Black History Tour
LOVE AFRICA
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Dear Esteemed Partners,
As we wrap up another remarkable year, December brings both reflection and excitement for the future. Across West Africa, we are witnessing dynamic cultural evolutions, political transitions, and celebrations that honor our shared heritage.
In this issue, we delve into transformative events like the Voodoo Festival in Benin, the upcoming African Cup of Nations, and the announcement of Ghana’s newly elected president, John Dramani Mahama.
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We also explore the significance of drums in West African culture, the unifying power of Panafest, and the evolution of the Afrofuture Festival. These stories highlight the resilience, creativity, and pride that define our region.
Thank you for being part of our journey as we continue to celebrate and connect with the heartbeat of Africa.
6 ghana elects john dramani mahama as president
8 january voodoo festival in benin
The Voodoo Festival in Benin a spiritual celebration and a cultural spectacle.
9 the significance of drums in west african culture
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panafest: its importance to the diaspora
The Pan-African Historical Theatre Festival, widely known as Panafest, stands as a monumental cultural event that goes beyond mere celebration.
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16 9
18 african cup of nations the evolution of afrofuture
Ghana Elects John Dramani Mahama as President
Ghana has once again demonstrated its commitment to democracy with the election of John Dramani Mahama as the nation’s next president. Returning to power after serving from 2012 to 2017, Mahama’s victory reflects a call for experienced leadership during a time of economic challenges and social change.
A Resilient Democracy
The 2024 election was a landmark moment, with record voter turnout and peaceful processes reaffirming Ghana’s status as a beacon of democracy in Africa. Mahama, representing the National Democratic Congress (NDC), campaigned on themes of economic revitalization, youth employment, and investment in infrastructure. His victory signals a renewed trust in his leadership and vision for Ghana’s future.
President John Dramani Mahama
Key Challenges and Promises
As Mahama assumes office, he faces significant challenges, including stabilizing the economy, addressing inflation, and fostering job creation. His proposed initiatives focus on agricultural modernization, industrialization, and digital transformation, aiming to position Ghana as a hub for innovation in West Africa. Mahama’s return also emphasizes a deepened commitment to the creative arts and tourism sectors. During his campaign, he highlighted plans to boost cultural tourism and support Ghanaian artists, reinforcing the importance of cultural heritage in national development.
A Regional Perspective
The election of Mahama also holds regional significance, as Ghana continues to play a leading role in ECOWAS and other West African forums. With Côte d’Ivoire hosting the African Cup of Nations and growing economic ties within the region, Mahama’s leadership could strengthen collaborations that drive shared prosperity across borders.
Celebrations Across Ghana
The announcement of Mahama’s victory has sparked celebrations nationwide, from the bustling streets of Accra to the smaller towns and villages. Supporters of the NDC view his return as a moment of renewed hope, while calls for unity and national progress resonate across political lines. As the inauguration approaches in January, Ghanaians and the global community eagerly await the start of Mahama’s tenure and the impact of his leadership on this vibrant nation.
Celebrations in the streets of Accra
Voodoo Festival
The annual Voodoo Festival in Benin is not only a spiritual celebration but also a cultural spectacle that attracts thousands of visitors. Centered in Ouidah, the festival honors Vodun, one of the oldest and most influential religions in West Africa.
Rituals and Processions
The festival begins with a vibrant procession to the “Door of No Return,” symbolizing the resilience of those who endured the transatlantic slave trade. Priests and priestesses perform sacred rituals, invoking ancestral spirits and celebrating the power of Vodun. Traditional music and dances, accompanied by hypnotic drum rhythms, create an unforgettable atmosphere.
Connecting the Diaspora
For members of the African diaspora, the festival serves as a profound connection to their roots. Many attendees describe it as a spiritual homecoming, where they can engage with traditions that honor their ancestors while embracing the vibrancy of modern Benin.
Scenes from a Festival Ritual
The Significance of Drums
Drums are the heartbeat of West Africa, carrying profound cultural and spiritual significance. From the talking drum of Ghana to the sabar of Senegal, these instruments are deeply embedded in the region’s identity.
A Tool for Communication
In traditional settings, drums were used to communicate across villages, relaying messages about celebrations, warnings, and even historical events. The talking drum, in particular, mimics human speech, allowing drummers to convey complex messages through rhythm and tone.
Spiritual and Artistic Expression
Drums also play a central role in rituals and ceremonies, symbolizing a connection to the divine. In modern contexts, they remain integral to West African music, blending traditional rhythms with contemporary genres like Afrobeat and Highlife.
