Diaspora News of Tuesday, 28 May 2019

Source: Eunice Cromwell, Business Manager, GNC

31st Annual GhanaFest slated for July 26-28 in Chicago

The 31st Annual GhanaFest will be held in Chicago The 31st Annual GhanaFest will be held in Chicago

The Ghana National Council of Metropolitan Chicago (GNC) and its Affiliates presents the 31st Annual GhanaFest in Chicago, IL July 26th-28th 2019.

Starting on Friday a town hall meeting, organized by Ghana’s Ministry of Information will be held, followed by a two day festivities which will celebrate and showcase the largest cultural display of Ghanaian traditions, food, fashion, and music in the Midwest.

The City of Chicago supports this event that attracts over 5000 people each year, will comprise of various attractions and activities such as Ghanaian food vendors where guests can taste authentic Ghanaian dishes. A large number of vendors selling goods such as African clothing, art, and jewelry, shea butter and many more will be available for patrons..The food court will exemplify an array of authentic delicious Ghanaian dishes for guest to taste.

The Affiliates In Chicago appointed Chiefs and Queen Mothers of the various tribes who will participate in the parade of chiefs, to display the rich tribal culture of Ghana.

The kids zone will host various activities for children of all ages that includes a bouncy house, dancing competition, Youth artiste performances, face painting and learning games that focuses on the
culture.

Headlining the GhanaFest is Batman Samini, a Ghanaian reggae and dance hall recording artist from Wa, Ghana. His genre of music is a melodious mixture of highlife, dance hall, reggae and hip-hop. He terms his brand of music as the "African dance hall".

Ben Brako has been added to the lineup for the more mature audience. Brako is regarded as one of the pioneers of modern highlife as we know it and indeed one of the forefathers of popular Ghanaian cultural music. He is credited with bringing highlife music into the modern age, and to the attention of the educated and westernized youth who hitherto had viewed highlife as too native and inaccessible.

Live music will be provided around the clock by the Nyanspo Band. Minister Bernice Acheampong (Jane & Bernice fame), Minister Sussie Okyere. (Sussie & Matt fame) HERTY WINNER Minister K. Boateng and Saint Joe are gospel artist that will perform throughout the festival.

This year our theme is “Akwaaba”, and in Ghana 2019 has been acknowledged as being the “Year of Return” and holds special importance as Ghana pays homage to our enslaved ancestors. The mission is to continue spreading and promote the history & culture of Ghana, while also continuing to include all nationalities to help bring peace and unity to our beautiful city, Chicago and our motherland Ghana.


For tickets and more information on GhanaFest visit
www.ghanafestreturn.eventbrite.com.