Ghana’s biggest beach festival, Tidal Rave, has received a major boost as organisers EchoHouse signed a two-year partnership with the Black Star Experience (BSE), an initiative under the Office of the President that promotes tourism and the creative arts.
The announcement was made at the official launch of the festival on Friday, September 26, ahead of its 13th edition, set for November 14 and 15, 2025, at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel in Accra.
Highlighting the significance of the collaboration, Presidential Staffer and BSE Coordinator Rex Owusu Marfo described it as a forward-looking investment in Ghana’s cultural development.
“This collaboration is a direct investment in our future. The key lies in meeting the next generation where they are—at events like the Tidal Rave Festival—and giving them access to a deeper cultural experience,” he said.
He further explained that instead of waiting for young people to visit museums, the partnership aims to “bring the museum to their festival”, curating cultural experiences that are “living, breathing, and pulsing.”
EchoHouse CEO, Beryl Agyekum Ayaaba, expressed excitement about the deal, calling it a new chapter for the festival:
“We are thrilled to partner with the Black Star Experience Secretariat under the Office of the President, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama.
Tidal Rave has always been more than an event—it’s a platform to empower and showcase Ghana’s creative talent. This partnership with BSE will elevate the festival to an international level, driving both cultural and economic impact for the country,” she said.
As part of the agreement, Tidal Rave and BSE are exploring expansion opportunities beyond Ghana, with the first new destination expected to be announced later this year.
The 2025 edition will also introduce a fresh reinvention of the festival. For the first time, Tidal Rave will span two days—kicking off with an exclusive Johnnie Walker pre-party on Friday, followed by the main celebration of music, culture, fashion, and food on Saturday. A colourful road carnival will also set the tone for the grand beach experience at La Palm.
Event Director Awo Ampadu Somuah revealed that this year’s festival will be curated by Culture Currents, a collective of young creatives including Lisa Quama, Ato Sekyi, Rev Erskine, Samuella Graham, Ellen Osabutey, Makafui Awuku, Kojo Junior, and Joewackle.
“With their fresh energy and fearless perspectives, ravers can expect a festival experience that goes far beyond music,” she added.