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#CardiBinGhana: The Livespot X Festival experience that went completely WRONG!

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When news of Cardi B coming to perform in Ghana broke, many Ghanaians were excited but after the events of the past weekend, many are disappointed. Events at the Livespot X Festival was worse than the failed “MEAT & GREET” and here’s what really happened.

The Livespot X Festival was considered the first event to officially kick off the #DettyDecember experience and following the highlights from Cardi B’s time in Nigeria, expectations were really high.

Cardi B arrived in Ghana at 1 pm on Sunday and was welcomed by a huge crowd at the airport. She expressed her excitement to enjoy her time and showed the world her awesome hotel room at the Kempinski Gold Coast Hotel. This got fans who had bought tickets more excited and made some (myself included) to go buy last-minute tickets.

We were going to party the ‘BARDI GANG’ way but left with nothing but disappointment. This is was the ‘FYRE FRAUD’ of Ghana!

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TICKETS AND VENUE

When prices for the Livespot X Festival tickets were announced a lot of people found them outrageous.

50gh for Regular, 500gh for VIP and 800gh for VVIP (Gold Circle) that price difference gave me the impression that those with VIP and VVIP tickets would enjoy some pecks the regular ticket holder couldn’t. Due to low ticket sales, prices for the tickets were slashed and some celebrities gave out free tickets in hopes to increase attendance.

At the gate, Regular tickets were being sold for as low as 10gh, 50gh for VIP and 100gh for VVIP this was my first sign that the night was not going to be what I imagined.

As VIP/VVIP ticket holders used a different route to the venue, the entrance for regular tickets holders was packed. I checked in and made my way past security which was very smooth because it wasn’t very much crowded.

Inside the stadium, the stadium seats all were empty and less than 300 people were gathered on the main pitch.

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EVENT DELAYS AND PERFORMANCES

Livespot X Festival on it flyers said gates would open at 2pm and I presumed the main event would start at 7pm. However, at 9pm Cardi B was still at her hotel for an unplanned ‘MEET & GREET’.

I checked into the venue at 9:30 pm and there was only music playing with MC Kojo Manuel holding the crowd done. It was a great session and got the crowd really hyped.

Kojo Manuel ended his session and around 10:15pm there was no one on stage just a DJ playing music and people dancing. At 10:30pm, the whole stage lighting system went off!

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Guru came on stage a few minutes later and performed to a non-responsive audience who were tired of standing. The sound was terrible and his microphone kept going off. There was still no stage lighting.

At 11pm. Eddie Blay who was an MC for the night came out to apologize for the lighting situation and the delays. He kept using curse words that offended people more and a DJ kept playing music to entertain the crowd for 30minutes after he left.

Eno Barony was introduced on stage at 11:35pm and killed her intro by spitting some great bars which got the crowd shouting and clapping. She brought on her ‘Di Asa’ (Plus size) dancers and ended her 15mins set, she was one of the best performers of the night.

After she left, the show went back on hold as they tried to fix the stage lights.

Nigerian singer Seyi Shay was the next act to perform at 12am. The sound was so bad, her dancers had to do their intro three times before she appeared on stage. Her performance was a 3/10 for me.

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Seyi left the stage and MC Joel took over to hold the crowd down. At 12:20, the number of people in the stadium had increased because the doors were open for everyone at the gate to enter. It had turned into a FREE CONCERT and the large number got me excited.

 

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@iamseyishay performs at#livespotfestival at the Accra Sports Stadium 🔥🔥🔥 #cardbinghana

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Nigeria’s DJ SPINALL’s set was the official kick of life into the show. He gave back-to-back hits from Ghana to Nigeria that had everyone on their feet. DJ LOFT took over and also kept the party going till 12:40am.

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The stage lights were back now, the sound system was much better and the crowd had increased. We were excited to see one on the billed big acts of the night. But it hit 1am and there was not a single performance just music from the DJ. It was an open-air party on the park.

