Entertainment
Black History Festival 2024 to Unite Global African Diaspora in Columbus, Ohio
A festival aimed at celebrating and honoring the rich African heritage while also promoting economic empowerment within the African community is scheduled at Columbus Marriot Airport Hotel on February 22 to 24th 2024.
Dubbed:’ The Black History Festival”, it will feature a wide range of artistic expressions, including live music performances from African musicians, traditional dance performances, exhibitions of visual arts showcasing African talent, and literary events featuring African authors and poets.
Attendees will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the vibrant and diverse cultures of Africa through these various artistic mediums.
It would be held under the theme “Rebuilding the trans-atlantic trade ties for the socio-economic and cultural advancement of the peoples of Africa.”
In an interview with Mr Stephen Selasie Asuo, the Executive Coordinator for the Festival noted that the festive would reinforce historic connections, promote trade and development, and celebrate cultural heritage.
By facilitating collaboration and dialogue, he said the festival seeks to set the stage for future partnerships in policy reforms, trade treaties, professional exchanges, tourism, and more adding that some of the invited special guests for the event include Diplomatic Corps, Business Executives, the Academia, other key personalities, the media and the general public.
“We are thrilled to host the Black History Festival 2024 in Columbus, Ohio, and look forward to welcoming participants from around the world,”he added.
According to him, “Together, we will celebrate our shared heritage, explore opportunities for collaboration, and chart a path toward a brighter future for the African Diaspora.”
He said this year’s festival is open to participants from all six regions of Africa, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity and diversity. With an expected turnout of over 1,000 attendees, the event will feature speakers, panelists, and delegates from Africa, the Americas, and the African Diaspora worldwide.
The festival is an initiative powered by BIDEC (Bureau for International Development, Exchanges and Commerce), supported by the One Voice Consortium, KGL Group, M&C Group Global, Office of the President of Ghana (Diaspora Affairs Directorate), under the auspices of the African Union Mission to the USA and the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).
A diverse array of activities and events await attendees, including the Black History Walk (21st), Innovation and Technology Day (22nd), Black History Lecture (23rd), Global Africa Marketplace (22nd to 24th), the Africa-Americas Trade and Development Forum (24th morning session), and the prestigious Black History Makers Awards (24th evening). Entertainment activities and a tour will round off the festival, promising an enriching experience for all.
The biggest event on Ghana’s entertainment calendar is set for a night of honours, pomp, and pageantry.
It is a night where musicians who excelled during the year under review will be rewarded through the endorsement of the Telecel Ghana Music Awards Board, the Academy, and the general public.
The Grand Arena, the ideal venue for the 27th TGMA, will host a star-studded audience of musicians, media personalities, businessmen, politicians, actors, and footballers among others.
On this night, the most coveted prize is the Artiste of the Year (AOTY) category, which will see the crowning of a new king or queen of Ghana music.
Two heavyweights in the category, Stonebwoy and Sarkodie, have the opportunity to set an enviable record as the only artistes to win the coveted title for a third time.
Should they fall short, the opportunity shifts to Black Sherif and Diana Hamilton to equal the record of two wins, joining the elite ranks of past double-winners like VIP.
A win for Diana Hamilton, will set her up in a lonely journey at the top as the only gospel musician, to win the Artiste of the Year for the second time.
Alternatively, Wendy Shay could make her debut by winning the award for the first time. This would make her team up with Diana Hamilton as the only female artistes alive to hold the title. The late Ebony, won it posthumously in 2018.
If the title slips past them and falls to Medikal, he will also become a first-time winner, etching his name into the annals of Ghana music history.
Patrons can look forward to electrifying performances from a long list of confirmed artistes, including Black Sherif, Diana Hamilton, Piesie Esther, R2Bees, Medikal, Wendy Shay, Lasmid, Kofi Kinaata, Samini, and Fido, among others.
Beyond the ultimate prize, several other major categories are up for grabs, including Music Video of the Year, New Artiste of the Year, Gospel Artiste of the Year, Most Popular Song of the Year, and Songwriter of the Year.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
The fourth edition of International AmoFest lived up to its promise on Saturday, May 2, delivering a vibrant “three-in-one” experience that left the audience at Alliance Française in Accra buzzing.
The night was a masterful blend of sound and stagecraft. Berima Amo, the visionary behind the festival, led an impressive lineup of performers, including Pedro Kastelijns, Martha Apini, Rudy Ray, and Lamisi.
Together, they showcased a fusion of global music and authentic Ghanaian Highlife, staying true to the festival’s mission of preserving Ghana’s original rhythmic soul.
Adding a unique layer to the evening, Uncle Ebo Whyte’s Roverman Productions took to the stage, blending theater with the night’s musical energy.
The experience concluded with a high-energy after-party, fulfilling Berima Amo’s goal of creating a truly immersive and memorable night.
Reflecting on the event’s purpose, Amo emphasised the need for intentionality in protecting Highlife.
He called on every Ghanaian, as well as government institutions, to actively foster an environment where the genre can thrive on the global stage.
The main event followed a successful educational outreach on April 24, where over 250 high school students participated in a Highlife workshop at the Centre for National Culture.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
