Ghana Tourism Authority and the Beyond the Return Secretariat, together with the PANAFEST Foundation will hold a transformative event that aims to bridge the gap between Africans and the global African diaspora through music and film. ‘Return Conversations: Role of Film and Music in Uniting Global Africans’ is scheduled to take place at the Accra International Conference Centre on July 25, 2023 at 10am. This event focus will be on the unifying potential of film and music in telling our stories.

A Forum for Unity and Cultural Exchange

The upcoming event promises a series of thought-provoking panel discussions, where participants will delve into the profound impact of film and music as powerful channels for fostering unity, understanding, and cultural exchange among Global Africans. Experts hailing from the Ghanaian and international film and music industries will take center stage to share their valuable insights and experiences on how these artistic mediums can serve as catalysts for connection, empowerment, and mutual appreciation.

Distinguished Voices in Film and Music

‘Return Conversations’ will include an impressive lineup of speakers, each a luminary in their respective fields:

• Jason Carter: The CEO of ONE Music Festival, Jason Carter has been at the forefront of promoting music as a universal language transcending geographical boundaries.
• Jasmine Young: As the Director of Warner Music and the Blavatnik Center for Music Business, Jasmine Young brings a wealth of expertise on the global influence of African musical talent.
• Trigmatic: A celebrated Ghanaian musician whose artistry has resonated with audiences worldwide, Trigmatic embodies the universal power of music to transcend cultural barriers.
• Rocky Dawuni: A multiple Grammy-nominated and critically acclaimed Ghanaian musician, Rocky Dawuni’s work has been an instrumental force in uniting people through the use of his storytelling and advocacy through his music and philanthropic work.
• PY Addo-Boateng: With a diverse background encompassing music executive roles, film production, acting, and event production, PY Addo-Boateng’s contributions will provide multifaceted perspectives on creative industries.
• Robert Hardy: A seasoned film and TV director, film producer, and screenwriter, Robert Hardy’s profound contributions to cinema enrich the discussions on filmmaking.
• Juliet Ibrahim: Embodying versatility as an author, actor and film producer in Ghana and Nigeria, Juliet Ibrahim will bring a unique perspective to the event.
• Ama K. Abebrese: As an accomplished actress, TV presenter, and producer, Ama K. Abebrese’s presence adds depth to the discussions on the arts and entertainment.
• Socrate Safo: As a renowned filmmaker and the Director for Creative Arts at the National Commission on Culture, Socrate Safo’s expertise offers valuable insights on the interplay of film and culture.
• AJ Johnson: An actress, TV producer, life coach, and philanthropist, AJ Johnson brings passion for the arts and community impact to the forefront. Since her first trip to Ghana in 2019, she has had a strong passion for bridging the gap between the Diaspora and West Africa.

This event will be an enriching experience that celebrates the unity and interconnectedness of Global Africans. This event is free with limited tickets available on Eventbrite. Don’t miss this event that will strengthen connections, build for the future and celebrate the richness of our diversity in film and music.

Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/return-conversations-role-of-film-music-in-uniting-global-africans-tickets-680936067107

Story by Ivy Prosper

The 64th Grammy Awards were held at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday April 3, 2022. It was a star-studded event and there was no shortage of fashionable looks on the red carpet. This year’s nominees included three Ghanaian artists; Rocky Dawuni, nominated for Global Music Album, ‘Voice of Bunbon Vol 1’., Nabeyin nominated as a Producer, Album of the Year, ‘Donda’ and British-born Ghanaian-Barbadian, Yolanda Claire Quartey, known as Yola, nominated for two Grammys; Best Americana Album ‘Stand for Myself’ and and Best American Roots song ‘Diamond Studded Shoes’.

Dawuni and Nabeyin both are 2-time nominees and did well to represent Ghana on the red carpet. Each wore custom looks by Ghanaian designers. Nabeyin in a gold suit by Kumasi-based Kuci Clothing and Dawuni, who brought his daughter with him to the awards ceremony, wore a white kaftan style suit by Elike Clothing. Yola, is a 6-time Grammy Nominee and made an entrance on the red carpet in a purple gown with furry sleeves and gloves that looked like bear paws made by a Japanese designer, Sho Konishi.

“It’s really an amazing day to be here representing my people of Ghana and also representing Africa for the Best Global Music Album,” he said on the red carpet. “I feel privileged and honoured to be in this moment and also to be a person that is pushing our music to the rest of the world. It’s a good day for the Academy, it’s a good day for Africa, it’s a good day for Ghana.” Dawuni brought his daughter Saafiyah Dawuni to the ceremony and she was looking beautiful on the red carpet beside her father.

Although none of Ghana’s artists won in their categories, we anticipate that as African music continues to gain a more global audience, it’s only a matter of time for Ghana to see more artists receive nominations and winning in the future.

By: Ivy Prosper

Culture Management Group, the organization behind Afrochella, has announced a partnership with YouTube Music.  This is a groundbreaking collaboration that aims to bring music programs to the continent of Africa.  This will help to develop the next generation of African artists and support their aspirations in the music industry.  There will be a one day in-person event hosted by the Afrochella Music Museum on December 27^th at 12pm at BBnZ Live in Accra. 

Beyond the Return is excited to have endorsed the Afrochella Music Museum as part of this year’s December in GH events.  There are so many youth in Ghana who will benefit from this event which will provide insight into developing a career in the music industry.  This aligns with the ‘Invest in Ghana Pillar because it’s a program that will invest in the talent development of young Ghanaians helping them to become competitive on an international level.

The Future Insiders program will provide the opportunity to learn hands-on the skills from music professionals and industry experts.  The event will include two production master classes on the art of making beats.  Ghanaian producers Juls and Guiltybeatz will be the industry experts teaching the class.  Future Insiders is a portion of the Music Community Pillar of the Black Voices Fund which is designed to create opportunities for young people to get exposure and learning tools.  They’ve partnered with many community organizations in New York, Los Angeles, Houston, Atlanta, London, Rio de Janeiro, The Bay Area, Lagos and now Accra.  

“We’re so proud to join #YouTubeBlack to bring musical education resources to Ghana,” said Abdul Karim Abdullah, CEO and Co-Founder of Afrochella. “With the help of this program, we can continue to inspire and influence the next generation of young African artists. Afrochella has long been a beacon of light for young talent in Africa and we are thrilled to partner with them to further strengthen our commitment to empowering the next wave of Black voices.”

The one-day event will also include panel discussions that will offer insight and important information on the music industry. 

The topics that will be covered include the following:

• Future Voices of Africa: A rich conversation with the next generation of voices and leaders in African music. 
• A Queen Leads: A session spotlighting the innovation and creativity led by women in the music industry. 
• The Diaspora Effect: A discussion about the diaspora’s effect on the growth of African music.

For more information on how to attend and participate in the one-day event, contact Afrochella by email on info@afrochella.com or visit their website at www.afrochella.com.

By: Ivy Prosper