Obour, Kokovelli make surprise appearance in L. A.

at Mr. & Mrs. John Duah’s Outdooring Party.

Fontana, CA:- Against the backdrop of the California landscape, weather cooperative, venue with glittering ambiance, walls embellished with festive decors, that Saturday, November 7th was going to be unlike any day these denizens of Fontana in the Los Angeles area had ever witnessed. Patrons had traveled from Chicago, Columbus, Maryland and some all the way from Ghana. The occasion was the outdooring party of Mr. & Mrs. John Duah’s third and new child Samuel Duah.

Mr. John Duah, aka Nana Yaw, along with his wife Joyce, have been a staple in the community for many years. Apart from his status as a budding industrialist, Nana Yaw is also an avid music fan who moonlights as a DJ when the time calls for it. As a DJ, Nana Yaw has equipment and the crew to simultaneously play seven gigs at once.

The surprise was a pleasant shock. Folks could not believe that the emcee was actually announcing that Kokovelli was in the house. The thunderous cheers of the frenzied crowd grew exponentially high. All of a sudden Kokovelli, known for his mega hit ‘Zaa Zaa’, appeared. Immediately, he was engulfed between throngs of ‘Apuskelenke’. Clad in all black, he took control of the mike and went into action. With natural flair and calculated steps, Kokovelli captured the audience and took off on a hiplife journey. Waist-wiggling and gyrating, lyrics suiting the occasion and arms swaying back and forth, , all the while gesticulating to the audience to follow along, , Kokovelli, with that performance proved that he is indeed a master of the stage. His appeal quickly captured the hearts of many, some of whom have heard his songs but did not know the performer. With his top hits freaking the minds of his many fans, Kokovelli introduced the final song of his show ‘African Woman’ as his latest achievement. With its cookout-flavored overtones and sing along hooks, ‘African Woman’ suitably soothed and serenaded the gathering.

The idea to import the two musicians all the way from Ghana was a forthcoming decision. “I wanted to show my wife my utmost appreciation. This child is a blessing from the Lord and outdooring him in such a breathtaking way is a testament to my joy. I would have done anything on this occasion, Nana Yaw said. “My wife likes both artists and bringing them here to perform for her was a dream come true. When we visualized the concept and we decided to go for it, time was of the essence and getting in touch with the artists and negotiating with them was the key. Fortunately, things went on as planned,” he added.

On this night, Nana Yaw would put forth some of his best DJ equipment. On lookers present at the setting up were dazzled at the 12 heavy loudspeakers, two monitors, disco lights, smoke machines and the whole nine yards. For those that knew that there a free concert pending, anticipation got the best of them. For the others that did not know about these performances, wonderment was in store for them.

The time for the function was 8:00pm. Patrons would start streaming in at exactly 8:00pm. Within two hours, the hall was packed. Lots of food, dancing, drinks in waiting. The couple would be called to open the floor. Well-wishers would join them dance. The DJ crew, with Fiifi at the helm, each with his brand style of selections rotated among themselves.

The second bombshell would send the roof down. The mention of the name Obour sent the screaming decibel level even higher. This young musician has been in the spotlight since his runaway hit “Konkotibaa” hit the airwaves. His collaboration with highlife legend A. B. Crentsil has been burning the charts. His project, “Ghana Reads”, an endeavor that seeks to improve literacy by constructing libraries across the country puts him in a class by himself. Obour’s pragmatic ambition is a subject all by itself.

As he approached the jammed hall, one could not tell whether patrons were mystified or elated. Obour was in the midst. Usually his presence warranted a gate fee. This time admirers were being given a free show. Could this be happening? Nana Yaw, with all his infinite entertainment prowess had outdone himself.

Obour treated the crowd to some of his hits including ‘Konkotibaa.’ He performed songs from his latest release ‘Fontonfrom,’ an album which seeks to help improve the reading skills of the youth in Ghana. Patrons were drunk with happiness. There was hardly any room on the dancing floor. The party had reached its peak. Kokovelli would join Obour for a duet and a finale trading raps and lyrics and mingling with the crowd. It turns out these two young stars are school mates and they share a true bond.

After the performances, the DJs kept the party going all night. For one thing, patrons had been treated to one of the best outdooring parties of all time.