Adesope Olajide Talks On Artistes, Global Stages & Cultural Legacy

Nigerian Media personality and cultural commentator, Adesope Olajide, joined the Culture Squad for an in-depth conversation on Ghanaian music, global ambition and what true cultural validation means for African artistes today.

Reacting to recent concert footage from Kweku Smoke, Adesope described the rapper’s growth as intentional and impressive, highlighting the theatrical helicopter entrance as evidence of planning, rehearsal and professionalism.

According to him, Kweku Smoke’s success over the past two years signals that the artiste has firmly conquered the home market. However, he noted that the next crucial step lies beyond Ghana’s borders.

“Once you dominate home turf, the real test begins, stepping into unfamiliar markets like the UK and the US, where you start again from the ground up.”

Drawing parallels, Adesope referenced Medikal and his landmark London performance at O2 Indigo, reminding audiences that few believed the show would sellout.

“Nobody believed Medikal would sell out the O2 Indigo but he did to the brim!”

While Medikal has since filled stadiums in Accra, Adesope stressed that sustained global relevance requires repeatedly stepping into competitive international spaces.

The conversation then turned to Sarkodie and his upcoming Rapperholic concert at the Royal Albert Hall, which Adesope described as culturally monumental.

“This is not about capacity. This is about credibility.”

He explained that the Royal Albert Hall is one of the most selective performance venues in the world historically reserved for fine arts, orchestras and royal events. Performing there signals elite artistic status, not just commercial success.

Adesope further noted that artistes booked at the venue automatically attract top-tier media coverage from platforms such as The Guardian, reinforcing global legitimacy.

“Sarkodie’s name appearing alongside productions like Interstellar, Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter is symbolic. It places Ghanaian Hip-Hop in the highest cultural rooms.”

Addressing debates over whether international performances still matter, Adesope argued that fans crave representation and pride as much as they do numbers.

“Fans want bragging rights. They want to say, ‘My artiste can enter those rooms too.’”

This, he said, explains the pressure placed on artistes to perform at iconic global venues not as validation from the West, but as cultural affirmation.

On Shatta Wale, Adesope acknowledged his massive local dominance and viral influence, while noting that fans still yearn to see him command major European and American stages.

The discussion then shifted to Stonebwoy, whom Adesope strongly defended as one of Ghana’s most consistent and globally active artistes.

“Stonebwoy has not had an off year in six years… Without doubt, he has represented Ghana…he’s one of the best performers we have in Africa.”

He cited Stonebwoy’s international touring, Caribbean collaborations, major European performances, academic achievements and brand partnerships as evidence of an extraordinary career that is often under-appreciated locally.

The conversation concluded with a call for deeper cultural awareness and informed celebration of Ghanaian excellence.