1:30am and people were tired of waiting and the song being played. Some started to sleep on the grass as others made their way home. People were frustrated and angry as some had come to the stadium as early as 4pm.

After 50 minutes of no performance and word from the organizers, the angry crowd started throwing bottles and stone on stage to vent their frustrations. It had to take someone from the organizing team to come calm the situation down.

 

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The moment people started throwing bottles on stage to show their anger at the event delay. Cardi B came on right after and saved the show 🙏 #livespotfestival #cardibinghana

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I presume Cardi B had been notified of the situation because her hypeman came on stage after the incident and people started rushing to the park. CARDI B was coming to perform!!!

Cardi B in her customized Ghana flag leather playsuit and hair stepped on stage at 1:40am. She apologized for her delay and explained it was due to technical difficulties. Performing her hit songs, she addressed the ‘meet and greet’ incident from earlier in the day, Offset’s cheating rumors and how she considers Ghana a very rich country.

 

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🇬🇭Let’s turn the FUCK UP🇬🇭

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From twerking all over the stage, she stripped her shoes and gloves off and threw them into the crowd. I’m still sad I didn’t catch any her items but Cardi B killed her performance. While the crowd couldn’t rap along to all her songs, her choreography, energy, dancers, and hypeman really had the crowd going.

Ending her performance with BODAK YELLOW, Cardi B snatched her wig off and threw it into the crowd as the fireworks went off. She apologized for the delays again, thanked Ghana for hosting her and expressed her excitement to go party at the club. Seeing Cardi B perform for the first time, I rate her performance a 7/10.

Cardi B left the stage at 2:20am and many were excited as we hoped to see one of the big acts to come on stage next. But we were left with music for 20mins and people started leaving the stadium again.

Medikal was the next act to come on stage at 2:40am and performed with Quamina MP. He also brought his girlfriend, Fella Makafui on stage during the performance of his hit song AYEKOO.

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@fellamakafui joins her boo @amgmedikal to perform AYEKOO#livespotfestival #cardibinghana

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Kofi Mole and Becca were the last acts to perform to a small crowd which was only waiting to see Sarkodie and Shatta Wale.

At 3:20 am, word was going round that Sarkodie and Shatta Wale will not be performing. The fans started hurling insults at the organizers and throwing bottles on stage again.

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The MCs of the day kept the hopes of fans high by continuously instructing the DJs to play the songs of these artistes while chanting, “Are you ready to see Shatta Wale and Sarkodie?”.

The ‘not so impressed crowd’ ignorantly cheered on by giving the loudest shouts with their very last energy. Disappointment was written on the faces of individuals who stood for hours waiting to witness their favorite Ghanaian artistes’ performance.

After hours of waiting, the few people left began to leave the stadium symbolizing the end of the show without any official sign out from organizers.

I left the stadium at 3:45 am and Sarkodie, Shatta Wale, Tiwa Savage, Partoranking, Joey B, Darey and DJ VRUSKY who were all billed to perform were a NO SHOW!

The organizers are yet to release a statement or issue an apology on the terrible experience they gave patrons who paid between 50gh and 800gh to be at the event.

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WHAT WENT WRONG?

Compared to the Nigeria show, there was a lack of communication between the organizers and the acts.

It was also clear that there wasn’t a full stage rehearsal for all the artists before the main show.

The venue for the event was wrong as one couldn’t even tell the difference between the VIP and VVIP.

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Choosing Sunday for the event was also a wrong call from the organizers as most people wouldn’t come outcome because they have work the day after.

Media buzz and advertisements for the event started too late. Information on ticket outlets was dropped just 2 weeks to the event.

From the controversial ‘MEET& GREET’ to the flop of the main show, it is clear the organizers failed in properly planning for the event.

Hopefully, this Livespot X Festival experience will serve as a lesson to all event organizers who have activities planned for this festive season.

#YearOfReturn: Top 10 events you must attend this December

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Deepening Cooperation: Telecel Ghana and Huawei Sign New Framework Contract to Provide Better Network Experience

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Telecel and Huawei Leadership teams after signing the contract

At the recently held Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, Telecel Ghana and Huawei Ghana signed a new framework contract to promote cooperation and partnership for providing improved network experience and coverage in Ghana.

