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By Opesika Tetteh Puplampu

Big Ada, Dec. 16, GNA – Four Ghanaians, including three visual artists and a skilled drummer, will take part in an international art show in Canada through a partnership between the Alkebulan Heritage Centre in Big Ada and the Royal Rose Gallery in Canada.

The musicians include Mr. Nicholas Tettey Wayo, Mr. Tabi Crentsil, Mr. George Amui, and the renowned drummer Mr. Darkwah Kwesi Kyei.

The organizers mentioned that the Canadian showcase aimed to increase global recognition of Ghanaian modern art and enhance cultural understanding, while offering artists chances to connect with international collectors, curators, and organizations.

The organizers, backed by the Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) for Aurora and Newmarket, Ms. Dawn Gallagher-Murphy, mentioned that the project aimed to enhance the abilities of local artists and establish lasting platforms for presenting Ghanaian artistic expressions to international audiences, while promoting social, economic, and cultural skills among young people.

Mr. Nicholas Tettey Wayo, widely referred to as Nico Wayo, is a globally acclaimed artist hailing from Dodowa in the Greater Accra Region, renowned for his expertise in sign painting, fine art portraits, realism, surrealism, murals, and recycled artwork.

His large-scale paintings frequently acted as social critiques, highlighting daily experiences, political issues, and Ghana’s financial environment.

A self-taught artist, Mr Wayo started drawing when he was eight years old and later received short-term training in 1996 with Mr Okyere, creating movie posters in the Hollywood style and commercial signs. His artwork has been displayed both locally and globally, including at the Du Bois Centre, Goethe-Institute, Nubuke Foundation, and galleries in Italy, Japan, Scotland, and the United States.

Mr. Wayo, who is also the founder and Chief Executive Officer of NicoWayo Art and Adverts, is additionally part of the Afuabe Collective, Chale Wote Street Art Festival, and the Foundation for Contemporary Art. He mentors youth through Nima Muhinmanchi Art and works as a muralist with the Creative Action Institute.

He informed the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that art has a powerful impact on society, emphasizing that national progress cannot be attained without creative expression.

Mr. George Amui is a modern artist, renowned for his dynamic and emotionally charged paintings, murals, and graffiti. His work features striking acrylic colors and delves into themes such as human feelings, interpersonal connections, marriage, and the concept of birth.

Mr. Amui, who initially pursued electrical engineering before fully dedicating himself to art under the guidance of Mr. Wayo, has had his artworks displayed at the Govinda Art Gallery located at the Alkebulan Heritage Centre and has participated in significant mural projects throughout the nation.

On the other hand, Mr. Tabi Crentsil, a modern visual artist with more than twenty years of experience, employs acrylic painting to delve into themes of memory, identity, transformation, and collective heritage using semi-abstract shapes and dynamic textures.

In addition to painting, Mr Crentsil serves as a mentor, leads workshops, and produces media content, utilizing art as a means for narrative expression, recovery, and learning.

His work includes fine art, murals, illustration, and casual art education, focusing on bringing art to people outside traditional gallery settings.

His artwork has been showcased at locations such as the Labadi Beach Hotel, Sankofa Gallery, Tiga Art Gallery, and Temple Fine Art in the United Kingdom.

Master drummer and dancer Mr. Darkwah Kwesi Kyei, recognized as an award-winning artist, is also featured in the exhibition. He has performed throughout Europe, Asia, and various African nations for over thirty years and was previously named Ghana’s Best Dancer.

He went back to Ghana to work as a resident instructor at the Alkebulan Heritage Centre, where he remains dedicated to advancing traditional music and dance.

GNA

16 Dec 2025

Edited by Laudia Anyorkor Nunoo/Kenneth Odeng Adade