On September 2, 2024, Kuchoko reggae icon and media personality Ahmed Abubakar, popularly known as Blakk Rasta, launched the “Ghana Patriotism Festival” in a historic event held at the Executive Theatre of TV3 in Accra.
The occasion also marked Blakk Rasta’s 50th birthday, which was on September 2, 1974, in Tamale.
The festival aims to foster patriotism among Ghanaians, a value Blakk Rasta believes is crucial for addressing the country’s myriad challenges.
In his address, he emphasized that many of Ghana’s problems and broader issues facing Africa stem from a lack of national love and commitment.
Blakk Rasta stated, “All these issues of corruption, financial misconduct, ethnocentrism, political violence, misappropriation of state resources, galamsey, and indiscipline are due to a lack of patriotism. Lack of patriotism has brought us backwards, and we must address it.”
He also shared his experiences with opposition from some school authorities during his previous efforts to promote patriotism, attributing it to ethnocentrism and a lack of understanding of the concept.
The Ghana Patriotism Festival will continue with events, starting with an Executive concert and a listening session for Blakk Rasta’s new album, Salga Soljah, scheduled for October 1, 2024.
This will be followed by the Patriotism Summit on October 10, which will engage political parties and stakeholders to promote a peaceful election.
The festival will culminate in the Kuchoko Peace Concert on October 12 at La Pleasure Beach.
Blakk Rasta’s initiative instils national pride and unity, underlining the festival’s theme: “Patriotism is not a Choice.”
