THE AFRICAN COURIER. Reporting Africa and its Diaspora! The African Courier is an international magazine published in Germany to report on Africa and the Diaspora African experience. The first issue of the bimonthly magazine appeared on the newsstands on 15 February 1998. The African Courier is a communication forum for European-African political, economic and cultural exchanges, and a voice for Africa in Europe.
Accra is gearing up to make history this December as it welcomes the world to the inaugural Talking Drums Festival, a 48-hour celebration of hip-hop, rhythm, and African unity. Set for 29–30 December 2025, the festival will transform Ghana’s capital into the heartbeat of global hip-hop culture.
Bringing together more than 40 artists from across the US, UK and Africa, the event promises non-stop performances that blend sound, dance and storytelling in a celebration of the genre’s roots and global reach.
According to Ruddy Kwakye, Executive Producer of the Talking Drums Festival, the event will spotlight hip-hop’s enduring influence and deep African connection:
“For over 50 years, hip-hop has influenced not just music fans but many other creative industries. The Talking Drums Festival will celebrate this impact by uniting the infectious cadence of the sound with the energy of the performers, and the fandom culture, to showcase its connection to Africa and, of course, its global dominance.”
The festival is positioned as an afro-diasporic celebration of hip-hop, showcasing the genre’s evolution from the Bronx to the world — and its unmistakable African heartbeat. From breakdancing and graffiti to fashion and spoken word, every aspect of hip-hop culture will be represented.
Adding to its significance, the festival has entered a multi-year partnership with the Black Star Experience, a national branding initiative by the Government of Ghana that builds on the legacy of the Beyond the Return campaign. This collaboration invites the global Black diaspora to reconnect with Africa through culture, art, and heritage.
Rex Owusu Marfo, Presidential Coordinator for the initiative, highlighted Ghana’s cultural leadership on the continent:
“Ghana’s esteemed reputation as the Culture Capital of Africa has firmly established it as a prominent destination for global experiences. The nation’s dynamic and diverse musical heritage, along with its disruptive cultural scene, makes Ghana the ideal host for this premier celebration of hip-hop—a genre that continues to shape and energize cultures worldwide.”
A full lineup of artists and events will be unveiled soon. Fans can sign up for priority access and exclusive festival perks at www.TalkingDrums.Live.
With the Talking Drums Festival, Ghana reaffirms its place as a crossroads of global Black creativity — a place where Africa and the diaspora meet in rhythm, art, and unity.
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Source: Talking Drums Festival / APO Group
