10 years after Nowhere Cool album introduced listeners to a defining chapter of M.anifest’s musical journey, the Ghanaian rapper is preparing to revisit the album in a live experience that will bring its songs, collaborations and stories back to the stage.
The award-winning musician, born Kwame Ametepee Tsikata, will perform all 14 tracks from the 2016 album at the Nowhere Cool 10th Anniversary Live Experience on Saturday, October 24, at the Accra Polo Club in Airport.
Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show on Friday, October 16, M.anifest said the concert would go beyond a conventional performance, with the album presented in its entirety as a curated storytelling experience.
“I’m going to perform the entire album, put together a really great live curated experience,” he said.
The rapper also revealed that Kwateng, AratheJay, Annabelle Rose and other artiste would perform their own sets ahead of his headline appearance. He hinted at additional guest performances, including appearances by some artistes who featured on the original album, but kept their identities under wraps.
Released in 2016, Nowhere Cool brought together M.anifest’s rap style with a range of musical influences and guest collaborations. Its 14 tracks include B.E.A.R., Hand Dey Go, Hand Dey Come featuring Worlasi, Rich People Problems featuring Tumi Molekane, and Palm Wine & Whisky featuring Dex Kwasi.
The anniversary event offers an opportunity to revisit the project as a complete body of work, rather than hearing its songs as separate entries in the rapper’s catalogue. With the full album set to be performed live, audiences can expect a programme built around the music and the creative journey behind it.
The concert is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. on Saturday, October 24, at the Accra Polo Club. Regular tickets are priced at GH¢300, while VIP tickets cost GH¢500. Group tickets are also available.
Tickets can be purchased at www.ayatickets.com or by dialling *365*88*10#. Patrons interested in table service and corporate group reservations can call 024 940 7829.
For M.anifest, the milestone provides a chance to return to an album that has remained part of his musical catalogue a decade after its release, giving fans an opportunity to experience Nowhere Cool in a live setting from beginning to end.
About Nowhere Cool
In 2016, Ghanaian artist and lyricist, M.anifest released his seminal work titled ‘Nowhere Cool’, that captured the life of an era, brought meaning to lived experiences of a generation and offered delectable artistry to culture. Nowhere Cool arrived at a moment when many young Ghanaians and African youth were searching for identity beyond imitation of external culture.
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The album gave language to contradiction, ambition, displacement, beauty, irony and belonging, and it sounded global without abandoning Ghana. ‘Nowhere Cool’ shaped a generation of music consumers and a cultural era with its introspection, sharp social commentary, influential sound and unapologetic Pan-African sensibility.
A decade on, its music, memory and themes have become part of the emotional lexicon of that generation, while M.anifest remains a relevant cultural and creative icon.
