The stage is set for the official launch of Kalajah, a landmark cultural initiative by African Dance Rhythms (ADR), led by renowned cultural ambassador Fofoo Attiso, on Friday, 7 August 2026, at Alliance Française Accra.
The event is expected to bring together distinguished guests from government, diplomatic missions, the private sector, the creative arts, the tourism industry and development organisations, underscoring the significance of Kalajah as a platform for promoting Ghana’s rich cultural heritage.
Advertisement
Adding to the excitement is an impressive lineup of performers who will entertain patrons with captivating displays of African music and dance. Renowned traditional musician Nii Tettey Tetteh, Fred Nii Addo & One Spirit Africa, Sage Atanga, Emmanuel Dance Ensemble and Efosa International Dance Company will all take the stage, delivering performances that celebrate the beauty, diversity and vibrancy of African culture.
Kalajah is a flagship initiative dedicated to celebrating African dance, music and heritage while advancing cultural preservation, tourism development, youth empowerment and international cultural exchange. Through this initiative, African Dance Rhythms seeks to create a sustainable platform that showcases Africa’s artistic excellence and strengthens cultural connections across the continent and beyond.
As part of preparations for the launch, African Dance Rhythms has extended partnership invitations to key institutions, including the Ghana Tourism Authority, recognising the vital role such organisations play in promoting Ghana as a leading cultural and tourism destination. The organisers believe strategic partnerships will help position Ghana’s rich cultural identity as a catalyst for sustainable tourism and economic growth while highlighting the country’s diverse traditions.
Advertisement
The launch is expected to attract cultural enthusiasts, tourism stakeholders, policymakers, development partners, artists and members of the diplomatic community, providing opportunities for networking, collaboration and discussions on the future of cultural tourism in Ghana and Africa.
Ghanaian musician Emperor T-Jiga has added another major international honour to his career after winning Best Diaspora Afrobeat Artist of the Year at the 2026 Ghana Music Awards Europe in Düsseldorf, Germany.
The recognition comes after years of creating music that blends Afrobeat, highlife, hiplife, hip hop and other African musical influences while connecting audiences in Ghana and the diaspora.
Advertisement
For Emperor T-Jiga, the award is a reflection of a musical journey that has produced a catalogue of songs including Kilode, Yeloi, Sugar, Super Star, Pretty Jeniki, Saka Saka and Fine Fine Lady. His music has continued to showcase his versatility as a singer, songwriter, performer, drummer, producer and teaching artist.
One of the records that has played an important role in his recent recognition is Super Star, featuring Bepor Keddi and Cabrinny Gh. The song previously earned Emperor T-Jiga the Hiplife and Hip Hop Song of the Year award at the 2025 Ghana Music Awards USA, giving him another major milestone within the Ghanaian diaspora music community.
His catalogue, however, extends beyond Super Star.
Advertisement
Kilode, featuring Young Freezy, became another important record in his career and won Best International Collaboration at the 2022 Ghana Music Awards USA. The song also received a nomination for US Based Afropop Song of the Year.
Yeloi, featuring Kotey Another and Nii Funny, further demonstrated his ability to work across different sounds and collaborators. The song was nominated for Best Music Video of the Year at the Ghana Music Awards USA.
In 2023, Emperor T-Jiga released Sugar, a record influenced by the sounds of African music pioneers including Osibisa and Fela Kuti. The song was subsequently nominated for Afropop/Afrobeat Song of the Year at the 2024 Ghana Music Awards USA.
Advertisement
His more recent work has continued to expand his musical identity. Awula Feefeo has been featured among his recent releases, while his official YouTube catalogue also includes Fine Fine Lady.
Beyond his recordings, Emperor T-Jiga’s musical background gives further context to his sound. He is also an accomplished drummer, dancer, producer and music educator, with a career that has involved African music and cultural education in the United States. His work with the Akwaaba Ensemble has also allowed him to combine performance, education and cultural preservation.
That combination of musicianship and cultural identity has become an important part of Emperor T-Jiga’s artistic journey. His music does not simply seek to entertain but also draws from African rhythms, experiences and influences while presenting them to audiences in the diaspora.
Advertisement
His latest achievement in Düsseldorf therefore represents another step in a career that has consistently crossed geographical and musical boundaries.
Winning Best Diaspora Afrobeat Artist of the Year at the Ghana Music Awards Europe places Emperor T-Jiga among the artistes helping to carry Ghanaian music and African sounds into international spaces.
As the celebrations continue, the award adds another significant chapter to his story and provides further momentum for an artiste whose music, performances and cultural work continue to reach audiences beyond Ghana.