This Saturday April 26, 2025, the exciting rhythms of Ghanaian superstar Wiyaala and her Slovenian band, The Yaga Yagas, will thrill the Jazz & World Music Festival at the Alliance Française Accra. Organized by Alliance Française and sponsored by Société Générale, this event promises a night of cross-cultural musical brilliance, celebrating the fusion of West African folk, Afro-pop and jazz. Wiyaala’s return to this prestigious stage, alongside international acts like Senegal’s Alune Wade and Kenya’s Christine Kamau, underscores her status as a global ambassador of Ghanaian culture.
Wiyaala, born Noella Wiyaala Nwadei in Wa, Upper West Region, has captivated audiences worldwide with her powerful voice and dynamic stage presence. Known as the “Lioness of Africa,” the charismatic singer-songwriter blends traditional Sissala and Waala melodies with modern Afro-pop, delivering socially conscious lyrics that resonate deeply.
Since 2019, she has collaborated with The Yaga Yagas—Miha Petric (guitar), Nejc Škofic (keyboards), Jošt Lampret (bass), and Žiga Kožar (drums)—a Slovenian jazz-fusion quartet she met in 2019 during a performance in Ljubljana for Africa Day. Their one hour set will showcase their seamless blend of Ghanaian rhythms and jazzy grooves, a sound sure to set the festival alight.
This performance is more than a concert; it celebrates cultural exchange. Wiyaala’s partnership with The Yaga Yagas began after a chance meeting in Slovenia, evolving into a musical synergy that transcends borders. “Working with The Yaga Yagas feels like home,” Wiyaala shared in a recent interview. “Their jazz energy complements my African roots, creating something fresh and universal.”
Their set at the festival will feature tracks from their upcoming album “Segerege” alongside Wiyaala’s hits like “Rock My Body” and “Village Sex,” promising an unforgettable experience for Accra’s music lovers. The Jazz & World Music Festival, culminating in International Jazz Day activities, highlights Ghana’s cultural calendar. Alliance Française Accra, a hub for artistic dialogue, provides the perfect stage for Wiyaala’s vision. Her previous concerts at the venue have drawn rave reviews for their energy and authenticity, with popular music critic Arnold Asamoah-Baidoo enthusing at the 2018 Lioness Concert that Wiyaala had “No Challenger! Wiyaala is Ghana’s best live performer”.
This year, with Société Générale’s support, the festival elevates its global appeal, enabling Wiyaala to bring her international band to Ghana’s shores. For Wiyaala, this event is personal. A proud advocate for Northern Ghana, she often weaves her heritage into her music, singing in Sissala, Waala, and English. Her performances are a platform to uplift local talent, as seen in past Accra shows where she featured artists like Isaac Birituro and Stevo Atimbire. Through initiatives like the Yaga Yaga Talent Show, the Wiyaala Arts Centre in Funsi, she nurtures young musicians, ensuring her legacy extends beyond the stage. Bringing The Yaga Yagas to Ghana is a testament to her mission of bridging cultures while showcasing the Upper West’s vibrant spirit.
As Wiyaala and The Yaga Yagas prepare to take the stage, anticipation is high. Their performance will not only highlight Ghana’s rich musical heritage but also demonstrate the power of global collaboration. Fans can expect a night of soul-stirring melodies, infectious rhythms, and Wiyaala’s signature charisma, all set against the backdrop of Alliance Française’s open-air venue.
Don’t miss this upliftinging celebration of music and culture. Join Wiyaala and The Yaga Yagas on April 26, 2025, at the Jazz & World Music Festival in Accra. For tickets and updates, visit Alliance Française Accra’s official channels.
(Source: Pulung TV Staff Writer)
