Most Nigerian artists have been able to shut down different locations all over the world but the O2 Arena was considered to be the top and every artist who was able to achieve this major deal got more recognition in the music entertainment industry.
Controversies have been sparked lately amidst the Nigerian artist, Asake’s recent successful show at the O2 Arena. Some Ghanaian artists believe that their Nigerian counterparts are doing much better in the music industry because they are able to pack the place with revelers.
Nigerian acts including Wizkid [The first Nigerian artist to sell out the O2 Arena in 2018 and 2021 and also the highest-paid artist], Tiwa Savage [2018], Davido [2019 and 2022], Burna Boy [2021], and Asake [2023] have successfully sold out the iconic venue, putting immense pressure on Ghanaian artists.
It is believed that Nigerian artists are doing better in the music industry than Ghanaian artists. For Ghanaian artists to be able to sell out the O2 Arena, the artists need to ensure that there is unity among themselves, and with that one goal can be achieved at the end of the day.
Also, Ghanaian artists should be able to learn from Nigerian artists to match their criteria in doing music. Since culture is dynamic, so music is. As such, Ghanaians should polish their crafts in music-making.
The O2 Arena, music’s yardstick has been one of the biggest ticket-selling arenas in the world, out-selling its nearest rival by over 50%. The arena hosts the most significant events in the world with the best live experience, such as the ATP tennis finals, as well as the highest-profile concerts which can host up to 20,000 people.
The Arena is a large entertainment district on the Greenwich Peninsula in South East London, England, including an indoor arena, a music club, a Cineworld, a cinema, an exhibition space, piazzas, bars, and restaurants.
Initially opened on June 24, 2007, it has always been the dream of many artists around the world. The arena had sold out about 7 artists in less than 13 minutes. They include The Spice Girls, Monty Python Live, Gary Barlow, The Rolling Stones, Rihanna, Beyonce, and Wizkid.
Thoughts of Ghanaian artists on the O2 Arena controversy
Some Ghanaians decided to troll artists in Ghana for not reaching the same level as Nigerian artists despite their level of experience in the music industry.
Reacting to the trolls of netizens, some artists have expressed their views that they are doing better in the music industry, asserting that they can be able to get there, while others are of the view that they don’t see cramming the O2 Arena in the U.K. as a yardstick for an artist’s success.
Drawing inspiration from some legends who achieved immense success without winning Grammy awards, Wendy Shay emphasized the importance of supporting Ghanaian artists. “Why is filling the O2 Arena and winning a Grammy become the standard to measure the success of an artist? Bob Marley and 2Pac are successful musicians but never won a Grammy. Let Ghanaian musicians breathe! Ghana wake up!”, she posted on Twitter.
Frank Naro, the ‘Y3 Gyina Mu’ hitmaker revealed that the filling of the O2 Arena is not a difficult task if the right things are done, adding that any successful show is about investment and promotion.
According to Rocky Dawuni, A Ghanaian international reggae artist, he said Ghanaian musicians have mounted some biggest stages across the globe and are doing so well out there. “We are doing so well as musicians in other areas and I don’t think it is right to use the O2 Arena which is in just one country to judge how good musicians are”, he said.
Another dancehall artist, Shatta Wale, shared his view that people should not be judged but rather try to get the formula to be able to win like their fellow Nigerian artists.
Also, R2bees, Camidoh, Fameye, Ammarae, King Ayisoba, Santrofi Band, and Joseph Matthew have shared their views that with continued success, a Ghanaian artist will sell out the 02 Arena shortly.
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