The new contract is aligned with Telecel’s vision to lead Africa’s digital revolution, connecting communities with sustainable and locally developed innovative connectivity methods, and inspiring technological advancements that pave the way for a thriving, interconnected continent. It also reflects Huawei’s vision of bringing digital to every person, home and organization for a fully connected and intelligent world. This signifies not only their commitment to each other but also unwavering confidence for the future of the telecommunications industry in Ghana.

With the shared consensus that Telecom plays a pivotal role in shaping the modern society, the two parties have worked together since 2023 to launch over 500 4G+ sites in record time. The  contract demonstrates the commitment of Telecel Ghana to improve coverage, capacity in  hotspots and the overall availability of 4G services. 

Ing. Patricia Obo-Nai, CEO of Telecel Ghana affirmed Telecel’s commitment to collaborate closely with Huawei to harness the latest technologies and unmatched expertise to propel the evolution of modern network infrastructure and intelligence. This symbiotic partnership is poised to unlock unparalleled opportunities, ushering users into an era of unparalleled, world-class mobile connectivity.

Samuel Chen, CEO of Carrier Business in Huawei Southern Africa, said based on a solid collaboration with Telecel Ghana, Huawei has strong commitment to accelerate the development of mobile data and fixed broadband. Tommy Liang, MD of Huawei Ghana, emphasized the promise to advance FinTech ecosystem for driving innovation and promoting economic growth.

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Adinkra International Arts & Crafts Show Set to Showcase African Cultural Heritage in Accra, Ghana

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The inaugural ceremony of the Adinkra International Arts & Crafts Show, hosted by the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), is poised to be a landmark event celebrating the vibrant cultural heritage and artistic excellence of Ghana and the wider African continent. (more…)

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How To Improve Small Business Accounting With Customised Financial Solutions

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Small enterprises frequently encounter distinctive hurdles in the realm of accounting. Limited resources, fluctuating revenues, and evolving financial needs can make managing finances daunting. Yet, employing appropriate methods and tailored financial remedies enables small businesses to streamline accounting operations, attain more profound insights into their economic well-being, and ultimately foster growth. This blog post will explore how small businesses can improve their accounting practices through tailored financial solutions and customised accountancy packages.

Understanding Your Business Needs

The first step in improving small business accounting is understanding your business’s specific needs. Every business is unique, with its financial goals, challenges, and operational dynamics. By thoroughly assessing your business requirements, you can identify areas where your accounting processes may be lacking and where customised solutions can make a difference. Whether managing cash flow, tracking expenses, or optimising tax strategies, a tailored approach ensures that your accounting practices align with your business objectives.

Leveraging Technology for Efficiency

Technology has revolutionised how businesses manage their finances, offering various tools and software solutions to streamline accounting processes. Small businesses accounting solutions can benefit significantly from leveraging technology to automate repetitive tasks, track financial transactions in real-time, and generate insightful reports. Customised accounting software packages can be tailored to suit your business’s specific needs, allowing you to concentrate on fundamental activities while guaranteeing precision and adherence to financial management standards.

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Partnering with Experienced Professionals 

While small business owners often wear many hats, managing complex financial matters may require specialised expertise. Partnering with experienced accounting professionals who understand the unique challenges of small businesses can provide invaluable support and guidance. These experts can provide customised guidance, assist in implementing optimal procedures, and offer continuous assistance to maintain the efficiency and effectiveness of your accounting processes. Whether it involves bookkeeping, tax strategy, or financial analysis, having a reliable advisor can profoundly influence your business’s economic prosperity.

Flexibility and Scalability

Your accounting needs may also change as your business grows and evolves. Customised Accountancy Packages offer the flexibility and scalability to adapt to your business’s changing requirements. Whether you’re expanding into new markets, launching new products, or facing economic uncertainties, customised accountancy packages can be adjusted to accommodate these changes. This scalability ensures that your accounting processes remain robust and relevant, supporting your business’s growth trajectory over the long term.

