Ghana: Black Girls Glow share Don’t Lose It album

The album, a multi-genre offering released via KOSHKA, features Lamisi, Akotowaa, Massy, Abbla Unique and Traygan from Ghana, Nigeria’s UZÉI, as well as Berlin-based South African act Dumama.

According to a statement, Don’t Lose, boasting percussion-heavy African sounds, hip hop, acoustic pop, and abstract soundscapes, conveys a strong message about an artist’s “commitment to exploring and practising responsibility to self and community, expressed through diverse tones of power, vulnerability, and courage.”

Following the arrival of Don’t Lose It, the collective will hold a film screening and celebration of the album’s debut on 28 September at 6pm at Alliance Française, in Accra.

Founded by Ghanaian poet and singer Poetra Asantewa, BGG operates with the vision of facilitating spaces for women artists to network, learn and create content that is neither defined nor limited to “external boundaries imposed by the predefined, male-dominated structure of the art scene.”

According to Poetra Asantewaa, her 2016 One Beat fellowship experience in the US inspired her to create a similar platform in Ghana. She and fellow poet Dzyadzorm recognised the need for a space where women could collaborate, which led them to organise a two-day workshop that culminated in the first BGG album.

BGG is also behind “transformative residencies that have revolutionised collaboration and fostered a vibrant community for Black women artists.” That initiative is now in its seventh year.

Meanwhile, BGG was days ago announced as one of the 2024 recipients of WeTransfer’s The Supporting Act Foundation’s impact grant, founded in 2021 and targeted at emerging artists and community-centered initiatives.”

“We’re so grateful for the opportunity to keep doing the work we’re doing and to expand to more artists and communities,” BGG said. Last year, Oroko Radio, an internet radio station in Ghana, received a €50 000 (about $56 000) grant to support its projects.