FIRST EVER E.C.G FESTIVAL ROCKS ACCRA!

Electronic Music lovers in Ghana experienced a thrilling and fantastic 3-day Electronic Music Festival (ECG) which took place from Thursday 23rd to Sunday 26th October 2014 at Alliance Française Accra. The event was the first ever Electro Festival in Accra and brought together DJs and artists from the African continent and beyond.

The festival began with an introduction to electronic music workshop on Thursday 23rd October with DJ Jason Kleatsh and DJ Steloo. The second workshop focused on “on-line music promotion and Tel Aviv electro scene” workshop with Eyal Rob & DJ Sabbo (Israel) on Saturday 25th October.

“Roots of Azonto” by Akwaaba Sound System performed on Friday 24th October at 8pm. Seasoned DJs such as iamBeatMenace, DJ Steloo, DJ Keyzz, Jason Kleatsh and DJ Roba and Snob featured on the program and at the opening party at the Republic. DJ Keyzzz opened the performance with one hour of superb mixes which got the audience glued to their seats.

Akwaaba Sound System displayed a short documentary of their tours to the various regions of Ghana in search of traditional beats and drums which they compiled and shared with top producers in Ghana such as Laxio, Cash 2, Appietus and NshonaMuzick. The team had prominent and experienced personalities such as Sisi Frank, former band member of Fela Kuti. The entire evening was filled with a superb blend of live music and performances from renowned artistes including Joey B of “Tonga” fame, Gasmilla and Wanlov The Kubolor. They brought audiences to their feet with stunning performances.

The highlight of the three-day event was breath taking performance by “Just a Band”, a Kenyan House/Funk/Disco band. The concert which was scheduled for Saturday 25th October was postponed to Sunday 26th due to the heavy downpour in Accra the previous day. This however did not discourage music lovers as they came in their numbers to the concert at 5pm on Sunday. Azizaa opened the show with her energetic dancers. Just a Band got the audience dancing along to the music and jumping in excitement throughout the performance which was splendid and very entertaining, leaving the audience asking for more.

Just a Band launched their career with their debut album, “Scratch to Reveal”, in 2008. Their music has explored various musical directions such as jazz, hip-hop, disco and electronica. The group is highly solicited and has toured several countries in Africa.

The After party “Roof on Fire” at Smollensky’s roof top on Friday 24th and After party at Rockstone’s Office with DJ Roba and Snob (Israel) on Saturday 25th were also well attended and appreciated by music lovers.

In whole, the festival consisted of instructive and entertaining events to make the audience appreciate electronic music on a new level. A full Electro atmosphere was created for international and local electro music enthusiasts to enjoy this one of a kind experience.

We thank our sponsors and media partners: French Embassy, InstitutFrançais Ghana, Kenya Airways, Ashfoam, State of Israel,Gh One, Breeze Fm, Cine Afrik, Live Fm, Jonilar, Showbiz GH, Urbanphace.com, HB TV, Enewsgh.com, ameyawdebrah.com, Accraexpat.com, Accra Dot Alt, BeatPhreaks, Hype Ghana

Story:Ady Namaran Clottey