Sonnie Badu, Lionel Pettersen invoke God’s face for peaceful elections

Last Saturday, the spirit of the Lord consumed the Dome of the Accra International Conference Centre, uplifting the souls of the multitude who had gathered for Sonnie Badu’s Let Peace Rain concert.

It was expected and the night offered nothing less. For his fifth performance in his beloved country, Sonnie Badu was no stranger to what Ghanaians wanted and he did serve that on a silver platter.

The Let Peace Rain concert was a perfect cushion Ghana needed as it gears up for elections on December 7.

The event picked up slowly as hundreds jostled for space at the hugely patronized concert. After several minutes needed by organizers to deal with a stampede at the gates due to the sea of people rushing to be a part of the event, the show kicked off.

It was AB and Nii Okai who warmed up the audience. With their praise and worship performances, they set the tone for what the night had to offer. They charged the Dome to the right temperature.

Of the main acts for the night, it was the vibrant Cwesi Oteng who picked up the mic first. Backed by a live band, he brought his youthful exuberance to play. He thrilled with some of his well known tunes including Unconditional Love and the megahit God Dey Bless Me.

Cwesi Oteng summed up his performance with a Ghana flag he had borrowed from a fan. He waved it delicately, receiving rapturous cheers from the patrons.

After a brief video interlude which carried messages of peace from some known figures – including, Osafo Maafo and ET Mensah – calling on Ghanaians to make the December 7 elections violence free, MC for the show, Reverend Mike Nii Abossey introduced Superintendent Kofi Sarpong as the next act.

Superintendent Kofi Sarpong stormed the stage with his shinning brown suite with brown shoes to match and white pants to go with it. He looked clean on stage!

He started with Lucky Dube’s Together As One with a call on Ghanaians to vote peacefully to maintain the country’s hard won democratic credentials. Even with the live band, the Police officer did not miss his Azonto moves.

From Ayeyi Dwom to African Borborbo, if the show had been a dancing competition, he clearly would have won. His Kete, Adowa and Agbadza moves were just on point!

Dressed on all white apparel and with a huge white handkerchief in her hand, songstress Ohemaa Mercy hit the stage with such energy. Swiftly, she performed Menwu (I will not die) and in a prophetic tone, she declared that the nation will still enjoy peace even after the elections.

The gospel diva danced! Her stage craft got everyone standing. She performed Fefefe, Eye Wadwin, Edin Jesus and before her smash hit Wobeye Kese, she declared that, “This is a prophetic message. There will be no bloodshed and those who want to marry will marry in 2013.” A message that delighted many!

Then cometh peace…

World renowned South African gospel artiste and worship leader Lionel Petersen was next. He walked briskly onto the stage, kept his calm demeanor and giggled to the loud cheers from fans who were obviously pleased to see him.

“If you can give Him a shout” he shouted and started singing, When Peace Like a River. With his serene voice, he assured that “you’ve got something coming up next week hopefully that is what you will be singing.”

After renditions of Awesome God, he started thrilling fans to Lift Up Your Eyes, My Help, Jabulani Africa and his all time great, Peace. The 65-year-old’s songs pierced the hearts of the hundreds who were in attendance.

Lionel Petersen, who had 55 years of music experience at his disposal, melted hearts, renewed souls, and gave hope to the afflicted with his spirit filled songs.

After a thrilling Petersen encounter, Sonnie Badu was ready to hit the stage. With his Baba tune echoing through the auditorium, a drama, starring himself, Funny Face, Ramsey Noah, John Dumelo and Fred Nuamah was aired to the delight of many. That was followed by a proclamation of the awards he has won.

Actors Ramsey Noah and Dumelo appeared on stage soon after and they introduced the multiple-award winning musician. With his more than 20 piece band ready, and the words “Good evening Ghana” he hit the stage amidst fabulous fireworks.

Not even a nearly fatal fire – which was quickly quenched on stage – could stop Sonnie. He was on fire himself and even though the sound did not favour him; he never ceased to prove to fans why he is one of Africa’s finest gospel acts.

Dressed in a dark brown kaftan, with well patterned red, yellow, green and black embroidery, he glowed like a prince who did not forget to wear a dark suede shoe to match a perfect combination. His rough but clean hair stood on his head like a crown, Sonnie Badu understood fashion!

It was a night of his music excellence. All of Sonnie’s finest tunes were on display and as he tried giving a go at the almighty Azonto dance, patrons danced and sang to hits such as Ese Oluwa, Yeweh, Afro Praise, Arabaribiti, Wonder God, Adonai, Covenant Keeping God, Baba.

Apart from his thrilling performance, special guests, Funny Face, Ramsey Noah and John Dumelo also tried their hands on music. John Dumelo looked the more determined of the three, unfortunately for him, he was the worst. While Funny Face played it safe by letting patrons help him sing, Ramsey Noah proved the better of the three singing two songs skillfully.

Dr Lawrence Tetteh, founder and President of the Worldwide Miracle Outreach, who was also at the event, prayed for peaceful elections on December 7.