Ghana: Mensa awarded PRS Foundation grant

The musician was named along with 19 other grantees who were selected from entries submitted in June.

The PRS Foundation, which is one of the UK’s biggest funders of talent development, supports the creation, promotion and performance of high quality new music that has the ability to inspire. Since 2000, the grant has financed some 7 000 creative projects with more than £35m (about €38m).

“The awarded project aspires to give new meaning to collaborations and spark important conversations that will develop throughout the next few months and lead to the release of Mensa’s album Bondzie-Speak Up,” a statement says. 

“The pandemic shouldn’t isolate artists and keep them silent: they will always find a way to create opportunities and make new connections during the most difficult times, and they will support other creators and continue to push forward.”

Mensa’s Bondzie-Speak Up will consist of a live recording and documentary. The musician said it was conceived with the intention of “making his personal journey a collective expression.” The album is also expected to provide added perspective to the musician's previous releases, particularly over the past two years, including the recent EP Dreamscapes. It will reimagine sounds that make up Ghana’s heritage and celebrate music’s healing abilities. 

Mensa, who is based in London, is one-half of the rap duo FOKN Bois alongside Wanlov the Kubolor. He is also the lead vocalist and co-producer of Afro-electro band RedRed, which he founded with Budapest-based producer Elo Marto. Mensa’s solo albums include Rapublic and №1 Mango Street.

The next deadline for the applications for the grant is 5 October.

For more information, visit the PRS Foundation official website.