Black Star Reggaefest to bring global reggae and cultural tourism to Ghana in 2027

Ghana is to host the inaugural Black Star Reggaefest in Accra in the first week of December 2027, with organisers aiming to position the country as a leading destination for reggae music, cultural tourism and international creative exchange.

The festival is being launched by the Teria Foundation in partnership with Carter Enterprises Empire USA, under the slogan: “Where the World Meets Africa Through Reggae.”

It is expected to attract established reggae artistes, emerging musicians, cultural practitioners, tourists, investors and music enthusiasts from Ghana, across Africa, the Caribbean, the United States and other parts of the world.

Organisers say the event will combine music, culture, tourism and business, while creating new opportunities for performers, creative professionals, entrepreneurs and young people working in Ghana’s expanding creative economy.

The programme is set to include international reggae concerts, cultural exhibitions, music business forums, youth empowerment initiatives, food and craft markets, as well as tourism activities.

Beyond the festival site, the organisers want visitors to experience Ghana’s cultural heritage, music, art, cuisine and historic attractions. The wider aim is to encourage international guests to explore more of the country during their stay.

Walter Mawuli Gli, founder of the Teria Foundation, said the festival reflected the organisation’s ambition to use music and culture to build stronger links between Africa and the international community.

“Black Star Reggaefest is our vision to connect Africa with the world through reggae music, culture and tourism. We are committed to building a world-class festival that showcases Ghana’s heritage, creates opportunities for creatives and welcomes the world to the Black Star of Africa,” he said.

The festival will also seek to create opportunities for local and international artistes and other creative practitioners to meet, work together and develop links with the global music and entertainment industry.

Teresa D. Carter, founder and chief executive officer of Carter Enterprises Empire USA, said her organisation was pleased to be involved in the project.

“We are proud to partner with the Teria Foundation on this exciting initiative. Black Star Reggaefest will celebrate unity, cultural exchange and the global spirit of reggae while strengthening the bond between Africa, the Caribbean, the United States and the worldwide African diaspora,” she said.

The organisers described the partnership as a joint commitment to international cultural cooperation. They said it would also help Ghana strengthen its role in the global reggae and entertainment ecosystem.

Black Star Reggaefest is intended to act as a link between Ghana and the wider African diaspora, particularly communities in the Caribbean, the United States and elsewhere where reggae has a significant cultural following.

Local businesses are also expected to benefit from the festival. Vendors, artisans, hospitality operators, tourism service providers and other participants in Ghana’s creative and cultural industries will be offered opportunities through the event.

The organisers believe that establishing the festival successfully could support Ghana’s cultural tourism agenda by bringing more international visitors to the country and highlighting its heritage and tourism potential.

Further details about participating artistes, the programme schedule, sponsorship packages, partnership opportunities and other festival activities will be released in due course.

The Teria Foundation is the main organiser, while Carter Enterprises Empire USA is the international partner.

The event is expected to bring together the music, cultural, tourism and business sectors as Ghana seeks to deepen its cultural connections with the rest of the world.