The NY Picnic Is Fabulous But Has Its Setbacks

The attendance at this year's New York Picnic was as always enormous. People traveled all over the US and Canada to come to this event. It is a national event and a household name. Before proceeding, the organizers deserve a huge round of applause for at least finding a venue to stage this year's picnic. It had been very hectic finding a venue as NCOGA's Secretary General; Alhaji Mardah mentioned in an interview; "unfortunately because of the huge number of people we have and the garbage we leave behind, a lot of places don't want to accommodate us and this venue was the only place that wanted to take us".
We appreciate NCOGA's effort in making this happen because it would have been a disaster if there were no New York Picnic. It is such an attractive event that many artistes who performed have given it their thumbs up.
The huge number of attendees was a surprise to Peter Dogovich, Vice President of Sales, North American Airlines who attended the event and mentioned to this writer that it was an excellent opportunity for him to be exposed to the Ghanaian community. He said it was definitely a fabulous gathering because he did not expect that many people to be there. He was extremely, pleasantly surprised as he put it that people just kept coming. It is one of the venues to get the message out to the people.
The organizers could not control the crowd as the crowd forced to push their way through the gate to enter. Mr. Dogovich said he was happy to be part of the community and hopefully the event was going to be the beginning of many events.
Boxing siblings, Emmanuel and Joshua Clottey were also at the picnic and expressed their joy at being at the picnic. Joshua said; "You know one thing I don't miss in America is the NY picnic". He said it is a nice event and whenever he comes, he always has a good time so he has make it a point to always come to the picnic. Emmanuel also adds that it is an excellent event that they want to be a part of all the time. He has met many people that he has not seen in so many years. The New York picnic is always proud to showcase talents. Last year, Emmanuel Osei Bonsu aka Wanlove also dubbed "Ghana's Bob Marley" and his partner, Boya Dunn became the hot acts with impressive lyrics. This year too came, Akwadaa Nyame, (Young God) the most versatile, unbelievable and incredible act who had a great performance. When he and his entourage appeared on stage, he was the smallest and looked like being crushed but finally he was the main attraction. In an interview after his splendid performance backstage, "Akwadaa" also known as Kwame Adusi Poku says; he came by that name since he was the smallest guy in his class. His classmates gave him that name as he says "so I have been riding with it". He feels he is a young and short dude and not tall like everybody else but "I am upstaging everybody so therefore I deserve that name and that is why I am claiming that name", he adds. Watch out for this future of funk/hiplife's exclusive interview soon. He is also coming out with a compilation album called "Uptown Hiplife" which includes acts from Canada and all over US. He plans to go to Ghana soon and get everything "popping" in quote.
Papa Shee, a veteran performer at the NY Picnic also had a great performance and as always has a fan base. When asked what he was going to perform, he said; he always has that as a secret before any performance. He said he will put up the best performance for his fans.
Buk Bak also came and said they were at the picnic to offer support and show some love as they were performing that evening featuring Nana Quame. They offered a little accapella to their fans. They said they always like to provide great songs because people spend their money on their songs. They crushed rumours of a break up and exclusively mentioned that they have a new album coming out in December.

Some of the acts who performed were; Ammammre, Anuanom, Ambantem and Nana Fremah (NY princess), 18 Cee, Smallz, aka Nana Kwasi and Abena also sang the national anthem beautifully. Moreover, there was an artiste called Lighter who performed and was signed to P Diddy's label, the first Ghanaian artiste to do so. When asked how that deal came? Lighter said he and his buddy went to a Def Jam event and afterwards, there was no phone call from Def Jam so someone from P Diddy's camp heard their song and scheduled an interview and the rest is history. Their album comes out next year and we will offer them our support.

Many attendees vented their frustration that the venue was too far and also the artistes from Ghana did not show up. Sources from NCOGA said unfortunately due to unforeseen circumstances beyond NCOGA's control, the artistes could not arrive and promised that next year whatever errors made would be corrected.
Mr. Atta Amoyaw, Vice President also acknowledged the complaints about the venue being too far and said at the next meeting, the people's opinion about the picnic would be discussed and draw conclusions from there. They will also brainstorm and think about what they will do next year.
All the artistes commended the picnic as the best event not to be missed. Alhaji Mardah when informed about it mentioned that he wants to find a way to finance the picnic so it will be a free event for all Ghanaians. Unfortunately, the amount of money put into this event is the reason why they charge fees. An alternative is to find a big corporation to sponsor the whole thing. He appreciates the confidence and tributes from artistes and hoped that the people will take that into consideration and be part of it every year and have a good time.
He commended this writer for his participation and said "I would like to commend you for the good job you have been doing for the community, you are really great and we appreciate everything you do for us, Thank you very much".
Every event has its advantages and its flaws and the NY picnic is not an exception. Whatever errors occurred this year, the organizers promise to do the best they can so everyone has a great time.
We must also commend Kwabena Manu aka Hon. Pancho, PRO for his tireless effort in managing the stage performances and controlling the crowd from flooding the stage. . The same thing also goes to Thomas Mensah for his immense help. The former Executive Secretary General is superb and all always there when needed.
Salutations also go to; Nana Anane Amponsah, Ivy Quarshie (First Lady of NCOGA), Patrick Gyan, Jonas Amoako, Nana Agyemang, Amankwa Mensah, Ms. Eshun, David Osafo, Pierre Kablan and other NCOGA Representatives who worked the scene to make the event a success.
At the time of putting this report together, NCOGA had informed Ghanaweb that it took three (3) days for the cleaning company they had contracted to finish cleaning the venue. .
We look forward to next year. Much respect and love to NCOGA.