For more than a decade, James Town, a fishing community in one of Accra’s oldest districts, has staged one of Africa’s biggest street art festivals each year: the Chale Wote Street Art Festival.
Every year, artists, musicians, fashion designers, and performers come together to turn the streets into an open-air gallery.
See pictures, videos from the 2023 Chale Wote Festival
Why the name “Chale Wote”?
The word Chale Wote comes from a Ghanaian slang where “Chale” means a friend or buddy, while “Wote” comes from the Ga language and means “let’s go.” Put together, it means: “Friend, let’s go!”
How it started
The festival was founded in 2010 by a community-based arts group known as Accradotalt.
The event was inspired by street art festivals around the world and the idea is to create an event that would give artists a platform to show their work and also allowing the public to interact with art outside traditional galleries.
Chale Wote has grown into a city-wide experience, attracting around 50,000 visitors every year. The James Fort, Usher Fort, and other old slave trading sites form the backdrop for the week-long celebration.
We saved 2023 Chale Wote from being canceled – Ghana Tourism Authority
A launchpad for Ghanaian talent
The Chale Wote Street Arts Festival has helped launch the careers of some Ghanaian artists who have gone on to gain international recognition, including Ibrahim Mahama and Serge Attukwei Clottey.
One of the festival’s iconic features is the murals that appear across James Town.
Ghanaian collective Nima Muhinmanchi Art has been behind many of these wall paintings, in collaboration with some local artists.
More than just art on walls
Chale Wote is not only about murals and street paintings. Performance art is also a part of the experience.
The high street of James Town becomes a catwalk where models, fashion designers and creators showcase some wild outfits that turn heads.
Public boxing matches, bodybuilder parades, and cultural displays also bring live to the streets of James Town.
One moment someone could be admiring a mural, the next thing, the person is cheering on a boxing bout or watching bodybuilders flex their muscles.
There is also a ready market where artisans sell handmade crafts, jewellery, and cultural artifacts, giving tourists the chance to take home a piece of Ghanaian culture.
Music is not left out of the festival, some of Ghana’s favourite musicians often mount stage to perform some of their hit songs.
Impact of Chale Wote
The Chale Wote Festival has given countless artists a stage to showcase their creativity and brought a sense of unity and pride to Ghana’s creative community.
Going beyond that, the festival has also boosted cultural tourism, bringing in tourists from across the world who want to experience the art, history, and community spirit.
Meanwhile, watch the trailer for GhanaWeb’s upcoming documentary on teenage girls and how fish is stealing their futures below:
AK/EB
