Cultural Diversity Shines at Mama Money Ghana Fest’s 10th Anniversary in Tshwane.
Tshwane recently experienced a vibrant cultural event at Fountains Valley, where scores of people from diverse backgrounds attended the Mama Money Ghana Fest SA.
The festival brought together people from all walks of life, offering a unique platform for Africans to enjoy music and learn about other African cultures and their values.
Speaking to Tshwane Bulletin LIVE in an exclusive interview, founder and organiser Mavis Anim Mensah-Pah explained that Mama Money Ghana Fest South Africa serves as a cultural exchange showcasing Ghanaian traditions to the diaspora. “It’s a platform to experience Ghanaian culture, including the food, the people, and the beautiful music,” she said.
“Today marks the 10th anniversary of this flagship event. It’s a great day to meet new people and immerse yourself in the rich culture of Ghana. This is the type of event we envisioned, especially during Heritage Month,” she added.
“For the past 10 years, Mama Money Ghana Fest has provided a space for people to connect, exchange cultures, and experience the vibrant artistry and hospitality of Ghana. There hasn’t been a platform like this where we can celebrate such a cultural fusion,” she continued.
During the event, Ndebele cultural dancers, along with other cultural groups, entertained the audience with live performances.
“Mama Money Ghana Fest isn’t limited to South Africa. It started globally, with events in Germany, and the UK where they hosted their last festival. I thought, why not bring it to South Africa as well? There are Ghanaians all over the world, and it’s important to have a festival like this here,” she noted.
“There are many Ghanaians residing in South Africa, so this festival creates an opportunity for a cultural exchange, inviting the diaspora to experience our traditions,” Mensah-Pah added.
Reflecting on the 10-year journey, she acknowledged the challenges faced when organising such events. “There were many hurdles along the way. September is a rainy month, and there have been years when heavy rain disrupted our performances, even preventing our headline artists from performing.
“We also faced Visa challenges for artists, with delays preventing some of them from arriving. And, of course, funding is always an issue. Securing sponsors and paying for certain aspects of the event can be difficult,” she explained.
“Previously, we held the event at Magnolia Dell Park, but due to noise complaints from neighbours, we moved to a bigger venue at a nature reserve where restrictions are fewer,” she said.
The crowd was entertained by King Paluta, the recent winner of the Ghana European Music Award and one of Ghana’s hottest new artists, along with several local performers.
Mavis Anim Mensah-Pah concluded the interview by expressing her gratitude to the many sponsors who supported Ghana Fest SA.
