Okyeame Kwame (2L) and other panellists from the soiree
The AfroTalks Media Soirée, held on May 1 at the majestic Chateau Nana Willine Hotel in Accra, became a moment of cultural ignition as celebrated Ghanaian musician and activist Okyeame Kwame delivered a rousing call for Africans to reclaim their heritage and redefine their future.
The soirée, attended by young African Dreamers, creatives, media practitioners, and changemakers, served as a prelude to the upcoming AfroTalks main event, which is slated for May 24, 2025, at the University of Ghana School of Law Auditorium.
In a panel discussion moderated by award-winning poet and AfroTalks team member Adatsi Brownson, Okyeame Kwame was joined by fellow panellists Bright Tenbil (AfroTalks team lead), Emmaline Datey (Founder of ICS Africa), and Diallo Sumbry (CEO of The Adinkra Group and AfroTalks Advisory Board Member).
Each panellist brought rich insights and lived experiences to the table, painting a vivid picture of African excellence and possibility.
Okyeame Kwame, known for his consistent advocacy for Ghanaian culture, arts, and economic independence, delivered a passionate reflection on identity and nationhood.
“We cannot continue to outsource the telling of our stories,” he stated. “Africa must be loud, bold, and intentional about who we are and where we’re going.”
Diallo Sumbry, a leading voice in diaspora engagement and cultural tourism, spoke on the importance of sustainable reconnections between Africa and its diaspora and how we can start by changing the minds and hearts of people in communities.
“The African dream isn’t just a dream but a call to start from identity; it is a moment for us to reclaim our identity and belong properly,” he noted, encouraging Africans at home and abroad to invest in cultural continuity.
Equally compelling was Emmaline Datey, who emphasized the role of Africa in shaping leadership narratives and being intentional about achieving the African Dream.
“We must stop waiting to be included and start owning the spaces we create,” she said, stirring applause from attendees.
Bright Tenbil, representing the core AfroTalks team, highlighted the need for youth-driven dialogue and generational responsibility.
“We can’t wait for others to build Africa for us. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for,” he remarked.
The evening unfolded in an atmosphere of deep pride, as the Chateau Nana Willine Hotel, known for its unapologetically African aesthetic and ethos, framed the conversations perfectly.
The message was clear: the time to build, connect, and elevate Africa’s voice is now.
AfroTalks 2025, scheduled for May 24, promises a deeper dive into the issues and ideas shaping modern Africa.
With a lineup of visionary speakers across sectors, the event will be a convergence of thought, story, and strategy.
