Music lovers in Togo are eagerly expecting the International Afro Music Reggae Arts Heritage & Cultural Festival (IARMA-FEST) scheduled for 2024, but they will get a taste of what’s to come as the festival is launched with a concert at the Only One Beach in Lomé on December 1, 2023.
Among the array of international acts slated for the launch programme is Ghana’s award-winning Afro-Reggae performer, Bongofari.
He is looking forward to thrill Togolese music enthusiasts with his brand of music dubbed ‘Odo Reggae’.
Founded by Elijah Amekudzi and organised in collaboration with Pan Africa-Ghana and Peace Forever Live Music Club, IARMA-FEST 2024 will showcase reggae acts from Togo, Ghana, Benin, Nigeria, Senegal, Gambia, Burkina Faso, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Cote d’Ivoire.
“It’s a brilliant idea that there’s a festival genuinely dedicated to fostering unity between artistes in the sub-region and beyond,” says Bongofari, who won an award at the 2023 Ghana Reggae Dancehall Awards (GRDA) last September for his outstanding contributions to reggae and dancehall and to the contemporary music industry in Ghana.
“We are one people and music is a powerful tool we can utilise to meet and plan for a stronger Africa. Music from Africa is loved everywhere. It is up to us now to share ideas on how to package it and make it even more appealing for people all over the world,” he stated.
Activities planned for IARMA-FEST 2024 include workshops on creativity, music business sessions and how to network through international music agencies.
There will be a special focus on how artistes can benefit from their merchandise in this era of digitalisation.
Apart from Bongofari, other Ghanaian artistes on call to perform at the IARMA-FEST 2024 launch are Ras Boomba, Empress Mavis, Ras Caleb Levi, Chizzy Wailer, Bobo Ranking and MC Natty Fire.
Togolese performers on the bill are Amen Jah Love, Ras Kocivi, Kazita, Bobo Delason, Jah Stone, Stoney OHR 99 and Chef du Village Momo Dologo. Those from Nigeria include Blak Czar and Ras Mage.
By George Clifford Owusu