Lagos, Nigeria | NOW THEN DIGITAL — Ghana’s Black Sherif, Nigerian artist Davido, and British-Gambian rapper J Hus will headline the AfroFuture 2023 festival in Accra, Ghana, taking place on 28 and 29 December. The event, formerly known as Afrochella, is organized by the Culture Management Group and returns to its traditional venue at the El Wak Stadium.
AfroFuture is dedicated to celebrating African culture and the works of creatives and entrepreneurs from across the continent. This year’s theme, “Black Unification & Pan Africanism,” is focused on recognizing the achievements of black pioneers and their contributions to art, culture, and innovation. It also delves into topics like global connections, shared experiences among Africans, pan-African history, and the diaspora’s political role.
The festival goes beyond just music and serves as a platform to appreciate and acknowledge African culture, talent, and contributions to the world. According to AfroFuture co-founder and CEO Abdul Karim Abdullah, the event aims to blend the worlds of food, art, fashion, and music for a global audience.
In addition to the festival, AfroFuture 2023 includes several related activities:
- Afro Expo 2023: A two-week event featuring digital experiences, wellness sessions, screenings, and panel discussions. These discussions cover culture, technology, health, film, music, and art, connecting the diaspora with industry experts and changemakers in Africa.
- Black Ambition Pitch Competition: An entrepreneurship contest offering contestants the chance to win up to $5,000 for their businesses.
- AfroFuture Music Museum: Providing a unique visual and musical experience, this segment offers live performances, art installations, and a wealth of digital and printed materials.
- Rising Star Challenge: Aspiring artists from across the continent can submit their profiles for consideration and, if selected, perform at the 2023 AfroFuture Festival. Prizes include a cash reward and a studio session with a leading producer.
- AfroFuture x Black Film Space Film Competition: A collaboration with the non-profit organization Black Film Space, focusing on curating short films created by Ghanaian filmmakers. The winning filmmaker receives a cash prize and an all-expenses-paid trip to attend the Cannes Film Festival.
These activities aim to enrich the festival experience and contribute to the growth of Ghana’s tourism and hospitality sectors. AfroFuture strives to make Ghana a premier destination for travelers worldwide, showcasing its rich culture and diverse talent.
These events offer a platform to connect with industry experts, celebrate African contributions, and encourage young talent across various fields, reinforcing the importance of cultural exchange and artistic expression.
