For over 21 years, Dr. King Smade has been a pivotal force in taking Afrobeats from Africa to the global stage, building one of the world’s leading cultural platforms.
In a recent conversation during the Big Convo, Dr. King Smade discussed the origins of Afro Nation, the renowned festival that has become a cultural movement, and its journey to Ghana. His insights shed light on the mission behind Afro Nation and the significance of its presence in Ghana.
Dr. Smade explained that Afro Nation’s expansion to Ghana was intricately tied to the country’s Year of Return initiative, a project aimed at reconnecting the African diaspora with their roots. “Ghana wanted it,” he emphasized, pointing to supportive government policies such as visa-on-arrival and increased tourism initiatives that facilitated the festival’s arrival. He noted, “It went beyond just a festival. It was about showing the world how beautiful Ghana is.”
The festival was first launched in Portugal in August 2019, with its inaugural event captivating audiences before moving to Ghana in December of the same year. Dr. Smade described the choice of Portugal as both intentional and symbolic. “There’s a deep historical connection between Ghana and Portugal,” he elaborated. “The same beach where Afro Nation was held in Portugal was where our ancestors were taken from the Gold Coast centuries ago. To now return to that same place to celebrate, dance, and reclaim joy, that was a full-circle moment.”
For Dr. Smade, Afro Nation transcends mere entertainment; it embodies a cultural movement that has fundamentally transformed the global perception of African creativity. He stated that since its inception, African music, fashion, food, and identity have garnered unprecedented attention. “Our artistes have never been the same,” he remarked, adding that the festival has created a vibrant space where over 150 countries come together to invest, collaborate, learn, and experience African culture firsthand.
Reflecting on his personal journey, Dr. Smade recounted how his path to Afro Nation began long before the festival’s establishment. He started by hosting house parties in the UK in the mid-2000s to organize club events, aiming to create spaces where African music and identity could flourish during a time when such expressions were often marginalized. “It wasn’t cool to be African back then,” he recalled with a nostalgic tone. “So I brought the club to my house.”
Throughout his journey, he has consistently emphasized the importance of relationships, unity, and collaboration, both within Africa and the African diaspora. “We are one people,” he asserted. “Growth comes when there’s unity within.” This message resonates deeply within the context of Afro Nation, which endeavors to foster a sense of community and allow African narratives to thrive on an international platform.
Moreover, Dr. Smade highlighted the expanding influence of diverse creatives beyond just musicians, noting that content creators, DJs, fashion designers, and even barbers are integral to Africa’s cultural economy. “Everyone has a time to shine,” he stated, emphasizing that the creative industry is much larger than just music and encompasses a broad spectrum of artistic expressions.
During his current visit to Ghana, Smade is focused on celebrating and collaborating culturally. He shared his involvement in the upcoming “Taste of the Culture” festival, scheduled for December 26 at Black Star Square. This event aims to serve as a vibrant celebration of Ghanaian food, fashion, and music, showcasing the rich cultural tapestry of the nation.
