Tiwa Savage on stage

This Music Festival Wants the Diaspora to Return to Africa

All eyes are about to be on Ghana

Tiwa Savage on stage

All eyes are on West Africa at the moment. First game Lagos-based cultural festival, Homecoming, which put the spotlight on West African creatives. Now, it’s Ghana’s turn.

In it’s third edition, Afrochella is due to kick off in Accra this weekend, and it’s one big celebration of Africa and its many facets.

This year, expected to be their biggest edition yet, there will be a shift in focus to the African diaspora. The theme ‘Diaspora Calling’ will mark the end of ‘Year of Return, Ghana 2019’ – an initiative created by the Ghanaian government that was designated towards African-Americans and other diaspora, 400 years after the first enslaved Africans arrived in Jamestown, Virginia.

The event, founded by Abdul Karim Abdullah, is just one-way Africans are taking ownership of their narrative. “We’re creating an experience that brings together some of the brightest rising artists and some of the most celebrated African acts on the same stage. In joint celebration with Ghana’s Year of Return, everyone present will be empowered to believe in themselves and the greatness of our continent, Africa,” says Khadijat El Alawa, Afrochella’s Talent Manager.

This year’s lineup will see Ghanain artists Sarkodie, Samini, Tiwa Savage, and Wande Coal take the stage. The festival will also showcase artists from across Africa and the African diaspora including Distruction Boyz from South Africa, Mercedes Benson from the UK, Neya Musicfrom Tanzania and Amarachi Nwosu from Nigeria.

“It’s a festival celebrating all things African culture and helping to promote awareness and bring business to the African community,” he told Conde Nast Traveler in an interview. “It’s a place where African people get to showcase their creativity to the world.”

The one-day festival is preceded by a programme that encourages conversations on various topics concerning Africa. The Afrochella Talks conversation series is just one of them. The series will bring together experts from all industries to discuss business, creativity, music, and food.

Then there’s the ‘At a Glance’ photo exhibition, which will showcase the work of Nigerian photographer Amarachi Nwosu. Make sure you also don’t miss live painting by Ghanaian artist Dennis Owusu-Ansah.

Afrochella, December 26 – January 3, Accra, Ghana
afrochella.com

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