The West Africa Music and Arts Festival (WAMAFEST) has officially been launched in Accra, Ghana, bringing together leading music industry professionals across the continent to celebrate music and African culture.
The four-day festival, which commenced on June 19, 2024, at the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, features a music industry conference, panel discussions, workshops, art sales, performances by artists, masterclasses with industry icons, and a Juneteenth Parade to promote tourism and economic development.
Addressing the guests at the launch, the CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Akwasi Agyemang, stated that the collaborative efforts between Warner Music and Ghana, towards establishing the country as a hotspot for cultural and music events, will create a platform to propel Ghanaian heritage through music to the global stage.
“We are committed to establishing Ghana as a central hub for cultural and music events in West Africa. It is imperative that we work together to share our expertise and create a robust platform that not only preserves our rich cultural traditions but also propels our music onto the global stage,” he said.
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Vice President of Global A&R at Warner Recorded Music, Kabiru Bello, called for the need to create avenues supported by massive investments that would provide artists and creatives with greater exposure and opportunities.
“We need to create more avenues for our talented artists to gain international recognition and expand their reach. Investing in these areas will ensure that our music resonates globally,” he stated.
According to Professor Jasmine Young, Director of Warner Music, “WAMAFEST is more than just a celebration. It is a platform that can give back to society by amplifying the powerful voice that music provides. It’s crucial that we continue this festival in the coming years to nurture and showcase our talent.”
The launch brought together a group of esteemed individuals, including Ghana’s Minister for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Andrew Agyapa Mercer, Ghana’s Second Lady Samira Bawumia, CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Akwasi Agyeman, along with delegates from various West African countries. Notable attendees included representatives from Global A&R Warner Recorded Music, MUSIGA President Bessa Simons, HipHopPreneur and Marketing Strategist Professor Jasmine Young, and artistes including Efya, Reggie Rockstone and Trigmatic.
The four-day festival will climax with a grand concert at the University of Ghana on Saturday, June 22, 2024.
