Kyekyeku to play Long Night of Ideas in Berlin tonight

Now in its sixth edition, the event is an initiative of the German Federal Foreign Office in collaboration with intermediary organisations and partners from civil society and research and academic organisations. It forms part of activities that include conferences, music performances and presentations by cultural experts.

This year, the Long Night of Ideas is running under the theme, Divers. Digital. Sustainable. How Soon is Tomorrow? The organisers say it will “give insight into the effects of foreign cultural and educational policy“ and provide “an opportunity to compare the results of the conference with reality.”

Kyekyeku will perform as part of the Music In Africa Foundation’s Music In Africa Live project, which supports African musicians and production companies in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Every musician’s dream in these moments is to join the world again to celebrate life and it gladdens my heart that I can contribute to such an important cultural gathering where the possibilities of tomorrow are made known and shared with the world,” Kyekyeku said about his appearance at the Long Night of Ideas. “To be able to even make it to Germany in these crazy times amplifies my happiness and hope for all who want to experience culture again.”

On 30 April, Kyekyeku hosted an International Jazz Day seminar in Accra, Ghana. The event served as a forum for discussions on project formation, touring and music festivals. He leads the Super Opong Stars band, which is due to release a new album this year. The project was recorded in the Ghanaian city of Kumasi, which is well known for its highlife bands and vinyl production houses.

The Long Night of Ideas commences at 7.30pm CAT. More information is available on the official website.