Running since 2007, the station’s annual white top and jeans Christmas party Decemba To Rememba (D2R) made a majestic return yesterday, December 24 at the Accra International Conference Center. Compered by the stations on-air gems Jessica and Osei Kwame, with music from the seasoned DJ Armani, the highly anticipated concert paraded a delightful list of top contemporary Ghanaian and Nigerian performers including Okyeame Kwame, Guru, Dee Aja, Vision DJ and A.I, Article Wan, Nii Funny, Joey B, and reigning VGMA Artist of the Year E.L.

With music concerts everywhere, the opening act holds perhaps equal potency as the closing act –at least, it is what I firmly believe. For the night, Kakai hitmaker Shatta Wale was obvious closing act -in the past five years or so, placing him anywhere else has proven to be a fatal error, as three-quarters of an audience vanishes with him when he’s done with his act. We’ll come to that in time, I promise you, but let’s talk about Okyeame Kwame, the first of the advertised performers for the night.

Fresh from his trip to the United States, Okyeame Kwame (born Kwame Nsiah –Appau), was entrusted with the weighty task of setting the show off. But Okyeame is a veteran at this, let’s not forget –he has had the art of performing on his cuticles since he teamed up with Okyeame Quophi to form Akyeame. In 1997. Their Brebre Obaahema (ft. Root Eye) is a bona fide GH classic, and their subsequent Nkonsonkonson (their debut album) is a hip-hop model without doubt.

And so his work on stage, while it’s brilliant, might not be entirely surprising. Backed by in DJ and facing a people in love with his words and braced for a party, he went right to it. Starting off with numbers as member of the Akyeame duo, and rounding up with some of his equally widespread current tracks, he did set the party off right; tuning the emotion of the audience to uptimum party mode.  From then on, it was clear this wouldn’t be a sitting-down event.

Compered by on-air gems Jesica Opare Saforo and Osei Kwame of “Brunch in the Citi”, #D2R2016 will also be remembered for personnel at the helm of matters –because first of all, the station has over the years, distinguished itself as a leader in delivering “relevant radio always”. The quality of their flagship “Citi Breakfast Show” (led by seasoned broadcaster Bernard Avle), together with others in entertainment, culture, technology, and sports, has catapulted them into a superior agenda-setting latitude, which they execute expertly. Their events are just as talked about as their programming: The Heritage Caravan/ Heritage Series, Citi Business Olympics, MOGO (Music of Ghanaian Origin) Concert/ Awards and so on.

Last night also saw astounding coordination and excellent technical and security detail. There’s a case to be made for world- class event planning and execution. Two words: Citi FM.

Decemba 2 Rememba has in the time that it has been around, enjoyed praise for how meticulously it is put together, and how it traps the merrymaking atmosphere aptly, but is also notorious for providing a specific stage for “scandal to remember” …errrrm, usually of a sexual nature. It is not the doing of organizers (artists are artists, and can do bad all by themselves), but it is a detail we mischievously associate with the night –and so a 2012 wardrobe malfunction involving singer Raquel pops to mind. And then last night’s edition marks exactly a year since we came to know if singer Wisa’s other capabilities/ deficiencies depending on what angle you’re observing things from. What was this year’s addition? Nothing! Only and precisely in that regard, the event was a “flop”.

Osei Kwame’s mettle as a radio host is unchallenged; his years at Atlantis Radio and Citi FM bear him witness, but is also earning credit as a formidable master of ceremonies, especially with his performance last night. The telepathy between him and co-host Jessica on stage was perfectly seamless, inadvertently revealing a comradery that transcends rehearsal time, and that is good for flow. There is very little to say about Jessica, who is quite the humour merchant herself. She’s a goddess with these things. Finished!

There’s something about the D2R stage chale. These artists treat it like an audition, only serving their best stuff. Nii Funny, Article Wan, Joey B, E.L, A.I, Dee Aja all delivered a-class performances, sparking deafening roars from the packed venue (NB: Guru’s exclusion from the above list is deliberate. I think I speak for many who were present last night that there are expectations we have about an artist of his stature, and we won’t accept a below-par performance, especially as he has such an impressive repertoire, but let’s move on to more positive thought).

There’s always a theatrical angle to Broken Heart singer Nii Funny’s sets. It is a quality that is lacking among many of this generation’s performers. The fact that his team insists on that is laudable. Technically, Broken Heart is his biggest work so far (though he has released decent anthems subsequently). What makes him a hot cake in my estimation, is his approach to a performance. Though it’s the same song, he performs it a different way every time, and that cannot easily be gotten used to.

