Return Of The Music Man

Fourteen years into his December 24th folklore, a musical tradition blemished only by two disappearances, Kojo Antwi is at it again.

But none of his 12 previous appearances has churned out as much measure of suspense as what will happen at the International Conference Centre on Saturday night.

Dubbed the "African Music Festival", organizers have been most diligent to thier selection this year to assemble on one stage, not only the international acclaimed - Mr. Music Man but all in all, a staggering array of local and international greats, to entrench this Kojo heritage as the ultimate musical event in Ghanaian show business.

Mori Kante from Guinea, Monique Seka from Cote D'Ivoire and Ghanaians Nkasei and Daasebre Gyamena, with Kojo Antwi on one stage? The effect will be maddening.

And that explains why the anticipation has been so breath-taking against last year's disappointed news when there was no concert due to booking problems at the National Theatre. Although Accra missed out big time, Mr. Music Man took his show to other regions of the country.

That was the second time The Maestro didn't mount the stage since he started his near legend concerts 14 years ago. The first time was in 1998 but fans were compensated with a concert directed and produced by Kojo himself which featured Daddy Lumba.

After savouring his explosive concerts for such a long time even without announcements, fans expect his shows on 24th night. His adverts when they come only confirm the obvious and give an indication of who else will be on the show.

And this year has been no different. We will have 24th night after all and it is expected to be as explosive as it has always been.

Talking to Mr. Najeeb Nader, Public Relations Officer of Kojo Antwi, he said this year's concert will be hosted at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC).

"We have to make do with the AICC since the National Theatre is still under renovation. As usual, fans should expect nothing but a good time. We will beat all odds and give patrons an exciting show".

Mori Kante is one of the great preservers and modernizers of the traditional music of West Africa's Mandinka people. Konte achieved major recognition in Europe in the 80s, where from his Paris base, he fused the ancient sounds of the kora (West African harp) with black American dance music.

Descending from a family of musicians, Monique Seka a.k.a, the 'Queen of Afro-Zouk', from Cote D'Ivoire has embraced not only the music of her homeland but influences from around the globe.

Kojo Antwi is one of the Ghana's sweetest lyricist and most exciting live performers. At each concert, his entrance on stage has always been spectacular. Once during his concert, he mounted the stage riding a white horse. And when he begins to perform, man, he is a sheer delight to behold on stage.

With time, his concerts have evolved into something more sacred and ritualistic. The annual Christmas Eve extravaganza has embraced music from both local and foreign artistes.

Some of the foreign performers who have featured on Kojo's show include Meiway and Alice Sofa from Cote D'Ivoire, Sonti Ndebele and the Sarafina Dancers from South Africa, Jimmy B from Sierra Leone and Jese Joyette who is regarded as one of the finest percussionist from the UK.

Among the local artistes who have mounted the stage with Mr. Music Man are Afro Moses, Rex Omar, George Darko, Sidney, Felix Owusu, Oheneba Kissi, Kwadwo Akwaboa, Nana Osibio, the Classique Handles Band others.

Kojo Antwi is revered by many as one of the best singers of all time. His music has set almost untouchable barriers for other artistes and we his fans are eagerly awaiting the release of his next album.

Maybe he will give us a feel of it at this year's 24th night extravaganza. Trust him to spring a surprise. After all what better compensation can he give fans for depriving them of a Christmas Eve bash last year.