Christo in the Disco: A Nimo Live Review.
An article by Kojo Bonsamposuro
Despite what some Ghanaian Twitter users may suggest, 2026 has been an exceptionally great year for Ghanaian music, and AratheJay is one of the artistes for whom this statement is especially true. Eight months after the release of his hugely successful and critically acclaimed debut studio album The Odyssey, Nimo Constantine dropped Christo Disco, a 6-track gospel EP that immediately went to the top of the charts. The theme of the project, he describes as “the message of Christ in the world,” which is apt considering the contents of the project itself. This EP, in my humble opinion, is his most cohesive body of work, as he touches on the subjects of need, purpose, fulfillment, family, divine protection, breakthrough, and power, all the while staying rooted in the intensely spiritual sound he’s come to be known for. Maybe it’s also just because of the length of the project that I feel this way. That part is very arguable, I’ll admit.
Since the EP dropped in July, Ara has not slept. I guess Ara really no dey sleep. After promo and media runs in August, he announced that he was taking Nimo Live, his concert experience usually held annually in Accra, on the road. The first stop was Kumasi, where he treated fans to high-energy, spirit-filled performances at HiLite, Ahodwo Roundabout. Then he announced he was bringing the show to the nation’s ancient capital, Cape Coast. And so about a week ago, on 11th October at Xcape Beach Club, the stage was set, and the crowd was pumped full of energy after performances from resident superstars AJ Glory, Yaw Fargo, The Coastside Boys, and even surprise appearances by Linkup Daddy and rising Tema star and “the new Omar Sterling”, Kwame Dabie.
Then, at exactly 12:45 a.m. on Monday, AratheJay took the stage with Zion, off The Odyssey. The atmosphere changed immediately. Xcape Beach Club had become a place of worship. Song after song, the crowd chanted every lyric like they had written the songs with the artist themselves. And standing there, watching Ara and his audience from the side of the stage, I finally understood the artistry of Christo Disco. This was the message of Christ in the world. At midnight on a Monday, a place that was usually home to carnality had surrendered to the will of God. And there stood a man, clothed in the glory of the Lord. Imperfect, yet made whole by the grace of the Almighty, to lead a host of people in praise. For one night, the world had surrendered to Christo. In the disco. It was a wonderful night.
He wasn’t alone either. Between his sets, the audience was treated to amazing performances from Kojo Blak, Xlimkid, Essumann, Kwesi Amewuga, and Kofi Mole, the Aporsor Gangster himself, who performed my favorite Ghanaian song at the moment, Balotelli, to a raving crowd. And I must say, the supporting artists really understood the assignment. Everybody brought their A-game. Kojo Blak did his thing with the ladies, while Xlimkid had all their trappers in their feelings. Essumann must really love performing in Cape Coast by now. This was the second time I watched him perform to a crowd who were singing his lyrics back to him, word for word. Amewuga also had the crowd hooked with his signature wordplay style, and yo, that guy really dey rap. I don’t think we give him enough credit. My only qualm with his set was the fact that he didn’t perform Talking Bout, off his joint tape with Bosom P-Yung. That one is a classic in my opinion. But I digress.
I could use this closing paragraph to complain about the show’s timing, or the few technical issues they had with the sound, but I won’t, because none of that comes close to touching what the night actually was. Christo Disco talks about need, purpose, fulfillment, family, divine protection, breakthrough, and power, and for one night in Cape Coast, I watched a room full of strangers live out every single one of those words together. AJ Glory, Yaw Fargo, The Coast Boys, Linkup Daddy, and Kwame Dabie set the tone, Kojo Blak, Xlimkid, Essumann, Amewuga, and the Aporsor Gangster himself kept it going, and then Ara walked out and turned a beach club into a sanctuary. Every issue really is forgettable in the grand scheme of things, because what I walked away with was bigger than sound equipment and start times. Nimo Live keeps finding new cities to turn into church, and after Cape Coast, Takoradi is next on the list. I’ll see you there.
Image Credits: @conixstudios on IG