On Saturday 23rd October 2021, Ghanaian musicians, Wiyaala and the Patchbay Band put up a history-making show at Burj Park in Downtown Dubai at the maiden edition of the All Africa Festival, an event created by Nina Olatoke and supported by Emaar Dubai promoting African culture as a global conversation.
In the shadow of the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, what better advocate for Africa can there be than Wiyaala, who opened her set with her signature tune “Tinambanyi”, a song which foretells the rise of the under-appreciated.
This was followed by “Siiko ” which speaks of African tradition in conflict with modern ways and urges the people of Africa not to lose sight of their roots and identity. In “People Don’t Stop”, Wiyaala was again on message urging her people to keep fighting for their dreams. The finale was her hit song “Yaga Yaga” which had the audience enthusiastically joining her in a call and response.
The power of the performance was made possible by the skilled musicians of Patchbay who were on top of their game, revelling in the charisma, vocal power and athleticism of the lady who for good reason is also known as the Lioness of Africa.
Watch Wiyaala in Dubai here:
What is the All AFRICA FESTIVAL (AFF)
Africa is more than a place; it is in the heart, minds and souls of the people. The event focuses on bringing this cultural experience to life through music, entertainment, fashion, art, food and many other cultural expressions. The mission is to showcase the vibrant energy, beauty, culture and diversity of Africa in all her expressions.
To introduce Africa to the African and the rest of the world. The festival is partnered by EMAAR, one of the largest real estate developers in the UAE known for various large-scale projects such as developing Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, Ojamea, West Blue Consulting, UAE Africa Networking Group, Kiza and Narratives PR UAE.
Elorm Beenie is an experienced Public Relations Officer and Author with a demonstrated history of working in the music industry.
He holds an enviable record of working directly and running PR jobs for both international and local artistes; notable among his huge repertoire of artistes worked with are Morgan Heritage (Grammy Winners), Rocky Dawuni (Grammy Nominee, 2015), Samini (MOBO Winner - 2006, MTV Awards Africa Winner - 2009) and Stonebwoy (BET Best African Act Winner - 2015). Other mainstream artistes of great repute he has worked with are Kaakie, Kofi Kinaata, Teephlow, (just to name a few), who have all won multiple awards under Vodafone GHANA Music Awards (VGMAs).
Elorm Beenie has done PR & road jobs for Sizzla, Jah Mason, Busy Signal, Kiprich, Anthony B, Demarco, Turbulence, Popcaan, Jah Vinci & Morgan Heritage who came to Ghana for concerts and other activities.
Elorm Beenie has done countless activations for artistes and has coordinated dozens of events both locally and internationally. He deeply understands the rudiments of the industry.
His passion for the profession is enormous. Aside his PR duties, he also stands tall as one of the few bloggers who breakout first hand credible and also dig out substantial information relating to the arts & industry. He is quite visible in the industry and very influential on social media, which to his advantage, has gunned a massive following for him on social media as well as in real life.
He is a strong media and communication professional skilled in Coaching, Strategic Planning, and Event Management.
He's very transparent on issues around the art industry.