Credit: Kekeli K. Blamey
The inaugural Blackstar Festival has officially been launched at the Accra Tourist Information Centre under the theme: “Ghana Art, Culture, and the Diaspora – Beyond the Return into the Future.”
The festival seeks to deepen cultural and artistic ties between Ghana and its diaspora through a series of music, art, and heritage-based events.
Speaking at the launch, Cyril-Alex Gockel, Marketing and Public Relations Lead for the festival, outlined plans for a two-part celebration. The first leg will take place in Washington, D.C., from September 26 to 28, while the second edition will be held in Ghana this October.
Both events are set to feature live musical performances, art exhibitions, cultural showcases, and traditional Ghanaian cuisine, offering immersive experiences that bridge cultures.
Wakefield Ackuaku, Executive Director of the National Commission on Culture, commended the initiative for promoting national identity and fostering unity through cultural exchange. He emphasized the festival’s significance in advancing cultural diplomacy and national development.
The Blackstar Festival will spotlight leading Ghanaian creatives such as Ibrahim Mahama, Kwame Akoto-Bamfo, and Kizito, whose works have played a vital role in projecting Ghanaian culture on the global stage.
With a mission to celebrate Ghana’s rich heritage and strengthen ties with the global diaspora, the Blackstar Festival is poised to become a cornerstone event in Ghana’s cultural calendar.
