THIS IS WHY OSIBISA LIVE IN CONCERT SHOW FLOPPED IN TAKORADI

Living here in Takoradi for few years, I have witnessed shows and concerts that sold out thousands of seats and broke records in the oil-city. 

Take for instance, Uncle Ebo Whyte's one million Pounds play at Atlantic hotel, the premiere of Amakye and Dede at Akroma Plaza, 2017 Rush Western Music Award at Atlantic hotel, and the recent premiere of Kejetia vs Makola at Atlantic hotel.

There is no argument about the fact that entertainment shows are massive money-makers, not only for the artists themselves but for the promoters and venue owners too. On a good day, concerts are great for both the patrons as well as the organizers. But sometimes things do not go as intended, thereby resulting in a total flop of the show. The truth is that it is much easier for a show to flop than it to be successful.

After headlining and giving a spectacular performance at the 2017 edition of Exclusive Men of the Year Awards (EMYs) with Ivorian Freddy Meiway, Osibisa band made a stopover in Takoradi for what they called Osibisa Live in Concert. The Band which was formed in 1969, last performed in Takoradi in 1976 (some 41 years ago). 

In attendance were Sol Amarfio (drums and founding member), Wendell Richardson (guitar and founding member), Bessa Simons (keyboard and member) and Della Hayes (member of Women of Color band).

The Auditorium few hours to kick start the concert

The one thousand seater conference room at the Atlantic hotel, was not filled even up to one-tenth of its capacity. I counted up to twenty-five (25) people, minus camera men, out of which majority entered with invitation or complementary tickets. 

This is what I believe might have accounted for the flop:

1. Event day: Unlike Accra where weekend starts from Friday, in Takoradi, our weekend begins from Saturday. The prophet who advised Osibisa to fix their event on Friday might have been the same prophet who told JM he was going to win one touch. If Saturday cannot be convenient, try Sunday, you will have massive attendance in Takoradi. If you doubt me visit Allan Beach tonight and see the numbers there for yourself.

2. Complacency: After nailing a successful award show, Westline Entertainment seems to have become swollen headed. As at 5pm, barely 2 hours for the event to kick start, no member of Westline Entertainment was present at the auditorium. It was after 5:20pm that Reuben (their Accountant) came there. That was when I realised, these guys were going to flop. The banner for the red-carpet did not even have Westline Entertainment logo on it when the red carpet show began.

3. Lack of Control: Westline Entertainment did not have control over things. As for the S. M. Mensah Enterprise, he still remains a mystery to me. I am very sure, if Westline Entertainment did have power over this, the date would have been postponed. How can you bring 618 tickets out of 700 tickets they gave you to sell and still think you were going have crowd at the event? I can't think far?? May be it was Osibisa self sponsored show, but Westline Entertainment created impression they had hand in the show. It was all camouflage to me. Ike Photography staff were bounced 3 times, even though they had invitation from Westline Entertainment. As for the guy, who was hosting the red carpet,  he left with his team because Osibisa insisted they buy their own tickets. 

Osibisa Live in Concert Banner hanging at Shipper's Authority roundabout

4. Publicity: Unlike the Rush Western Music Award which became the talk of town prior to the event date, Osibisa Live in Concert was less popular. The only banner I saw was the one at Shipper's Authority roundabout which was illegally hanging in an empty billboard stand. Radio stations which claimed were sponsors did not play the event jingle. My favourite station Paragon 99.9 fm did not play the jingle to my hearing. Again, the pubicity should have targeted the old men and women, you don't have to waste money to play Osibisa concert jingle at Yfm, that station is for the youth. See Twin-city radio, that is where the oldies put their dials.  

5. Atlantic Hotel: If I were Osibisa, I would sue Best Western Plus Atlantic Hotel. When you pay for the dome at Accra International Conference Centre for a show, the manger ensures that other events similar to that at the dome which have been booked in the smaller halls at the centre are either cancelled or sent to another dates. I mean how do you play live band at the Ocean bar, knowing very well that the Legendary Osibisa is playing Live Band at the Ankobra hall of your hotel? They did not even have respect at all, the hotel band had the guts to play Osibisa songs. 

6. FREE TICKET:  It is said that business grows when family and friends pay for services. From Takoradi-based artists to radio presenters, everyone wanted free ticket. Westline Entertainment, absorbed 20 Cedis cost on the gate fee, still people wanted to be given free tickets. And you are not ashamed to go and  sit on radio, run your 32 teeth to gosip that the show flopped? So when you and your girlfriend did not attend, you thought people would take flights from London to attend? 

Snow B and Corp Sayvee, you guys could not sit your butts down because you saw empty seats, right? What is happening to the youth in Ghana music industry? Westline Entertainment, wanted Sayvee to perform, he was not humble to even sit in the auditorium for 30 minutes. Oh as for Snow B and his team, it was clear, they wanted the audience to promote their latest single. When they realised that only 25 people were in the room, they left without saying a goodbye.

But, I enjoyed the show. For me, I was part of the 25 who made history, because I am not sure Osibisa band will be playing in Takoradi anytime soon. May be some 4 decades to come. Check your age and add 4 decades. Now have you seen that you have chopped foolish things (apologies to Kalybos).