Ghanaian rapper Sarkodie has made a public appeal to event organisers across the country and beyond, urging them to avoid scheduling his performances in the early hours of the morning, particularly around 4 a.m., citing the impact such timing has on his energy levels and overall performance quality.
The award-winning musician, widely regarded as one of Africa’s most consistent live performers, explained that while he appreciates the vibrant nightlife culture that often keeps audiences engaged until dawn, his physical capacity to deliver high quality performances reduces significantly after prolonged delays.
According to him, his peak performance window is usually before 1 a.m., after which his energy begins to decline naturally. He stressed that late stage appearances often result in less engaging shows for fans, something he is keen to avoid.
“To my people in most towns outside Accra, I get that you guys love to party till morning,” Sarkodie said in remarks shared with fans. “But as a performer, my energy is at its highest level until about 1 a.m. max. Any moment after that, my body starts to shut down which is natural.”
He further added that performing as late as 4 a.m. is physically demanding and not sustainable for live entertainers, describing such scheduling as unrealistic for maintaining peak artistic delivery.
“I be tired performing around 4 a.m. in the morning, that is not normal for the human body,” he said, urging organisers to prioritise earlier performance slots to ensure audiences get the best experience possible.
Sarkodie’s comments have reignited long standing discussions within Ghana’s entertainment industry about poor event planning and time management, especially at concerts held outside major cities where delays often push headline performances into the early morning hours.
Industry observers note that such delays are usually caused by extended DJ sets, multiple supporting acts, and poor coordination of event timelines, which cumulatively affect the quality of headline performances.
The rapper, known privately as Michael Owusu Addo, has built a reputation over nearly two decades for high energy performances across Ghana and international stages. His live shows have often been highlighted as a key part of his brand, contributing to his status as one of Ghana’s most influential music exports.
His appeal is expected to spark renewed debate among promoters, event organisers and stakeholders about the need for stricter adherence to show schedules, particularly as Ghana’s live music scene continues to grow and attract larger audiences.
Sarkodie’s message also reflects a broader concern among performing artists about the sustainability of late night shows, with many advocating for improved professionalism in event execution to enhance audience satisfaction and artist wellbeing.
As conversations continue, fans and industry players alike are watching closely to see whether organisers will adjust their practices in response to growing concerns from top performers.
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