Cultural Oneness Festival 2024: A Triumph of African Heritage and Unity in Northern Ghana

The just-ended 2nd edition of the critically acclaimed Cultural Oneness Festival riding on the theme, “Leveraging on Our Strength for Shared Growth and Prosperity as One People” in Northern Ghana was a vibrant celebration of Africa’s rich cultural heritage, unity, and historical awareness.

The four-day power-packed festival, held from November 13 to 16, 2024, in Northern Ghana brought together a diverse mix of traditional Chiefs, cultural leaders, scholars, and festival-goers across the continent and the Diaspora. Organized by The Taste Of Afrika, the event featured various cultural, educational and social activities to foster unity among African nations while promoting the preservation and appreciation of African culture.

Tengol K. Kplemani Awarded Honorary Degree

One of the most poignant moments of the festival under discussion was conferring an honorary degree in African History & Culture on Tengol K. Kplemani, the co-founder of The Taste Of Afrika and the visionary brain behind the Cultural Oneness Festival.

The honorary degree, awarded by Faith University Seminary in Kumasi in affiliation with St. Thomas-a-Becket University Institute, recognized Tengol K. Kplemani’s tireless dedication to promoting African culture, heritage, and unity. His work through The Taste Of Afrika has created a platform that not only celebrates the arts and culture of Africa but also facilitates critical conversations on African history and the importance of cultural awareness.

The award was a testament to Tengol K. Kplemani’s lasting impact on cultural advocacy in Ghana, Africa, Diaspora and his role in shaping events like the Cultural Oneness Festival, which is fast becoming a key event on the African cultural calendar. The recognition further solidified his reputation as one of the leading figures in the movement to unite African cultures and preserve the continent’s diverse traditions.

Also, Chief Martin Glin, co-founder of The Taste Of Afrika, was given a deserving honorary award by Thomas-a-Becket University Institute for his selfless contributions, commitment and dedication towards the growth and spread of Ghana-African tourism, arts and culture to the Diasporian world.

Day 1: Cultural Roots Tours – A Journey into Ancestral History

The much-awaited festival kicked off on Wednesday, 13^th November, 2024 with the Cultural Roots Tours, a poignant and educational and spiritual excursion to the historic Pikworo Slave Camp in the Upper East Region of Ghana. Participants had the opportunity to visit the site, where enslaved Africans were once held before being transported across the Atlantic during the transatlantic slave trade. The tour served as a sobering reminder of the enduring legacy of slavery and the resilience of African people in the face of unimaginable hardship.

At Pikworo, attendees were led through the camp by local guides who shared powerful stories about the history of the site and its significance in the broader narrative of African diaspora. The experience was both emotional and enlightening, offering a moment for reflection on the importance of remembering and learning from the painful chapters of African history.

Participants of the 2^nd edition of the Cultural Oneness Festival from the Diaspora were dressed in regalia of the native fighters of the infamous Transatlantic Slave Trade to illicit fond memories of their patriotic ancestors who fought with their blood to make sure the inhumane trading of humans come to an end!

The spiritual and educative tour also highlighted the region’s rich cultural heritage, as participants were exposed to traditional dances, music, and crafts from the local communities, which helped bring the history to life in a more personal way. The Cultural Roots Tours set the tone for the rest of the festival activities, emphasizing the importance of heritage and historical knowledge in fostering a deeper understanding of African identity.

Day 2: Developmental Cultural Durbar at Radach Lodge & Conference Centre, Tamale

Thursday, November 14, 2024 marked On the second day, the festival moved to Radach Lodge & Conference Centre in Tamale for the highly anticipated Developmental Cultural Durbar. This event, which is a celebration of traditional Ghanaian cum African culture, brought together traditional rulers, leaders, scholars, and festival-goers to witness a colorful display of music, dance, and storytelling. The Developmental Cultural Durbar included performances from local dance troupes, drumming ensembles, and cultural groups across Africa, all of which showcased the continent’s diverse traditions.

Additionally, the Developmental Cultural Durbar spotlighted how the tapestry of cultures specifically in the area of traditional music and dance can be transitioned into monetary equivalent to the benefit of natives of Savanna region, Oti region and Northern region at large.

Among the notable guests at the Cultural Durbar were His Royal Highness Naa Bakpema Kar’Naa Abdulai Nantogma (Paramount Chief of Karaga Traditional Area), His Royal Highness Nandom Naa Professor Edmund Nminyem delle Chiir VIII (President of Nandom Traditional Council), His Royal Majesty King Professor Barthsy Ojoi Enebiene Aba Obazi IV Royal Dynasty, His Royal Highness Bifate II Chief of Gaoua Canton of Burkina Faso, Delegation from His Royal Majesty Naa Fuseini Seidu Pelpuo IV (Wa Naa – King of The Wala State) represented, Delegation from His Royal Highness Naa Ambassador Yakubu Abdulai (Paramount Chief of Sagnarigu Traditional Area) represented, His Royal Highness Sunson-Na Abukari Hamidu (Paramount Chief of Sunson Traditional Area), His Royal Highness Mahama Alhassan Banvum Gbang Lana, Her Royal Highness Zakaria Afiluwa (Nakpanbon Ndana), William Tony Rogers (President of the Harlem Tourism Board), Rashid Bahati (Plan B Agency), and Mr. Abubakari Saeed (Northern Regional Director of Centre for National Culture) and President of Paga Youth Movement and his delegation.

