Accra’s literature collectives are running workshops throughout this month to November. Get involved.
On October 25th Accra will see its first Electro music festival with the city’s Djs and artists who have been cooking the scene for a while now. The festival is also bringing together producers and artists who are active within the scene to discuss ways of creating more Ghanaian psychedelic genres which used to be a thing in 1970s Ghana. The usual suspects performing are BBrave of Akwaaba Music, Steloo and Jason Kleatsh from Accra House Music, Dj Keyzzz and Azizaa. Kenyan Electro Funk trio Just a Band are headlining the festival which makes for a great shut down for anyone who knows their music or seen them live.
Just a Band was formed by Sellanga, Daniel Muli and Jim Chuchu while they were students at Kenyatta University. The group blew up following the release of “Ha-He,” their unique blend of funk and electro made sure of that. Now with three studio albums and counting, the band has forced the world to rethink what they know about African music and identity. Accra is definitely looking to bum rush this one. Electro Comes to Ghana is produced by Alliance Francaise Accra.
The new Missshape Ambassadors collection will launch online today. This will be the third installment of the campaign is collaboration with Yasmin Furmie. Furmie’s story in fashion is an unusual one, from her modelling days in Sydney and LA, to her involvement in social work projects and now, as rising star figure on the South African fashion scene.
We found these new jams and thought it wise to share with our readers. The artists below are folks you should be curious about. Enjoy
Artist: SIPHO the GIFT Video Title: SOMEWHERE [dir Sam Turpin] Sipho the Gift is originally from Kimberly in SA but is currently based in Stellenbosch. He produces his own music and is an extremely dynamic lyricist quite unique among other South African rappers. He is currently working on his debut project “Coming of Age” which should be out in 2015 and has been in collaboration with US rapper (of Congolese origin) Well$ from Immaculate Taste.
Artist: ICE PRINCE Video Title: WHISKY FT. SUNNY NEJI Nigerian rapper Ice Prince’s new video”Whiskey” off his album “Fire Of Zamani” is a poignant tribute to fallen heros and friends. The Video features legendary Nigerian highlife singer Sunny Neji.
Photography by GHANYOBI MANTEY , KOBE SUBRAMANIAM & ACCRA DOT ALT
Accra’s deepest history lies in James Town, the original port city leading to the
development of Ghana as a nation. James Town is a time capsule and a treasure
trove all at once. The place is filled with beautiful colonial architecture and
spirited boxing legends, a tumultuous history of the transatlantic slave trade and
and a people’s diehard spirit to remember who they are. Here a constellation of
families, cultural practices, and aquatic livelihoods persistently remix James
Town’s past, present and future. It is a place of endings and beginnings, of
ongoing deaths and rebirths.
SOCIAL REALITY
This installation covers a building with fabric made from coal sacks and wax print panels. This is a project of relational aesthetics. The architecture is seen as an extension of the body irrespective of it’s ” true relationship” with the site and its history.
A lot of the time festival producers are hardly able to enjoy the event as much as visitors do for obvious reasons. We are discovering so many great photos of people and activities at Chale Wote that are worth sharing. We start off with the fashion gallery below by our friends at TalkofGh. Enjoy Photo Credit: TALK OF GHANA
By Jase Tay
We’re excited about CHALE WOTE 2014 and we can’t wait to see all you fine people out there show up. We have a lot of amazing things happening at this year’s event with an incredible slew of creatives who are sure to blow your mind.
Just like last year’s event, we’re holding a film festival where we’re showcasing what’s new, hot, fresh and upcoming on the continent and beyond, by talented African directors, from all over. We’re showcasing some awesome films you most likely haven’t seen yet, as well as premiering new films and documentaries. Have you seen the incredible Coz ov Moni by our homeboys, the FOKN BOIS? What about Blitz the Ambassador’s Native Sun, Terence Nance‘s phantasmic An Oversimplification of Her Beauty or Giacomo Pecci’s evocative Try and See? You also get to watch a set of stunning music videos that we’re bumping, plus catch up with ACCRA [dot] ALT’s activities. Continue reading
Photography by MANTSE ARYEEQUAYE
As we make ready for endless crowds to “Come to the Center of the World” on August 23 & 24, we give you more images of the artists who will jamming with us at the CHALE WOTE Street Art Festival 2014.
Strolling Goats in Accra with Chale Wote 2014, DJ Steloo
Selorm Jay + Yoyo Tinz are bringing Gbobalor Hiphop to Chale Wote 2014
Chale Wote 2014 will open with a heady rush of sights, sounds and vibrant creations by Ghanaian and international artists in James Town. This weekend over 200 artists will transform old Accra into a live museum with a long trail of multi-disciplinary art. Festival producers, ACCRA [dot] ALT, are collaborating with REDD Kat Pictures, Foundation for Contemporary Art Ghana, the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, NO LIMIT Charity and Attukwei Art Foundation for this year’s festival.
This is the fourth edition of the festival since it started in 2011. Last year was a major success and the collective effort of many young people—ranging from artists, musicians and writers to designers, students and activists. The two-day festival will feature graffiti murals, film screenings, theater, installations, live music performances, a fashion circus, extreme sport, dance, spoken word and art workshops. Continue reading
The Fourth Annual CHALE WOTE Street Art Festival
James Town | High Street
Saturday, August 23rd + Sunday, August 24th | 10am – 9pm
Q+A Information Sheet
The two-day festival will take place along a 10-minute walking route on High Street between the Ga Mashie Development Agency [three buildings to the right of the Light House] down to the old Kings Way building [next to Ussher Fort]. Continue reading