The picturesque town of Abiriw in the Eastern Region of Ghana recently witnessed the climax of its iconic Ohum festival, an ancient tradition celebrated with much pomp and cultural fervor. This year’s festivities reached new heights with the inclusion of a mega Abiriw Music Expo, curated by the visionary Frank Kwabena Owusu,

popularly known as Franky5. The event, featuring performances by A-list gospel artistes, aimed not only to entertain but also to draw investment and spotlight Abiriw’s abundant tourism potential.

Ohum Festival, a cultural cornerstone for the Akuapem and Okere people, holds great significance as it marks the beginning of the harvest season for new farm crops. The celebration attracts people from diverse backgrounds, including the diaspora, showcasing the rich cultural tapestry of the region.

Following the traditional Durbar of Chiefs and Traditional leaders, which highlighted the cultural heritage of the Akuapem and Okere people, the Abiriw Music Expo took center stage to conclude the festivities. Gospel luminaries such as Piesie Esther, Nacee, Mabel Okyere, Empress Gifty, and Joseph Atarah graced the stage, delivering unforgettable performances that left patrons in awe.

In addition to the gospel performances, the expo featured resounding acts by some of the top highlife musicians, adding a diverse musical flavor to the celebration. Franky5, the mastermind behind the music extravaganza, expressed the importance of incorporating a musical concert into the festival celebrations. He highlighted the support received from the chief of Abiriw, granting permission for the annual event, emphasizing the intention to leverage creative arts to attract investment to the fertile land with immense tourism potential.

Frank Kwabena Owusu stated, “We are trying to use creative arts to draw investment to Abiriw because it is a fertile land and has so much tourism potential. From the waterfall and other tourism attractions, people must pass by Abiriw for their holidays to enjoy all these goodies I am mentioning.”

The success of the Abiriw Music Expo underscores the community’s commitment to merging tradition with contemporary expressions of culture.

By attracting top-tier artists and creating a platform for cultural celebration, the event not only brought joy to the local residents but also positioned Abiriw as a destination ripe for investment and tourism.

As the echoes of the music fade away, the legacy of the Abiriw Music Expo lingers, leaving a lasting impression on the hearts of those who attended and setting a promising precedent for future editions.

The town of Abiriw has truly demonstrated that cultural festivals can be catalysts for economic growth and community development, with the arts playing a pivotal role in shaping the narrative of a region with immense potential.
Story: JSmart Amenuveve