Conclusion

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Practical accounting is essential for the success of any small business, but traditional one-size-fits-all approaches may only sometimes suffice. By embracing customised financial solutions and tailored accountancy packages, small businesses can overcome the challenges of managing their finances and unlock their full growth potential. Understanding your business needs, leveraging technology, partnering with experienced professionals, and prioritising flexibility and scalability are vital steps in improving small business accounting. With the right strategies, small businesses can achieve greater efficiency, accuracy, and financial insight, paving the way for long-term success. Customised financial solutions empower small businesses to take control of their finances and drive sustainable growth in today’s competitive landscape.

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The Future of Sports Betting: How AI is Changing the Game

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The Thriving Intersection of Sports and Sports Betting in Nigeria

In recent years, the sports betting landscape has undergone a significant transformation, driven by advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. These technologies are not only changing how bets are placed but are also reshaping the strategies used by both bookmakers and bettors to predict outcomes more accurately. As AI continues to evolve, it is poised to revolutionize the sports betting industry, offering new opportunities for data analysis, decision-making, and personalized betting experiences. Let’s explore three key ways in which AI is changing the game in sports betting.

1. Enhanced Predictive Analytics

The cornerstone of successful sports betting has always been the accurate prediction of game outcomes. AI and machine learning have taken predictive analytics to a new level, enabling the analysis of vast datasets beyond the capabilities of human analysts. These technologies can process and analyze data from a variety of sources, including player performance statistics, team history, weather conditions, and even social media sentiment, to make highly accurate predictions about future sports events.

Machine learning algorithms learn from historical data and continuously improve over time, becoming more sophisticated in identifying patterns and trends that can influence the outcome of a sports event. This means that bookmakers can offer odds that are more reflective of the actual probabilities, and bettors can make more informed decisions. For instance, Rebellion Research’s proprietary machine learning model, which has a history of outperforming the S&P 500, could be adapted to sports betting, providing insights that could significantly improve the accuracy of bet predictions.

2. Real-time Data Processing and In-play Betting

One of the most exciting developments in sports betting is the rise of in-play or live betting, which allows bettors to place bets on events as they are happening. AI plays a crucial role in this area by processing real-time data from live games to update odds instantly. This not only enhances the betting experience by making it more dynamic and engaging but also requires sophisticated algorithms that can quickly analyze incoming data streams to adjust the odds in real-time. Premier League betting, with its blend of rich tradition and intense competition, offers unparalleled excitement and opportunities for bettors, driven by real-time data analytics and predictive AI technologies that are reshaping the landscape of sports wagering.

AI systems can track live data such as scores, player performance metrics, and in-game events to provide up-to-the-second betting options. This capability ensures that both bookmakers and bettors have the most current information at their fingertips, enabling decisions to be made on the fly. The immediacy and accuracy of AI-driven in-play betting offer a more interactive and immersive betting experience, significantly different from traditional pre-match betting.

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3. Personalization and User Experience

AI is also revolutionizing the user experience in sports betting by enabling highly personalized services. Through machine learning algorithms, betting platforms can analyze individual user behavior, preferences, and betting patterns to tailor recommendations, odds, and promotions to each user. This level of personalization improves the engagement and retention rates of bettors, making the betting experience more enjoyable and customized.

Furthermore, AI-driven chatbots and virtual assistants can provide 24/7 customer service, offering instant responses to queries, guiding users through betting processes, and even offering personalized betting advice. This use of AI not only enhances customer satisfaction but also allows betting platforms to operate more efficiently by automating routine customer interactions.

 

The integration of AI into sports betting is transforming the industry by enhancing predictive analytics, enabling real-time data processing for in-play betting, and personalizing the user experience. As AI technology continues to advance, it promises to unlock even more innovative and exciting opportunities for the sports betting industry. The future of sports betting looks to be more data-driven, dynamic, and personalized, offering a richer and more engaging experience for bettors around the globe.

