What happens when you combine a lush botanical garden filled with over a century of colourful floral heritage with healthy food, drinks, uplifting, presentations, natural care products and of course international caliber sound from some of the nation’s finest live musicians?
Well this was exactly the ambience enjoyed by hundreds of health enthusiasts, Pan Africanists and music lovers last weekend at Aburi.
To crown the 3rd edition of the annual event sponsored by New Body Products, the world’s most renowned Pan African poet Mutabaruka was welcomed on the world class stage assembled with trumpet blasts and thunderous applause which was followed by pin drop silence as his wise words and reflections permeated the minds of the enthusiastic gathering.
A powerful marathon of live performances from local stars like the “Reggae Rising Crew” consisting of Dr. Knii Lante, Osagyefo, Jahwi, Yasmeen Helwani, Fiifi Selah all backed by the powerful Big Hills Band. Opoku Mensah ace keyboardist who recently won two accolades for best African Pianist and live Recorded Music at the recent MIA Awards held in Cotonou, Benin and Dubai UAE thrilled the audience with his mastery of the black & white keys.
The ever enchanting Elivava who can best be described as a potential Angelique Kidjoe held the audience spellbound with her performance of her Afro beat tracks which were accentuated by her colourful and original outfit complete with hanging calabashes.
Star radio and TV host, Jon Germain who happens to be a vegetarian from birth serenaded the audience backed by the sweet melodies plucked by his talented guitarist.
There was no denying that one of the highlights of the evenings performance was a special performance by the 25 piece “Odada Band” from Elmina in the Central region whose stage presence drew the crowds out of the corners and bushes into the fore front of the stage.
Their rich old school 70’s style soul and liberation sound was right on point for most. Empress Lomo of Radio Gold and Edwin Baffour of Drum & Gong shared the role of mastering the ceremony with finesse.
A host of upcoming music talents like Konkarrah, Ras Sweet and JahWhyz also graced the stage together with poetry from the likes of True I whose “Obibini” poem raised goose bumps on many as the mist travelled through the garden like an assembly of ancient spirits.
Dr. Aris Latham, founder of the Sun Fired Culinary Institute in Panama on Friday February 12 was the Guest of Honour at the opening ceremony held at Nubuke Foundation in East Legon. He is a world renowned raw food vegetarian Chef and is recognized as the “Father” of the raw food movement in North America.
He prepared a most delicious buffet of raw fruits and vegetables presented gourmet style. Dishes ranged from broccolli “spare the ribs” coated with marinara sauce, Egusi cauliflower nuggets with onion rings and cashew cheese, Okro stew, African nut meat made from sunflower seeds, almonds and beetroot and much more.
Any pleasurable dining experience is topped with a worthy desert and Dr. Aris whipped up three fresh fruit pies with coconut and date crusts which blew away the senses of the guests as the essence of the theme – “High Frequency Living” took on a more meaningful posture.
Often taken for granted, the African family needs to pay greater attention to its diet which is causing all sorts of avoidable disease which in turn are contributing to the mental, spiritual and physical retardation of our progressive objectives.
The “African Culture and Wellness Festival” a.k.a. ACAWF was created by Dr. Sharita Yazid, Naturopath, New Body Products Ghana Chief Operating Officer and a repatriate to Africa. CKLS the world renowned colon cleanser is the flagship product.
She said “I am grateful that two international titans in their respective fields could come to Ghana to support the initiative. ACAWF has taken the lead in creating a platform that will help educate, empower, and heal Africans on the continent and the Diasporas”.
During the day on Saturday the African Market Place displayed Cultural Arts, Books, Music, and Fashion while The Healers Village provided a tranquil place where participant stopped by to receive healing services like massage, reflexology, Reiki. There was a Natural African Beauty Expo and a Special Vegan All Stars Food Court kept churning out plate after plate as the plantbased foods were ordered all day.
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