When Sarkodie dropped the flyer for his upcoming Rapperholic: The Homecoming concert, he didn’t just announce ticket prices; he told a story as well. The historic concert, set to light up the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi on September 27th, it’s a return to roots, a cultural statement, and a celebration of heritage. The flyer itself is layered with symbolism: from the Adinkra symbols to the iconic royal outfit with the Kente, in fact, every detail speaks of pride, power, and home. Here’s a breakdown of the flyer that people are yet to notice as focus are all over the prices of the ticket and table reservations.
The first symbol that attracts attention is a hand of a man dressed in a beautiful Kente with gold ornaments and gripping a single ‘Akɔfena’ – A royal sword. In Akan culture, the Akɔfena is a symbol of authority, courage, bravery, and leadership. It is often carried by chiefs during swearing-in ceremonies and appears in the royal regalia of Akan kings and elders. The sword doesn’t just represent physical power. It stands for moral strength, the ability to speak truth, lead fearlessly, and defend what’s right.
By featuring the Akɔfena in the flyer, Sarkodie is positioning himself not just as a performer, but as a warrior of words and culture. He’s showing the world that he’s earned his place not through inheritance, or being an Asante, but through courage, consistency, and lyrical strength. It’s a reminder that he comes from people who fight with honor, and that same spirit runs through his music and that this homecoming isn’t just a concert but a bold return filled with courage, pride, and the soul of a true cultural warrior.
On the same hand gripping the Akɔfena, another symbol quietly commands attention – an eagle-shaped ring. At first glance, it may seem like just an ornament, but for anyone who knows Sarkodie’s story, it carries deep meaning.
In many cultures, the eagle represents strength, focus, courage, and dominance. But in Sarkodie’s case, it goes even deeper. His name itself can be found in this very symbol. Sarkodie is derived from two Akan words: sa, meaning “war,” and kɔdeɛ, meaning “eagle.” Together, they form “war eagle.” It’s no wonder his fans affectionately call him Ɔkɔdeɛ – The eagle.
The eagle ring, then, is not just jewelry. It’s a declaration of who he is, a symbol of identity, a nod to his name, and a reminder of his roots as an Asante. Placed on the same hand holding the royal sword, it reinforces a powerful message: Sarkodie is stepping into Kumasi not just as a rapper, but as a symbol of strength and fearlessness. In the context of this Homecoming, the ring is a promise. A promise that the show will soar high with energy, power, and purpose just like the eagle it represents.
Another striking detail on the flyer is the stack of gold ornaments wrapped around the wrist of the unknown royal figure. Though the intricate designs make it hard to distinguish the specific Adinkra symbols engraved on them, their presence alone speak volumes.
In Akan culture, gold is more than a symbol of wealth. It represents spiritual authority, prestige, and ancestral pride. It is worn by royals during major events to show their status, and it carries deep meanings. When those gold pieces are embedded with Adinkra symbols, they become even more powerful. Each symbol tells a unique story of strength, unity, or legacy.
By including this imagery on the flyer, Sarkodie aligns the Rapperholic: Homecoming concert with the significance of a royal gathering. The gold isn’t just there to shine; it’s there to remind us of the weight of history, tradition, and identity. Just like the royal wrist in the flyer, Sarkodie wears the success he’s built not for vanity, but with honor. The gold represents how far he’s come, how much value he carries, and how deeply rooted he is in his culture as an Asante.
Wrapped around the arm that grips the royal sword is not just any cloth; it’s Asaasaa Kente, a unique style of Akan Kente woven with a blend of multiple patterns and colors. The word Asaasaa itself means “a mixture” or “an assortment,” representing the bringing together of various Kente designs in one masterful piece.
This choice of cloth on the flyer is intentional and symbolic. By adorning the royal hand with Asaasa Kente, Sarkodie is making a bold statement ahead of Rapperholic: The Homecoming. He’s telling his fans that this show isn’t just a replay of the past but a fusion of everything Rapperholic has ever stood for.
Each year, Rapperholic brings something new: new stagecraft, new energy, new surprises. And just like the Kente that carries multiple styles in one fabric, this homecoming concert promises a blend of the best moments from all past editions woven together into one unforgettable night in Kumasi.
The Asaasaa Kente reflects the versatility Sarkodie has mastered over the years. From hard-hitting rap to highlife, hiplife, and Afrobeats. It is a sign that fans should expect variety, intensity, and unmatched energy. Just as Asaasaa unites diverse designs into one cloth, this Homecoming will unite years of greatness into one powerful experience.
Another thing that is worth decoding is the prices of the tickets and the table rservation contact on the flyer. For the Regular ticket, it is ‘Gye Nyame Adinkra symbol GHC100’. Gye Nyame, meaning “Except God”, is one of the most sacred and widely respected Adinkra symbols in Akan culture. It represents the supremacy of God and the belief that nothing happens without divine will. Sarkodie placing this before the regular ticket price is very powerful. It’s as if he’s telling fans, “The price is no longer the excuse. It’s too affordable. Now, only God can stop you from being there.” Compared to past Rapperholic shows in Accra, this is clearly one of the most cheapest and it’s happening on home soil. This is for the people.
Then comes the VIP ticket. It is the ‘double akɔfena Adinkra symbol GHS300’. The Double Akɔfena (the crossed royal swords) is a step up. It represents strength, valor, authority, and a high status in Akan tradition. This isn’t for everyone. This price, and the symbol before it, speak directly to those who are not just fans but patrons. Those who walk with pride and prestige, just like the royal swords suggest. This is Sarkodie saying, “If you know your worth, and you value legacy, come sit at the table of warriors.”
Lastly, for table reservations, the flyer features the Bese Saka Adinkra symbol, a bunch of cola nuts. This symbol is rich in meaning: it stands for abundance, affluence, unity, and wealth. Historically, cola nuts were valuable in trade and were a key symbol in community and royal gatherings. Here, Bese Saka sets the tone: this section is for the big players, the big boys, the ones who are coming not just to watch, but to experience, connect, and celebrate in style.
Sarkodie’s Rapperholic: The Homecoming flyer isn’t just an announcement, it’s a statement. Every image, every symbol, every color choice carries weight. From the royal hand gripping the Akɔfena, to the eagle ring, to the gold, the Kente, and even the Adinkra symbols before the ticket prices, everything speaks to who he is, where he’s from, and what this show means.
Editor: Ama Gyesiwaa Quansah
