Ghana’s multi award-winning conscious reggae superstar, Blakk Rasta was at the rather so neat, Nsawam prisons on this year’s Bob Marley day, 11th May, to celebrate with the over 3000 inmates amidst cheers and tears.
"A lot of people have no regard for our prisoners, but a lot of them are innocent- a case of the right place at the wrong time... ." Blakk Rasta stressed with teary eyes, adding that “...it could happen to any of us. I have taken it as my project to encourage love for our ‘condemned’ friends.”
In a concert dubbed, JAILHOUSE ROCKING, the reggae artiste/radio presenter on Hitz 103.7 FM, performed a lot of his hit songs with his Herbalist band for four hours as allotted by prison authorities in the first ever reggae performance in a Ghanaian prison. The theme for the performance was ‘The Storm Will Soon Be Over’.
The very disciplined prisoners danced and sang to reggae music until the live band concert ended at 4:00p.m when they were asked to retire to their cell rooms.
They lamented the concert had ended too soon but that was all the time allotted by the authorities.
Many cried as Blakk Rasta delivered very inspiring messages to them in-between his set.
Prison officers could not withstand the heat but also join in the dancing and celebration right on stage.
Toiletries, food, tooth brushes, deodorants, cloths and beverage were donated by the artiste to the inmates who asked to have the celebration done every year which was upheld.
Fiifi Selah (formerly of TH4 Kwages) Saba and a prisoner, King Grapha also entertained the inmates.
Deputy Director of Ghana Prisons, Mr Ackom Gyedu was so glad to have reggae in the jailhouse and agreed to help make it a yearly affair.
He said the prisoners love and iconise Blakk Rasta a lot, therefore, he should never let them down.
It was an emotional moment when the artiste said bye to the inmates after which he embraced Exopa boss and model, Ibrahim Sima, Goodies Music boss, Ramzy (of Stars of the Future fame) and other celebrity prisoners. Photos and phones were not allowed in the prisons.
Blakk Rasta won the reggae song of the year award at the just ended Ghana music awards. He is also the current winner of the Reggae radio host of the year award at the Radio and TV Awards.