On Thursday, August 3, 2023, the Wan-Shi Event Center in Accra was the venue for the launch of the HoodTalk Music Festival, a groundbreaking initiative focused on promoting child wellness and youth empowerment in Africa.
The Festival was created by the Dream Child Foundation, and will include a series of live events, musical performances, and roadshows.
Thursday’s night of music was a prelude to this year’s festival, which, they announced, will culminate in a massive concert at the Black Star Square in Accra in December 2023.
According to the organisers, the festival will help unite voices for the betterment of the African child and also help empower and support African children by harnessing the power of music, and arts through community engagement.
The organisers aim to raise funds for the construction of five Pediatric Clinics to ensure that children’s health is made a priority, which the Chairman of the Dream Child Foundation, Chief Olorogun Oskar Ibru, emphasised the importance of, in a speech read on his behalf.
“We gather not only to revel in the joy of music but also to rally together in support of a profound cause. As we embark on this journey of uniting voices for child wellness, we cannot overlook the pressing healthcare needs of the children in Ghana.
“Healthcare is a fundamental right that every child deserves. Yet, sadly, many children in Ghana continue to face significant challenges in accessing adequate healthcare services. Limited infrastructure, resource constraints, and geographical disparities often impede the path to improved health outcomes for these young souls,” he said.
“Addressing this critical issue is not just the responsibility of the Government; it is a collective duty that requires the united efforts of the masses. Through collaborative initiatives like the HOODTALK Music Festival, we can bring about tangible change and make a difference in the lives of countless children.”
Also speaking at the launch, the CEO of Virtual Hub Ghana Limited, James Amoakohene believes this collaboration with Virtual Hub would make a lasting impact on the quest to ensure the quality of life for the youth is enhanced and protected.
“We have joined forces with the DreamChild Foundation and Hoodtalk Music Festival because we are firmly rooted in the belief that music and the creative arts have the power to uplift communities and ignite hope. We also share the vision that through Hoodtalk, we can build an extraordinary platform to empower young people for positive social change,” he said.
“The input of Virtual Hub is not merely technical, but a shared commitment to turn dreams into reality. Through this festival, we intend to create moments of joy and celebration and unveil opportunities for dialogue and action. Together, we can sow the seeds of a brighter future, where access to healthcare is a right, not a privilege, and every individual’s well-being is cherished and respected.”
Melody Boateng, UNESCO Programs Director stated in her speech that the HoodTalk Music festival aligns with her outfit’s “commitment to leveraging the power of music for social transformation.”
“By bringing young people from across Ghana together, this festival will provide a platform for discussions, empowerment and a healthy environment. This initiative resonates with UNESCO’s global objective of fostering education, culture, science and information, and it sits well with our long-standing efforts to prioritise the welfare and health needs of young people,” she added
Other distinguished guests at the launch were Mr. Ato Afful, the Managing Director of Graphic Communications Group Limited, and Ibrahim Adjei, Assistant to Ghana’s President.
The Hoodtalk Music Festival will also feature a Youth Summit, Fashion Show, Arts Exhibition and Mentorship Sessions across different cities in Ghana.
The maiden edition of the Hoodtalk Music Festival Roadshow will be held at Kingdom Gardens, Ashiyie, in Greater Accra on 2nd September 2023. Fans can expect to be thrilled by performances by mainstream and underground artists from Ghana, Africa and beyond.
The other announced dates for the Hoodtalk Music Festival 2023 roadshows are Tamale on September 23 at the Aliu Mahama Stadium, Kumasi on October 7 at the Baba Yara Stadium, the Western Region on October 28 at the Gyandu Park, and Ho on November 19 at the Ho Sports Stadium.
About Dream Child Foundation
Established in 2010, The Dream Child Foundation is an NGO with the aim to support and empower the African Child through the culture of music.
Dream Child focuses on strengthening and empowering the children of Africa by providing adequate health care, education, and other support services, especially to deprived communities.
Over the past decade, Dream Child Foundation has delivered funds for many social interventions such as donations to the Korle Bu Children’s
Hospital, Orphan Aid’s Oyibi Orphanage, and the Apam Special Needs School.
The Foundation has successfully held three (3) fundraising concerts. The first Dream Child Concert, National Theatre 2011, Alliance Francaise Dream Child Concert 2012 and Dream Child Concert, National Theatre 2013.
About Virtual Hub Limited
Virtual Hub Limited is a full-service audio-visual production company focused on live production and event management.
The company operates Virtual Acoustic Sessions which offer a warm and intimate ambience, allowing listeners to enjoy pure and unfiltered live music.
Virtual Hub’s top-notch equipment and crew guarantee a seamless and immersive experience for both in-person and virtual audiences.
With expertise in live streaming, live stage performance, high-definition video production and interactive engagement tools, Virtual Hub can guarantee that music enthusiasts and changemakers will truly enjoy performances.
