Panafest 2023 commenced with a vibrant Creative Explosion led by the renowned 3x Grammy nominee, Rocky Dawuni, captivating audiences at the National Theatre in Accra.
The theme for this year’s Panafest is “Re-Claiming the African Family: Confronting the Past to Face the Challenges of the 21st Century.”
The opening concert was a mesmerizing fusion of arts and culture, featuring exceptional performances by the Jazz Prophets from the U.S, the National Theatre Ensemble showcasing an excerpt from Ayi, and an excerpt from Chief Moomen’s latest production, Mansa World. The performances were not only colorful but also deeply inspiring.
Addressing the audience, Prof Esi Sutherland, the chairperson of the Panafest Foundation, urged for the support of the Pan-African world to seize the opportunities available for the development of Africa.
The United States Ambassador, Virginia E. Palmer, hailed the festival as a remarkable platform for showcasing the rich Pan-African culture.
Panafest 2023, running from July 24 to July 31, has a diverse array of activities lined up in Cape Coast, including colloquiums, dialogues, webinars, and workshops. Topics of discussion encompass significant themes like “Remembering African Global Icons,” “Global Injustice: The Pan African Experience,” and “Telling Our Own Story.”
Panafest, a biennial festival established in 1992, is proudly supported by the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) in its pursuit of promoting and celebrating African heritage and unity.