Where will you be on Saturday, 9th June, 2018? I wish I know where you will be but let me tell you where I will be. I will be at the Fantasy Dome, Trade Fair, La, Accra, the latest location for the 8th edition of the iconic Ghana Meets Naija musical showpiece.

This year’s Ghana Meets Naija lineup is as exciting as the event’s eight year run. From when it was announced at a press conference on May 8, it has stoked conversation, bringing to the fore the clout of the West African acts assembled for next Saturday’s event.

Nigerian superstar, Wizkid, makes a grand return to the prestigious stage, after his momentous 2013 appearance. “Mama” hitmaker, Mayorkun, and Mr Eazi constitute the continent representing the green -white- green.

Ghanaian acts include Stonebwoy, who is famed for his outstanding live performances, new kings KiDi, Kuami Eugene, King Promise, Patapaa, and Fancy Gadam, as well as Uptown Energy frontman Yaa Pono. Other acts have since joined the lineup.

Regularly looked forward to, it has constantly served as the ultimate platform for the West African countries to execute their longstanding sibling rivalry in the area of music. Ghana and Nigeria have a lot in common musically, and constantly collaborate on projects.

The Ghana Meets Naija Concert has since its institution, provided opportunity for both countries to celebrate the diverse sounds which unify us at the same time.

And here comes one of the best parts of this year’s event. The call for a bigger event for the annual Ghana Meets Naija concert has been heeded to by the organisers, Empire Ghana, as this year’s concert makes its debut at the facility located at the International Trade Fair, La. Fantasy Dome boasts state-of-the-art facilities and has already hosted a number of high-profile events.

The annual event has constantly proven a sought-after platform for the West African nations to play out the musical sibling rivalry that exists between them. It is therefore no wonder that, soon after the launch, rapper Yaa Pono, who is billed to represent the Ghana side of matters, has started the ceremonial “thrash talk”.

Via Twitter weeks ago, the “Obiaa Wo Ne Master” man Ponobiom sought to undermine the readiness of his Nigerian counterparts at the event, tweeting: “Dear Nigerian artist performing at #GhanaMeetsNaija are you sure you are ready for me on 9th June 2018 @ fantasy dome?”

A lot has been happening on the Nigerian side. One of the main acts for this year’s concert, Wizkid, made history on Saturday when he performed to some 20,000 people at The 02 Arena, London, which has also hosted the likes of Miley Cyrus, and Katy Perry in the past.

The historic feat happened months after he sold out the Royal Albert Hall, also in London. Wizkid has seen posted on Instagram, his readiness for the Ghana event. Dubbed Afrorepublik, it also hosted other mainstream acts including Mr Eazi, who is on this year’s Ghana Meets Naija bill.

With over 5000 people expected to attend, this year’s ceremony will live on the minds of patrons and it will be unforgivable if you miss out. Apart from the mouth-watering lineup of artistes, the expected huge crowd and the atmosphere will be memorable.

The 8th Ghana Meets Naija promises to be exciting. Usually overbooked, the concert has previously been mounted by Shatta Wale, Sarkodie, Falz, Tiwa Savage, Davido, Naeto C, R2Bees and a host of others.

Dubbed the “Rescue Mission”, this year’s sponsors include Kasapreko Alomo Gold and Storm Energy Drink, Allied Oil, Somoco Ghana Ltd, Nasco Mobile, Kirusa, Point and Play, Rova Surveillance, Tang Palace, Fix Consult, EIB Network (Starr FM, Live FM, Gh One TV, Kasapa FM, Empire FM, Ultimate FM, Abusua FM), Graphic Showbiz, Y FM, Aftown Music, Muse Africa, Ghana Music.com, West Hills Mall, Achimota Retail Centre, Accra Mall, and Timepiece Gh.

The 2018 Ghana Meets Naija concert is powered by Empire Ghana who have announced that tickets are out at major physical outlets, and are selling for GH¢120, GH¢200 and GH¢300.

Tickets are available at Live FM, Starr FM (located in the Meridian House, Ring Road), opposite Ecobank, and close to Nima Junction. Other outlets include Accra Mall, Achimota Mall and West Hills Mall, as well as Empire Ghana offices (located at Ridge, Accra, close to Alisa Hotel). Patrons can also download the flexipay app on Playstore and Appstore, and make their purchase.

Ghanadatabase.com