West African Drummers
To The Diaspora Panafest
Panafest
Its Importance To
Its Importance
The Diaspora
The Pan-African Historical Theatre Festival, widely known as Panafest, stands as a monumental cultural event that goes beyond mere celebration. Founded in 1992 by the late Efua Sutherland, a renowned Ghanaian playwright and Pan-Africanist, Panafest was envisioned as a platform to promote healing and unity among Africans and the diaspora while confronting the painful legacy of the transatlantic slave trade. Held biennially in Ghana, the festival is both a remembrance of the past and a powerful assertion of Africa’s enduring resilience and strength.
A Spiritual and Emotional Journey for the Diaspora
For many members of the African diaspora, Panafest is a deeply emotional and spiritual journey. Traveling to Ghana, often referred to as the "Gateway to Africa," represents a symbolic return to their ancestral homeland. Participants are encouraged to confront the traumatic legacy of slavery while embracing the vibrant cultural heritage that defines African identity today.
One of the most significant aspects of Panafest is the “Return to the Roots” pilgrimage, where visitors tour historic sites like the Cape Coast and Elmina Castles. These castles, infamous for their roles in the slave trade, house dungeons that once held enslaved Africans before their forced journey across the Atlantic. The tours often culminate in solemn ceremonies, including the laying of wreaths at the "Door of No Return," a poignant reminder of the millions who never saw their homeland again.
For many, standing at the Door of No Return is a moment of profound reflection, as it transforms into a “Door of Return,” symbolizing reclamation, healing, and reconnection with African roots. Through this spiritual act, participants feel a renewed sense of
identity and belonging, transcending centuries of separation.
Fostering Pan-African Unity Panafest isn’t just a festival of remembrance; it is a celebration of unity and a platform for collective action. Through its workshops, panel discussions, and artistic performances, the festival fosters dialogue on key issues affecting Africans and the diaspora, including economic development, social justice, and cultural preservation. It provides a space for leaders, artists, and scholars to collaborate and discuss a shared vision for the future of Pan-Africanism.
Scenes from Reverential Night
The Door of No Return
Cape Coast Castle
One of the core messages of Panafest is the need to reconnect and strengthen ties between Africans on the continent and those in the diaspora. It challenges the diaspora to see Africa not only as a place of origin but also as a thriving, innovative region with a critical role to play in global affairs. Conversely, it reminds Africans on the continent of the strength and solidarity found in their global African family.
Cultural Showcases: Celebrating African Identity
Art, music, and theater are at the heart of Panafest, providing a vibrant lens through which African history and culture are celebrated. Traditional drumming and dance performances, theatrical reenactments of histor-
ical events, and Afrocentric fashion shows bring to life the rich and diverse heritage of Africa. Notable performances include plays like Efua Sutherland’s Edufa and musical tributes to African liberation leaders.
One of the standout events is the Grand Durbar of Chiefs, where traditional leaders from across Ghana and beyond gather in full regalia. This visually stunning ceremony underscores the enduring importance of traditional governance and cultural identity in African societies. The durbar also serves as a platform for chiefs to address the diaspora, offering messages of welcome, reconciliation, and unity.
An African Fashion Show
‘Edufa’
A Chief at a Durbar
Panafest also honors the contributions of African leaders and diaspora icons who have fought for freedom and equality, such as Kwame Nkrumah, Nelson Mandela, Marcus Garvey, and W.E.B. Du Bois. By connecting these historical figures to present struggles, the festival reinforces the relevance of Pan-African ideals in contemporary times.
A Catalyst for Cultural and Economic Growth
Beyond its cultural and spiritual significance, Panafest is a powerful economic driver for Ghana. The influx of visitors—many of whom are members of the African diaspora—boosts the tourism industry, creating opportunities for local businesses and artisans. During the festival, hotels, restaurants, and markets thrive, showcasing the economic potential of cultural tourism.
The festival also inspires investment in cultural preservation and infrastructure. The Ghanaian government has worked to restore historical sites and improve facilities to accommodate the growing number of tourists attending Panafest. These developments have long-term benefits, solidifying Ghana’s position as a top destination for heritage tourism in Africa.
A Platform for Healing and Reconnection
What sets Panafest apart is its role as a space for healing and reconnection. Participants often describe the festival as life-changing, offering a sense of closure and a renewed commitment to fostering unity within the African community. Naming ceremonies, where mem-
President Nkrumah
W.E.B. DuBois Center
Performers at a Durbar
bers of the diaspora are given traditional African names, are particularly meaningful. These ceremonies symbolize a spiritual rebirth and a reclamation of identity lost during the slave trade.
