Stories and facts
The name "Chale Wote" is a combination of two Ghanaian colloquial terms: "Chale," a term of endearment among friends, and "Wote," which means "let's go" in the Ga language spoken by the indigenous Ga people of Accra. Celebrated in August, right after the Homowo Festival, this festival is a colourful celebration of African arts and culture.
The festival was founded in 2011 by Mantse Aryeequaye and Sionne Neely, two creative minds from Accra who drew inspiration from similar street art events around the world. Their vision was to establish a platform that would unite artists, musicians, performers, and the local community to showcase their talents and celebrate artistic expression.
Chale Wote has become a showcase for diverse creative expressions, including street painting, graffiti murals, photography, theatre, spoken word, interactive art installations, live street performances, extreme sports, film screenings, a fashion parade, and recyclable design workshops, among others. This groundbreaking festival was the first of its kind in Accra, Ghana, and has since inspired similar events throughout the country.
Over the years, Chale Wote has expanded its scope. Initially, it spanned a single day, but it later extended to two days in 2013 and 2014, taking place in September and August, respectively, with the latter coinciding a week after the Homowo festival in historic Jamestown, Accra. In 2016, the festival underwent a significant transformation, stretching to a full week from August 18 to 21. This new approach allowed the festival to utilize various art spaces beyond Jamestown, including the Nubuke Foundation, the Museum of Science and Technology, and even film screenings at the Movenpick Ambassador Hotel. The extended format continued in the 7th edition, titled Wata Mata, reaching further into Accra and touching areas like Nima and Osu.
A standout feature of the festival is the "Labadi Float Parade," where people dress in elaborate costumes and joyously parade through the streets, accompanied by music and dance. The vibrant and colourful procession adds to the festive atmosphere, drawing both locals and tourists.
Radio plays a central role in the festival's production, supported by local cultural networks like Attukwei Art Foundation, Foundation for Contemporary Art Ghana, Dr Monk, Redd Kat Pictures, and the Institut français in Ghana.
Artists from Ghana and around the world are invited to participate, using their works to explore themes related to African identity, social issues, history, and contemporary life. Chale Wote serves as a platform for artists to freely express themselves, promoting cultural exchange and dialogue between diverse communities.
Chale Wote Street Art Festival is a vibrant and transformative event that breaks down barriers between art and the public, providing a unique opportunity for creative exchange and the celebration of artistic expression in the heart of Accra's streets and neighbourhoods.
