Jamaica on show at One Love WKND in Ghana
Admirers of things Jamaica will get a taste of the country’s culture during One Love WKND, an “all-inclusive, immersive experience” that takes place December 15-16 in Akosombo, eastern Ghana.
The three-day event is coordinated by Donna Ray, a Jamaican who lives in the West African nation. She told Observer Online that fans will see and hear things that have made her country a global brand.
“They’ll get the music, which of course is reggae-dancehall. They’ll also get the food, the cuisine; additionally, some exhibition pieces, premium stuff,” said Ray, who is originally from Montego Bay.
This is the third One Love WKND for 2023, the previous shows taking place in August. It is presented by Ray’s company, ROC Factory Production, in partnership with the Diaspora Affairs Office of the President Jubilee House in Ghana.
The presentation of Jamaican fare will be done by Jamaicans who live in Ghana. Ray estimates that over 3,000 of her countrymen reside in what some economists regard as Africa’s most buoyant state.
“These are Jamaicans who are retired, or who are professionals in different areas. Some are planting ganja, some are involved in real estate, non-profit stuff, while others are still pushing the culture as dancers or chefs,” she said.
Most of these Jamaicans live in Aburi, a town located in Ghana’s eastern region.
The Jamaican component of One Love WKND will play throughout December in Accra, Ghana’s capital. It coincides with the December 22 concert at Accra Stadium by hometown reggae star Stonebwoy, whose special guest is Jamaican singjay Jahmiel.
Ray, who lived in New York City for many years, is a professional choreographer who has worked with leading dancehall acts such as Bogle, Ding Dong and Overmarz.
She first visited Ghana in 2014, and after returning several times, started a company to establish ties with Caribbean people and Ghana.
Her most visible venture has been the One Love WKND which was first held in 2022.