Stonebwoy’s camp has hit back at critics who say moving this year’s BHIM Festival from the Accra Sports Stadium to the University of Ghana Sports Stadium is a step down. His publicist, Vida Adutwumwaa Boateng, says the change is part of a bigger plan, not a retreat.

Speaking on Hitz FM, as reported by Adomonline, she rejected the suggestion that the move to a smaller-capacity venue signals a reduction in the festival’s scale. “I wouldn’t call it retrogression because, as of now, we have two things running,” she said, pointing to the dancehall star’s regional Torcher Experience shows, which visited the Volta Region this year and are due to reach other regions from next year.

According to her, the regional shows mean fans in places such as the Northern Region and Kumasi no longer have to travel to Accra to see Stonebwoy perform, while the December festival remains the major celebration in the capital. “Stonebwoy says that I’m coming to you across the regions. I’m giving you an experience that will live with you for a year and over,” she said.

In a separate part of the interview, also reported by Adomonline, she explained that UG Sports Stadium was actually the team’s preferred venue, but letters were sent to several venues, including the Accra Sports Stadium, so the team was not relying on one option. “We do not have a permanent venue per se for the event,” she added, noting that BHIM has been staged at arenas, parks and even the beach over the years.

The 11th edition of the festival takes place on Thursday, 24 December 2026, at the UG Sports Stadium in Legon, starting at 5pm, according to the Ghana News Agency. Stonebwoy announced the date and venue in a post on X, with tickets available via *714*2026#.

Stonebwoy himself has described the switch to Legon as strategic. As reported by Pulse Ghana, he said: “We have done Accra Sports Stadium twice. I may ask, how many times would you want us to do Accra Sports Stadium?” He added that the full reason behind the choice would be revealed later.

Last year’s 10th anniversary edition, dubbed “A Decade of BHIM”, was held at the Accra Sports Stadium. Whether this year’s Christmas Eve show at Legon can match that atmosphere is now the big question for BHIM Nation.

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