Last Saturday’s Joy FM Nite with the Stars which was in the spirit of creative ‘competition’ dubbed ‘Accra vs. Tema’ ended up in a fracas  when  Kwaw Kese  was pitted against VIP. Kwaw brought on stage a banner to depict that in Ghana’s entertainment industry, he was a true VIP. According to reports, for some unfortunate reason, VIP took this creative expression out of context and resorted to violence, with members of their entourage violently demanding that Kwaw go on stage to apologize for his act. In a statement from Mad Time Entertainment, management of Kwaw Kesse,  in order not to interrupt the event and also to ensure that sanity prevailed, Kwaw and his entourage left the premises of the Accra International Conference Centre Dome. The acts of violence did not stop, however. Other musicians and fellow stars were also attacked at the Dome. The popular MC Commotion suffered violence just because he was a hype man for Kwaw Kese and in the process lost his phone and money. Other personalities can testify to slaps and other unruly acts committed against them. In this atmosphere of intimidation and violent expression, Sarkodie and R2Bees who tried to act as peacemakers suffered unnecessary threats of violence.  The statement said : “We, at MAD TIME, appreciate their solidarity and call on Ghanaians not to bash them for not performing because no one will feel safe in a tense, violent and irrational atmosphere.” “ We at MAD TIME are calling on VIP to condemn these acts perpetrated by thugs affiliated to them. We are calling on VIP to affirm their belief in creative competition without the need to resort to barbaric violence. While VIP might feel safe in NIMA, Kwaw Kese and other entertainers also have fans from Nima to Ashaiman to Swedru and many other parts of Ghana who may want to attack VIP in retaliation.” “We urge Ghanaians who were not in the shoes of Sarkodie and R2Bees shoes not to insult or denigrate them for their refusal to perform in midst of intimidation. We also urge event organizers to ensure adequate security at all events to ensure that no unruly thug can threaten the life of a musician just for his or her creative expression.We must learn to appreciate showbiz and entertainment as an area that has no space for violence in this day and age.” The management of VIP also in a press statement said it was calling on its fans across the country and beyond who are outraged by some unfortunate developments that occurred at the Night With The Stars Show to calm down and exercise maximum restraint no matter the level of provocation they may encounter. “VIP has received reports of an alleged attack on some persons after the show and certain entertainment personalities including one, Commotion also alleged to be one of the attacked persons. Though without any evidence whatsoever, some persons have accused fans of VIP of being responsible for the attacks. If indeed it was true that VIP fans were behind the attacks, VIP categorically condemns such incidents and is calling on its fans not to engage in such behaviour. VIP does not subscribe to using violence of any form for any reason. The group believes in dialogue as the best means of addressing challenges.” Meanwhile the management of Sarkodie in another press statement said Sarkodie arrived at the venue 2 hours earlier in high spirit and ready to thrill attendees and give fans one of his best showings in recent times. However, this became impossible after a confrontation between teams of Kwaw Kesse and VIP had gotten physical. “A group of armed individuals broke into the changing room of Sarkodie and R2bees threatening to get violent if we did not reveal the whereabouts of Kwaw Kesse. We noticed a movement of several armed groups into the main auditorium and backstage for reasons we are yet to know. That became a huge concern for me and members of my team fearing what could happen when Sarkodie mounts the stage. Fearing the escalation of the situation as there wasn’t enough security personnel to bring the situation under control, we indicated to members of the Joy FM team our concern, resolving of the fracas and the safety of Sarkodie, R2bees and management members.” “Unfortunately we had to leave the show premises as nothing was done about the security situation and fearing the safety of my artiste Sarkodie, R2bees and others. This was an act and a decision taken not as a calculated attempt to tear down the show, rather due to the security concern. However, we are more than willing to resolve this issue with the organizers of the Night with the stars event and hope they will grant us their platform to clarify issues going forward.”]]>