The same can be said for colleague Article Wan and his Solo. Once a song covers ground in coastal hotspots as  Jamestown, Labadi, Teshie and Nungua, you know the rest of the city is ready for it: Broken Heart, Leebi Tso, Ekiiki Mi, Dormi Tamor Sorng… You would think that Article Wan’s Solo came from nowhere, but it has made extensive rounds on the streets, and earned verification.  The served as launchpad to all the acclaim he’s getting this year. Like Nii Funny, he too rides on the wave of Solo, and is determned on milking it in as many ways as are possible (days ago, he released a remix version featuring Stonebwoy). How do you achieve new life with every performance? He opts for the power of skillful buttocks in motion…and he pulls it off.  Onaapo singer Dee Aja is compliant to hat logic too –placing a high premium on stagecraft.

It is possible though, when you have put in endless work, to sit back and let the songs do the talking for you. Joey B and E.L’s set, Vision DJ and A.I’s, and most of all, Shatta Wale’s turn on stage typify this. Joey B and E.L have two of the most popular songs this year, You & Me and Kaa Bu Ame respectively (more if you push it back a couple of years), Vision DJ and A.I’s Grind has also witnessed wide traction since its release on July 7. It has seen them booked for virtually every top show this month, and when they step on stage, the audience takes over the performance.

The spill-over effects of Shatta Wale’s exploits last year have been abundant even till now. He has delivered hits this year, no doubt, but a bulk of his songs from last year have far lived beyond last year: Mahama Paper, Chop Kiss, Talk Talk etc. His power has risen rapidly over the year, and so even if he strips down his set to just a red bandana over his head and DJ Vyrusky on the turntables (like he did last night), he kills it. Those sixty minutes saw the quintessential sustained deafening cheers and chants of “Wale, Wale”, that only he seemingly can ignite.

We are a people who are deeply invested in humor. It is one way we try to make sense of this town…and so, it takes only a second for good humour material to go viral: “Two Toozin’, “Kpa kpa kpa”, “I can’t think far”, “Malafaka”.  The local stand-up scene is also swarming with young talent, and patrons were treated to some of the best viral videos (mainly used as fillers), and performances from emerging comedian Khemikal and Nigeria’s Hogan.

There’s a reason Decemba 2 Rememba is widely regarded as the official Christmas party. What a show! What a crowd!

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By: ENewsGH

The post Why did #D2R2016 PAP so much, even without a “scandal 2 remember” appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

Very few people expected his presence at the concert, talk less of performing on stage.

EL who was not announced as a guest performer stormed the stage and got the crowd on their feet with excitement and applause.

Performing alongside ‘Ice cream girl’ hitmaker, Joey B, he commanded a lot of participation from the audience.

The duo, performed various hits including, ‘Kaa bu ame’, ’89’, ‘Cigarette’ and ‘Wow’.

We’ll choreographed and exceptionally delivered, EL and Joey B for the entire 30 minutes they spent on stage stopped at nothing to give their chanting fans at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC) nothing but the best, at least nothing less than they’ve been known for on Ghana’s music landscape.

The collaboration between the two will certainly be rated among the best acts put up on the night.

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By: Jonas Nyabor/citifmonline.com/Ghana

Photos by Godwin A. Allotey
Follow @AlloteyGodwin

 

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The event, which has been dubbed the Official Christmas party ended at about 1:30am on Sunday more with patrons yearning for more especially from the last act on the night, Shatta Wale who electrified the entire auditorium with his performance. One hit after the other, he carried the audience along with him and got them singing at every point in the show.

This was after Dee Aja, famed for the electioneering period hit, “Onaapo” grace the stage and got everyone up on their feet singing along in excitement. In the company of great dancers including two from the audience, Dee Aja put up an energetic and impressive performance which seemed everyone’s favourite. Article Wan made his presence felt. He took control of the stage and got the audience singing to his ‘solo’ song which has become very popular in the last one month, enjoying a lot of radio airplay kind courtesy Citi FM. There was much expectations of Nii Funny who had shot up to fame for his single banger, ‘Ebreaki Mi’. He started with a clearly projected stage drama and zoomed into the singing accompanied with a well-choreographed dance performance.

In between the musical performances, Comedians Hogan and Khemical used their unique skills in getting audiences laugh their ribs out, do exactly that. They succeeded in driving out tensions and uneasiness from persons who probably knew not what to expect on the night. They treated the audience to a good laugh from very interesting jokes in all areas.

Guru showed ‘he still got it’. Dressed in a black suite and a complementing black shoes, he stopped at nothing to bring the audience the very best of his creative master pieces. From ‘Mmakuo’, to ‘Alkayida’, to ‘Pooley’, ‘Samba’, Guru’s 30 minutes spent on stage, brought not dull moments.

When Joey B mounted the stage it yet another time to dance to the awesome tunes he will be performing, little did the audience know, EL was warming up to grace the stage as well. Indeed it was a surprise act, VGMA artiste of the year stunned everyone when he mounted the stage to great cheer and chants.

