Chale Wote festival - an overview

Since 2011, a festival that has brought together art, music, dance and performance out into the streets has enriched the Ghanaian cultural scene. Interestingly dubbed ‘Chale wote’, this year’s version took place two weekends ago at the Ga Mashie area centering on the Light House and Usher Fort prison.

'Chale wote' targets interactions between local and international artists, and my, are they many!  If you ask me it is an open air celebration where folks from different backgrounds create and enjoy art together.

And when we say art we mean in all forms. Mention it and you’d find it out there. This includes street painting, graffiti murals, photography, theater, spoken word, interactive art installations, live street performances, extreme sports, film shows, a fashion parade, a music block party and much more. 

So big is the carnival that for some editions (2013 and 2014) Chale Wote run for two continuous days. The event is organised by Accra dot Alt Radio, with support from other local cultural networks like Attukwei Art Foundation, Foundation for Contemporary Art Ghana, Dr. Monk, Redd Kat Pictures and the Institut français.

Thing with the fiesta is that at every distance and turn one is enchanted by one art performance or another. And many are the very best that we have in their chosen field. Another feature is the art processes that take place. One finds artists painting on the srteet or designers in the process of making clothes out of textiles. 

While cyclists were showing off breathtaking antics, stilt walkers pass way above you and you wonder how they are going to get off those tall poles. While you are at it, masqueraders pass you by in a procession. Meanwhile, the entire atmosphere is soaked in music. If this is not from stereo players then it is sound being produced live. This is where I have a little challenge. The noise level was too much. Some silence is also needed to appreciate visual beauty. Maybe organisers could think of creating some quiet enclaves within the creative space.  

Costume was most interesting. And this goes both for t performers as well as patrons. It was a big outdooring of the craziest and most eye-catching outfits. Fashion sense was really on display. What I like most was that the dressings were all local or African. Folks did all sorts of styles with all sorts of fabrics. The accessories were equally impressive. I saw for instance, hair styles that I hadn’t seen in ages. 

Flowing from the above, another big plus was the big boost to local handicraft sector. Various colourful artifacts were on sale. ‘Made in Ghana’ is thus the winner. 

Could there be special areas for children or kiddy activity? I don’t know. Maybe organisers could look into that. As things stand those with kids had to drag them along in the melee. 

Refreshment was varied and in abundance. Beverages included fruit drinks, smoothies and minerals. Alcoholic beverages were also available for sale and people really did justice to them. The grills were also there for meat lovers. The problem with refreshment at Chale Wote is where to sit. Sitting areas were either too small or not convenient.

I saw a good presence of policemen which is a good assurance. I was also satisfied with other emergency arrangements. I saw at least two ambulance vans. With the kinds of crazy displays including gymnastics and skating one needed their presence. Traffic control was cool. It’s a great idea that streets were closed

Currently, it is placed to come after the Homowo festival and I think that is still fine. A proposal worth considering is to catalogue the locations or venues of various events and displays. This could be mapped out on posters or signpost or even shared ahead. If possible some of the shops and sheds could be labelled. This would make it easier for patrons to select and visit exhibitions they want to see and not have to mill through the maze of people in search of one thing or another.  

In its 5th year one would think this festival would have inspired similar events across the country. A few regions have tried something but it’s nothing to write home about.  

Let’s hope they would step things up as there is so much other regions can offer in terms of art and culture. Surely Chale wote  has come to spice up the cultural calendar in Ghana’s capital.

kofiakpabli@yahoo.com

The writer is a Communication and Tourism Specialist. Books he has authored include ‘Romancing Ghanaland- the Beauty of Ten Regions’, Tickling the Ghanaian-Encounters with Contemporary Culture & ‘Harmattan- a Cultural Profile of Northern Ghana.’