Prominent figures in the music industry as well as stakeholders from throughout West Africa have come together for the formal inauguration of the West Africa Music and Arts Festival (WAMAFEST) in Accra, Ghana.

The festival is set to conclude on Saturday, June 22, with a gala concert at the University of Ghana. It is expected to be an exciting celebration of the subregion’s rich cultural history and its global significance.

Distinguished guests at the launch included Ghana’s Second Lady, Samira Bawumia, CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Akwasi Agyeman, and Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Andrew Agyapa Mercer. Delegates from other West African nations were also present. Professor Jasmine Young, a HipHopPreneur and marketing strategist, Bessa Simons, President of MUSIGA, Global A&R Warner Recorded Music representatives, and a number of other music industry executives and artists, such as Efya, Reggie Rockstone, and Trigmatic, were also in attendance.

CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority Akwasi Agyeman stressed in his introductory remarks that the value of cooperation amongst West African nations in order to protect and promote their musical cultural legacy.

He emphasized Ghana’s continued efforts to establish itself as the center of West Africa for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE), with the goal of promoting a thriving music industry that upholds and honors local culture.

“We are committed to establishing Ghana as a central hub for cultural and music events in West Africa,” Agyeman added. “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.”

Vice President of Global A&R Warner Recorded Music Kabiru Bello reiterated the thoughts expressed by the GTA head, advocating for higher funding for initiatives that give artists and creatives more visibility and possibilities.

“More channels must be opened up so that our gifted musicians can reach a wider audience and become well-known abroad.We’ll make sure our music is heard around the world by making these investments,” he said.

Professor Jasmine Young, director of Howard University’s Warner Music Blavatnik Center for Music Business, emphasized the importance of keeping the festival going for future generations. “WAMAFEST is a platform that can contribute back to society by enhancing the strong voice that music gives. It is more than just a celebration. We must keep holding this festival in the upcoming years in order to develop and present our abilities.”

WAMAFest is a four-day festival honoring West African music, arts, and culture. On June 19, 2024, it began in Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park in Accra. In addition to art installations, masterclasses with prominent figures from the industry, a Juneteenth Parade, a music industry conference, panel discussions, workshops, and top-tier concerts, the festival’s inaugural edition aims to boost tourism and the local economy in the subregion.

BY: APPIANIMAA MERCY