MUSIGA to host Rastafari conference

The conference is organised by the Rastafari Council of Ghana on 10 March, with the theme Intra African Trade for Sustainable Development.

For the event, DeValera Botchway, a professor of history from the University of Cape Coast, will deliver the keynote address. He takes over from past keynote speakers Nana Kobina Nketia V, the Omanhene of Essikadu Traditional Area, and Prof Horace Campbell of the Institute of African Studies, University of Ghana.

“MUSIGA has decided to support the conference with venue sponsorship due to the links between the Union and the reggae dancehall fraternity which has umbilical links with the Rastafari movement in Ghana,” MUSIGA PR executive Ahuma Bosco told Music In Africa.

“The conference is a prelude to the first Rastafari Continental Council Executive meeting in South Africa from 23 to 25 May, which also climaxes with an international concert where musicians from Ghana will perform."

The conference is expected to be attended by Rastafari from around the world and Ghana, with attendance from representatives of various Rastafari organisations in Ghana such as the Ethiopian World Federation, Twelve Tribes of Israel, Baafikrom Nyahbingi House and the Judgement Yard in Nima.

The association has already announced that the special guest of honor for the event is Ras Thau Thau Haramanuba, president of the Rastafari United Front in South Africa.

According to the administrator of the Rastafari Council of Ghana, Royal Moses Kofi Asante, the conference will also feature breakout sessions where topics like the role of rastafari in intra-African Trade and the role of traditional authorities in repatriation will be discussed.

The conference will also feature a music showcase at Akuma Village. DJs to play at the event include DJ Nature Won and Ras Nene.

Speaking about how the conference affects musicians from Ghana, Bosco said: “A vibrant economy supports the development of the music industry since weak economies cannot support vibrant music industries.”