The West African Music and Arts Festival (WAMAFEST) officially launched in Accra, Ghana, bringing together renowned music industry professionals and stakeholders from all over West Africa.
The festival will culminate with a grand concert at the University of Ghana on Saturday, June 22, It is expected to be an uplifting celebration of the sub-region’s rich cultural heritage and its global influence.
The launch was held with a distinguished gathering that included Ghana’s Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Andrew Agyapa MercerSecond Lady Samira Bawumia, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Board Akwasi Agyeman and representatives from various West African countries. Representatives from Globa were also present.l A&R Warner Recorded Music, MUSIGA president Bessa Simons, HipHopPreneur and marketing strategist Professor Jasmine Young, as well as numerous music executives and artists including Efya, Reggie Rockstone and Trigmatic.
In his opening speech, Chief Executive Officer, Ghana Tourism BoardDi, Akwasi Agyeman, stressed the importance of cooperation among West African countries protect and promote their cultural heritage Through music. He stressed that Ghana is working hard to position itself as a West Africa’s Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) hub, fostering a vibrant music scene that supports and celebrates regional cultureculture.
“We are committed to establishing Ghana as a central hub for cultural and musical activities in West Africa,” said Agyeman. “We must work together to share our expertise and create a strong platform that not only preserves our rich cultural heritage but also Taking our music to the global stage.”
Vice President of Global A&R Warner Music Records, Kabiru Bello agreed with GTA bosses and called for increased investment in projects that provide artists and creatives with more exposure and opportunities.
“We need to create more pathways for our talented artists to gain international recognition and expand their impact. Investments in these areas will ensure our music resonates around the world,” he said.
Director, Warner Music Blavatnik Center for Music Business, Howard University, Professor Jasmine Young stressed the importance of sustaining the festival for future generations. “WAMAFEST is more than just a celebration; it is a platform to give back to society by amplifying the powerful sounds that music has to offer. It is vital that we continue to host this festival in the coming years to cultivate and showcase our Talent.
world music festival
world music festival A 4-day celebration of West African music, art and culture. The event kicked off on June 19, 2024 at the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park in Accra. The inaugural festival will include music industry conferences, panel discussions, workshops, art installations, performances by top artists, masterclasses from industry icons and a Juneteenth parade, promoting tourism and economic development in the sub-region.
