Aburi: Four Ghanaians, comprising three visual artists and a master drummer, are set to participate in an international art exhibition in Canada as part of a collaboration between the Alkebulan Heritage Centre in Big Ada and the Royal Rose Gallery in Canada.
According to Ghana News Agency, the artists, Mr Nicholas Tettey Wayo, Mr Tabi Crentsil, Mr George Amui, and master drummer Mr Darkwah Kwesi Kyei, are expected to broaden international visibility for Ghanaian contemporary art. This initiative aims to strengthen cross-cultural appreciation while providing opportunities for artists to engage with global collectors, curators, and institutions.
The organisers, with support from the Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) for Aurora and Newmarket, Ms Dawn Gallagher-Murphy, stated that the initiative seeks to build the capacity of local artists and create sustainable platforms to showcase Ghanaian creative works to global audiences. This effort is also intended to activate socio-economic and cultural skills among the youth.
Mr Nicholas Tettey Wayo, known as Nico Wayo, is an internationally recognised artist from Dodowa in the Greater Accra Region. His expertise spans sign painting, fine art portraits, realism, surrealism, murals, and upcycled creations. His murals often reflect social commentaries on everyday life, politics, and Ghana’s economic landscape. Mr Wayo has exhibited his work locally and internationally, including at the Du Bois Centre, Goethe-Institute, and galleries in Italy, Japan, Scotland, and the United States.
Mr George Amui, a contemporary painter, muralist, and graffiti artist, is known for his vibrant and emotionally expressive works executed in bold acrylic colours. His art explores themes of human emotion, relationships, marriage, and birth. Transitioning from a background in electrical engineering to art under Mr Wayo’s mentorship, Mr Amui has exhibited at the Govinda Art Gallery at the Alkebulan Heritage Centre and has contributed to major mural projects across the country.
Mr Tabi Crentsil, a contemporary visual artist with over two decades of experience, uses acrylic painting to explore themes of memory, identity, transition, and communal legacy through semi-abstract forms and expressive textures. Beyond painting, Mr Crentsil is a mentor, workshop facilitator, and media content creator who uses art as a tool for storytelling, healing, and education. His works have been exhibited at venues including the Labadi Beach Hotel, Sankofa Gallery, and Temple Fine Art in the United Kingdom.
Mr Darkwah Kwesi Kyei, an award-winning master drummer and dancer, has performed across Europe, Asia, and other African countries for more than three decades. He returned to Ghana to serve as a resident trainer at the Alkebulan Heritage Centre, where he continues to promote traditional music and dance.