ON every stage he has mounted this year, Reggae/Dancehall artiste, Samini, has proven that he is the king of live performances so it stood to reason that the energy and delivery would be extra when it came to his own concert and that’s exactly what happened at his Saminifest concert on Saturday, December 22 on the Osu Oxford Street, Accra.

His entry was quite dramatic with a poetry recital, traditional dance and a fire display being used to herald his arrival and he came on stage in all white ensemble and animal skin hat, perhaps to signify his recent chieftaincy role.

From the time he arrived on stage, it was pure entertainment as he treated the thousands of patrons to hits from his repertoire including Linda, Gyae Hye, Tempo, Sweet Mistake and Iskoki.

Samini also used the occasion to publicly unveil his seventh album, Untamed.

The long list of artistes who turned up to support Samini also did an amazing job and one of them was Stonebwoy. Judging from how he performed with the man who discovered him, it was clear that the bond between the two of them is still strong and cannot be easily broken.

One act that got the crowd going haywire was Obiaa Wo Ne Master artiste, Yaa Pono. It was all excitement when he took over the microphone and performed his songs and of course, he could not end his show without making a joke about ‘weed’.

It was a great sight when the ‘Gyal Dem Sugar’, KiDi, mounted stage to perform Master Key with Samini. The harmony and chemistry between the two was just something else. KiDi brought his smooth moves that has earned him admiration from the ladies while Samini charmed the ladies with his infectious smile.

One of Ghana’s biggest reggae artistes, Grammy nominee Rocky Dawuni also took to the stage to show his love and support to Samini.

Other acts that performed on the night included Kwame Partan, Teephlow, Edem and Agbeshie.

There were other interesting things that got the crowd cheering including the rap battle between comedian Foster Romanus and other up and coming artistes.

This year’s Saminifest came off on his birthday and it was heartwarming to see the man in tears as his children pulled a fast one on him by surprising him on stage with gifts and honouring him, telling him how wonderful a father he has been to them.

Saminifest was a well put together show from stage set up, lighting to artistes’ performances.

This year’s Saminifest was a five-day celebration that commenced on December 15 with a clean-up exercise in the Dansoman township.

He continued with an industry launch of his Untamed album on December 17 at the Multichoice offices in Accra and a donation to the pupils of Enough Grace Academy in Awoshie the following day.

Then there was a Masterclass lecture by Samini at the School of Performing Arts of the University of Ghana, Legon followed by the launch of the Funky Millionaires Band at the Pay Regiment inside Burma Camp, Accra on December 21.

Source: Graphic.com.gh