La Pleasure Beach in Accra transformed into a reggae powerhouse as the 2025 Kuchoko Roots Festival drew a massive crowd eager for an electrifying night of music and culture.
The festival, known for its deep-rooted reggae heritage, exceeded all expectations with jaw-dropping performances from global icons and local legends.
The highlight of the night was the long-awaited debut of Jamaican reggae heavyweights Kenyatta Hill and Duane Stephenson in Ghana. Duane Stephenson set the stage ablaze, serenading the crowd with hit after hit.
The energy soared when he performed Another Day In Paradise, with fans singing along word for word. But it was August Town that sent the beach into a frenzy—an almost spiritual moment that felt like the parting of the Red Sea.
Stephenson, impressed by the festival’s production, lauded the organizers, saying, “I’ve toured the world, but playing with a full horn section here was something special. Kuchoko gave me that. I’ll be back!”
Then came Kenyatta Hill, a force to be reckoned with. Channeling the spirit of his legendary father, Joseph Hill of Culture, he roared onto the stage like a lion, delivering a passionate performance filled with reggae classics and high-energy showmanship.
At one point, he pulled out a photo of his father, kissed it, and launched into another wave of Reggaematic tantrums, thrilling the crowd for over an hour and a half.
But the night wasn’t just about the international acts. Ghana’s very own Blakk Rasta, the pioneer of Kuchoko music, delivered a high-voltage closing act alongside the Herbalist Band.
Taking the stage at 5:20 AM, Blakk Rasta proved why he reigns supreme in live band music. From Barack Obama to Sodom and Gomorrah, he had the audience in his grip, engaging them with call-and-response performances that cemented his legendary status.
With supporting acts like JahWi, Osagyefo, Aklerh, Renner, Kwame Bediako, The Mighty Orthodox Band, and vibrant Burkinabé performers Ras Simposh, ZMo, and Ima Hado, the night was a melting pot of reggae excellence.
The festival extended the vibes to +233 Bar and Grill on March 15, where an exclusive VIP session saw Kenyatta Hill, Blakk Rasta, Osagyefo, and others treating patrons to a night of intimate live music.
With Kuchoko Roots Festival 2025 setting such a high standard, fans are already asking: Can 2026 live up to the hype? One thing is certain—the spirit of reggae in Ghana is alive and thriving!
