All is set and ready for the first-ever ‘Hands Across Africa’ concert, a charity event focused on providing football scholarships and other initiatives for under-privileged youths in selected communities in Accra, Ghana.
Hands Across Africa is an initiative by They Often Cry Outreach (TOCO), headed by H.E Taj Weekes, a Goodwill Ambassador of the Government of Saint Lucia and UNICEF Ambassador for children in the Eastern Caribbean, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Beyond the Return Secretariat, Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), Diaspora Affairs (Office of the President) and YOKS Investments.
Already, renowned reggae superstar, Eric Donaldson is in Ghana for the 23rd July, 2022 event which will take place at the National Theatre. Addressing the media last Saturday, him and fellow artiste, Okyeame Kwame expressed their delight at being part of the concert that aims to give back to society.
The Hands Across Africa initiative focuses on changing the life chances of marginalized and under-privileged youth using engagement and mentorship through sports, creative arts and other educational enrichment and support programs. It carries cultural exchange and a social agenda to raise funds to help close gaps of need in education, youth at risk and public health across the African continent.
This involves a group of international reggae and local artistes collaborating to stage a series of festivals – mass concerts and expos, to raise funds that will go directly to support non-profit programs for human empowerment, poverty alleviation and social support by vetted agencies of state, local government, and humanitarian missions to vulnerable communities.
A number of illustrious names from the Reggae industry – both internationally and from Africa are associated with this Festival. Therefore, a secondary objective of the initiative is foster collaboration between international and local artists and ultimately broaden the professional network of our African counterparts. This year’s grand festival and expo event promises to be super exciting as legendary artistes.
Besides Eric Donaldson and Okyeame Kwame, other artistes on the bill include, Taj Weekes, Blakk Rasta, Mzvee, ACP Kofi Sarpong, Roc Riva among others.
