Stonebwoy doesn't control ticket prices, BMG PRO debunks "Up and Running" ticket allegations

The Head of Public Relations for Burniton Music Group (BMG), Vida Adutwumwaa Boateng, has refuted claims that ticket prices for Stonebwoy’s "Up and Running" tour in London were deliberately reduced to fill the O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire.

In what is appreciated to be good step for the growth of Ghanaian music outside the shores of the country, celebrated Reggae and Dancehall artiste, Stonebwoy successfully sold out the O2 Sheperd's Bush Empire, last week, perhaps, putting an end to the long-held belief that no Ghanaian musician could fill the auditorium without support from core UK based Ghanaian promoters.

The perception was further deepened when UK-based promoter, Mr. Alordia of Alordia Promotions, has before the event, insinuated that the reigning TGMA Artiste of the Year had reduced the ticket prices to win more patronage.

Alordia's opinion of the matter in an interview with an Accra based radio station could have probably cast doubt on the abilities of Stonebwoy and his team from pulling off a succesful show. 

Interestingly, his standpoint had generated into the usual Stonebwoy/Shatta Wale rivalry.

However, in a recent interview, Ms. Adutwumwaa Boateng dismissed the claim as baseless, explaining that Stonebwoy had no authority over ticket pricing due to existing industry regulations.

“Stonebwoy’s ‘Up and Running’ show was organised in collaboration with Live Nation, the same event company behind the globally acclaimed music festival - Afro Nation. They handled both production and ticketing, making it impossible for him (Stonebwoy) to influence the ticket prices,” she explained.

She further clarified that ticket prices were set at standard industry rates and were subject to incremental changes based on demand, not personal decisions.

“There is no way Stonebwoy, out of his own will, could dictate ticket prices to attract more people. Under no circumstance can he alter ticket prices to suit a particular agenda. Prices were fixed and could only increase based on demand,” she reiterated.

Providing further details, Ms. Boateng revealed that early bird tickets were originally priced at £25, before increasing to £34 and later £36 as the event drew closer. She emphasized that rather than depreciating, the ticket prices actually increased due to high demand, which contradicts the claims that they were reduced to court more patrons.

A live recording of the event showed that patrons of the concert were treated to live band performances of timeless hit tracks on the Up & Running album, together with a blend of danceable tunes from Stonebwoy’s repertoire.