the most wanted Ghanaian MC in America. Credit goes to his experience of entertaining a crowd from boredom and bringing "da house down". His skills makes Dr. Rotoko hangs his boxing gloves. His introduction of Obour was not only hilarious and inspiring but drew the audience' attention to the performance to follow.


Obour's brief performance was something to witness; he was magnificent, dynamite, acrobatic, energetic and funky. The audience in attendance included the old and young and some as little as 4 years. Some fans also joined Obour on stage for a dance.

The climax of the night was when he sung the song everyone in the hall had been waiting for; "Konkontibaa". The dance floor was packed with non stop hits and more "Konkontibaa". A testament to the fact that Hip-life; if produced very well with a good message, catchy lines and heavy beats has a place in the heart of music lovers. Obour not only mesmerized the crowd, but commanded much respect from the dignitaries and the elderly present. That is an achievement and what every musician should strive for. In an exclusive interview with Ghanaweb after the show, Obour who is currently studying at Legon told Mr. CNN that he is supposed to start his exams in two week's time but he took the weekend of from studying to perform. He tried to make his stay very short. When asked what he felt about the New York crowd, he responded; "Yeah, Yeah, it is funky, this show was more of a matured populace even if you look at the way they kind of gave into the performance. It makes you see or think that wow supposing this was more like the youth whom Hiplife is targeted for. It would have been something else. I think US and New York in particular is a force to reckon with when it comes to Hiplife. Obour's exclusive interview entitled; Two minute Drill with Obour" would be featured at a later date so watch the space soon.


Mr. CNN of behalf of Ghanaweb commends the Kwahuman Association of NY and Jutaco for entertaining the Ghanaian Community in New York with such a great Easter fiesta.


Food for Thought


Currently we read or hear about new musicians in the music industry at a faster rate. Some have seen Hip-life as an avenue to fast buck and overnight celebrity status. They put creativity and longevity to the back seat and so there are many one hit wonders and sampling copying. Obour with the likes of Obrafour, VIP and the great production skills of Goodies, Hammer/The Last two and others are taking Hip-life to a level of excellence, longevity and make it easy listening for all. It is not all about fast buck but creating a masterpiece/legacy for generations to come. We encourage all Hip-life artistes to be more creative, write and produce their own songs that can change the world. Obour commended Sidney for inventing "Apuskeleke" as sending a message to the young ladies. "Apuskele" now has a meaning and the strong message is heard by all generations. Artistes should use a monosyllabic or a simple name that can be sold to the world community. Also they should create their messages of hope and should concentrate on music as an art, a business and moreover cross over to the world stage. Hip-life can also change the world just like Hip-Hop has taken over the world and 50 cent already is making history in the Bill Board chart.


Obour has set the trail for another New York show organized by Big Apple Soundz on April 29th at the Minisink, Harlem. He would be performing alongside VIP, Kontinhene, Buk Bak, 4x4, Don Dee, Obrafour and others. Mark it in your calendar and stay tuned for more information.