Ghanaians will soon have another opportunity to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah at the upcoming Osagyefo’s Night Concert, organized by award-winning musician Trigmatic. Set for October 4, 2024, at Alliance Francaise in Accra, the event promises to honour the life and achievements of Ghana’s first president, with a focus on his contributions to the arts, culture, and theatre.
This marks the third edition of the Osagyefo’s Night Concert, an event that has grown in significance since its inception. Trigmatic, known for his passion for both music and heritage, revealed that the inspiration for the concert stemmed from his travels across Africa, where Dr. Nkrumah’s name is still revered. The musician realized that while Nkrumah is celebrated abroad, not enough is done locally to recognize his impact, particularly in the arts sector.
Speaking on Joy FM’s “Drive Time” with host Kofi Hayford, Trigmatic shared how his reflection on Nkrumah’s legacy inspired the concert. “When I looked at how they eulogized him, I thought to myself, we don’t do this that much, so why not create a concert around Dr. Nkrumah?” Trigmatic explained. The concept gained further momentum with the support of fellow broadcaster Antoine Mensah, who encouraged the initiative.
From a business perspective, Osagyefo’s Night Concert presents a unique opportunity to spotlight the intersection between culture and economic growth. Dr. Nkrumah’s forward-thinking policies not only shaped Ghana’s political landscape but also laid a foundation for the creative arts, recognizing the role of culture in national development. By revisiting Nkrumah’s commitment to the arts, the concert emphasizes the untapped potential within Ghana’s cultural and creative industries, which contribute significantly to the economy through music, theatre, and the visual arts.
The 2024 edition promises to be an immersive experience, featuring storytelling performances, live music, and an art exhibition that pays tribute to Nkrumah’s vision. The concert will see Trigmatic perform about 20 songs alongside the renowned Adwenpa Band. For the first time, theatre will take center stage, as Trigmatic’s story is interwoven with Nkrumah’s life story, in a collaborative effort with the Abibigromma Group and the Ghana Dance Ensemble. The event will also feature narration by renowned Ghanaian poet Nana Asaase, adding a rich literary dimension to the performance.
From a business standpoint, this concert not only celebrates Ghanaian history but also highlights the importance of the arts as a commercial sector. The event brings together various stakeholders—artists, musicians, performers, and entrepreneurs—fostering collaborations that could further the growth of Ghana’s cultural economy. Additionally, the inclusion of an art exhibition and theatre adds more commercial avenues, showcasing the breadth of creative talent in the country.
Trigmatic, born Nana Yaw Oduro-Agyei, aims to use the concert as a platform to inspire both artists and audiences to reflect on the past while looking forward to the future. By honoring Nkrumah’s legacy, Osagyefo’s Night Concert also serves as a reminder of the essential role that the creative arts play in shaping not just national identity but also economic prosperity.
