Sankofa Journeys Speaker Series: The Sonic Jollof Kobena Aquaa-Harrison

The African Arts Institute is proud to announce the launch of its new Monthly Speaker Series.

The African Arts Institute (AAI) is proud to announce the launch of its new Monthly Speaker Series, dedicated to showcasing African artists, scholars, and cultural practitioners shaping African arts today. Every session will be hosted by Dr. Isaac Nii Akrong, AAI’s President and will highlight creative voices whose work preserves, reimagines, and celebrates African identity across disciplines.

The first webinar will be taking place on Sunday, January 18, at 6:00 PM ET on Zoom and will feature the award-winning Ghanaian Bermudian multidisciplinary performer Kobèna Aquaa-Harrison, also known by Aquaa.

Based in Canada, Aquaa is renowned for his boundary-pushing work as a performer, producer, and composer, with accolades spanning music, media, film, television, dance, theatre, opera and community engagement. His performances, described as highly “edutaining,” seamlessly blend humour, animation, and interactivity as he engages audiences with true stories accompanied by his own electric and acoustic handmade instruments.

Aquaa’s signature genre - “sonic jollof” - brings jazz, reggae, rock, and blues into dialogue with their African ancestors. He is also the founder of the acclaimed Djungle Bouti Orchestra, a multicultural ensemble featuring artists from Algeria to Zimbabwe and from Trinidad to Tanzania. Their celebrated album, Djazz 2.1.4, nominated for a TIMA Independent Music Award, has been described as “an audio decoding of African DNA.”

From presidents to pre-schoolers, Aquaa has performed across continents, igniting laughter, dance, and reflection as he weaves together music, history, culture, and belonging. His unique ability to make every sound and story relatable promises an unforgettable opening event for the series.

The African Arts Institute invites all community members, artists, educators, and cultural enthusiasts to join us for this dynamic kickoff session.