Celebrated Reggae/Dancehall artiste Stonebwoy has been removed from the lineup of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Victory Concert, slated for Sunday, January 5, 2025. The decision, announced just days before the event, follows significant backlash from the party’s grassroots and youth supporters who raised concerns about his inclusion.
Initially unveiled as one of the headlining acts for the much-anticipated concert, Stonebwoy’s involvement sparked mixed reactions, leading to a social media storm under the hashtag #DropStonebwoy. Many party members and supporters criticized the choice, arguing that his perceived lack of alignment with the NDC’s ideologies and his previous political affiliations made his participation inappropriate.
The critics contended that the performers for the Victory Concert should embody unwavering loyalty to the party’s ideals and vision. Given that the concert is intended to celebrate the NDC’s historic victory in the December 7 general elections, supporters believed the lineup should consist of artistes who actively contributed to the campaign and align closely with the party’s ideology.
The uproar from the grassroots highlighted a divide between the concert organizers’ initial decision and the expectations of party loyalists. A vocal section of supporters insisted that Stonebwoy’s inclusion could undermine the event’s significance and questioned whether his involvement was in the best interest of the party.
Amid mounting pressure, the organizers of the Victory Concert released an official statement on Friday, December 3, confirming Stonebwoy’s removal from the performance lineup. The statement acknowledged the concerns raised by party members and apologized for any perceived lack of discretion in the initial decision.
“The organizers of the Ghana Victory Concert, responding to public sentiment and concerns from the party’s grassroots regarding Stonebwoy’s inclusion, have decided to remove the artiste from the concert lineup. We sincerely apologize to all members of the National Democratic Congress, particularly the grassroots, for what may have appeared to be a lack of discretion on the part of the organizers,” the statement read.
The announcement of Stonebwoy’s removal has further ignited discussions about the role of artistes in political events and the expectations of political party supporters. While some argue that the inclusion of diverse performers could symbolize unity and inclusivity, others maintain that such events should prioritize loyalty and alignment with the party’s principles.
Stonebwoy, a celebrated figure in Ghana’s music industry and the reigning Telecel Ghana Music Awards Artiste of the Year, has not yet issued a statement regarding his removal from the lineup. His inclusion had initially been viewed as a strategic move to attract a wider audience, but the backlash has underscored the importance of aligning such decisions with the sentiments of party loyalists.
The NDC Victory Concert, which promises to be a landmark event, aims to celebrate the party’s successful return to power under President-elect John Dramani Mahama. The concert is expected to feature a star-studded lineup of performers who resonate with the party’s supporters and embody its vision for the future.
As the controversy surrounding Stonebwoy’s exclusion continues to unfold, it serves as a reminder of the delicate balance organizers must maintain when planning events of this nature. The need to appeal to a broad audience while remaining true to the core values and expectations of party supporters remains a central challenge.
The incident also raises broader questions about the intersection of politics and entertainment in Ghana. With artistes often playing a significant role in political campaigns and events, their affiliations and actions are increasingly scrutinized. The backlash against Stonebwoy highlights the growing influence of grassroots voices in shaping political narratives and decisions, particularly in the era of social media.
As the NDC gears up for the Victory Concert, all eyes will be on the event to see how it embodies the party’s celebratory spirit and resonates with its supporters. The organizers have assured party members that the lineup will reflect the ideals and values that underpin the NDC’s historic victory.
For Stonebwoy, the episode marks a pivotal moment in his career, as it underscores the complex relationship between artistes and political events. While his removal from the concert may appease the NDC’s grassroots, it also raises questions about how artistes can navigate such controversies and maintain their artistic integrity.
The Victory Concert remains a significant occasion for the NDC, providing an opportunity to showcase unity, celebrate success, and chart a path forward. The adjustments to the lineup demonstrate the party’s responsiveness to grassroots concerns and its commitment to ensuring the event aligns with its supporters’ expectations.
As preparations for the concert continue, the focus will undoubtedly shift to the remaining performers and the overall execution of the event. For the NDC, this is not just a celebration of electoral success but also a chance to reaffirm its connection with the grassroots and set the tone for the future under President-elect Mahama’s leadership.
With the controversy behind them, the organizers now have the task of delivering a memorable and unifying event that embodies the NDC’s vision and resonates with its supporters. The Victory Concert promises to be a defining moment in the party’s journey, marking both a celebration of its achievements and a reaffirmation of its commitment to its ideals and supporters.
