CEO of Ceejay Multimedia, and the brain behind the famous Ghana ‘Akwaaba’ frame, Mr. Joseph Osae, is set to unveil a new face for the frame after twenty years.
The event which will take place at the National Theatre will see Mr. Joseph Osae, unveiling the new and “iconic” image to replace the old frame that captured Angelina Nana Akua Oduro. The event is expected to take place on February 14, 2021, where the frames with the new image will be presented to various institutions including, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The ‘Akwaaba’ photo is one of the most iconic emblems in Ghana and is seen in various homes, offices, arts and craft centers across the country. It even became the unofficial national photo conveying the ‘Akwaaba’ message, to welcome visitors and tourists into Ghana.
Story Behind the ‘Akwaaba’ Frame
The story behind the photo which gained fame in the late ’90s is one to talk about since a photograph that was meant for private use became a national symbol of welcoming guests to Ghana, and some countries abroad.
Ms. Angelina Nana Akua Oduro, whose image was used for the famous frame, shared the story of how something which started as a usual photoshoot for a portrait to be placed in the hall of her family’s room, and her album, surprisingly ended up becoming a “national project”.
Describing into detail how the concept of the ‘Akwaaba’ photo, came about, she disclosed that her mother used to send her to buy Kenkey around their home, and there, she always chanced on a particular photograph of a lady pouring palm wine and leaning on a wall at a drinking bar. According to Ms. Oduro, due to her fashion background, she appreciated the art and wanted to recreate something similar.
Ms. Oduro then shared the story with a photographer friend who later linked her to another photographer, Mr.Joseph Osae.
“We then went to Makola and other places where necklaces, bangles, clothes, and pots among others were sold to facilitate the photoshoot. Afterward, we went to Mr.Joe Osae at Ceejay multimedia at Lapaz”.
Ms Oduro
Ms. Oduro revealed that they decided to take the photos at various locations including a studio in Osu and the beach. They later settled and selected the best ones and the best one among all was framed and designed. That was when the image started gaining fame.
“Later other people started showing interest, so Mr.Osae told me and started selling it, and at times gave me some proceeds, even though it was not on a large scale”.
Ms Oduro
Suddenly, Ms. Oduro’s picture was everywhere. It ended up at various places being used on calendars, bags, dresses, gift items, among other artifacts.
Even though the photograph was circulating, her father was not happy about it considering the spiritual implication which could follow, Ms. Oduro disclosed. However, after several talks, her father was convinced about the positive aspect of what was happening and he understood.
“There were times some friends who have traveled would inform me about where they have found my portrait, which made me excited. If I look back, I feel I have marketed Ghana with my image”.
Ms Oduro
It is worth mentioning that Ms. Oduro, took the iconic photograph in 1999 at age 18, however, the image was not copyrighted, therefore she did not receive any royalties from the commercialization of her image.
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