Blackstar Experience forges historic cultural partnership with South Africa's National Arts Council
To deepen the cultural significance of Blackstar Experience, the secretariat, led by Chief Executive Officer, Rex Owusu Marfo, popularly known as Rex Omar, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Arts Council of South Africa (NACSA).
The agreement between the Blackstar Experience Secretariat (BSE) and NACSA, which took place at the latter’s headquarters in Johannesburg, is equally aimed at creating opportunities within the creative industries of both countries.
Rex Owusu Marfo represented Ghana while Julie Diphofa, Acting CEO of NACSA, signed on behalf of South Africa.
The partnership will focus on cultural and creative exchange programmes, heritage preservation, arts education, institutional exchanges, residencies, internships, training, and joint research and development projects.
Through the MoU, South African creatives will gain access to major Ghanaian cultural platforms including Creatives Connect Afrika, Afro Future, Tidal Rave Ghana, Beyond The Return and the Telecel Ghana Music Awards. These events, celebrated across West Africa and the diaspora, open doors to a combined market of over 460 million people.
At the signing ceremony, Mr Marfo, who also serves as a Presidential Staffer and Black Star Experience Coordinator, emphasised the importance of the collaboration.
“This is more than an agreement, it is a bridge between Ghana and South Africa, and by extension, between West and Southern Africa. Our nations share deep historical bonds. Ghana, as the first sub-Saharan African country to gain independence, and South Africa, whose liberation struggle inspired the world, have always stood as beacons of resilience, creativity, and leadership on the continent. It is only fitting that we formalise cooperation in a sector that speaks to the soul of our people, Arts and Culture.
“Through this partnership, the BSE aims to promote cultural and creative exchanges that allow our artists to learn from one another, showcase their work across borders, and inspire future generations,” he stated.
He said the collaboration will preserve shared heritage, strengthen arts education, support institutional development, and drive research and innovation to position Ghana and South Africa's creative industries at the heart of Africa's development agenda.
The Ghanaian delegation on the trip included Mrs Charlotte Djan of the Ghana High Commission in South Africa; Mr Kofi Okyere Darko, Director at the Office of the President in charge of Diaspora Affairs; Mr Gilbert Abeiku Aggrey, Deputy CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority; Ms Annabelle McKenzie, Director of the Beyond the Return Secretariat; Mr William Ahadzi, Regional Director (Upper East) of the Ghana Tourism Authority, and Mr Matthew Mensah, Chief Liaison Officer of the BSE.
NACSA Acting CEO, Ms Diphofa, described the MoU as a milestone for the continent’s creative ecosystem. “As two leading nations in arts and culture, we are proud to join hands with Ghana to strengthen cultural diplomacy and enhance opportunities for creatives on the continent.”
Ghana officially launched “The Black Star Experience” on Thursday, May 1, 2025 at a high-profile event held in Accra, marking a transformative new chapter in the country’s cultural and economic development.
The initiative is designed to position Ghana as Africa’s cultural and creative epicenter through an ambitious year-round showcase of festivals, art, music, fashion, cuisine, film, and heritage.
The ceremony, graced by a cross-section of dignitaries, creatives, and international media, had His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana, delivering a keynote address including his government’s vision to use the initiative to drive development to Ghana’s creative space.