 

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4. Fraud Detection and Enhanced Security

As sports betting continues to grow in popularity, so does the potential for fraudulent activity. AI and machine learning are becoming invaluable tools for identifying and preventing fraud within the betting industry. By analyzing betting patterns and behaviors in real-time, AI systems can flag unusual activities that may indicate fraudulent behavior, such as match-fixing or the use of insider information. These systems can also monitor for irregular betting patterns across multiple accounts to detect coordinated attempts at fraud.

Moreover, AI enhances security by ensuring the integrity of betting operations. Through the use of sophisticated algorithms, AI can help maintain a fair and secure betting environment, protecting both the bettors and the bookmakers. Enhanced security not only builds trust in the platform but also safeguards the reputation of the sports betting industry as a whole.

5. Market Expansion and New Betting Products

AI is driving innovation in the sports betting industry, leading to the expansion of markets and the introduction of new betting products. With the ability to analyze and predict outcomes in a wide range of sports and events, AI opens up new opportunities for betting in less traditional sports or in aspects of games that were previously difficult to quantify. For example, bets on individual player performances, in-game events, or even fantasy sports leagues are becoming more common, thanks to AI’s predictive capabilities.

Furthermore, AI enables the creation of more complex betting options and products that can cater to niche interests. This diversification not only attracts a broader audience but also enhances the betting experience by offering more choices to bettors. As AI continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more innovative betting products and markets emerge, further expanding the scope of sports betting.

6. Optimizing Betting Odds and Risk Management

AI and machine learning significantly contribute to the optimization of betting odds and risk management for bookmakers. By analyzing vast amounts of data, AI models can more accurately set odds that reflect the true probability of various outcomes, thereby maximizing the bookmaker’s margins while still offering fair odds to bettors. This level of accuracy in odds setting also enhances competitiveness in the betting market.

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In terms of risk management, AI algorithms can assess the risk associated with certain bets or events and adjust the odds accordingly. This dynamic adjustment helps bookmakers manage their liability and ensures the long-term financial stability of their operations. AI’s ability to predict and manage risks is transforming the sports betting industry, making it more efficient and financially secure.

 

These additional points highlight the growing importance of AI in addressing security concerns, expanding the betting market, and optimizing odds and risk management in sports betting. As AI technology advances, its applications within the sports betting industry are expected to become even more sophisticated, further revolutionizing how bets are placed, managed, and secured. The future of sports betting, powered by AI, promises a more secure, diverse, and dynamic betting landscape.

 

7. Customizing Betting Strategies with AI

AI’s ability to analyze complex patterns and predict outcomes has paved the way for customized betting strategies tailored to individual preferences and historical success rates. Bettors can leverage AI-driven tools to analyze their betting history, strengths, and weaknesses, enabling the development of personalized betting strategies that optimize their chances of winning. These tools can suggest when to bet, how much to bet, and on what events to bet based on predictive analytics and individual risk tolerance, transforming the betting experience into a more calculated and strategic endeavor.

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8. Enhancing Player Performance Predictions

Beyond team outcomes, AI is becoming increasingly sophisticated in predicting individual player performances, which is crucial for fantasy sports betting and player-specific bets. By analyzing data points such as player fitness levels, historical performance under similar conditions, and matchups against specific opponents, AI models can offer insights into likely player achievements in upcoming games. This capability not only benefits bettors looking for an edge in player-specific wagering but also aids fantasy sports enthusiasts in making informed decisions about their team compositions.

9. Streamlining Betting Processes Through Automation

AI and automation are streamlining the betting process, making it faster and more efficient for both bettors and bookmakers. Automated systems can handle routine tasks such as placing bets, processing payouts, and managing accounts, allowing bettors to focus on strategy and enjoyment of the game. For bookmakers, automation reduces the operational workload, minimizes human error, and ensures transactions are processed swiftly and accurately. This efficiency not only improves the user experience but also allows bookmakers to scale their operations effectively to accommodate the growing demand in the sports betting market.

