M.anifest and Burna Boy reunite at Manifestivities 2019

For a second year in a row, the high-achieving pair, one a god, the other a giant, joined forces for an electric Accra performance. Having both recorded a significant 2019 culminating in critically received bodies of work and a Grammy recognition, they returned to the Bukom Boxing Arena, which M.anifest is now effectively mayor of, and where exactly a year ago their onstage connection began. At the time they had no songs together, only mutual adoration for each other’s talents, and a strong ambition to collaborate. By the time another December came around, they had turned prospect into two class pieces – incisive arrows seamlessly dispensed to a breathless audience.

Memorable previous editions have affirmed M.anifest’s end-of-year showcase as the place to be for people on the quest for premium auditory pleasures. And when the show eventually kicked off, hours after the advertised time of 5pm on 22 December, it was clear that a similar experience awaited patrons.

It was evident by the concertgoers’ general temperament. As they awaited the show’s start, fans collected in huddles, appraising the lyrical genius of M.anifest. Others captured their presence in selfies at a customised lotto kiosk, one among a number of installations pointing to the rapper's The Gamble EP. Others jammed to galvanising choruses, prominent among them a succession of records by rapper Edem, who was in attendance. Other high-profile guests were Rocky Dawuni, Lydia Forson, Obrafour and Kwame Yeboah, and 'Parte After Parte', BigTril’s continental anthem. The Ugandan rapper’s joint, since going viral months ago, has become the go-to dance generator at public parties.

Though curated for the alternative circuit, the Manifestivities programme has also accrued exoteric appeal. Since its inception, the organisers have ensured a fervent and unconditional commitment to the former, and yet M.anifest’s expanding influence in the mainstream has also guaranteed the latter. Once perceived to be the meeting place for the 'cool kids' alone, Manifestivities has become the people’s forum. The likes of Young Pabi and Kula, both respected up-and-comers looking to court mainstream notice, won for themselves additional numbers to their growing constituencies.

For Kojo Manuel, who shouldered the hosting duties on the night, it was another prime opportunity to assert himself as the face of the new generation. Last year was his first shot at Manifestivities. He was more than impressive. This year, he upped the ante. Like many of the musicians who performed on the night, he too has witnessed a solid year, as superintendent of key events. Just weeks ago, he assisted Eddy Blay during Cardi B’s Ghana concert. All these experiences crystallised at the Bukom Square where, attired in a T-shirt bearing the image of boxing great Azumah Nelson and backed by competent turntablists, he chauffeured the night faultlessly, holding an elegant balance of spirit and charm, and ensuring a continual party bounce.

There was a noteworthy performance by Cina Soul, a born star and electrifying performer who continues to uphold the unblemished majesty of traditional Ga medleys. The consequence of the show’s late start? A short and sweet set by Ms Soul. When she dismounted the stage, the crowd beat their chests, yelling "encore". She didn’t return.

Ko-Jo Cue is greatly appreciated. The BBnZ label man has been a Ghanaian hip hop staple for years. His 2019 album For My Brothers is a frontrunner for album of the year by all indications. And with the lively mashup of his cover of Kwesi Arthur’s 'Devil Knocking' and 'Rich Dad, Poor Dad', 'Dua', and a line from 'Up and Awake', he too indented his mark; a rapper with a purpose, he made sure to continue dialogue on mental health with his set.

Next came the beloved Worlasi, bare-chested, like the Senku band behind him, a talking drum held tightly in his armpit. He regaled audiences with the ubiquitous 'You Saw Me' and 'Nukata' as well as offerings off his widely praised new collection WORLA: (The Man and the God). He would return during M.anifest’s set to assist with 'Cucaracha', one of the many collaborations he shares with the respected rapper.

Manifestivities 2018 had Nigeria’s Simi as special guest performer. This year, Adekunle Gold, her husband, bore that task. He emerged at 12.20am, his head crowned in miraculously long dreadlocks, and picked up right where his wife had left off. 'Ire', 'My Life', 'Kelegbe Megbe' and 'Young Love' constituted his set. A proven performer, he left no box unticked.

The minutes during which M.anifest and Burna Boy stood side-by-side on stage, trading hooks and verses with one another and the crowd, provide abundant material for the highlight reel. After offloading 'Rapper 101' and inviting onstage Bayku and Kelvyn Boy for 'The Gamble' and 'Yawa No Dey' respectively, he called forth Burna Boy for the political lamentation 'Another Story,' which was performed with the joys of a celebratory anthem.

The musicians then segued into M.anifest’s love manifesto 'Tomorrow' after which M.anifest stepped to the side of the stage, allowing Burna Boy to address his second home with mostly songs from his current album African Giant. Singalongs ensued. Lamba flowed. Wild applause greeted his proclamation that M.anifest is his “f*ck*ng brother!”, a sentiment that was reciprocated by M.anifest when he took over from Burna Boy.

A songwriter’s words, paraphrased, conjures the moments aptly: The heavens came down, and glory filled partygoers’ souls. If not, Habib’s photo, depicting god and giant aflame and in charge, and taken minutes before Moelogo, the South London vocal weapon who guests on The Gamble, joined M.anifest for a dazzling rendition of 'Ohemaa'.