On the 9th of November 2018, singer/songwriter Knii Lante performed his new song 52 Ambulances for the first time at Blakk Rasta’s Kuchoko Festival.
It was a thrilling experience at Junction Mall in Nungua-Accra as Knii Lante performed with two dancers, two fire eaters and his tight 6-piece band Big Hills Band.
Playing an unusual set of songs , Knii ( who was the second headliner act for the night ) set his tone for the night with a medley of A Slice of Mount Zion ( Culture cover ) > Cocody Rock ( Alpha Blondy Cover ) which drove the crowd wild as Knii plunged himself into their waiting arms > People Get Ready ( Curtis Mayfield Cover ) which was solemnly delivered > and the banger A Lala Long ( Inner Circle Cover ) .
He then followed it up with his panafricanist-inspired song Can’t Give Up, then his critically acclaimed song Baby Take Good Care .
The crowd was stunned into a frozen state when one of the performers on stage appeared to have collapsed and panick spread backstage . Just then , an ambulance siren blasted off and Knii jumped into the song 52 Ambulances . Enthusiastic fans took over this new song released just 2 weeks ago by singing along to the tune word for word. It got frenetic whenever they got to the the hook “ B****** tings , R****** “ .
He urged the excited audience not to “party- politicize” the song. He said the song was a song against the wasteful use of the country’s resources by the ruling elite across board.
He ended with his upbeat but heart moving tribute of a performance of Shidaa which he dedicated to his departed Road Manager Mr Nana Turkson , “rest in power “. Amidst dancers and fire-eaters on stage he prayed “ Nana , wherever you are , remember we love you and this one is specially for you “ .
By the end of his performance it was obvious this was an elevation of the game as far as reggae concerts are concerned in Gh . This had been a quality international act worthy of any stage in Africa , Europe or USA . The band was on point , tight , and ventured into different modes and genres still within the setting of a reggae show . Knii’s performance was classy and engaging and together with the dancers had brought a wind of freshness into Kuchoko .
Indeed , the numerous fans will be digesting this performance they had witnessed for sometime to come .
52 Ambulances is available on all major online outlets.
