Dancehall titans: the clash to end all clashes unites Shatta and Stonebwoy

This year undoubtedly has been difficult for the music industry globally, because of the novel coronavirus.

And Ghana has had its fair share of the havoc that the virus has inflicted on the global economy.

It goes without saying that the pandemic has not only stalled growth in music but also changed the way things are done.

Equally revenue for artistes and those who work behind the scenes in the industry has not been spared.

Virtual vision

Those who had planned concerts and tours for March could not do as planned.

The pandemic has also forced players in all industry to think beyond the normal way of doing things by embracing what has now been come a household name “the new normal”.

This means organising shows and doing most engagements virtually, for the first time in decades.

Despite the challenges and impact of the virus on the music business, it will also remain one of the best years for the industry in Ghana.

That is because two of the country’s most celebrated dancehall artistes, Shatta Wale and Stonebwoy, had what one could describe as a collaboration breakthrough.

For the Paapaapaa (Shatta Wale) fans it was that most talked-about collaboration between Charles Nii Armah Mensah (aka “Shatta Wale”) and the global music icon Beyoncé for the “King Already Song” from the Black Is King album.

The song that brought an avalanche of commendation not only from players in the music industry but also from the president of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo. The president took to Twitter on 2 August to commend Shatta Wale for making Ghana proud.

@shattawalegh, you do all!!! #KingAlready #BlackIsKing

— Nana Akufo-Addo (@NAkufoAddo) August 2, 2020

Just when we thought the dust had settled on the Shatta Wale feat, we were again hit with another banger. And yes, it was another US-Ghana collaboration that got Ghana’s name up there on the global music billboards this time around.

It was the collaboration between Keri Hilson and Livingstone Etse Satekla (also known as “Stonebwoy”) for the song “Nominate” from the Anloga Junction album.

This year also marked the first anniversary of the 2019 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards which led to a fracas between the two celebrated artiste after Stonebwoy emerged the Dancehall Artiste of the Year.

From rivals to partners?

After that, the two former friends were barred from the awards ceremony, which crowned Kuami Eugene Artiste of the Year on 30 August.

Yet, though neither artist has featured in this year’s VGMAs, they have been enjoying their own version of a contest thanks to Asaase Radio.

Dubbed the Asaase Sound Clash, the event on Saturday 12 September will not only put to rest the question of which of the two is lyrically sharper but will also crown Ghana’s King of Dancehall.

Since its launch on 4 August, the Clash2CrushCOVID has generated all-day discussion on social media, largely among fans of the two artistes, who were long-time rivals before reconciling.

Real feel

The Asaase Sound Clash, a novelty, will not only celebrate creativity but also raise awareness of COVID-19 and promote greater public education about the virus.

Ahead of next week’s event Asaase Radio is pitching camp at the homes of both artists – Stonebwoy today (on now) and Shatta Wale on Friday.

Asaase Radio’s drive-time programme – Rush Hour, hosted by Elvis Crystal – is being transmitted live from the residence of Stonebwoy today to give listeners a real feel of the upcoming event.

Friday will bring Shatta Wale’s turn to be featured on Rush Hour, live from his own residence.

The two-day event, which starts at 3pm each day, will give listeners a preview of what to expect next Saturday.

For now, you can follow us on all our social media handles. You can also vote for your favourite dancehall artiste as we clash to crush COVID-19 on 12 September.

Fred Dzakpata

* Join Elvis Crystal on Rush Hour today (3 September) on Asaase Radio (99.5 Mhz) for a special broadcast from Ashaiman.

* The Clash2CrushCOVID will be broadcast live on all Asaase Radio platforms on Saturday 12 September 2020. Tune in to live streaming on Facebook, TuneIn, Sound Garden and the Asaase app (available through the Apple and Google Play stores).

* Join in the conversation now on Twitter: @asaaseradio995
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