Sports News of Thursday, 17 December 2015

Source: ghanasoccernet.com

Amakye Dede backs Nyantakyi

Amakye Dede Amakye Dede

Music legend Amakye Dede is fully backing Ghana FA president Kwesi Nyantakyi's idea of using musicians to attract fans to local league matches revealing that he is a living example of the success of this concept.

Nyantakyi revealed last month that there are advanced talks for musicians to entertain the crowd before matches to attract more followers as part of several measures to arrest the dwindling number of fans at local matches.

The proposal by the Nyantakyi was met with condemnation by a section of the media while other hailed the idea as creative but the snipers have continued that it is not a good measure for the competition.

Dede, who is hugely popular for his songs, was part of the musicians used by ex-Kotoko chief in the early 2000s to attract fans of the Porcupine Warriors for their home matches in Kumasi.

The 'Iron Boy' and Dabi Dabi 3b3 Yie' hit-maker along with Pat Thomas and many others were among the musicians Kotoko used before their matches, drawing capacity crowds to their league games.

Amakye Dede, citing several examples worldwide of how music has been fused with sport to attract fans, insists Nyantakyi's idea is an area that must be explored to bring fans back to the stadium.

“Every footballer have his favorite musician and every musician has his or her favorite footballer. It is not a bad idea, some people would come just to see Amakye Dede," the legendary musician told Boss FM.

“I think is very good idea. Is too bad when supporters have to wait before a game but when we are there to perform before the match it would be good.

Amakye Dede says he is ready to perform at league matches to help draw the crowds to matches in the Ghana top-flight.

“I am ever ready to perform for them, am a football fan as well. During Herbert Mensah’s era as Kotoko chairman everyone knows how we pulled fans to the stadium.

“We will add more crowd to these stadia and certainly they will give us our bit,” Amakye Dede concluded.

Music has been fused with sport globally attracting fans to several sporting events including football matches in Ghana.