Ghana has produced an incredibly diverse array of musical talents over the years, with genres ranging from Afrobeat, dancehall, and highlife to hip hop and pop. Many of these artists have already gained significant international recognition, making them prime candidates for a Super Bowl Halftime Show. Let’s take a closer look at 8 Ghanaian artists who could headline such a monumental event.
8. Stonebwoy
Stonebwoy is one of the biggest names in dancehall music, not just in Ghana but across the world. His ability to blend reggae, dancehall, and Afrobeat has won him fans in various parts of the globe. Stonebwoy has already performed at major international events and has a massive following in the Caribbean and Africa. His stage presence and ability to hype a crowd would make him a solid contender for a Super Bowl performance.
Missing? Stonebwoy might be a bit of an underdog compared to the others on this list in terms of mainstream crossover success outside of dancehall and reggae circles. While his artistry is stellar, he could be slightly overshadowed by some of the other artists with more widespread international appeal.
7. Amaarae
Amaarae has carved out a unique lane for herself as a boundary-pushing artist in the world of alternative R&B and Afro-pop. Known for her ethereal voice and bold fashion sense, she’s earned critical acclaim and a growing global fanbase. Amaarae’s style blends Afrobeat with elements of Western pop and R&B, which gives her an edge in appealing to global Super Bowl audiences.
Missing? Amaarae’s lack of mainstream chart-topping hits might keep her from headlining at this moment. Her following is strong, but the visibility she currently holds might not be enough to make her the top choice, though her artistry is undeniably deserving.
6. Kidi
Kidi is one of the most commercially successful artists to come out of Ghana in recent years, largely due to his hit songs in the Afrobeat and highlife genres. Songs like “Say Cheese” and “Touch It” have gone viral across Africa and beyond. With a massive social media presence and a solid reputation as a chart-topper, Kidi’s upbeat style and infectious tunes would light up the Super Bowl stage.
Missing? Kidi could be seen as more of a mainstream pop artist rather than someone with deeper cultural significance like some of the others on this list. While his music is universally loved, he might not have the gravitas needed for such a huge, prestigious platform.
5. Medikal
Medikal is one of Ghana’s finest rappers and an influential figure in the local hip hop scene. His sharp lyricism and powerful delivery have earned him a dedicated fanbase, especially among younger generations. He has already worked with international artists, and his music has crossed borders. If Medikal can continue his upward trajectory and attract more mainstream attention globally, his rap-heavy, energetic performance would definitely bring the hype to the Super Bowl stage.
Missing? While Medikal is a well-respected artist in the Ghanaian music scene, his international recognition doesn’t yet match the scale of other artists like Sarkodie or King Promise. He’s more niche at the moment, which might hold him back from headlining a major event like the Super Bowl.
4. Black Sherif
Black Sherif is one of the fastest rising stars in Ghana’s music industry, having broken through with his hit singles “Second Sermon” and “Kwaku The Traveler.” His fusion of trap and highlife, combined with his distinct voice and powerful storytelling, has resonated with audiences far and wide. Black Sherif’s authenticity and connection to his roots give him the kind of emotional depth that would make for a memorable Super Bowl performance.
Missing? Although Black Sherif is a rising global star, he is still building his international fanbase. His rapid ascent could position him for future headlining events, but he might need a little more time to achieve the global recognition of other artists.
3. Sarkodie
Sarkodie is undoubtedly one of Ghana’s greatest musical exports. He is an icon in the African hip-hop scene and has a massive following both on the continent and in the diaspora. Sarkodie has worked with some of the biggest names in international music, and his skills as a rapper are unmatched. His fluency in both English and Twi allows him to connect with a wide array of fans across different cultures.
Missing? There’s little doubt that Sarkodie could hold his own at the Super Bowl, and he’s arguably one of the most deserving of this slot. The only thing that might hold him back is the fact that rap and hip-hop culture have historically been underrepresented at the Super Bowl, but Sarkodie’s strong international profile and versatility could break down those barriers.
2. King Promise
King Promise is another Ghanaian artist who has made waves internationally with his smooth Afrobeat and highlife sound. Known for his catchy songs and polished performances, King Promise has garnered significant attention across Africa and the diaspora. His collaborations with global artists, such as Wizkid and Mr Eazi, have helped raise his profile on the global stage, making him a strong contender for the Super Bowl halftime show.
Missing? King Promise’s sound is relatively mainstream, and while he’s a crowd favorite, his international fanbase may not yet be as large as some of the others on this list. He could use more chart-topping songs on the global stage to really stand out in such a competitive space.
1. Wiyaala
Wiyaala is a powerhouse of Ghanaian music. Known for her electrifying performances and her blend of Afrobeat, pop, and traditional sounds, Wiyaala has cultivated a dedicated following both in Ghana and internationally. Her bold, unapologetic style and dynamic stage presence would bring an unforgettable energy to the Super Bowl stage. With her cross-genre appeal and vocal prowess, Wiyaala could deliver a performance that resonates with global audiences and shines a light on African music.
Missing? While Wiyaala is certainly one of the most talented artists from Ghana, her international visibility is still growing. She’s more established in Africa, but the global recognition required to headline the Super Bowl might take a little more time for her to fully reach that level.
Who Could Be Taken Out or Missing?
The list of 8 is impressive, but not all are on the same level of international recognition. Stonebwoy, while a legend in his own right, could be overshadowed by artists with a broader global following. Similarly, Amaarae’s niche appeal might be a factor, as she doesn’t have as many mainstream hits as others on the list. On the other hand, Wiyaala, despite her brilliance, might still need a little more global exposure.
Sarkodie, King Promise, and Black Sherif would arguably be the strongest contenders based on their international presence and ability to capture a broad audience across the globe. They’re undoubtedly capable of putting on a Super Bowl performance that would captivate and resonate with a massive worldwide audience.
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source: kaknews.com