A grand Peace Concert celebrating the transformative power of performing arts was held at the Gbewaa Palace in Yendi, uniting traditional music and dance from Northern Ghana (Dagbang) with a mission to inspire peace. The event, organized in collaboration with Gbewaa World International, KNT, PanAfrica-Ghana, and Wuza Wuza Music & Dance Theatre Company, built on the legacy of the MOPATOUR (Musicians On Pan African Tour) initiated by Ras Caleb Appiah-Levi, the founding president of PanAfrica-Ghana.
The concert sought to emphasize the role of performing arts in fostering unity and peace while urging artists to create content that promotes love and humanity over financial pursuits. It was produced by Heritage Ambassador Yawuza Alhassan, with support from PanAfrica-Ghana and KNTA, and received the endorsement of the Overlord of Dagbang, Ndan Yaa-Naa Abubakari II.
Originally scheduled for the Center for National Culture in Tamale, the event took place at the Gbewaa Palace in honor of the Overlord’s dedication to peacebuilding efforts in the region.
The Power of Performing Arts
Speaking at the event, the organizers highlighted the duality of music and dance as both a force for good and a potential source of harm. They urged artists to reflect on their moral responsibility to their fans, communities, and nations, and to use their platform to foster peace and unity.
“Music and dance can transform, but they can also perpetuate harm. As artists, we must consider our moral compass and create content that uplifts and inspires peace,” the organizers emphasized.
Post-Concert Initiatives
The Peace Concert is the first in a series of events aimed at promoting resilience, unity, and development:
- Stability and Dance to Build Concert – A post-election celebration to honor resilience and raise funds for the Gbewaa Palace construction.
- Zamanlympic 2025 Launch – A platform to ignite self-empowerment, skills development, and readiness for a brighter future.
- Jama Diaspora Concert – A replica of the peace concert scheduled for December 3, 2024, in New York, USA, aimed at fostering peace and promoting health among the Ghanaian diaspora.
A Call for Unity
The Peace Concert symbolized a shared desire for harmony, security, and success. It served as a powerful reminder of the potential for the performing arts to create a more peaceful and interconnected world.
“This concert embodies our collective dream for a world built on peace and love. Together, we can make this dream a reality. One love,” the organizers concluded.
