IN July this year, Jay-Z, his imprint Roc-Nation and the Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) put together āBook of HOVāāa public exhibition chronicling Jay-Zās musical legacy and it was unequivocally one of the best highlights of the year in pop culture.
I knew that, if thereās any Ghanaian artiste who had what it takes to replicate what the American superstar did, it had to be Sarkodie!
Critically acclaimed, longevity, consistency, dominance, influence and one of the most decorated acts of all time, it was just fitting and grand for Sarkodieās musical legacy, which spans almost two decades to be on display.
And in an industry and country where we have no dedicated museums for the creative industry and no āWalk of Fameā concept, the Jay-Z-BPL model is the way to go.
Storied Career
Active in 2005, first album in 2009, Sarkodieās career has been golden and the accomplishments struck thus far are enough to bask over and celebrate.
It is no ordinary feat that in an industry where new āKingsā are made easily and āold ā luminaries are retired early, Sarkodieās longevity and ability to remain dominant, relevant and āhungryā needs a louder touting.
It is germane to have the general populace have a stint of such a stellar legacy; the projects, plethora of awards, sold out concerts, philanthropic work, significant collaborations and everything else that has defined the musician thus far in his career.
Solid Partnership
Last week, it was Image Bureau, Aprils Communication partnering with National Theatre to offer one of the best theatricals in the year. This time, Sarkodieās Sarkcess imprint has collaborated Eagle Plug and Mix Design Hub, two firms that curated the first ever āRapperholic Exhibitionā.
Obviously inspired by the āBook of HOVā exhibition, Eagle Plug and Mix Design Hub firstly picked on the right artiste, one with too many accolades and credits to showcase. They also timed it right, just days to one of the biggest concerts in Ghana, the 10th anniversary of āRapperholic Concertā appropriately themed, āāRapperholic: The Rebirthā.
The exhibition hosted by the Mix Design Hub in Osu is opened for just five days and although the duration is short, it is understandable considering the fact that, it is arguably the first time this is being done in contemporary times and thereās also the issue of space.
Hopefully, such a brilliant showcase would get the necessary support to ensure an extended version or probably moved to a bigger space that can accommodate many.
Impressive Organisation
The exhibition has been beautifully put together to align with the personality of the artiste, and the zeal and commitment of āSarkNativesā to see to its success by helping with the process has been commendable.
Firstly, there was a private session that was attended by some high profile personalities, business moguls, Dr. Osei Kwame, Dr. Ofori Sarpong, venerated actress, Nadia Buari and a host of others. Intriguingly, the spouse and the kids of the artiste also graced the occasion.
The legendary Amakye Dede was also present on Tuesday for a tour plus a performance. The line-up of activities includes a Student Tour, a Fireside Chat, Curators Dialogue and Podcast session.
The exhibition closes on the 16th of December 2023!
Way To Go
There are quite a lot of Ghanaian artistes who have worked, blazed the trail and cemented their legacies that need proper showcase to the rest of the world.
Sarkodie, together with his partners got inspired and run with the idea and made it work. Others can easily replicate the move!
Creatives should not always wait on government to take the initiative. With the right partnership, resources and support, anything is possible to fix in this industry.
“Creatives should not always wait on government to take the initiative. With the right partnership, resources and support, anything is possible to fix in this industry.
The biggest arenas across the world that host major entertainment events are not owned by government but private entities.
Private entities and accomplished business magnates as well these creatives can capitalise on the convivial atmosphere provided by the government and take bold steps in realising some projects and initiatives.
Sarkodie, Eagle Plug and Mix Design did not have to wait on any governmental support to make this work. Make a move!”