Entertainment of Monday, 17 November 2003

Source: Adjei, Frank

Kwadwo clash with Kojo at Brixton Academy.

For the first time in 7 years the two finest hilife artist clashed in London Brixton Academy. The show was organised by Kumasi Market / Music director K Dom. Brixton Academy was picked because the likes of Madonna and Sting have all performed there with a capacity of 5000. This was billed to be the biggest hilife show ever held in London.

Hosted by KKD the finest and Mamme Akua from Hot97UK. Supporting Lumba and Kojo were George Darko, Lucky Mensah, Candy Man and London’s finest Soul Tee. Representing from top club DJ’s were the likes of Hot97UK DJ’s, P’n’P Family, Radical D, Fire and Warren Mc, all of ‘Akwaaba’ who are planning to tour Accra top nightclub Boomerang this Christmas.

The supporting artist performed all their top hits and London finest Soul Tee closed the show for the supported artist four of his greatest.

Time was creeping towards 1am and the crowd was now waiting for Mr Musicman alias Kojo Antwi and Daddy Lumba alias Charles Kwadwo Fosu. One of the sponsoring radio station Hot97UK Director Mr Van Dyck, Easy E, Adusei, AkwaabaUK Radical D, Eben and Warren Mc, joined KKD and Mamme Akua on stage to give a minute silence in respect of late Terry Bonchaka who sadly passed away 2 weeks ago.

Ghana’s high commissioner to UK his Excellency Mr. Isaac Osei gave a quick speech about our hilife music before Mamme Akua introduced Daddy Lumba alias Charles Kwadwo Fosu onto the stage with six of his dancers doing their stuff, four backing singers and full band. Performing dozen of his top hits starting the show with ‘A plus’ from his current Album and ended the show with the big one ‘Aben wo aha’. Lumba spent just under two hours on stage and trilled his fans and shut up all the sceptics.

With no delay KKD entered the stage to introduce the Mr. Musicman, Kojo Antwi. A huge banner with KOJO ANTWI was lowered from the ceiling. Introduction sounds of the late Bob Marley, ‘Natural Mystics’ playing in the background his entrance was spectacular. KOJO appeared on stage behind another huge banner with his dread locks wrapped high and still hanging behind him carry his walking stick in one hand. Performing with three backing singers and full band. Kojo thrilled the UK audience with excellent singing and charm, with love songs like ‘Bomi Komo De’. The female audience couldn’t get enough of him. Kojo wanted Daddy Lumba to come on stage to share a song. But Lumba had already left the building.

Finally in London a show without any hitch. The PA system was superb and both artists used it in their own advantage. After the show many people try to compare the two as to who was best. Kojo Antwi and Daddy Lumba can’t be compared. The two are as good as each other and superb in their own way. Sunday the day after the show, listeners called Hot97UK on 106.3fm to praise both artists for an excellent performance. For the first time in London positive response from a show that brought together all of UK Promoters and Radio stations to push hilife music to another level.

Check www.Ghanafuo.com for more Lumba and Kojo Antwi in London pictures soon.