Chance The Rapper and Vic Mensa have revealed the lineup of artists who will be joining them at their first Black Star Line Festival, which, as previously reported, will be held Jan. 6 at the historic Black Star Square in Accra, Ghana. The list of talent includes Erykah Badu, T-Pain, Jeremih, Sarkodie, Tobe Nwigwe, Asakaa Boys, and M.anifest.
“Since 1957, Ghana has been a support system and stronghold for Black liberation globally,” Chance the Rapper said in a statement. “This year Accra became a second home to me, and my Ghanaian friends have become my family. We’re incredibly humbled and honored to build something from the ground up that creates community and memories for Black people of the diaspora & continent for years to come. Akwaaba!!”
The festival concept was hatched after the Chicago-based Chance and Mensa traveled several times with a group of Chicago Public School students to Ghana. “We need a music festival bringing major artists to Ghana,” Chance continued. “This is what we’re working to create. … We see the biggest artists in the world coming down for a shared experience. We see 38,000 people — a sea of black folks standing out there.” In advance of the festival, organizers are planning feature free educational and cultural programming across Accra.
Chance the Rapper has also released a new song, “YAH Know,” featuring Ghanaian artist King Promise. It’s from his soon-to-be-released, multi-disciplinary album Star Line Gallery, which carries on the ethos of the festival as a celebration of Black artists.
