“This goes to uncle Pat Thomas, the golden voice of Africa,” Attah-Mensah said, “In appreciation for your lifelong dedication to the creative arts, for leaving an indelible legacy, for being a shining black star. For this, Africa says thank you.”  Thomas received his honour to applause and thanked God for giving him the strength to take the award. “I would like to congratulate the organizers of this proram for remembering me.”  He thanked his fans for supporting him in his career and acknowledged his wife. 

Nigerian Actor, Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD) was also given special recognition with a Black Star Honour award at the event. He’s made his mark in the film and television industry since the 1980s and continues to be an important part of the creative arts industry in Africa. “This is a very big thank you to the organizers of this event. I’m super thankful, super grateful to Ghana, which is like my second home,” Mofe-Damijo said while accepting his award.  He also walked down the runway with the designer for MUDI Africa after the collection was shown at the event. 

The theme of this year’s Rhythms on da Runway was ‘The Masquerade’, intended to be a response to the wearing of masks we’ve become so accustomed to due to the pandemic. The set design both in the show and outside the event provided the perfect setting for attendees to take in the atmosphere and showcase the best of African fashion. Designers that showed collections included Nadrey Laurent, Aha Brands, Senyo Foli, and Mary Martin.  Kofi Okyere Darko (KOD), is the man behind the event and he said the goal was to bring a vision to life that embodies the spirit of Pan Africanism. He says the dream is making the event one that attracts beyond the African diaspora. His brand Nineteen57 featured a military-inpisred collection with some of his most creative looks on the runway.  Twenty-two year old Charles Sogli, known as one of the tallest people in Ghana, had the chance to strut down the runway for the first time and received cheers from the crowd.  

Music artists that performed at the event included Efya, Kidi, D-Black, Epixode, Adina, Elsie Duncan Williams and Samini.

Rhythms on da Runway (RODR) had it’s official launch event on 7th October at the African Regent Hotel.  The setting for the event was at the poolside with a stage set for performances to entertain guests to give them a taste of what’s to come at the event on 4th December.  Kofi Okyere Darko (KOD), is Chief Executive Officer of Nineteen57, award-winning broadcaster and founder of Rhythms on da Runway.

The show will take place at the Accra International Conference Centre and feature designers and musicians that represent Africa and the global diaspora community.  This year’s edition is the 9th installment of Rhythms on da Runway and the theme is ‘The Masquerade’.

Last year’s event was limited in numbers and focused on Ghanaian designers due to border closures and restrictions from the covid-19 pandemic.  This year the world has eased restrictions and travel has resumed with some semblance of normalcy.  “As the world begins to open up again….we continue to be admonished to stay in our masks,” said Yvonne Ocloo, Creative President RODR. ”The Masquerade is aimed at chronicling the times, showing our resilience and once again by making fashion of the situation and potentially throwing way back to the times when a Masquerade ball was a thing.”

Some of the designers slated to showcase at the event include Nadrey Laurent, Senyo Foli, Katie O, Pernia Couture, Nineteen57, Attoh Andoh and Gloria Sarfo.  

Rhythms On Da Runway has been known to give honors to those in the industry that have made an impact.  This year the event will honour two icons in the creative arts industry.  Richard Mofi Damijo (RMD) and Pat Thomas. Damijo is a Nigerian actor, writer, and producer with over two decades in the business and Thomas is a legendary Ghanaian musician with over five decades in the music industry.  It’s going to be a highlight of the event to see two icons in Africa’s entertainment industry be recognized for their work which has impacted so many.

KOD says he’s excited about this year’s event because it will prove once again why Rhythms on da Runway continues to be Africa’s premier night of music and fashion.

By: Ivy Prosper