Stonebwoy dropped from NDC Victory Concert following ‘grassroots' demand

In a surprise move, Ghanaian dancehall artiste Stonebwoy has been removed from the lineup of artistes to perform at the National Democratic Congress (NDC) victory concert, slated to take place at the forecourt of Legon Stadium in Accra on Sunday, January 5.

Yesterday, the flyers announcing some artistes planned to perform at the victory concert had Stonebwoy, Edem, D-Flex, gospel singers, Jack Alolomi and Ohemaa Mercy among others.

However, few hours after the flyers were shared by the organisers, #DropStonebwoy# campaign started and gained momentum on social media calling on their leaders to drop the reigning TGMA Artiste of the Year.

The goal of the campaign, as monitored by Graphic Showbiz from the posts of supposed NDC supporters and sympathisers was to get artistes such as Nacee and Mzbel who campaigned for the party on bill.

Interestingly, the critics had equally demanded that Shatta Wale should be part of the performers and not Stonebwoy who they believe didn’t support the party in the run up to last December’s general election.

Stonebwoy’s comments

Prior to the elections, Stonebwoy had revealed that he had been contacted by the leadership of NDC to perform at their final rally which took place at the Madina Zurak park in Accra.

However, he turned down the proposal because he didn’t want to be associated with any political party as a neutral.

Based on their statement, some NDC supporters had pointed out that, if he didn’t want to be associated with the party then, he should continue to stay out of their party’s business including performing at their victory party.

Shatta Wale as replacement

Interestingly, Shatta Wale’s name popped up as a better choice than Stonebwoy since he purportedly campaigned for the party.

But there’s a twist to Shatta Wale as a better choice. Some NDC supporters and diehard fans of Stonebwoy have argued that the latter wasn’t seen on any political platform of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to label him as their party member.

However, Shatta Wale, who they prefer was part of a number of artistes who met Vice President Mahamadu Bawumia during the campaign.

Hence, Stonewoy’s stance that he wanted to be politically neutral wasn’t to despise their political party as had been position of the grassroots. 

Also, they pointed out that Stonebwy’s Jerejere featured prominently at NDC rallies so there was no point labelling him a political opponent.

Gabby’s tweet

While at it, a tweet by Gabby Otchere Darko in 2016 questioning why Shatta Wale should be included in a list of performers for a victory party by the NPP has also popped up.

For some NDC supporters, what is good for the good for the goose is equally good for the gander so if Shatta Wale couldn’t perform at the time because he was labelled a political opponent, then Stonebwoy shouldn’t be allowed to perform on their platform as well.

Statement

To satisfy the demands of grassroots, the organisers dropped Stonebwoy, announcing it in a statement.

Part of the statement reads, “the organisers of Ghana Victory party responding public sentiments and concerns from the party’s grassroots regarding Stonebwoy’s inclusion, have decided to remove the artist from the concert lineup(sic).”