Their presence underscored the importance of cross-cultural exchange and dialogue in strengthening the bonds between African nations. His Royal Majesty King Professor Barthsy Ojoi Enebiene Aba Obazi IV delivered an inspiring keynote address, stressing the need for Africa to embrace its cultural roots while navigating the challenges of modernity. His words resonated deeply with attendees, reinforcing the message of the festival: the importance of African unity through culture and heritage.

Day 3: Youth Empowerment Forum and Fashion Show at UDS, Tamale Campus

On Friday, November 15, 2024 marked the third day of the Cultural Oneness Festival which focused on the youth with a Youth Empowerment Forum and Fashion Show held at the University for Development Studies (UDS) in Tamale. The Youth Empowerment Forum provided a platform for young Africans including, Chief Martin Chris Glin, William Tony Rogers, Rashid Bahati, Prince Hamdan Banang, Et Al, to engage in discussions about the future of the continent, the role of culture in shaping that future, and how the younger generation can contribute to the preservation and promotion of African heritage.

The participants of the Youth Empowerment Forum especially the students from the region were engaged in project-based learning in the area of hospitality, music, agriculture, dance and food all geared towards the promotion and development of Northern Ghana to the rest of the world.

The Fashion Show that followed later in the night was a stunning showcase of African creativity and style. Designers across the continent presented modern takes on traditional African clothing, blending contemporary fashion with cultural elements that reflect the beauty and diversity of Africa’s many ethnic groups. The runway was a vibrant celebration of African fashion, with bold prints, intricate beadwork, and colorful fabrics taking center stage.

The combination of intellectual discourse and artistic expression highlighted the festival’s commitment to engaging the next generation of African leaders and creatives, fostering a sense of pride and ownership in the cultural and historical legacies they inherit.

The Fashion Show in the night climaxed with an electrifying musical performance by FAD-LAN to entertain the audience with back-to-back hit songs to their satisfaction while chanting for more!

Day 4: A Royal Gesture at Tolon Palace

On Saturday, November 16, 2024 marked the final day of the Cultural Oneness Festival took place at the Tolon Naa Palace, where the Paramount Chief of Tolon, His Royal Highness Alhaji-Rtd-Major Abubakari Sulemana presented a vast parcel of land to Chief Martin Glin, the co-founder of The Taste Of Afrika, to build his palace to integrate himself in the traditional area as a sub-chief. And a vast land to The Taste Of Afrika to establish their Ancestral Homes Communities and their Alkebulan Farms projects respectively.

This symbolic gesture was a powerful affirmation of The Taste Of Afrika works in promoting African culture, and heritage and the projection of the vast opportunities in Northern Ghana to the rest of the world.

The ceremony was attended by traditional Chiefs, cultural leaders, and dignitaries across Africa and Northern Ghana, marking the end of a successful and meaningful festival. The gift of land at Tolon was a significant moment in the festival’s history, symbolizing the deepening ties between the cultural diaspora and the African continent. It also serves as a foundation for future cultural initiatives and the continued growth of The Taste Of Afrika movement, which aims to build stronger connections between Africa and its global diaspora.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Cultural Oneness Festival

The 2nd edition of the Cultural Oneness Festival was a resounding success, offering a rich tapestry of cultural experiences, historical reflection, and forward-thinking dialogue on the future of Africa.

With the support of all the Overloads and traditional rulers in Northern Ghana and influential leaders like His Royal Majesty King Professor Barthsy Ojoi Enebiene Aba Obazi IV Royal Dynasty, His Royal Highness Bifate II Chief of Gaoua Canton of Burkina Faso, William Tony Rogers, Rashid Bahati, African Tourism Board, and all other partners and contributors and the people of communities; the festival has solidified its place as an important platform for African unity and cultural exchange.

The heartfelt invitations from Nigeria and Burkina Faso have sparked anticipation about the festival’s next destination. Whether in Nigeria’s vibrant cities or Burkina Faso’s culturally rich communities, the festival’s mission to unite Africa through its shared heritage remains steadfast.

The success of the Cultural Oneness Festival organized by The Taste Of Afrika in Tamale on the theme, “Leveraging on Our Strength for Shared Growth and Prosperity as One People” has set a high bar, however, the commitment from African Traditional rulers and communities will ensure that its legacy will continue to grow.

The organizers of Cultural Oneness Festival, The Taste Of Afrika led by Tengol K. Kplemani expressed gratitude to all participants, sponsors, and partners who made the event possible and a complete success. Plans for the 3^rd edition are already in motion, promising an even bigger and more impactful celebration of Ghana, Africa and Diasporian heritage and the power of Cultural Oneness.

Through initiatives like the Cultural Oneness Festival, Africa continues to show the world the power of cultural pride, the richness of its history, and the unbreakable bond that ties all its people together.

 

To learn more on The Taste of Afrika and Cultural Oneness Festival, log on to culturaloneness.com