It has become a well-loved annual event, and many residents of Nungua and surrounding communities in the Greater Accra Region are looking forward to another exciting edition of the Mala Majo Music and Dance Festival on Saturday, 6 September 2025.

Organised by multi-instrumentalist, choreographer and singer Fredrick Nii Kpakpo Addo and his One Spirit Africa outfit, the event is scheduled to take place from 4.00 pm at the Nungua Main Lorry Station.

Always a free event, the festival provides a platform for progressive traditional and neo-traditional artistes to gather and network for their mutual benefit. It is also an outlet for the organisers to show appreciation to the community that nurtured their talents to world-class standards.

Performers slated for the festival include Adotey Tetor, Fofoo Attiso, African Dance Rhythms, Efutupa Crew, Nyonmo Da Ensemble, Full Energy Band, Lipstick Queens, One Spirit Africa Band, Hejole Dance Ensemble, Nana Senti, Akwantufuo, Emmanuel Dance Ensemble and Universal Wonderful Academy.

“Those of us in the traditional music sector need to do something to help ourselves. It is hard to access support from the corporate world and individuals for what we do, but we cannot just sit, fold our arms and cry,” says the One Spirit Africa founder. “That’s why the festival was instituted—to encourage and elevate ourselves.”

According to Fredrick Addo, the festival also aims to instil a strong sense of identity in performers as they share their unique Ghanaian cultural heritage with audiences elsewhere.

Over the last decade and a half, One Spirit Africa has showcased vibrant Ghanaian and African culture to audiences across Australia, Europe and the Americas through performances and workshops.

An outstanding aspect of this year’s Mala Majo Festival is the inclusion of a mental health component in the programme. The organisers are collaborating with officials from Ghana’s Mental Health Authority and MindFreedom Ghana, who will attend and speak at the festival.

Fredrick Addo believes that sound mental health is important for everyone, and his outfit wants as many people as possible—including government officials—to attend and acknowledge how we can all support one another in this regard.

“There are many young talented people wasting away due to a variety of harmful habits. We want them to come to our event, enjoy the music and dances, and interact with the mental health experts. They could leave with useful tips on how to lead more productive lives.”

The Mala Majo Music and Dance Festival has long promoted the message that anything is possible through dedication and hard work, especially for young artistes. The hope is that the upcoming edition will be another inspiring session for such young people.