Samini is one of Ghana’s most celebrated musicians and a cultural ambassadors when it comes to connecting with artists in the diaspora. His recent visit to Howard University was not just about music; it was about fostering connections between Africa and the African diaspora.  He was the guest speaker in a Fireside Chat as part of the Return Conversations series from Beyond the Return.  The theme for his talk was ‘The Role of Music and Culture in Bridging the Gap Between the Global Diaspora and Africa’

Since 2022, Ghana Tourism Authority and Beyond the Return has had an ongoing partnership with Howard University. After declaring the 2022-2023 school year, the ‘Year of Ghana’ they have continued collaborating on events and activities that help to connect their students and alumni with information about Ghana. 

Samini was grateful for the opportunity to speak at Howard University as part of The Return Conversations and noted the unique power that music has to unite and connect us as a people.  This is especially true since we have seen the rise in popularity of African music globally.  “I delved into the powerful discourse on ‘the role of music and Culture in bridging the gap between the global Diaspora and Africa,” Samini said in his Instagram post after the event.

The event was supported greatly by the Warner Music Blavatnik Centre, who has played a big role in the events GTA & BTR have partnered on in the last couple of years. The CEO of Ghana Tourism Authority, Akwasi Agyeman, Director of the Beyond the Return Secretariat, Annabelle McKenzie, Filmmaker and Director of Creative Arts at the National Commission on Culture, Socrate Safo were in attendance.

On February 20, 2024, a delegation representing the Ghana Tourism Authority and Beyond the Return initiative paid a courtesy visit to Her Excellency Hajia Alima Mahama, the Ambassador of Ghana to the United States. The purpose of their visit was to engage in a dialogue regarding their ongoing tourism initiatives and participation in Black History Month activities across the United States. During the meeting, they provided the Ambassador with an overview of the planned events for Black History Month 2024.

The delegation included Akwasi Agyeman, the CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority; Socrates Safo, a renowned Ghanaian film producer and Community Liaison for Beyond the Return; and Annabelle Mckenzie, the Director of the Beyond the Return Secretariat.

Collaborating with Howard University in Washington DC and the Black History Festival in Columbus, Ohio, the Ghana Tourism Authority and Beyond the Return have organized significant events aimed at fostering connections and understanding.

Ambassador Mahama commended the delegation for their efforts and encouraged them to continue seeking cultural opportunities that promote unity not only among people of African descent but also among individuals worldwide.

Furthermore, the Ghana Tourism Authority will oversee the premiere of the animated film “Tun-Tum – The Revelation” at Howard University, where Ghanaian artist Samini will also participate as a featured speaker during the Return Conversations event to bridge the gap between Africa and the diaspora through music and the arts.