US blues legend Vasti Jackson to host workshop in Ghana 

Organised by the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) and event company The Taste of Afrika in collaboration with Ghana’s Creative Arts Council, the seminar aims to expose local artists to international best practices for the development of their craft. 

Jackson told Music In Africa that the workshop will explore a myriad of areas surrounding music and would allow him to share his experiences with Ghanaian professionals such as vocalists, sound engineers, instrumentalists, publicists, stage actors, among others. Additionally, the seminar will “expose participants to numerous opportunities that exist between music and film,” he said.

The Taste of Afrika founder and CEO Tengol K. Kplemani said that aside from shining the light on Ghana’s showbiz space, the seminar is also geared towards “the unification of our creative arts industry and that of the diaspora under a movement called One People Beyond Greatness.”

Ahuma Bosco Ocansey, who in charge of MUSIGA’s communications and special projects, said the workshop forms part of the union’s ongoing capacity building duty. He added that Jackson would draw from his 47 years as a professional musician to help local musicians and actors to develop their talents.

After the workshop, Jackson will headline a concert at the +233 Jazz Bar and Grill in Accra on 31 October. The ‘Let the Juke Joint Jump’ singer said he was excited to perform in Ghana and share the stage with local musicians.

Born in Mississippi, Jackson is known for his soulful live performances. In 2017, his The Soul of Jimmie Rodgers album won the Best Traditional Blues Album at the 59th Grammys. Jackson is also the recipient of the JMA 2020 Lifetime Achievement Award, 2019 Polar International Music Award and the 2015 Albert King Lifetime Guitar Award.

Visit the Taste of Afrika official website for more information about the workshop.