Ghana will be the host nation of the 10th anniversary of CASA Africa’s Vis a Vis musical event, an initiative that gives musicians from Africa the opportunity to showcase their talent and country in Spain.
It comprises a series of events in the host country which culminates in the selection of two bands performing live Spanish producers and a large audience in Spain. The groups selected will have the opportunity to meet and present their work to Spanish producers at special business meetings and events in Ghana. The groups will then perform in Spain at the 10th edition of Africa Vive 2019.
At a press briefing to announce Ghana as the next host in Accra, the country’s Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Catherine Afeku, expressed her delight at being given the opportunity to host the event as it will “put creative artistes on the international level and extend our reach beyond the sores of Ghana.” In addition, Afeku added that it is going to offer the Ghanaian musical acts a unique platform to market their creativity to the larger global audience.
Nominations will be opened for prospective bands to apply in January next year. After which two bands will consisting of not more than 12 members for both will be selected to represent the country in Spain.
Casa África’s activity forms part of the Spanish Government’s foreign policy as a public and economic diplomacy tool.
In the public diplomacy field, Casa Africa works with the aim of promoting good understanding and trust between Spain and Africa, and strengthening Hispano-African relations through dissemination, educational and cultural activities. In the economic diplomacy area, Casa Africa acts as part of the strategy for Brand Spain making known the opportunities that the African continent offers Spanish professionals, companies and investors.
To fulfill this mission, Casa Africa supports internationalisation, mainly in the political-strategic area, of Spanish companies who already act or are interested in acting in Africa, and strengthens the collaboration between public and private agents. Casa Africa works closely with entities such as the UNWTO to advance Africa’s interest on the global tourism front.
General Director of CASA Africa, Luis Padron, at the briefing added that they were happy to be extending the opportunity to Ghana to also take advantage of the many benefits this will present to the local creative industry.
In addition to the Vis a Vis music, CASA Africa will in March sponsor film makers in the country to participate in the Ghana Film Week in Madrid. On the side, will be photo exhibition by Ghana’s legendary photographer, James Barnor.
The Vis a Vis Ghana edition is collaboration with the Spanish Embassy in Ghana, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture with the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) and the Creative Arts Council spearheading the selection of artistes.
Over the years, countries that have benefitted from the initiative include, Angola, Cape Verde, Senegal, Ivory Coast, South Africa, amongst others. MUSIGA President, Bice Osei Kuffour believes the event will help propel artistes professionally and help project Ghana as formidable music powerhouse.
Story by Samuel Obeng Appah
