Ghana To Host WAMAFest On June 19

Ghana is gearing up to host the first-ever West Africa Music & Arts Festival (WAMAFest) from Wednesday, June 19 to June 22, 2024.

This historic event promises an exciting mix of music, arts, and culture, celebrating the vibrant legacy of West Africa and its global influence.

June tenth holds immense significance for the African Diaspora. On June 19, 1865, enslaved African Americans in Texas received news of their emancipation, marking the end of slavery in the United States.

June tenth, officially Juneteenth National Independence Day, is a federal holiday in the United States. It is celebrated annually on June 19 to commemorate the ending of slavery in the United States.

This day represents resilience, freedom, and the ongoing struggle for equality.

By choosing to host WAMAFest on Juneteenth, Ghana honors this significant moment in history and reaffirms its dedication to unity and empowering the African Diaspora.

As stated by Akwasi Agyeman, CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority: “For us here in Ghana, rethinking tourism means rethinking the work we do and we see music and the arts in general as a low-hanging fruit that can help change the fortunes of our country.”

According to Jasmine Young, Director of the Warner Music Blavatnik Center for Music Business at Howard University, “Wamafest is a platform to give back to society, the impact of the voice that Music has given us”.

The event commences on June 19, at the historic Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park followed by an energetic music industry conference, gathering 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.

Moreover, acclaimed musicians, songwriters, and producers will conduct master classes and workshops. Additionally, a concert will be held, featuring a varied lineup of genres.

Across the festival grounds at Labadi Beach Hotel, captivating art installations will exhibit West African creativity. These will include sculptures, paintings, and multimedia displays celebrating cultural heritage, identity, and artistic expression.

In collaboration with the African American Association of Ghana (AAAG), WAMAFest will organize a grand parade on Saturday, June 22, winding through the streets of Accra to commemorate shared ancestry.