The Memphis in May International Festival has chosen the Republic of Ghana as the country to salute at the 2020 Memphis in May International Festival.  The annual event selects a new country each year and it’s exciting that Ghana has been given the choice spot for 2020.  The month-long celebration will be curated to put a spotlight on Ghana’s arts, culture, education, entertainment, food and of course, its people.

This is not the first time an African country has been selected to celebrate at this festival, but it comes at a time when the world is already watching Ghana after its successful Year of Return campaign. With Ghana’s new Beyond the Return campaign focused on a decade-long engagement with the diaspora, being recognized at this festival is the perfect opportunity to celebrate Ghana’s democratic credentials, economic gains, peace and stability.  The city of Memphis will be honouring Ghana for the entire month of May with a schedule of key activities that highlight the country.

This has been two years in the making as the Embassy of Ghana, USA, under the leadership of H.E. Dr. Barfuor Adjei-Barwuah and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration have been working together in highlighting Ghana as a choice country for business and tourism.

The festival will include several activities and kicks off with the largest music event, the Beale Street Music Festival, which takes place from 1^st– 3^rdMay.  Ghana’s Award-winning artists, Sarkodie and Stonebwoy are both confirmed to perform alongside American artists including Lil Wayne, Nelly, Three 6 Mafia and many more. It’s another opportunity to share Ghana’s music talent with the world.

The festival will be a platform to showcase Ghanaian cultural performances including plays in collaboration with the National Theatre and a performance by a renowned Highlife artist set to take place inside the Orpheum Theatre.  Ghanaian filmmakers will also be featured as five Ghanaian films will be screened during a series dubbed Ghana Indie Memphis.

When it comes to education, the Memphis school system has included a 70-page curriculum for students from Kindergarten to High School to learn about Ghana during the entire year of 2020.  There will also be an exchange program giving students from Ghana a chance to travel to Memphis and students from Memphis the opportunity to visit Ghana.

The Ambassador calls on all Ghanaians at home and in the United States to take advantage and support this festival by attending.  The festival will break cultural barriers and serve to foster long-lasting relations between the people of Memphis and the people of Ghana while boosting trade and economic relations.

For more information about the annual festival visit the website at www.memphisinmay.org

Written by Ivy Prosper