On March 9, 2024, The Anthem in the city’s Southwest Waterfront neighborhood hosted the Rolling Cocoa Music Festival, a music and cultural event with a focus on the West African nation, Ghana.
The festival seeks to present Ghanaian talent at the highest levels on international platforms. The inaugural Rolling Cocoa Music Festival was a perfectly timed event that brought the energy of West Africa to America’s capital, coinciding with the Ghanaian Independence Weekend this year.
The first-ever Rolling Cocoa festival follows Ghana’s 67-year separation from colonial rule. This important date, which is observed on March 6th every year, symbolizes Ghana’s independence as well as a pivotal moment in history for other colonized African nations.
The Line Up
Among the star-studded lineup of Rolling Cocoa’s inaugural festival were Ghana’s rising chart-topping artistes, Stonebwoy and Black Sherif. In addition, R2bees, KiDi, Kwesi Arthur, Camidoh, Efya, S3fa, Kwasi Beast, Kappacinco, and Incredible Zigi were on the performance roster.
Osita “Duke” Ugeh, CEO of entertainment company Duke Concept and Rolling Cocoa’s festival producer, assured attendees of being culturally immersed during the one-night celebration.
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“We are thrilled to bring the spirit of Ghana to the heart of D.C. through Rolling Cocoa. This event goes beyond being a mere concert. It embodies a celebration of Ghanaian culture, a night fostering unity, offering festival goers an opportunity to resonate with the essence of Ghanaian heritage through music,” Ugeh shared in a press release.
In addition to the Saturday event, the Rolling Cocoa Festival offered a four-day program of nighttime entertainment, starting on Thursday, March 7, with the Akwaaba Welcome Party and ending on Friday, March 8, with the Touch of Kente party.
Additionally, there was an official afterparty on Saturday night for those who wanted to continue the party after the festival ended. With festivities continuing until dawn, the Taste of Ghana Brunch Party necessitated a pre-nap to cap off the weekend-long celebration in true D.C. style.