The West Africa Music and Arts Festival (WAMAFEST) has officially been launched in Accra, Ghana, bringing together prominent music industry professionals and stakeholders from across West Africa.

The WAMAFest is a 4-day celebration of West African music, arts, and culture that aims to boost tourism and economic growth throughout the West African region.

This 4-day celebration kicked off on June 19, 2024, at the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park. The festival is a first-time event and offers a variety of experiences: A music industry conference, Panel discussions and workshops, Eye-catching art installations, Live performances by celebrated West African artists, Masterclasses led by industry icons, A Juneteenth Parade, celebrating freedom and heritage.

One key element of the festival was the Music Industry Conference, held on Thursday, June 20, at the Labadi Beach Hotel. Ghana’s Second Lady, Samira Bawumia, served as the guest of honour.

Other prominent figures who joined the event included: the Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Arts And Culture Mark Okraku Mantey, Reggie Rockstone, Efya, Nana Adwoa Awindor, George Quaye, Henry Asante and Frema Adunyame of Citi FM/Channel One TV.

The conference tackled important topics in the creative industry, with Frema Adunyame leading a discussion on Intellectual Property Rights and copyright in the Arts.