Despite torrents of rain that turned much of Accra into a maze of flooded streets this Saturday, June 14, the National Theatre of Ghana came alive for the second edition of #3FacesOfJeffreyNortey. What could have been a damp and delayed affair instead proved to be a night etched in memory.
Organized by Kasa Entertainment and Focus Afriq, the event defied the odds and showcased the power of compelling storytelling and unwavering fandom. Guests began arriving as early as 5 pm, two hours before the scheduled 7 pm start. Undeterred by the downpour, they mingled in the lobby, posed for red carpet photos and sampled light refreshments while sharing excitement about the evening’s line-up.
In a setting where Ghanaian events often run late when rain is involved, the show surprised everyone by kicking off just after 8 pm with its first act. By that time, eager patrons had waded through the puddles to fill the ground floor to capacity, and the first balcony was already bustling. Within an hour, every one of the theatre’s 1,500 seats was claimed. Even those who couldn’t find a seat lingered in the lobby or hovered backstage, unwilling to miss a moment.
One by one, Ghana’s rising comedic talents took the stage. ID James Brown opened the night with self-deprecating jabs at his own expense. Kwame Obed followed with uproarious stories of African mothers and their dramatic flair. One Noah’s fresh jokes kept the laughter rolling, and Kojo Pjay turned the Tema Motorway’s potholes and inactive politicians into comic gold. Nino GH and Khemikal then traded tribal jests about Ga and Ewe communities before Jeneral Ntatia closed the warm-up slot with fond reminiscences of life in a Ga town.
When comedian Parrot Mouth strutted onstage, the crowd knew the main event was about to begin. But instead of the usual entrance, a deep baritone voice echoed from the darkened back of the auditorium. As cheers filled the space, a spotlight revealed Big Ghun, Nortey’s on-screen confidant, calling out in lively pidgin to welcome his friend. The curtain rose, lights bathed the stage in radiance and there stood Jeffrey Nortey in a gleaming black suit adorned with sparkling glitter.
The promise of three faces quickly gave way to much more as Jeffrey unleashed a masterclass in versatility. His first persona arrived as a powerful spoken word artist. In a set that cut through the show’s levity, he challenged Ghanaians to own their part in societal ills. He spoke against littering, drew attention to climate change and corruption, and condemned the exploitation of underage youth. The auditorium dimmed, his voice filled the speakers and the audience sat riveted to every word.
For his second face, Jeffrey ascended from beneath the stage in a cloud of smoke to the gentle strings of Nene Narh’s guitar. Clad in traditional Ga priest attire, he offered prayers and encouragement in the Ga dialect. Despite many not understanding the language, the crowd joined in song and laughter, a testament to their love for his artistry.
A skit featuring veteran actress Kalsoume Sinare set the scene for the third act, educating on drug and sexual abuse with a touch of humour. Clemento Suarez then invited Jeffrey back onstage. After sharing heartfelt moments and calling his father up in celebration of Father’s Day, Clemento teased closing remarks. The audience roared in protest, demanding Jeffrey’s final character: the Dragon.
In a playful countdown, Jeffrey dashed backstage and re-emerged at the final count of “one” dressed in denim, a red bandana and his trademark black lips. Indoor fireworks exploded around him as he morphed into the Dragon character, singing jama songs and spitting rhythmic bars that had fans spraying bundles of cedi notes in excitement. A sketch artist paraded a painting that revealed Nortey’s evolution as the canvas shifted with every tilt.
Leveraging that moment, Jeffrey introduced surprise performers Jubed, whose hit “Ruwa” set the mood, and veteran musician Praye Tietia, who brought nostalgia with their classic hits to appeal to both new and old generations.
As the night drew to a close, Jeffrey returned to the center of the stage to thank the sold-out crowd that had braved rain and traffic to witness his unique showcase. He also expressed gratitude to the sponsors who made the night possible—Evivi Foods, Fam Global, Compu Ghana, Bel Aqua and mNotify.
In the aftermath of the show, patrons have flooded social media with praise for a night that will be talked about for years. Jeffrey Nortey’s combination of comedy, poetry, music and drama confirmed that his brand is a bankable asset and that rain, no matter how relentless, cannot dampen the true talent displayed at #3FacesOfJeffreyNortey.
Source: Amelley Djosu
