Ghana is gearing up to make history by becoming a significant hub for hosting major events, as it prepares to welcome the inaugural West Africa Music & Arts Festival in Accra.
Scheduled to span four days, commencing on June 19th, 2024, at the renowned Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, this groundbreaking event coincides with Ghana’s official Juneteenth celebration, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s cultural calendar.
The festival marks a milestone as the first of its kind in the region, combining a vibrant Music Industry Conference aimed at uniting industry players and enlightening the public with a grand celebration of West Africa’s rich cultural heritage and artistic diversity.
Attendees can expect a plethora of enriching experiences, from electrifying performances by esteemed artists to engaging workshops, master classes, and captivating art installations, promising an unmatched celebration of music, arts, and culture.
Jasmine Young, MBA, co-founder of the West Africa Music & Arts Festival, expressed her excitement about launching this groundbreaking event in Accra, emphasising its mission to strengthen diasporic connections and educate the masses about the music and entertainment industries.
“As co-founder of the West Africa Music & Arts Festival, I am thrilled to launch this groundbreaking event in Accra, Ghana.
“Our festival was birthed from the ideology of strengthening the connectivity of the diasporas and continuing the work of educating the masses about the Music and Entertainment Industries.
“This festival celebrates the vibrant cultural tapestry of West Africa and what it means to the world. In addition to energetic and interactive panels and master classes, we are showcasing the region’s rich musical heritage and artistic talent.
“Through music, arts, and community, we aim to foster unity, diversity, and creativity globally. This festival is not just about entertainment; it’s about creating meaningful connections and inspiring positive change.
“We invite everyone to join us in Accra for an unforgettable celebration of music, arts, and culture that will resonate far beyond the festival grounds,” stated Jasmine Young, MBA-Co-founder, Marketing Strategist, Professor and Music Industry Veteran.
The festival’s agenda includes energetic panels, master classes, and a showcase of the region’s musical heritage and artistic talent, all geared towards fostering unity, diversity, and creativity on a global scale.
With a diverse lineup spanning genres like Afrobeat, Highlife, Hip Hop, and more, the festival aims to not only entertain but also connect Music & Entertainment industry professionals worldwide, engage in insightful discussions, and discover emerging talent across the continent.
“This festival is more than just a celebration of music and arts; it’s a celebration of our shared heritage and identity as West Africans and the entire African Diaspora.
“It’s an opportunity to spotlight the astonishing talent and creativity within our shared culture and connect with audiences from Ghana and beyond,” stated Annabelle McKenzie, the Director of the Beyond The Return Secretariat.
The West Africa Music & Arts Festival is fully endorsed by the Ghana Tourism Authority and supported by Warner Records Africa – emphasising the festival’s dedication to promoting cultural exchange, fostering collaboration, and showcasing the best of West Africa.
“We are proud to support the West Africa Music & Arts Festival,” said Akwasi Agyeman, CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority.
Annabelle McKenzie, Director of the Beyond The Return Secretariat, highlighted the festival’s significance in celebrating shared West African heritage, promoting tourism, and economic development in the region.
Endorsed by the Ghana Tourism Authority and supported by Warner Records Africa, the festival underscores its commitment to cultural exchange, collaboration, and showcasing the best of West Africa.
Akwasi Agyeman, CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority, expressed pride in supporting the festival, anticipating a vibrant convergence of visitors from near and far to experience Ghana’s beauty and creativity.
The festival’s schedule includes a welcome ceremony at the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, panel discussions, master classes taught by industry icons, a Juneteenth parade, and performances, promising an unforgettable celebration of culture.
“This festival not only celebrates our vibrant music and arts scene but also promotes tourism and economic development in our region. We eagerly anticipate welcoming visitors from near and far to immerse themselves in the beauty and creativity of Ghana.”
Arrangements so far is as follows;
Day 1 – Welcome / Opening Celebration @ Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park
Day 2- Opening Plenary – Panel Discussions
Day 3-Master Classes taught by Music Industry Icons
Day 4-Travel and Tourism / African Association of Ghana Juneteenth Parade / Performances
Host Hotel- Labadi Beach Hotel https://labadibeachhotelgh.com/