Gradually, the final funeral rites of Dancehall diva Ebony Reigns, who died gory accident on February 8 is almost here.
Ebony who was returning from Sunyani where she had gone to visit her mother, Beatrice Martin, died alongside her friend, Franky Kuri, and her soldier bodyguard, Francis Vondee, who had accompanied her. While Franky was buried in March 3, Francis Vondee was expected to be buried on Friday, March 23.
Barring any unforeseen circumstances, Ebony will also be laid to rest on Saturday, March 24, 2018.
1. Date and Venue: Originally, the burial service and final funeral rites had been scheduled to take place at the Black Star (Independence) Square on March 17. But a hiccup led to the change to March 24 at the forecourt of the State House, Accra.
2. Time: The burial and funeral ceremony will start from 5am to 5pm on Saturday and 9am to 3pm on Sunday. This is according to the official invitation cards for Ebony's funeral.
3. Apparel (Cloth): The family, record label of Ebony have, in collaboration with GTP, unveiled official clothes for the funeral. The clothes which come in two different designs were two of her hit songs ‘Maame Hw3' and 'Aseda’. But if you could not buy any of the two clothes, you can just put on a red or black attire or a combination of both to go and pay your last respect yo Ebony.
4. Resting (Burial) Place: Ebony Reigns' final resting will be the Osu Cemetery in Accra. This was revealed by her father, Nana Opoku Kwarteng in an interview.
5. Tribute concert: A concert will be held in honour of Ebony on March 23 at the Trade Fair Centre in Accra. Among the stars billed to perform are Sarkodie, Stonebwoy, VVIP, and many others who are reportedly not charging for their performance. Fans will be charged a gate fee of GHC10.00. The proceeds from the concert will be used to start up a foundation in honour of Ebony.
6. Tribute songs: There have been a number of tribute songs for Ebony since she passed. They include one each from the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA), rapper Stone of Bradez fame, and the all-female collaboration of Adina, MzVee, Efya, Freda Rhymz, eShun, Feli Nuna, and Adomaa.
The latest is from Sarkodie who used the opportunity to create awareness of road traffic accidents. Released barely 48 hours to the funeral, it is gaining much popularity on social media.
7. Governmental support: Though government has declared that it is not officially holding a state burial for Ebony, it is still supporting the funeral.
Ebony's father revealed that he had a meeting with the Chief of Staff, Akosua Frema Opare to thrash out issues concerning the venue. It was after the meeting that the venue and date changed.
The Ministry of Tourism and Creative Arts has also promised some assistance for the organization of a befitting burial for Ebony.