GHANA VRS NAIJA: WHO WINS THIS TIME?

It was not born as a competition but when the first Ghana Meets Naija concert came off in 2011, it was largely believed that the Nigerian artistes performed better than their Ghanaian counterparts. Ghana lost to Naija and since then, subsequent concerts have ignited a rivalry on the music stage.

The following year, 2012, Nigeria beat Ghana again, according to the music enthusiasts who have appointed themselves referees. The line-up comprised Keche, 4X4, Kaakie, Guru, Sala, R2Bess and Kwaw Kese from Ghana against Davido, Brymo, Tiwa Savage and M.I.

Last year, Ghana redeemed itself beating the Nigeria line-up of Timaya, Burna Boy and Wizkid, with a homegrown selection of Okyeame Kwame, E.L, Edem, Raquel and D-Black.

Once again, Ghana will have the opportunity to prove they are better than the Nigerians at the fourth edition of Ghana Meets Naija slated for Saturday May 24, at the Accra International Conference Centre.

Representing Ghana, in what many pundits see as an unfair overloading of the Ghana side, are Sarkodie, Guru, Castro, Shatta Wale and Lil Win against the lean Nigerian side of Davido, Kcee and Whizzboy. But trust Nigeria to be loud. Some Nigerian students studying in Ghana have claimed that Davido alone has a larger following in Ghana than any of the Ghanaian artistes on the bill. “Remember, we are five times bigger in size than Ghana,” they say.

The Ghanaian artistes billed to perform have promised to overpower their Nigerian counterparts come Saturday when the event takes place.

The Naija claim has been received with a measure of sneer by some of the Ghanaian performers. Speaking to Guru, he said, “I have been rehearsing for weeks now and I believe patrons will love my performance on the night. I don’t want to give too much away, but I promise Ghanaians an excellent performance.”

According to Guru, Ghana Meets Naija is a big platform and once he has had the opportunity he would make good use of it. “Apart from my popular songs like Boys Abre, Akonta Fried Rice, Nkwadaa Nkwadaa, Lapaz Toyota, Amen and Bonsam Ani that people know, I will be releasing two new songs on the night.”

Castro told Showbiz he would be singing as many songs his fans expect from him. “I am prepared to spend hours on stage, if the organisers will allow me, singing hit song after hit song. In addition, musicians, Kofi Kinaata, Shilo, Screw Face and perhaps Asamoah Gyan will be joining me on stage.”

Comedian, Lil Win, who featured on Guru’s Boys Abre said he has three singles he will be singing on the night. “What most people do not know is that I do music alongside acting and on Saturday, Ghanaians will see the other side of me.”

Ghana Meets Naija is sponsored by MTN, Unibank, Oak Plaza Hotel, rlg, Smirnoff, Africa World Airlines, MegaLife Investments and Atlas Rent A Car. Ghana Meets Naija is powered by Empire Entertainment.