The festival also serves as a platform for younger generations to learn about their history and take pride in their heritage. Through its educational programs and intergenerational dialogues, Panafest ensures that the lessons of the past are passed down, empowering future leaders to carry forward the torch of Pan-Africanism.
Looking Ahead: Panafest’s Future
As the festival approaches its next iteration, there is growing interest in expanding its reach and impact.
Organizers aim to integrate more technology into the festival, including virtual tours and digital archives, to make the experience accessible to a global audience. This innovation will allow even more people to participate in Panafest’s message of unity and resilience.
Panafest is more than an event—it is a movement. It calls Africans and the diaspora to remember their shared history, celebrate their cultural richness, and envision a united future. In doing so, it continues to honor the spirit of Pan-Africanism and its promise of freedom, dignity, and equality for all.
A Chief Being Carried in a Palaquin
Dancers at a Durbar
Afrochella
Evolution of the Afrofuture Festival
The Afrofuture Festival, formerly known as Afrochella, has grown from a small cultural event in Accra, Ghana, to an internationally acclaimed celebration of African creativity and innovation. Rooted in showcasing African art, music, fashion, and food, the festival has evolved into a powerful platform for redefining Africa’s cultural narrative on the global stage.
A Journey of Transformation
Launched in 2017 as Afrochella, the festival was initially aimed at promoting Ghanaian culture and connecting the African diaspora to their roots. Held during Ghana’s popular “December in Ghana” campaign, Afrochella quickly became a magnet for tourists, particularly from the diaspora, offering them an immersive experience of African heritage through modern lenses.
Afrofuture 2023
By 2023, the festival had rebranded as Afrofuture to reflect its broader vision of celebrating not only Africa’s present but its potential. The name change also signaled its commitment to embracing Afrofuturism—a cultural movement that imagines Africa’s future through the lens of creativity, innovation, and heritage. The shift marked a significant step in positioning the festival as more than just an event: it became a symbol of Africa’s global influence.
Scenes from Afrofuture 2023
African Cup of Nations
The African Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 is set to take place in Morocco from December to January 2025, bringing together the continent’s best football teams in a celebration of skill, unity, and passion. Morocco promises a world-class tournament with matches played in its state-of-the-art stadiums across cities like Casablanca, Marrakech, and Rabat.
High-Stakes Competition
This year’s AFCON will feature powerhouse teams like Senegal, the reigning champions, Egypt, and host nation Morocco, alongside rising contenders like Burkina Faso.
Beyond the Matches
Morocco’s hosting offers a unique experience, combining football excitement with its rich culture and history. Visitors can explore iconic destinations such as the Atlas Mountains, vibrant markets, and historic landmarks, adding depth to their AFCON journey.
Morocco is set to deliver an unforgettable tournament, uniting fans and nations in the spirit of African football.
$2,866 per person double occupancy single supplement: $1,135 from
Panafest 2025 With Togo & Benin
July 28th - August 9th
Highlights
Accra City Tour Discover Ghana's capital with visits to the W.E.B. Du Bois Center, Independence Square, and the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park.
Slave Dungeon Experience Visit the infamous Elmina and Cape Coast Castles, poignant reminders of the trans-Atlantic slave trade.
Panafest Celebration Participate in the moving Reverential Night, candlelight processions, and the Emancipation Day Durbar at Assin Manso.
Kumasi City Tour Explore the Ashanti Kingdom with visits to the Manhyia Palace Museum, Kejetia Market, and Ashanti craft villages.
Living Heritage Ceremony Engage in a traditional naming ceremony at Torgorme Village.
Lome City Tour Enjoy an insightful tour through the capital city of Togo. Be enthralled by the different sights that have shaped and contributed to part of the cultural heritage of the country.
Voodoo Festival Experience a private Voodoo festival in Benin, witnessing traditional rituals and dances.
$2,626 per person double occupancy from
Embark on an enriching 13-day journey through Ghana, Togo, and Benin, delving into the rich cultural heritage, historical landmarks, and vibrant traditions of West Africa. This tour, centered around the Panafest celebrations, offers an immersive experience with a focus on the region's poignant history and colorful traditions. Participants will explore bustling cities, ancient castles, traditional villages, and vibrant markets, while also engaging in a unique private Voodoo ceremony in Benin. For
$2,287