As the excitement around Sarkodie’s ‘Rapperholic Homecoming’ concert in Kumasi reaches a fever pitch, some may wonder why many of Ghana’s biggest artistes, many based in Accra, rarely host their shows in Kumasi.
While exploring the reasons could be a topic for another day, it’s worth noting that several A-list artistes have taken their headline shows to ‘The Garden City’.
From Shatta Wale to Sarkodie, here’s a look at Accra-based artistes who have hosted their shows in Kumasi.
NB: This article focuses on shows organised and hosted by the artistes themselves, not events where they were simply invited to perform.
Prior to Sarkodie’s 2025 Rapperholic Concert being scheduled to take place in Kumasi, he had previously hosted his second Rapperholic concert in the city in 2012, on Easter Sunday at Ahodwo, featuring supporting artistes such as Efya, Tiffany, D-Cryme, and others.
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In 2016, Shatta Wale, in collaboration with EIB, held a Peace Concert at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, Kumasi.
He was joined on stage by popular Kumawood actor and musician LilWin, with the duo entertaining the massive audience for over three hours.
In 2020, Shatta returned, not with a concert, but with a city tour.
His “Kumerica Invasion” Tour in November attracted large crowds, included a drive through Kumasi, and featured interviews with media houses to promote his album and connect with his Kumasi-based fans.
Kuami Eugene
Kuami Eugene hosted the “Rockstar Concert” in Kumasi at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium (VIP car park) in December 2018.
He returned in 2019 with “Rockstar Concert ’19,” offering free admission to fans.
On December 24, 2023, Samini took his popular Samini Xperience concert, usually held in Accra, to the forecourt of Ridge Condos in Kumasi, giving his die-hard fans and revellers a memorable experience.
Esther Smith
The gospel fraternity was not left out. Veteran gospel artiste Esther Smith electrified audiences with a massive concert held at Bantama Pentecost Church in Kumasi in August 2024.
She performed some of her greatest hits and was joined on stage by various gospel musicians.
Diana Hamilton
Her “Awake Experience” concert tour included a stop in Kumasi at the Bantama Church of Pentecost in February 2023.
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