Tommy WÁ to curate Sofar Sounds debut in Accra this February

30 Jan 2023 - 16:10

Published under the Creative Commons Licence

Nigerian Afro-folk singer-songwriter Tommy WÁ has been confirmed as curator for Sofar Sounds’ debut in Accra, Ghana, on 4 February.

Tommy WÁ.

Sofar connects artists and audiences through intimate live music experiences, showcasing a wide range of musicians, from rising stars to established performers. Some of the artists who have been featured in the show include Tommy WÁ, American singers Yebba and Leon Bridges, Ed Sheeran (England), Sofie (Ghana), as well as spoken word artist Poetra Asantewa (Ghana).

The Accra edition means that the city joins a network of over 400 cities hosting the live music experience.

Speaking to Music In Africa, Tommy WÁ noted that there is a “growing demand for alternative experiences to elaborate shows, and Sofar in Accra fits the bill perfectly.”

He added: “As a credible and well-recognised brand, Sofar provides artists with a platform to perform to an attentive and engaged audience, without distractions, and with a listening etiquette.”

WÁ was first introduced to Sofar through a YouTube video and admitted to being “immediately captivated by the unique concert model.” During his studies at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Kumasi, he started experimenting with the Sofar concept, organising a version dubbed ‘Brunei Sessions’. The series brought together students from different courses to express their love for creative arts like music, live painting, the spoken word and comedy.

In 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Tommy WÁ experimented with Sofar again through a living room tour. He performed in more than 40 homes and small groups in different Nigerian and Ghanaian cities, offering a controlled and intimate setting for live music to help reduce stress during the pandemic.

Last year, Tommy WÁ played Sofar London, and described the aura in the room as that of bliss, respect and gratitude.

“Sofar in Accra represents a new era of music,” he added. “I hope this appetite and enthusiasm for intimate shows grows so that we are able to diversify the mode of entertainment consumption in Accra. Additionally, more live artists will have room to build their core audience and get to know them better.”