Sarkodie named creative director of UK fest

Hosted by Akwaaba UK, the annual event was first held in 2005 for the Ghanaian community in the UK. It comprises activities such as music and dance showcases as well as a fashion show and food fair. The festival has attracted more than 8 000 visitors from the UK, US, Canada and mainland Europe in the past, making it one of the biggest Ghanaian events outside of the West African country. Last year, the event was held virtually due to COVID-19 concerns.

In his new role, Sarkodie will oversee the festival’s overall artistic direction, curate performances and develop strategic partnerships with stakeholders. The musician hopes that his wealth of experience as an artist and a past performer on the Ghana Party in the Park stage will go a long way to ensure the festival’s success and growth.

“I came on board not just because I’m Sarkodie and I want to perform. I don’t think that will be a big deal,” Sarkodie said at the festival’s launch in Accra. “I've been working with the organisers for a while, and I know that me being in the industry for a very long time means that there’s a little touch we can add, especially when it has to do with the artists. I’m sitting here representing the artists that are going to perform and make sure that they have the best as soon as they touch down in London.”

The musician added that he was “super proud of the time we’re in and the type of music we are putting out.”

Ghanaian acts programmed to perform at the festival this year include highlife veteran Kwabena Kwabena, rappers Yaw Tog, Kofi Jamar, Amerado and D-Black, as well as Afropop artists S3fa, Camidoh, Gyakie and Mr Drew.

Meanwhile, Sarkodie has pushed back the release of his upcoming album No Pressure, citing “a hold-up clearing some samples.” The collection, which was initially due on 9 July, will now be released on 30 July.

“I know how excited you all are for my new album No Pressure,” Sarkodie said. “That feeling inspired me every day in the studio to push my songwriting to the limits. I’ve never been more determined to make an album that you'll love deeply.”