Kobooko ONE↑

Pictured: Kenny Agyapong, Abdul Karim Abdullah, Edward Asafu-Adjaye, Vernell Akyeampong (Not Pictured: Emmanual Ansah)

#BlackExcellence365 Spotlight: Afrochella 

Hey Tumblr! It’s been a while but we’re back again with another #BlackExcellence365 spotlight that transcends from Ghana. We had the pleasure of talking to the founders of @afrochella and their efforts to bring the African and African-American diaspora through music, culture, and the motherland.

For those wondering, what is Afrochella and how did the birth of this festival in Ghana originate? 

Afrochella is an opportunity for us to celebrate the contributions of creatives from and within Africa.   

Every December, Africans flock home for the holidays. The one thing that has always been clear is the caliber of talent and resourcefulness amongst Ghanaians specifically those coming home for the holidays across all industries. We felt there was a need to harness this greatness.

Early 2017, Abdul called Kenny discussing these ideas and on a whim asked Kenny to reserve the Accra Polo Court and Kenny said, why not. Edward, the third founder was recruited to unpack the branding of ideas and marketing. Later, Vernell Akyempong and Emmanuel joined the leadership team to spearhead art, design and community involvement respectively. Together the team unpacked the ideas and created Afrochella.

We’ve seen the recent crossover of Afrobeat in the U.S in the past couple of years. Why is creating this festival and bridging the gap between Africans and Black Americans so important for the culture?

Kenny: We need to change the narrative from a discussion that separates us to a conversation that brings us together. Afrochella understands educating both sides of a shared culture will benefit and unite the diaspora. One of our mantra for 2019 is Empowering Me, Empowers Our home. This simply means, a bridging of the gap between Africans and the Diaspora will strengthen the continent and the resolve of our people everywhere.

Abdul: Bridging the gap between Africans and Black North Americans is very important for the culture because I lived in both worlds. We can highlight two cultures in one. I was born and raised in the US, and it was not cool when I said I was African. But now African is the new sexy and that is mainly because of music. Afrobeat music is showing the other side of what Africans are capable of. 

Vernell: First of all, there’s no America without Africa! The truth of Black America lies in Africa. Bridging these separate but equal groups is essential to the freedom of any black person. For me it’s about time we celebrate OUR culture.

Ghana’s and West African culture in general is seen in today’s Black culture in the U.S. How does Afrochella showcase Ghanaian culture?

Edward: We showcase Ghanaian culture through food, music, art and cultural displays. Our goal is to ensure all of the attendees feel the vibration of the culture during their time at the festival. Ghanaians as a whole are welcoming people. We want to showcase the Ghanaian culture by the sites, sound and delights. That is why our four pillars at Afrochella are Food, Art, Music and Culture. Once you land at the airport in Accra, you can just feel that you are at home. 

How does Afrocehlla embody the essence of #BlackExcellence365?

Abdul: Afrochella embodies the essence of #BlackExcellence365 because we are five young men who grew up in Ghana or the US and didn’t want to take “no you can’t do this” as an answer. We started something that was just an idea and now it is a full-time business. We had an idea to showcase and highlight our Ghanaian(African) culture to the world. We use our new found platform 

To encourage young black professionals(like ourselves) to invest in Africa and the talent on the continent

Draw attention to various charity initiatives existing in Ghana

Develop information sessions called #AfrochellaTalks to reinforce our pillars and ensure we are educating our audiences on the possibilities in Music, Fashion, Food, Business and Art within Africa. 

What is something you would like people to take away from Afrochella?

Abdul: More so than anything - we would like for our attendees to see their visit to Ghana/Africa to be an introduction to possibilities for themselves. If Afrochella is possible, then there are several opportunities in different industries available to the diaspora as long as they are willing to invest in the talent and people on the continent.

Edward: One thing I would like everyone to take away from Afrochella is the experience. We want your life to change in that 8-12 hours. “WOW this is Africa and this is the Africa they don’t show mainstream”.

Thank you to the Afrochella team for sharing and for this incredible event! If you’re interested, check out their Tumblr page, @afrochella for all of the updates and content.