Renowned Reggae and Dancehall artist Stonebwoy has been excluded from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Victory Concert scheduled for Sunday, January 5, 2025.
This last-minute decision comes after significant pushback from the party’s grassroots and youth members concerning Stonebwoy’s participation as one of the featured artists.
Stonebwoy, who currently holds the title of Artiste of the Year at the Telecel Ghana Music Awards, was initially announced as a headliner for the upcoming concert. However, the announcement sparked mixed reactions, leading to a social media uproar under the hashtag #DropStonebwoy. Critics contended that Stonebwoy’s involvement was unsuitable, citing a perceived misalignment with the NDC’s values and his previous political associations. Many party members and supporters voiced their displeasure online, urging the concert organizers to revoke his inclusion. Their objections were based on the belief that the selection of performers should reflect a strong commitment to the party’s ideals and vision.
A prominent faction of the supporters emphasized that the concert was intended to celebrate the NDC’s historic victory in the December 7 general elections. They argued that the artists performing should not only align closely with the party’s ideology but also have actively supported its campaign efforts.
Responding to the growing pressure, the organizers of the NDC Victory Concert released an official statement on Friday, December 3, announcing Stonebwoy’s removal from the lineup. The statement read: “In light of public sentiment and concerns raised by the party’s grassroots regarding Stonebwoy’s participation, the organizers have decided to exclude him from the concert lineup. We sincerely apologize to all members of the National Democratic Congress, particularly those at the grassroots level, for any perceived lack of discretion on our part.”
