Zed Meets Ghana festival set for Accra in January

The company says the initiative, running in collaboration with Ghanaian production company Bwired, forms part of efforts aimed at helping Zambian artists cross over into West Africa, which has served as an African pop powerhouse over the years.

Mozo TV founder Nana Yaw Obiri Yeboah also told Music In Africa that the move looks to deepen creative collaborations between both countries through music and culture. 

Reflecting on Mozo TV’s history, he highlighted the channel’s evolution from a YouTube platform covering international events for Zambia to a licensed TV station, stressing the challenge Southern African artists face in gaining visibility in music powerhouses like Ghana and Nigeria. 

“As a TV station, one of our major aims has been to be extremely relevant beyond Zambia with other industry players, part of why we organised events like the African Music Business Dialogue in June,’ he said. “Additionally, artists in Southern Africa find it extremely difficult to find it extremely difficult to be physically relevant in powerhouses like Ghana and Nigeria, which control the larger part of mileage for music penetration globally. Our goal is to change that.”

Regarding artist selection, Yeboah outlined criteria such as consistency, social visibility, flair and a unique audience. He also expressed belief that the event, to be held annually, represents a historic milestone for local Zambian talent. 

“I don’t know if a Zambian artist has even had the privilege to perform in Ghana because the idea is to make it an annual event. We believe it is the start of many things to come and signifies significant growth and recognition for Zambian acts in terms of being visible in Ghana.”

A press conference held in Zambia last week to unveil the event brought together key artists, influencers and event organisers to discuss the significance of such initiatives for the Zambian entertainment industry. In attendance were popular musicians including Chef 187, Towela Kaira, Slapdee and Bombshell Grenade, all of whom have been confirmed as showcasing acts. 

The participants expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to be part of Zed Meets Ghana, highlighting the impact this collaboration will have on merging the music and cultural landscapes of Zambia and Ghana.