Patoranking, Patapaa to play Sierra Leone’s ECOFEST

According to local reports, musicians from Sierra Leone, Guinea, Ghana, the Gambia, Nigeria, Liberia and Senegal have said they will appear at ECOFEST musical festival as organised by Kabaka Multimedia Entertainment (KME).

The organisers have now announced a list of artists to perform at the event. They include Nigeria’s Patoranking and Ghana’s Patapaa. Others are Arkman, Dallas B, Drizilik, Empress P, Innocent, Kao Denero, Boss LAJ, LXG, Nasser Ayoub, Young Sal, Rap G, King Melody, Blesz, Future, I-Tribe, Kracktwist, Samza, Markmouday, Rozzy and Ragga Spice.

Double T and J Kelly will represent the Gambia, CIC and Stunna are to take Liberia's spot, Fafadi will take Senegal’s position and Takana Zion from Guinea will represent his country.

At the official launch of the event, Abu Bakarr Turay, CEO of KME, said he was planning to make Sierra Leone music international. The chairperson of the launch ceremony, Nasser Ayoub, said Sierra Leone should show some appreciation by coming out to the event. “This is a big event the world should recognise,” he said. “Let us support the initiative in our own way.”

Sierra Leone’s mobile telecommunications company Africell is one of the sponsors of this year’s event. Its representative John Konteh said showed its support for the music industry. “We believe that ECOFEST is a dream come true in the entertainment industry,” Konteh said.

Styled like the famous Ghanaian concert Ghana Meets Naija, ECOFEST will see artists paired to fight in “a battle”. Marketing for the event can be seen online. “Patapaa GH vs Innocent Salonemusic,” reads one post.

“Tough decision as to who will be the winner. Patapaa’s 'One Corner' dance has shaken foundations of nightclubs and other places. Innocent...runs the most populated area in Freetown. That’s the East Coast. He has made countless hits. The people would love this contest.”