Despite Ghana’s pivotal role in shaping Afrobeats, it seems the nation overlooked the shift towards stadiums as a benchmark for success. How else can we explain the overwhelming national excitement surrounding rapper Medikal’s concert at London’s O2 Indigo Hall on May 3, which accommodates 2,800 people?
By the time the curtains fell, Medikal’s performance, supported by fellow Ghanaian stars like Sarkodie, Shatta Wale, Efya, and Jay Bahd, had already earned the title of “historic” across media outlets in Ghana. This reaction raises questions about complacency, strategic agenda, or perhaps an indication of Nigeria’s dominant influence in the industry.
At 31, Medikal stands out as one of the hardest-working talents of his generation, having come a long way since his disappointing showing at the 2017 Ghana Music Awards. His versatility, blending hip-hop with dance, and his ability to infuse personal narratives with comic lyricism, have earned him both critical acclaim and popular appeal.
Medikal’s affinity for London, evident in his frequent nods to UK drill and adoption of a British accent early in his career, adds significance to his first major UK gig. However, whether this event truly rescued Ghana’s music industry remains uncertain.
What is evident is the concert’s resonance among the diaspora longing for a taste of home and artists seeking international recognition. It underscores London’s importance in the global trajectory of music from the region, driven in part by its vibrant black diaspora community. This highlights the UK as a reliable avenue for Ghanaian acts aiming for international breakthroughs.
While Medikal’s performance marked a milestone on British soil, for veterans like Sarkodie and Shatta Wale, it likely evoked nostalgia from their headline shows at the Indigo venue in previous years.
Despite Medikal’s hits, his impact beyond Ghana’s borders remains limited, as observed in his reliance on songs where he is a featured artist. The night’s standout moments belonged to Shatta Wale and Jay Bahd, signaling their potential for international stardom.
However, the show itself lacked in performance quality, with noticeable shortcomings in staging and live experience. This reflects a broader need for improvement in live craftsmanship among Afrobeats artists.
Filling the Indigo was once seen as the ultimate validation for African pop acts, but it now lags behind larger venues and stadiums. Nigeria’s artists have already surpassed this milestone, thanks to figures like Wizkid, Burna Boy, Rema, and Asake.
Ghana faces various challenges in its music industry, including infrastructure, funding, and international recognition. Overcoming complacency and striving for exceptional performances will be crucial for Ghanaian artists to compete globally.
In conclusion, Medikal’s London show represents a step forward in the Afrobeats narrative, but Ghana’s music scene must evolve beyond mere inclusion in the conversation. Unity, exceptionalism, and unforgettable performances will be key to Ghana’s success in the international music scene.
