Ghana is gearing up to host the inaugural West Africa Music & Arts Festival (WAMAFest) from June 19 to June 22, 2024. This groundbreaking event promises to be an electrifying celebration of music, arts, and culture, showcasing the rich heritage of West Africa and its global impact.
The festival coincides with Juneteenth, a significant date in African American history that marks the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in Texas on June 19, 1865. This day represents resilience, freedom, and the ongoing struggle for equality.
By hosting WAMAFest on Juneteenth, Ghana pays homage to this pivotal moment in history and reaffirms its commitment to unity and empowerment of the African Diaspora. According to Akwasi Agyeman, CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority, music and arts are a key focus for Ghana’s tourism development.
Jasmine Young, Director of the Warner Music Blavatnik Center for Music Business at Howard University, emphasized the impact of music on society and the importance of giving back through platforms like WAMAFest.
The event kicks off on June 19 at the historic Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, followed by a dynamic music industry conference that brings together artists, producers, managers, and industry experts.
Attendees will engage in thought-provoking discussions, explore emerging trends, and exchange ideas on shaping the future of West African music. Renowned musicians, songwriters, and producers will lead master classes and workshops.
The festival will also feature a concert with a diverse lineup of genres, as well as captivating art installations showcasing West African creativity at the Labadi Beach Hotel. In partnership with the African American Association of Ghana (AAAG), WAMAFest will host a grand parade on Saturday, June 22, weaving through Accra’s streets to celebrate shared ancestry.
WAMAFest promises to be a historic event that celebrates the rich cultural heritage of West Africa and its global impact, while promoting unity and empowerment among the African Diaspora. The festival is a testament to Ghana’s commitment to rethinking tourism and leveraging music and arts as a catalyst for development and cultural exchange.
