Fans of Ghanaian rapper and highlife singer Michael Owusu Addo, popularly known as Sarkodie, were ecstatic after the ‘landlord’ announced that his flagship annual concert, Rapperholic, would be held in Kumasi this year. However, football enthusiasts weren’t happy to hear that the Baba Yara Sports Stadium will host the concert.

However, during an appearance on Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show, the Director General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, clarified that while his outfit has given the rapper the green light to host the concert at the stadium, he has been banned from extending his activities to the pitch itself.

Acknowledging the poor state of pitches in the Ghana government’s efforts to renovate and add to the number of stadiums nationwide, he explained that, “Sarkodie is prohibited from using the pitch to host the Rapperholic event. The pitch is important to us, and there is no way the event will be hosted on the pitch,” he added.

He continued that, while Sarkodie has explicitly been told to stay away from the pitch itself, he cautioned that sanctions would be applied if the arrangements were violated.

“We are aware that there is an agreement in place stating that a penalty or fine will be incurred should that happen, but we are not interested in pursuing that. There are no pitch covers, so we have to put measures in place to ensure that the pitch is safe,” he noted.

Sarkodie, responding to the NSA’s directive, took to his social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to assure fans that, as he had been explicitly directed from the outset, he expressed his intention to host the concert at the stadium and would not break any rules.

“The rules were set from day 1, and we are not ready to break it (sic),” he said.

The Baba Yara Stadium is currently under renovation to meet Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA standards, making preservation of the playing surface a top priority.

About Rapperholic

The Rapperholic Concert was founded in 2012 to showcase Sarkodie’s music, celebrate Ghanaian rap, and thrill fans with exciting performances from both local and foreign artists. The concert is usually headlined by Sarkodie, who mostly gives opportunities to emerging rappers to perform. Rapperholic is mostly nothing short of an actual display of fashion and culture, with fans dressing in streetwear, among others.

This year promises nothing different. The concert is set to host artists like Black Sherif, King Promise, Efya, and surprise international acts. Under the theme “Rapperholic: The Homecoming”.

Sarkodie visits Otumfuor

Sarkodie visited Otumfuo Osei Tutu II at Manhyia Palace to formally seek royal blessing for the Rapperholic Kumasi Edition. During the meeting, Otumfuo warmly welcomed Sarkodie’s initiative and said:

“They don’t allow me to go out often, but this one, I would like to attend and watch the event myself.”Sarkordie was there with his team to officially inform the King about the upcoming concert and also seek his blessings and consent.

After advising the rapper and his team to stay humble, he said he’s happy to attend the event if invited.

The Asante Overlord’s comments show his regard for the rapper’s craft. Months ago, he also expressed his admiration for celebrated Ghanaian musician Kofi Kinaata. He was honoured by the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II for his contribution to youth development through music.

As a special ceremony held on Friday, May 9, 2025, at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, Kinaata received the "Youth in Entertainment Award" in recognition of how his music continues to inspire, guide and educate the younger generation. Otumfuo Osei Tutu II praised the artist for using his platform to address societal challenges and offer wisdom through lyrics that resonate deeply with everyday realities.He said, “Susuka is a song full of wisdom.”

"Susuka," one of Kinaata's most acclaimed songs, had earlier been described by the Asantehene as a composition "full of wisdom " during the General Conference of the Ghana Bar Association in September 2024. Kinaaa's style, rooted in storytelling and social commentary, has earned him widespread respect for being a voice of the voiceless.

From tackling themes of personal responsibility and social justice to highlighting issues affecting youth, his work stands out in Ghana's music landscape for its depth and relevance. The award was presented as part of Otumfuo's Millennium Excellence Awards-an initiative of Manhyia Palace that celebrates individuals who have made meaningful contributions to national development, particularly those whose efforts support vulnerable groups such as the poor, widows and orphans.