Former French Ambassador Anne Sophie Avé, also known as Akosua, has asked the Government of Ghana to confer diplomatic status on a number of Ghanaian musicians for their exceptional representation of the country on the global stage.
In a tweet on Sunday, July 30, 2033, Anne Sophie Avé identified five prominent Ghanaian artists, each with their distinctive style and talent, who have been impressively raising Ghana’s profile on the international scene.
These artists include Sarkodie, Stonebwoy, Black Sherif, Shatta Wale, and R2Bees.
Ghana ??, you should give these guys diplomatic passports: they put Ghana to the world better than even the best ambassadors could in a lifetime @sarkodie @stonebwoy @blacksherif_ @shattawalegh @r2bees @IamKingPromise https://t.co/gtFSlPRgq3
— Anne Sophie (Akosua) Avé (@annesophieave) July 30, 2023
The multi-awarded diplomat suggested that these talented artists deserve diplomatic passports for their invaluable contributions in promoting Ghana internationally.
Notably, Anne Sophie Avé played a pivotal role in organizing the ‘Accra In Paris’ concert in 2022, which showcased Ghanaian musical talent in the heart of France.
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The event served as a vibrant celebration of Ghanaian music, art, and heritage, bringing together renowned musicians, including Sarkodie, Stonebwoy, and Kwabena Kwabena, among others.
Anne Sophie Avé joins calls by several musicians including Sarkodie who has called on the government to facilitate diplomatic visas for artistes due to the impact they have had on projecting Ghana’s image abroad.
Unfortunately, visa issues can sometimes pose challenges for artists when it comes to international performances.
According to a 2022 UNESCO study on Diversity of Cultural Expressions, it is quite common for artists especially from Africa and other developing nations to encounter visa-related hurdles that lead to show cancellations or postponements.
These issues may range but are not limited to bureaucratic processes, documentation requirements, or unforeseen circumstances
While the proposal seems like a lighthearted nod to their cultural ambassadorship, it underscores the powerful role that artists play in promoting a nation’s identity and avoiding visa issues that may affect their International performances.