#AsaaseSoundClash: This man is clear as crystal
Elvis Crystal, of Asaase Radio’s Rush Hour specials with Shatta Wale and Stonebwoy, will be the host of the maiden Asaase Sound Clash. He certainly has form
Hosting and MC’ing a radio programme involves a host of factors. For one thing, says Elvis Crystal, host of Rush Hour on Asaase Radio, the voice of the presenter or announcer must be “healthy, credible, warm, well dressed and cheerful, and should have character and personality” because, “in truth, voice quality is crucial to the art of a radio broadcaster”.
Crystal, who has a silky radio voice and knew very early on that his voice was a great asset, says simply he is “glad God gifted” him with it.
From dream to reality
Crystal has told reporters that it has always been his dream to be a radio star and that he realised he should pursue his passion for radio and MC’ing programmes when people began to tell him that, with a voice like his, he “should consider radio”.
He saw these comments as an approbation of his desire to go into broadcasting. “I was like, ‘Radio is something that I already want to do.’ So, getting that feedback was an affirmation,” he said.
He duly launched his radio career in 2006 with Atlantis Radio. Crystal had a supportive family, unlike many others who face stiff opposition from parents to their wish to pursue work in the media.
He however encountered certain challenges. “It has not been smooth for me like that,” he says. “Mine had to do with pronouncing some words in Twi.”
Aside from being blessed with a good radio voice, Crystal – winner of the prize for Late Afternoon Show Host 2019 in the Radio and Television Personality Awards – believes that it is an advantage for a presenter to be on top of issues. In view of this, he reads a lot, invests in his craft, researches and makes it “a point to always stay on top”.
His reasoning? “You are not only entertaining: you are educating as well, and there are times you will get questions from listeners.”
He’s up to win yet another prize this year: nominated for Male National Radio Show Host of the Year in the National Communications Awards ’20.
Bright lights, dread sight
On 12 December Elvis Crystal will be hosting Asaase Radio’s début edition of the Asaase Sound Clash, tagged the “Clash2CrushCOVID”. This creative initiative positions, in the same event, two Ghanaian titans of dancehall reggae – Shatta Wale and Stonebwoy – for an eagerly awaited “rap battle”.
The two artists intend to raise awareness of the novel coronavirus disease, focusing on the way it is transmitted and the best ways of preventing its spread. The Asaase Sound Clash hopes to get fans of both stars to observe the COVID protocols, including wearing a face mask, maintaining a healthy social distance and washing one’s hands or using hand sanitiser frequently.
Speaking about his expectations of the Clash2CrushCOVID, Elvis said: “I believe it’s going to be historic, having Stonebwoy and Shatta Wale in one space, on one set designed for just the two of them, and to do what they love to do best – entertain enthusiasts of their individual craft. It is, in my opinion, epic.
“The beauty of this event is not only about seeing them marry their music fans, but how they choose to do so. And it will be thrilling to see how they use their music as an instrument of change. So will be the way they herald their fans and music lovers and persuade them to kick out COVID-19.
“It’s a real sight to anticipate.”
Prize fight
The Clash2CrushCOVID will be taking place on Saturday (12 September) and it will be a night to remember. All you have to do, if you are a music lover who wants to see 1DON (Shatta Wale) go head to head with 1GAD (Stonebwoy), is grab a Vodafone chip – that’s if you haven’t already got one – and a GHC10 data package in our #10toStreamFree promo.
For just GHC10 and a Vodafone sim card, you can enjoy the whole four hours of live streaming of the fight between these two gladiators – Shatta Wale and Stonebwoy – from the Asaase Sound Clash.
There’s also the chance to win a brand new car with the Asaase Sound Clash. All you have to do to enter the competition is pick up your phone and vote for your favourite artist.
Dial *800*995*1# to vote for Shatta Wale or *800*995*2# for Stonebwoy. If you predict the right winner, you could win a brand-new Mahindra KUV 100.
And fans can still take part in our 10-Second Clash2CrushCOVID challenge. Call the Asaase Radio studios on 020 000 9951 or 020 000 9952. Or send us a voice note by WhatsApp on 020 000 0995. There are prizes to be won!
Fans in both Bhim Nation and the Shatta Movement should look out for the Asaase Sound Clash. It will be momentous. Issa Stone-Shatta distin!
Nana Abena Boakye-Boateng
* To watch Elvis Crystal’s exclusive interview with Shatta Wale for Asaase Radio’s “Rush Hour” click on the link here.
#AsaaseSoundClash #Clash2CrushCOVID
#10toStreamFree
Asaase Radio 99.5 – tune in or log on to broadcasts online.
#10toStreamFree
#shattawalegh #SM4LYF
#stonebwoyb #BhimNatives
#TVOL
