Unless it is one of those public stunts generally employed by artists or their management to sustain or soar up their dwindling fortunes and popularity, then the news about Promzy (Emmanuel Ababio)- arguably the front man of one of the most respected and successful music groups in Ghana over the past 15 years- signals the ‘death’ of the group’s musical fortunes.
VIP (L-R) Prodigal, Promzy, Lazzy (Zeal)
Despite the expected assurance of their manager, Bull Dog that ‘VIP is bigger than one member of the group’, it is an undeniable fact the group can’t, unless some divine intention, maintain its glory.
The
gloss of VIP has in recent times been waning. This was evident at their last
stage performance at the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards where the crowd, which hitherto
would jump off their seats, sing, applaud and dance as if possessed to every
song by VIP, sat staring, uninterested to what they were about. The magnetic
force that defined VIPs showmanship was evaporating.
Prior
to that performance, response to their new single ‘Follow Me’, a cover of Nigerian rapper M.I’s ‘African Rapper (No.1)”-
in my view, coupled with the solo tunes of Lazzy ‘Human Gyata”, Prodigal’s “DJ”
had minimal impact on the music charts and radio airplays. The sign was clear
that they needed to re-invent but not in this fashion.
NOT THE
FIRST BREAK UP
One
may argue that VIP has survived such situation before. No doubt. Before VIP became such a big brand
in Ghana and going on to sweep five awards (a record) at the 2004 Ghana Music Awards,
the vision of their progress nearly came to a halt.
Friction,
who was a founding member, exited the Nima based group after dropping hits as ‘Rana Sallah’ and Obaa Sweetie’. Another
member, Bone, also went away, leaving Promzy, Lazzy (now Zeal) and Prodigal to
salvage the drowning VIP boat.
The
group’s management switched hands. Mic Smith then of Groove FM handed the
management to Goodies Music who partnered with Precise Music and later Allordia
Productions and in 2004; VIP released their biggest album ever ‘Ahomka Wo Mu’. Remember in 2011, they
picked the top prize Artiste Of The Year
at the Ghana Music Awards.
The
success of the album cemented their credentials as a force to reckon with,
opening doors to them across Africa and the UN appointing them as Peace
Ambassadors for West Africa. They had been on a roll ever since.
There
was a brief hiatus. They released ‘Progress’
which spurned two single ‘I Think I like
Am’ and ‘Away’. Then the gloss
began to wear off till this recent announcement.
NO SIGN OF
RECOVERY
It
will be a miracle, a grand one for VIP to rise to their ‘cult’ status again
following the exit of Promzy. VIP can be compared to a tripod, with Promzy as
the front leg. Now that it has broken, I doubt if the two legs can hold the
balance.
The
influence of Promzy on the group can’t be under-estimated. He’s bigger, larger
and more like the poster boy of the group. He carries this ‘bad boy’ persona.
He’s a talented rapper. His charisma could be felt on records and on the stage.
He’s the force behind the performance (apologies Charter House).
I’m
sorry to disagree with Bull Dog’s assertion. History tells us that groups have
not been the same with the exit of their strongest link. Whether Promzy
survives as a solo artist, we all wait to see. In my mind’s eye, he’ll have it
tough. Even Okyeame Kwame struggled following the breaking of Akyeame.
What Bull Dog, Lazzy and Prodigal will pull out of their hats is something we await. Perhaps they will draft one of their protégés from FOI, the talented Lil’ Chris to fill the gaping hole or they will have to rely on other artists as featured guests.
VIP
survived the first quake and became a formidable group. This time I have my
reservations. Lightening doesn’t strike the same spot twice. Whatever it is
that they plan on doing, they better do it quickly or see their careers
swallowed by the musical quick sand they seem to sand on currently.
Despite
this, I wish is the news is nothing more than public STUNT. But if it isn’t, my
greatest regret will be that they couldn’t share their collections with
Ghanaians through city-to-city tours. I’m open to surprises. They should prove
me and others who have predicted their ‘musical demise’ wrong.
Looks like the VIP boat has run its course. If Promzy is contemplating a solo career I'm not too optimistic about that, but hey you never know.
ReplyDeleteSame sentiment. He can't do it on his own. Many tried but never made it. Let's see how it pans
Deletethey were already dipping some how
ReplyDeletecouldn't wow Gh'ns with crazy hits
and now Promzy is out? wheew!!!
Factual post. Promzy is a talented rapper? Umm i dont know about that one. But then again, isn't it a subjective arguement? :) but yeah, vip seems to have lost its sparkle for a while now. I doubt promzy will be able to make it big as a solo artist. I doubt he'll even attempt to be that; a solo artist. Time wil tell it all, anaa?
ReplyDelete@Hamza, Promzy will struggle as a solo no doubt. Talented in context to the others.
ReplyDeleteI still think its a PR stunt for some strange reason.
I'm also not sure VIP will survive this and i doubt Promzy would make it as a solo artiste but we live to see
ReplyDeleteFor some strange reason I think Promzy holds promise of surviving as a solo artist.The element of surprise is what.
ReplyDelete