 

The integration of AI into sports betting is transforming the industry in multifaceted ways. From customizing betting strategies to enhancing player performance predictions and streamlining betting processes through automation, AI is making sports betting more sophisticated, strategic, and user-friendly. As technology continues to advance, the potential for further innovations in sports betting remains vast, promising even more exciting developments for bettors and bookmakers alike.



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AFRICA FILM SOCIETY OPENS 2024 CLASSICS IN THE PARK WITH SANKOFA

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Haile Gerima’s critically acclaimed film ‘Sankofa’ will be screening at the Africa Film’s Society’s free outdoor film festival Classics in the Park on 30th March 2024 Akola Boni Park in Osu, Accra.  

Released in 1993, Sankofa follows a self-absorbed Black American fashion model on a photo shoot in Ghana who is spiritually transported back to a plantation in the West Indies where she experiences first-hand the physical and psychic horrors of chattel slavery, and eventually the redemptive power of community and rebellion as she becomes a member of a freedom-seeking Maroon colony. The film stars Ghanaians Kofi Ghanaba and Alenxandra Duah.

Over the past eight years, Classics in the Park has introduced classic African films ((1950’s – 1990’s) to young film audiences for free. This year’s edition will run from 30th -31st March and will feature two feature films and thirteen short films. 20240327 153502

Sankofa will screen on the first day alongside the short films: Second Wind (Canada), Fofo Means Father (Ghana), Doris (Ghana), Ampe (Ghana), and Rosenfield (Germany). 

Bound for Lagos, a Nigerian classic released in 1960 to mark the country’s independence will take centre stage on the final day alongside the short films: Broken Mask (Nigeria), Hooky (USA), Love in the Wind (Ghana), Bege (Nigeria), Rare (Ghana), Moon over Aburi (Ghana), Do or Die (Nigeria), and O.YO – On your Own (Nigeria). 

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Michael Adjetey and Ebenezer Okrah Call For “Change” In Powerful New Single

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In their latest musical collaboration, Michael Adjetey and Ebenezer Okrah have taken a bold step to address issues in African society. Their new song, titled ‘Change,’ serves as a powerful call to action, urging Africans and Ghanaians to demand accountability from their political leaders. The artists emphasize that the failures of corrupt politicians should not be tolerated or excused, and instead advocate for a collective effort towards positive change.

At a time when corruption and political misconduct continue to hinder progress in many African nations, ‘Change’ serves as a much-needed anthem for disillusioned citizens. Michael Adjetey and Ebenezer Okrah deliver an empowering message, encouraging Africans to take a stand against the rampant corruption that has plagued their societies for far too long. Through their lyrics, the artists emphasize the importance of holding politicians accountable and demanding transparency in governance.

The song ‘Change’ highlights the artists’ frustration with the lack of development and progress resulting from the actions of corrupt politicians. Michael and Ebenezer’s lyrics convey a sense of disappointment, as they express the belief that Africans and Ghanaians deserve better leadership. They emphasize that the failures of politicians should not be an excuse for the stagnation of their countries; instead, it should be a catalyst for change and collective action.

‘Change’ by Michael Adjetey and Ebenezer Okrah serves as a rallying cry for Africans and Ghanaians to address the issue of corruption in their respective countries. Through their powerful lyrics, the artists urge citizens to hold their leaders accountable and work towards achieving a brighter future. This song has the potential to inspire a collective movement towards positive change, empowering individuals to actively participate in shaping the destiny of their nations.

Ebenezer and Michael believe in hard work. However, they also affirm the believe that without God, nothing is impossible. They implore society in general to change from iniquities to holiness, for what shall it profit a man/woman, if you gain the whole world but lose your soul. “Change” is a clarion call for salvation, not only to the politicians, but to all humanity. So, going forward, if we say “OPUTUNUU”, you say “WA MA TSA K3 MI”. We’ve got to change inside y’all. Change MUST Come.

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Audio Link : https://ditto.fm/eochange

 


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