Get ready for the return of the next edition of the Free Community Street Party! Ako Adjei- LiT Up!

Date: Friday 27th September
Location: Koi Street, Osu, Accra
Time: 6pm -12am

In this episode I speak with Maku a renowned visual artist whose work pushes the boundaries of traditional art, creating pieces that are as jarring as they are captivating. As a multidisciplinary artist, she's not only a painter but also a sculptor, creating organic, semi-abstract forms that engage the senses and invite viewers into a deeply personal space.

Maku shares her personal challenges, particularly her experience of moving to a new country and feeling a heightened sense of vulnerability and how that led to her powerful journey of self-discovery and resilience. Maku also speaks about her path to overcoming obstacles and finding her voice as an artist. She emphasizes the importance of pushing through adversity, embracing failure, and seizing opportunities to grow.

We also speak about her professional aspirations which include continuing to create sculptures and inspiring the next generation of artists in Ghana.

You can connect with Maku at https://www.instagram.com/makuazu/?hl=en

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In this episode I speak with Malian-American artist Penda Diakité who grew up between Mali, West Africa and Portland Oregon. Her mixed media artwork, comprises of a variety of painting techniques, paper collage, and hand engraving. She uses the vibrant colors and patterns of her Malian heritage with influences of her American upbringing to create pieces that reflect her experiences as a bicultural woman, exploring black feminine identity, concepts and traditions from the Malian culture, and how it all co-exists in our present day.

Penda shares her journey of finding her artistic voice, the importance of understanding the business side of art, including contracts, and the need to sometimes handle aspects of your career independently. She also delves into how traditional art forms and cultural history can enrich and give profound meaning to contemporary artwork.

Penda also speaks about preserving and celebrating the stories and traditions that often go unnoticed. She believes in the power of art to connect people with their heritage and to preserve the language of forgotten traditions.

You can connect with Penda at https://www.instagram.com/thebeautifulartist/

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In this episode I speak with Abdur Rahman Muhammad who is a contemporary artist who works and resides in Accra. He has been a practicing artist for over six years with his work exploring the impact that the high unemployment rate has had on Ghanaian youth, particularly through the lens of the overconsumption of Western cultural media.

Abdur captures in oil on canvas the stories of young men and women who brave perilous journeys for their dreams of a better life in the land of 'milk and honey.' He is a member of the Ghanaian art collective, Artemartis. His works have found their way to collectors. and exhibitions all over the world.


You can connect with Abdur at https://www.instagram.com/artofarm/

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In this episode i speak with Jojo Abdallah about his latest exhibition, PSY-TECH. Jojo is an artist whose paintings offer a dialogue between past and present, reality and fantasy. Ranging from Ga culture to the impacts of colonialism and modern governance. His work creates a blend of historical figures, places, and events, reimagined through a lens of fantasy that may seem nonsensical at first glance but reveals an underlying logic of how he perceives the world.

We delve into the special role that the Accra Psychiatric Hospital plays in Jojo’s life and work. Often seen through a stigmatized lens, the hospital is a cornerstone of Jojo’s creative journey and has provided a unique space for his artistic development.

This conversation explores how his work challenges, inspires, and transforms our understanding of art and mental health.

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In this episode, I speak with REWA, a remarkable artist whose work captures muses with gazes that invite and intimidate, drawing viewers into a regal, yet quietly commanding presence.

Born and raised between Nigeria and England, REWA's art reflects her hybrid upbringing, embodying the modern 'Afropolitan' woman—progressive, self-aware, and deeply rooted in Igbo traditions. Her bold figurative portraits are not just artistic expressions but historical chronicles that blend the old with the modern.

REWA's work transcends the typical boundaries of contemporary art, capturing the essence of Igbo culture and the evolution of Nigerian society. Her portraits explore themes of independence, tradition, and the dynamic roles of women celebrating the liberty of options.

As our second interview Rewa shares her recent collaboration with Usher, her upcoming solo exhibition on Otu Odu women of Onicha. She shares insights into her evolving artistic style, and exhibition preparation involving research and family interactions, as she emphasizes the importance of documenting African culture through visual arts. Rewa explores the tradition of Otu Odu women's membership and its significance in society.


You can connect with Rewa at https://www.instagram.com/artbyrewa/

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In this episode I speak with Amoako Boafo who is celebrated for his captivating portraits that honor and elevate Black figures, carving out a significant place for them in the tradition of portraiture.

As a prominent voice in the art of the African Diaspora, Amoako redefines how Black forms are perceived in a global context. His unique approach challenges traditional perspectives and invites a more nuanced appreciation of the subjects he portrays.

He shares his journey as a photographer in Rwanda and the impact of visual storytelling. Through programs like Learning for Change and Women's Eye, Jacques supports young creatives, offering opportunities to aspiring photographers and videographers. He also highlights Rwanda's growing creative scene and the importance of storytelling in society.


You can connect with Jacques at https://www.instagram.com/jack_yakubu1/

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