He had not been announced to be performing on stage but he showed up and the audience appreciated it. Together with Joey B they performed songs including ‘Mi naa bo po’, ‘Kaa bu ame’. Other songs performed included, ‘Ice cream girl’, ’89’ and ‘Cigarette’. DJ Vision and A.I. wowed the audience with their performances.

Okyeame Kwame once again demonstrated his flawless ability his audience when he pulled up an in an credible 30-minute long performance on the stage of the 2016 Decemba2Remeba concert. All through the period he had the audience moving and dancing to his timeless songs from over the years. From songs he performed in the 90s as Akyeame, to ‘woara’ to ‘faithful’ to ‘tension’ to ‘halleluyah’,to ‘small small’, the multiple award winning artiste delivered excellently to the admiration of the thousands of patrons of the annual Citi FM event.

Addaquaye and the bitonic singers were seen first to be on stage. The raised the curtains for the day’s show and did with perfectly with soothing carols befitting a Christmas eve occasion and indeed an official Christmas party.

At the end of the event, it was clear that the expectation of the patrons of the event were met.  Most patrons who spoke to Citi News expressed their excitement at the turn out of the event, giving the indication they would be present for Citi FM’s 2017 Decemba2Remeba which promises to be yet another exceptional event on the country’s entertainment calendar.

Decemba2Remeba Citi FM‘s annual flagship outdoor entertainment event that brings together top entertainers to celebrate the eve of Christmas in a grand style.

This year’s event was hosted by Jessica Opare Saforo and Osei Kwame.

Sponsors of the event include Total, Hunters, Kupenda condoms, Bayport Financial Services and KitKat.    

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By: Jonas Nyabor/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Citi FM treats thousands to great fun at #D2R2016 appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

All through the period he had the audience moving and dancing to his timeless songs from over the years.

From songs he performed in the 90s as Akyeame, to ‘woara’ to ‘faithful’ to ‘tension’ to ‘halleluyah’,to ‘small small’, the multiple award winning artiste delivered excellently to the admiration of the thousands of patrons of the annual Citi FM event.

Cheers, applauds and ‘wows’ received his performance which was a fine blend of lyrical dexterity, on-the-rhythm dance moves  and fantastic stage control.

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By: Jonas Nyabor/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post #D2R2016: Okyeame Kwame pushes patrons to the dance floor appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

The artistes who have been billed to perform at this year’s concert have promised to give the patrons the best that they could ever experience.

The artistes are Shatta Wale, Okyeame Kwame, Guru, Joey B, Article Wan and Nii Funny. There will be some other surprise acts. Comedian Hogan will be there to provide some rib-cracking comedy.

Here is a taste of what you will get when you come to the Accra International Conference Centre.

Okyeame Kwame

His performance at #D2R2015 was one that was worthy of great applause. He did some of his old songs and added some of his hits from 2015.

Shatta Wale

Shatta Wale has emerged as one of the best performers in the country. The charisma that he has pulls the crowd to him, such that wherever he goes to perform, no matter the kind of people he’s performing in front of, he gets people singing along to his songs.

Guru

Some describe Guru as a party artiste. Most of his songs are club bangers that always get people dancing; from Samba to Pooley. He, however, seems to be trying something new with the track Gold. He has also promised to give us a taste of what his next album will be like, maybe he will even release the album on that stage.

Joey B

If you are looking for the kind of performance that Joey B will bring you, just look at the video. Not much will be said, apart from the fact that his crazy stunts normally get the crowd to him.

Article Wan

Article Wan is one of the new guys but he looks promising.His body language suggests that whenever he gets the opportunity he will not disappoint.

Nii Funny

He’s been on a few platforms and he looks good on those.

The post #D2R2016: A foretaste of the night to come appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

The annual Citi FM-organised concert will come off at 8pm.

Some of the 2016 hit makers billed for the concert includes; Article Wan of Solo fame, Nii Funny of  Yoko Ebreaki me fame,  the Grind boys, DJ Vision, A.I. and the electioneering season’s sensation, Onaapo’s Dee Aja.

To spice up the night with some laughter will also be the Comedian Hogan, who is no stranger to the D2R platform, with his third appearance.

Regular tickets for the concert are pegged at GHS80, with VIP tickets going for GHS150.

#D2R2016 is powered by 97.3 Citi FM and sponsored by TOTAL CARD – Total Savings, Total Benefits, BAYPORT – Your future now, KIT KAT – Have a break, have a KitKat, HUNTERS – Refreshes like nothing on earth.

Tickets are available in selected Total Service Stations; at 37 next to Max Mart, Atomic Junction, Baatsona, East Legon ANC, La Beah, Tema Hospital Road and Tesano, and at the front desk of Citi FM, Adabraka.

