After weeks of ‘busting rhymes’ and throwing ‘punches’, the Connect 97.1 FM Community Street Rap Battle 2018 came to an awesome climax on Saturday, September 1.
Out of the about 70 rappers from four communities – Effiakuma, Kwesimintsim, Sekondi and Takoradi – Cubz, Neffgee, Yaw King, Crown Buka, Osagyefo D’Maker, Chichiz, Kweku Bany, Lyrikal, Kobby K and King Zuba were the 10 that made it to the grand finale.
The heat turned up as the rappers took turns to show what they had for the judges and teeming audience who had come to cheer them on.
What got the crowd into a frenzy was the ‘Creativity Stage’ where the finalists were given subject areas such as Tourism, Agriculture, Education, Environment and Health to compose rap lines on.
After three rounds of testing their versatility on different beats, judges Vybez Beats (Music Producer/Engineer), Skinny MC (Music producer/Engineer), Bright Kwesi Asempah (Host of Yensempa on Onua FM) and Ken Addo (Head of Events & Lifestyle at Media General) decided on Chichiz as the king of the night.
Chichiz and 1st and 2nd runners-up, Kweku Bany and Lyrikal respectively, win a recording deal and a year-long promotion of their songs on Connect FM and other Media General platforms.
They also win mobile phones and other products and souvenirs from sponsors: Soloku Bitters (Kasapreko Company Limited).
Winner Chichiz expressed his profound gratitude for the support he received throughout the contest.
“I was always confident that I could win the ultimate prize of the competition, and it came to pass on Saturday. I assure everyone to expect more from me on my way to the top. I’m grateful to God and Connect FM for the support I have enjoyed.”
Speaking after the event, Acting Regional Manager of Connect 97. 1 FM Ransford Osei Asare expressed utmost contentment and satisfaction for how the event turned out.
“I am delighted about the excitement that we brought to the over 70 persons who registered to be a part of the competition. The response coming indicates clearly that patrons want more of this. We at Connect FM and Media General assure our audience that we will always feed them with content and events that will improve upon their lives at all times.”
Programmes & Scheduling Supervisor for Connect FM Elwoode Akuako Mantey reiterated the station’s commitment to ensuring that the promises made to put young talents where they truly deserve is fulfilled.
“The onset was massive and the turn-up was great. The idea of the Rap Battle was not just to crown a winner but also to make their dreams come true as young rappers who want to shine. And so we’re committed to seeing to the finish, recording their songs and promoting them and taking them to where they deserve to be in terms of music”.
The Grand Finale of the competition saw performances from the crème de la crème of Sekondi-Takoradi musicians including Kofi Kerra, Ras Ebo, Qwesi Flex, Starrbwoy Ratty, Ayma, Bobo Dada Bee among others.
The Connect FM Community Street Rap Battle is set to be an annual event to unearth the musical talents of the youth in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis.
Below is a complete list of winners on the night:
Chichiz – Ultimate Winner/Stage Craft
Kweku Bany – 1st Runner-Up/Most Interactive
Lyrikal – 2nd Runner-Up
King Zuba – Most Creative
By Ato Kwamina Otoo|Connect FM|3news.com|Ghana