A distinctive burst of intensity marked Ghanaian Afro-reggae act, Bongofari’s time on stage as this year’s Akwaaba Festival wound down on March 8 at the National Theatre.

The man who describes his musical output as Odo Reggae, a mix of invigorating Dancehall and Highlife vibes, racked up several notable performances in 2024 and was in a fine mood to deliver one-of-a-kind performance to the highly appreciative audience.

The Akwaaba Festival has, among other things, manifested as a useful platform for hard-working, new musical talents and Bongofari has appeared at all the editions since the festival started in 2022.

He knows he is gradually making his way up the ladder for wider recognition at home and abroad and sees pursuing his own sense of style as vital for opening new doors.

“I like challenging myself all the time. I don’t like formulaic and predictable approaches to any endeavour. Impactful music of any type has been created by people with high standards for originality,” Bongofari states.

“That’s why I served my Odo Reggae everywhere I went last year and I keep pushing ahead with my brand.”  

Gigs last year where Bongofari served his Odo Reggae included the World Highlife Day Festival at the Goethe Institut, Accra in March 2024; opening of the Ghanaba Heritage Centre at Achimota in July 2024 and the Homecoming Concert at the Ngmayem Festival, Odumase Krobo, October 2024.

Other gigs he played included the Ghana All Stars Peace Concert in November 2024 at the A.M.A. Forecourt in Accra and the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) Fundraising & Dinner Dance at the Mikado Conference Centre in Accra in December 2024.

Bongofari says he loves music in a very strong way and will keep digging deeper into his abilities to entrench his Odo Reggae approach. To him, to be well-steeped in his own style is a mature, wonderful way of expressing his creativity.