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By: citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post #D2R2016 to be held today appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

He made this announcement in a Twitter Live Chat that was organized by Citi FM ahead of the station’s Decemba to Rememba concert.

When should we expect your debut album? @Citi973 @articlewani #D2R2016

— #Capo (@KojoAB) December 19, 2016

2017 God willing…… just keep in touch!!! #D2R2016 @articlewani https://t.co/rbqmMsrEQJ

— #GhElections (@Citi973) December 19, 2016

Article Wan is one of the artistes who will be performing on that night at the Accra International Conference Centre.

Some other artistes to be performing that night are Shatta Wale, Okyeame Kwame, Guru and Joey B. Comedian Hogan will be there to provide some rib-cracking jokes.

#D2R2016 is powered by 97.3 Citi FM and sponsored by TOTAL CARD – Total Savings, Total Benefits, BAYPORT – Your future now, KIT KAT – Have a break, have a KitKat, HUNTERS – Refreshes like nothing on earth.

Tickets are available at Citi FM, Adabraka and the Total Service Stations at 37 Hospital Road, Atomic Junction, Baatsona, East Legon AnC, La Beach, Tema Hospital and Tesano.

The official dress code for #D2R2016 is white top and jeans.

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Jeffrey O. Sarpong/233liveworld.com
Follow @ojsarpong

The post Article Wan to release debut album in 2017 appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

He has transformed from being one of Ghana’s hiplife artistes, Bandana, to becoming one of the country’s hottest entertainers who is liked by people across various levels of the Ghanaian society and beyond.

Shatta Wale’s ingenuity in rebranding himself speaks volumes about his intelligence and hardwork.

He currently has 35,144 likes on his verified Facebook page and 217,116 on his Twitter handle. This is an indication of his influence in the country, the continent and beyond. He has also swept up awards since he returned.

He has developed from the Shatta Wale who had a beef with everyone, and was even ready to sell his awards to that guy who ended his long conflict with Samini, and made a peace song for Ghana’s largest political parties, the NPP and the NDC, ahead of the just ended parliamentary and presidential elections.

Shatta Wale will be headlining the 2016 edition of Citi FM’s biggest concert, Decemba 2 Rememba (D2R).

Here is a list of some his popular songs compiled with help from Citi FM’s Nana Ama Agyeman Asante, a die-hard Shatta Wale fan. If he decides to run for president, I am sure she will ask to be given the role of his campaign manager.

‘Dancehall king’

This was the first song he released when he changed his name from a low-profile Bandana to Shatta Wale. The song was perfect for the rebirth. It really sold him and pushed him to the pinnacle.

Kakai

This song was a hit and did not go down in its popularity because the political parties picked it up and played it during their campaign rallies.

The NPP particularly played it anytime their running mate and now vice president-elect, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, was due to speak.

Mahama Paper

This is another song that was picked up by  a political party. Because of the name Mahama that was in the song, the governing NDC picked it up, and played it as a herald for the president and their flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama.

If I collect

I suspect that this song was released because of reports that Shatta Wale was paid a huge amount of money to perform at many campaign launches.

I laugh enter mall

This song is one of those in which Shatta Wale told a story, whether or not it is a true story; it is a nice story nonetheless.

Chop kiss

The video of this song featured his better half, Shatta Michy. This song was specially chosen by Nana Ama. She told me that she really loved the song.

Obordobidi

I must admit that I love this song, though I don’t understand it in any way.

Enter the net

This is one song that many guys use to woo the girls they like: “Charlie let me enter the net.”

Bie Gya

This song title is the same as the one that was picked by Criss Waddle and Stonebwoy. But I must say that I love Shatta’s rendition and the music video that goes with it. The video showed Shatta and his friends just having fun, you don’t always have that in Ghanaian music videos.

Hol it

I have nothing to say about this song, except that I really love it. I don’t know what Shatta meant by ‘You got something I like’ though.

Other acts billed to perform at #D2R2016 include Guru, Joey B, Okyeame Kwame, Article Wan, Nii Funny, DJ Vision and A.I., and Hogan the Comedian.

Follow @ojsarpong

The post #D2R2016: 10 Shatta Wale songs that you should listen to appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

The concert will be held at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC) at 8pm.

Organisers are promising a great and memorable concert this year.

Last year’s D2R featured some artistes like Atom of Ye wo krom fame, Gasmillah, Kontihene, Eazzy, Okyeame Kwame and Stonebwoy. That night, some of the patrons also won some samsung gadgets on the night.

Total, Hunters, Kit Kat and Bayport Financial Services are the sponsors for this year’s edition of the Decemba to Rememba.

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By: Jeffrey Owuraku Sarpong/citifmonline.com/Ghana
Follow @ojsarpong

The post Citi FM to take over Accra with D2R 2016 appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.