Plans have been finalised for the inaugural Hola Accra Music Festival, an international cultural event set to take place on April 24, 2026, at the historic Ussher Fort.
The festival is being spearheaded by the Spanish Embassy in Ghana in collaboration with the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA), and is positioned as a cultural diplomacy initiative aimed at strengthening artistic collaboration between Ghana and Spain while promoting tourism.
Endorsed by the Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru VII, the event seeks to blend Spanish fiesta traditions with Ghanaian musical heritage, creating a platform for cross-cultural exchange through music.
“I am glad a project that showcases the rich musical heritage of both Ghana and Spain is slated for Accra. Cultural cooperation is a major factor in bringing countries together”
King Tackie Teiko Tsuru VII, Ga Mantse
The Hola Accra Music Festival is expected to bring together a diverse lineup of performers from both countries, reinforcing its objective of fostering collaboration and mutual appreciation of artistic traditions.
The event will be headlined by Spanish band Mucho Mungo, alongside Ghanaian acts including Lipstick Queens, Akablay’s Abiza Band and Hyskuul Band led by Dan Grahl.
Speaking on the significance of the collaboration, Bessa Simons, President of MUSIGA, highlighted the broader impact such engagements can have on the music industry.
“When musicians from different backgrounds meet, they learn from each other and gain insight into what is happening somewhere. This engagement will help to promote Ghanaian music internationally while bringing global sounds to local audiences”
Bessa Simons, President of the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA)
The festival is expected to serve as a platform for knowledge exchange, creative synergy and international exposure for Ghanaian artistes.
Artistes Anticipate Live Experience
Performing acts have also expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming event and the opportunity to connect with audiences in a historic setting.
Reflecting on the performance, Vida ‘Manye 1’ Ofoli of the Lipstick Queens shared her expectations ahead of the show.
“We love playing music. People who come to hear us often get affected by the vim we display on stage and we all flow along beautifully.”
Vida ‘Manye 1’ Ofoli,Lipstick Queens
The inclusion of both local and international performers underscores the festival’s aim of creating a dynamic live music experience that resonates with diverse audiences.
Headlining act Mucho Mungo is a garage-psych and progressive rock trio based in Madrid, Spain. Formed in 2017, the band consists of Marco Gonzalez Perez (guitar/vocals), Santiago Aguilera Velasco (drums) and Adrien Elbaz (bass).
Known for their raw and improvisational sound, the group draws influence from psychedelic rock spanning the late 1960s to contemporary styles, making them a fitting addition to a festival centered on cultural fusion and musical experimentation.
Strengthening Cultural Diplomacy
Organisers, including the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), have confirmed that the event will run from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM and is expected to become an annual fixture in Ghana’s entertainment calendar.
The Spanish Ambassador to Ghana, Angel Lossada Torres-Quevedo, described the festival as a significant step in deepening ties between the two countries.
He noted that the initiative represents a “bold step in strengthening cultural diplomacy between the two nations,” adding that it offers a platform for the “effective expression of artistic talent” from both Ghana and Spain.
The Hola Accra Music Festival has also attracted support from several corporate and institutional partners, reflecting confidence in its potential impact.
Sponsors for the event include Coca-Cola, La Liga EA Sports, SuperSport, GB Foods Ghana, Tele Beer, the Ga State and the Ghana Tourism Authority.
The partnership between diplomatic, cultural and corporate institutions signals a growing recognition of the role of music and the arts in driving tourism, cultural exchange and economic activity.
As anticipation builds, the festival is expected to draw music enthusiasts, tourists and industry stakeholders, positioning Accra as a hub for international cultural collaboration.
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