On October 4, 2024, the Alliance Française hosted the third Osagyefo’s Night event, which was a colorful celebration of Kwame Nkrumah’s ongoing influence on Ghanaian theater, music, and the arts.
A full house of enthusiastic attendees, including notable diplomats from the Southern African Development Community (SADC), were enthralled with Trigmatic’s incredible three-hour performance. The band performed a total of twenty-one songs, blending new hits featuring South African acts like Mthunzi, Epic Minds, and Ralf Gum with classic hits like “My Life” and “Wo Sika Nti.”
With songs like “Mani Maye,” “Diplomatic Teef,” “Akwantuo,” and “Something Dey,” he addressed the sociopolitical context that exists in Ghana today and echoed the younger generation’s demand for freedom, accountability, and an end to Galamsey (illegal mining). His opening set was especially moving. Fans, Nkrumah devotees, and concertgoers were all extremely moved by this set, which was both entertaining and moving.
The Abibigroma Theatre Company gave breathtaking performances that brought six of Trigmatic’s songs to life, showcasing the event’s flawless fusion of music and traditional dance.
The evening included a contemplative discussion about Nkrumah’s vision in addition to a musical journey. Accompanied by South Africa’s High Commissioner, HE Grace Jeanet Mason, H.E. Kufa Chinoza, the ambassador of Zimbabwe and Dean of the SADC, gave a moving address about Nkrumah’s pan-African vision and the importance of the arts in bringing Africa together.
The partnerships and performances throughout the evening underlined music as a catalyst for unity throughout the continent. As a performer and MC, Nana Asaase skillfully included stories about Nkrumah’s influence on Highlife music, which flourished under his direction, helping the genre gain popularity alongside icons like ET Mensah and EK Nyame.