Afrochella poised to make waves in Ghana
KOFI AYIM
For the past years, Afrochella has gradually organized events in the last week of December. Now in its 6th year, the cultural festival entity plans to storm Ghana with added value and expanded cultural extravaganza.
Founded in 2017 by a group of young Ghanaians living both in Ghana and the U.S., the yearly festival has impacted and captivated not only Ghanaians living abroad, but the larger African Diaspora, with visitors coming from the U.K., Canada, Germany, South Africa and beyond. “Afrochella is now a sort of pilgrimage to Ghana and a way for both Ghanaians and Diaspora to reconnect with the African continent,” a Ghanaian community leader told Amandla.
Afrochella, held in Accra’s El-Wak Stadium, is a celebration of African culture consisting of art installations, interactive activations, DJ performances, a concert, fashion shows, and symposia, among others. Going beyond the actual festival itself, this year, Afrochella says it will host a 2-week AfroExpo from December 18th – January 3rd, which will include workshops, panels, networking mixers, film screenings and more as a way to build stronger relationships between visitors to Ghana and its local community. In the words of Co-Founder and CEO Abdul Abdullah, “Afrochella is essentially that bridge between the worlds—Africa and the diaspora.” Other events include the 2nd Annual Fashion Night Out and Afrochella’s Music Museum, an exhibition honoring the accomplishments of African musicians throughout time.
This year’s Festival will be held on December 28th – 29th, 2022 with the theme “Afrofuturism.” Supported by the Ghana Tourist Board, the event is billed to be headlined by Ghana’s Stonebwoy and Nigeria’s Burna Boy. Other performers include Fally Ipupa, Gyakie, King Promise, Asake, Ayra Starr and others from across the Continent. More participants are expected this year than last year’s event which attracted over ten thousand revelers, according to event organizers.
For more information about Afrochella and its events visit www.afrochella.com.