Davido, Black Sherif and J Hus to headline AfroFuture 2023 in Ghana

Formerly known as Afrochella, the event, an initiative of Culture Management Group, returns to its traditional grounds at the El Wak Stadium.

AfroFuture celebrates African culture through the works of creatives and entrepreneurs across the continent. This year’s edition is running under the theme Black Unification & Pan Africanism, which organisers say “honours the achievements of black pioneers throughout the diaspora and highlights their contributions to art, culture and innovation, while unpacking issues like global connections and shared experiences among Africans and pan-African history, and the diaspora’s political role.”

“AfroFuture has always been more than just a festival, it’s a full-circle celebration of everything African – our culture, our people, our talents, and serves as a platform for us to appreciate and acknowledge the larger contributions we make in the world,” AfroFuture co-founder and CEO Abdul Karim Abdullah said.“This December, we’re back bigger, better, and stronger and we can’t wait to give our global supporters an unforgettable experience by beautifully blending the worlds of food, art, fashion, and music.”

AfroFuture COO and co-founder Kenny Agyapong added: “Every year, we look forward to contributing to the growth of Ghana’s tourism and hospitality sectors by welcoming international visitors back to the country to experience not only our events, but all that Ghana has to offer. As one of Ghana’s most recognised cultural moments, AfroFuture will continue to foster engagement, increase interest, and boost tourism within the country, to make Ghana a premier destination for all travellers worldwide.”

Several other activities have been designed around AfroFuture 2023. First, there’s the Afro Expo 2023, a two-week event that presents digital experiences, wellness sessions, screenings and panel discussions. The discussions revolve around culture, technology, health, film, music and art, offering a platform to connect the diaspora with industry experts and changemakers who are actively creating opportunities on the ground and across the continent.

Next is the Black Ambition Pitch Competition, a day-long entrepreneurship contest whose contestants could win up to $5 000 for their businesses.

The AfroFuture Music Museum provides a unique visual and musical experience, offering live performances, art installations, and a wealth of digital and printed material.

Aspiring artists from across the continent have the opportunity to participate in the Rising Star Challenge by submitting their musical profiles for consideration and, if selected, perform at the 2023 AfroFuture Festival. The challenge offers significant prizes, including a cash prize and a studio session with a leading producer.

Additionally, there’s the AfroFuture x Black Film Space Film Competition, a collaboration with the non-profit organisation Black Film Space focusing on curating short films created by Ghanaian filmmakers. The winning filmmaker will receive a cash prize and an all-expenses-paid trip to attend the Cannes Film Festival.

More information about the festival is available on the official AfroFuture website.