ABURA RISING – ROYAL ROOTS, GLOBAL RHYTHMS

EVENT THEME

“ABURA RISING: ROYAL ROOTS, GLOBAL RHYTHMS”

A celebration of African heritage, unity, and cultural pride through royalty, dance, music, arts, food, and community engagement, highlighting Abura (Cape Coast, Ghana) while connecting African diaspora communities in Finland.

EVENT OVERVIEW

Abura Rising is a vibrant multicultural festival uniting African communities, diaspora, artists, dancers, youth, and local residents in Finland. It highlights:

✨ African Royal Traditions

💃 Dance & Drumming

🎨 Arts & Crafts

🍲 African Cuisine

👑 Cultural Fashion & Royal Showcase

🎶 Music, Poetry, and Storytelling

🤝 Finland–Africa Cultural Exchange

The festival celebrates Abura’s resilience, cultural pride, and community spirit, while fostering partnerships between Ghana and Nordic countries.

SPECIAL GUESTS (VIRTUAL & IN-PERSON)

Virtual Guests

• Nana Kodwo Addae II – Chief of Abura, Cape Coast (Ghana)
  
  

• Nana Ekuwa Okutta III – Queen Mother of Abura, Cape Coast (Ghana)
  
  

• Omar Bin Abdullah – Ghanaian diaspora cultural ambassador
  
  

• Michael Tagoe – President, Planned Parenthood Association of Ghana, Cape Coast
  
  

In-Person Guest

• Mayor of Abura (Cape Coast) – Municipal leader supporting cultural, economic, and youth development
  
  

Significance: Their presence bridges Abura and Finland, celebrates tradition and modernity, and emphasizes youth empowerment, community development, and diaspora unity.

MAIN PROGRAM ELEMENTS

1. Royal Procession – “The Path of Kings and Queens”

• Traditional chiefs and Queen Mother representatives
  
  

• Royal regalia and ceremonial umbrellas
  
  

• African drummers and dancers
  
  

• Flags representing African communities in Finland
  
  

2. Dance Performances – “Rhythms of the Motherland”

• Ghanaian Kete, Adowa, and Asafo dances
  
  

• West and East African traditional dances
  
  

• Afrobeat and contemporary African choreography
  
  

• Unity Dance Circle (audience participation)
  
  

3. Art & Crafts Exhibition – “Hands of Heritage”

• African paintings and photography from Abura
  
  

• Kente weaving demonstration
  
  

• Sculptures and beadwork
  
  

• Live painting: “Abura Rising”
  
  

4. African Food Festival – “Taste of Royalty”

• Jollof rice, Banku & tilapia, Fufu & light soup, Suya
  
  

• Ethiopian/Eritrean coffee ceremony
  
  

• Traditional African juices and pastries
  
  

• Nordic–African fusion tasting corner
  
  

5. Youth Cultural Zone – “Future Royalty”

• Drumming and dance workshops
  
  

• Storytelling and art activities
  
  

• African face painting
  
  

• Interactive games celebrating African culture
  
  

6. Cultural Talks & Dialogues

• Abura’s history, development, and royal heritage
  
  

• Ghana–Finland cultural exchange and partnerships
  
  

• Youth leadership and empowerment
  
  

• African entrepreneurship and innovation
  
  

7. Fashion & Royal Showcase – “Crown of Culture”

• Traditional Ghanaian royal attire
  
  

• Pan-African fashion designs
  
  

• Nordic–African fusion clothing
  
  

• Grand finale: “Abura Rising” formation on the runway
  
  

8. Royal & Special Guests’ Greetings

A ceremonial segment featuring:

• Royal blessings from Abura’s Chief and Queen Mother
  
  

• Community development messages from the Mayor of Abura
  
  

• Cultural goodwill statements from diaspora leaders
  
  

• Special acknowledgements from organizational partners
  
  

MISSION STATEMENT

“To celebrate African cultural pride, strengthen Finland–Africa relations, empower youth and diaspora communities, and showcase the rising spirit of Abura as a symbol of heritage, unity, and opportunity.”

PARTNERS

From Finland : 

• Ceci Educare Oy 

• Kannusali (City of Espoo) 

From Ghana 

• Abura Palace 

Supporting cultural programming, youth engagement, and international community collaboration.