From Ghana to Wembley: The production story behind Stonebwoy’s BHIM festival London
Stonebwoy’s BHIM Festival London at OVO Arena Wembley was widely seen as another significant moment in the international growth of Ghanaian music. But beyond the artiste and the performances was another story — one involving Ghanaian professionals taking locally developed production experience into an international arena. Leading the production team that travelled from Ghana was Nana Kwame…
Stonebwoy's BHIM Festival London at OVO Arena Wembley marked a significant moment in the international growth of Ghanaian music. Behind the scenes, Ghanaian professionals utilized their locally developed production experience in an international setting. Nana Kwame Adu-Gyamfi, Founder and COO of Gigkits Limited and Founder of LiveX Africa, led the production team as the Lighting Designer and LX Programmer.
His team consisted of sound engineers, technical directors, and specialists in special effects, collaborating closely with UK production partner Hera Touring and local suppliers.
Preparations for the London event began around four months prior, encompassing stage design, lighting, video screens, sound PA, and backline requirements. These elements were developed in Ghana and subsequently reviewed and refined by the UK team. Adu-Gyamfi emphasized that Wembley was merely the final destination, with the production journey having commenced in Ghana.
Months of planning, including stage functionality, lighting-video interactions, audio system requirements, and artiste needs, were carried out in Ghana. The lighting show was partially programmed using the Avolites Titan platform before traveling to the UK. Pre-load-in, Adu-Gyamfi visited the lighting supplier to inspect equipment and test the show file.
The concert featured multiple performance areas, including the main stage, thrust, and additional entrances and positions, with a scenic interpretation inspired by Ghana’s Independence Arch as part of the visual environment. Adu-Gyamfi believed that such cultural experiences can contribute to Ghana's international visibility, particularly in engaging diaspora communities and reaching unfamiliar audiences.
For Adu-Gyamfi, the ambition should extend beyond sending artistes abroad. He noted that Ghanaian engineers, designers, programmers, technicians, and production companies need to grow alongside the music industry. The Wembley production represented continuity and progression for the Ghanaian team, applying home-based experience in an international setting while working alongside UK counterparts.
Written by urgent.news from MyJoyOnline Ghana's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
