It’s days to Christmas and everywhere there seems to be one activity or another going on. At this time of the year, one hardly gets any work done as the mood is generally cheerful and all thoughts seem consciously or unconsciously channeled towards the coming festivities.
As usual rave outfits and rave heads alike are also gearing up for one big mega jam after the other with a host of jam sessions lined up for this season . Much like last year, the period seem to have a helluva lot of entertaining raves happening almost everyday of the period; though this seems a lot more packed with the introduction of more major events in addition to those events that have now become a traditional staple on the calendars for those of us who care to pay attention to them. I guess it also helps that Christmas on a weekend this year, therefore allowing many of us to have a very long weekend of party hopping!
Below I preview and list some of the major upcoming events in the coming weeks as well as my expectations in terms of turnout and how exciting it promises to be…….
Christmas Eve………..
DECEMBER 2 REMEMBER – CITI FM
One of the ultimate jam sessions for this period; this show has always been one to remember and this year will be no different. With Samini, ASEM, 4X4, 55, Praye and many more of the year’s biggest performers parading as usual on the night, patrons can be rest assured of nothing but pure thrills and dancing all night long. And of course anybody who has been to any of the previous editions will advise you to stick and stay for the after party in the foyer that always offers more than enough to drink and a lot of people to mingle with.
Expectations: *****
A WHITE CHRISTMAS PARTY – EMPIRE ENTERTAINMENT
Rave heads may be spoilt for choice on this Friday night, but one gig that is sure to spin heads and bring the devil out of folks will definitely be the “WHITE CHRISTMAS PARTY.” Events house Empire Entertainment is currently the most highly reputed party crew in the city and they are referring to this gig as the official last party of the year and they look like they want to finish very hard. The all star line-up of DJs includes DJ BLACK, DJ MENSA, DJ PERFECT, UK’s DJ ICE, and many others. The MCs include BOLA RAY, FUNNY FACE, JEREMIE, JAY FOLI and Naa Adele. Word in the nightlife circles is, this party is rated as the Official Christmas Eve party of 2010 and must not be missed.
Expectations: *****
CHRISTMAS DAY
GHANA MOVIE AWARDS 2010 – GHALLYWOOD PRODUCTIONS
Personally I can’t wait for this event for two reasons; First of all, it is the very first Ghana Movie Awards night and is sure to be a historic one that should not be missed. Secondly, organizers seem to have flexed the muscles to get the services of showstoppers such as SAMINI, TINNY, AIGBE EDEM, ASEM, WUTAH, RANA and lots of other acts to perform on the night. It is rumored that the show is set to have the largest number of performing acts for any other rave this season.
In the same breath, organizers have confirmed appearances from the likes of Nollywood superstars Tonto Dikeh, Desmond Elliot, Ramsy Nouah, Rita Dominics, Genevieve Nnaji, Mercy Johnson and many other big names for what they hope will be the ultimate red carpet event of the year.
To carp it all off, everyone is quite interested in knowing which actor and actress will walk away with the title of Overall Best Actor and Overall Best Actress in Ghana by morning on Boxing Day.
Expectations: ****
FACEBOOK XMAS PARTY – FILASTONE ENTERTAINMENT and REPLAY ENTERTAINMENT
The only other club gig in the coming days worth a review. Lots of hype is going on for this event and it may well be worth it. The guys from Filastone and Replay Entertainment have held some of the biggest tertiary focused club raves this year [ e.g. The phenomenal “MAJOR RECOVERY” rave] and this looks to be their biggest yet. What’s for sure is they know how to throw a good party and this may certainly be no different.
Expectations: ****
BOXING DAY
NIGHT OF A 1011 LAUGHS
Charterhouse’s traditional rave for those in search of a more relaxing and soothing form of entertainment-that is, of course if you have no problem with one that may have side effects on your ribs and jaws afterwards- This show has always been genuinely entertaining and there is little doubt that this year will be different. The 2010 line-up includes Owen Gee, Lekpacious, Buchie and Bash from Nigeria. From Ghana- undoubtedly the funniest man of the moment, Funny Face, DKD [another hilarious young man] and Percy. [Somebody asked where David OSCAR was…I leave the answer to your imagination].Music will be provided by Gyedu Blay Ambulley, Efya, VIP and many others.
Expectations: *****
27th December, 2010
GHANA ROCKS 2010 – Charterhouse
This year, once again London’s funky house hip-hop music culture meets GH rap music for the ultimate jam session of the year. From precedence set last year, this show is one that should certainly not be missed. Personally, Its one of the few gigs I’m actually looking forward to – not really because of Tinchy Stryder but more so because of the KIG Family whom, I [like most other rave heads] absolutely love. Expect ASEM, VIP, and 5Five to thrill the night as well.
Expectations: *****
28th December, 2010
RICKROSS IN GH – FANTASY ENTERTAINMENT
Some people might disagree with me but word on the street [and in my mind] is that this show may not be quite as big as organizers might have anticipated. For one, this season is packed with loads of maga shows/concerts and though it presents an international alternative to the various shows billing local acts, most people have to choose between Ghana Rock [27th] and Rick Ross the following day. Nonetheless it may be one of this season’s biggest shows, at least for those who can afford to cough up GHC75 and above for a concert.
Expectations: ***
AMAKYE DEDE - ADOM FM & EVOLUTION INTERNATIONAL
Ghana music’s only recognized “rock star” Amakye Dede, will rock lovers of good old highlife music at the Conference Centre along side the genres other heavyweights such as Kwabena Kwabena, Daasebre Dwamenah, Felix Amoah and many more.
This one show that is sure to rock and I am certainly hoping it becomes an annual affair [atleast so that I can make it there next year!]
Expectations: ****
Other Upcoming Shows [which did not make it on this list] include];
- ROB Definitions All Black Party @ Club 202 – 26th December
Expectations: ***
- +233 @ Tantra Nightclub
Expectations: **
- Edi Kadi Live on 29th December @ Citizen Kofi
- Expectations:***
- JQ’s “Homecoming Party” @ Cleavers House – 1st January 2011.
Expectations: ****
- Rob Definitions All White Party @Royal Mirage Hotel – 2nd January 2011.
Expectations: **
Expectations Ratings
· * - Not promising
· ** - Quite promising
· *** - Exciting
· **** - Mega-jam
· ***** - Definitely a Mega-jam
Note: That, whiles this may not be the full list of raves happening in Accra this season, this certainly contains all of the major raves taking place and the comments and ratings are based my personal opinions as an industry critic/writer/ events organizers and Pr consultant; oh and of course as a well noted “Party Head”!!! see you around somewhere this Christmas…have fun!.