La Pleasure Beach in Accra was transformed into a pulsating hub of reggae energy as the 2025 Kuchoko Roots Festival organised by Blakk Rasta last Saturday night 8th March 2025, delivered unforgettable performances.
For those who witnessed the magic at La Pleasure Beach, one thing is certain: the spirit of reggae is alive and thriving in Ghana.
Thousands of music lovers flocked to the shores, expecting a great show—but what they got was something beyond imagination.
Duane Stephenson Serenades the Crowd
Opening the international segment of the festival, Jamaican reggae crooner Duane Stephenson took the stage after an impressive lineup of local and international acts, including JahWi, Osagyefo, Aklerh, Renner, Kwame Bediako, The Mighty Orthodox Band, Daddy Bosco, and Burkinabé artists Ras Simposh, ZMo, and Ima Hado.
With his signature charm and smooth delivery, Stephenson had the audience in his grasp from the very first note.
The crowd erupted when he performed Another Day in Paradise, turning the venue into a massive choir as fans sang along to every lyric. But the moment that shook La Pleasure Beach to its core was his rendition of August Town.
The sheer energy of the crowd made it feel as though history was being rewritten in real-time.
Overwhelmed by the reception, Stephenson took a moment to express his gratitude:
“I’ve traveled the world, but it’s been a long time since I played with a full horn section. Kuchoko Festival gave me that experience again. Ghana, I’ll be back!”
Kenyatta Hill: A Roaring Tribute to Culture
If Stephenson’s performance was soulful, then Kenyatta Hill’s set was pure fire. Channeling the spirit of his legendary father, Joseph Hill of Culture, Kenyatta took fans on a nostalgic ride through reggae’s golden era.
With a photo of his father in hand, he kissed the image and launched into a powerful performance packed with raw energy and emotion.
For an hour and a half, Hill roared like a lion, delivering classic reggae anthems with electrifying passion. The audience, fully immersed in his presence, swayed and chanted as if in a trance.
Blakk Rasta: A Grand Finale to Remember
As the sun began to rise over Accra, Blakk Rasta—the architect of the Kuchoko Roots Festival—took the stage with the Herbalist Band.
Despite an already jam-packed night of performances, the energy remained sky-high as he delivered an explosive set featuring hits like Barack Obama, Sodom and Gomorrah, Barber Shop, and Chucku Laryea.
In his signature style, Blakk Rasta engaged the crowd, letting them choose songs in real-time, ensuring that every fan left with a personal connection to the experience. Even after hours of orchestrating the event, his stamina was unmatched, proving why he remains one of Africa’s leading reggae voices.
His fusion of traditional reggae with the distinct Kuchoko sound once again reaffirmed his position as a true innovator in the genre.
A Festival That Unites Reggae Lovers
The Kuchoko Roots Festival has cemented itself as a major fixture in Ghana’s entertainment scene, bridging the gap between African and Caribbean reggae culture.
