Global mobile giant, Apple and Ghanaian visual artist, Prince Jyesi have collaborated in a recreation of the famous hip-hop image, “A Great Day in Harlem”.
The recreation dubbed “A Great Day in Accra” which focused on the old and new school Ghanaian hip-life music (a music genre that was pioneered by Reggie Rockstone in the early 90’s and featured both Ghanaian sounds and hip-hop) was released on Monday to coincide with the Martin Luther King Jr day, a federal holiday in the United States.
“By reuniting and photographing both old and new hiplife artists, I’m letting the rest of the world know about the genre’s impact in Ghana and beyond,” Gyasi explained.
Jyesi or Gyasi created the moving visual story that with his iPhone and other editing applications like VSCO, who have constantly featured and highlighted his works on their platform.
Born to Ghanaian Gospel musician & couturier, Ophelia Nyantakyi & Collins Nyantaki, Prince always had the love for the arts and it was no surprise that he found himself studying arts at Accra Academy, an All-boys Government school in Ghana’s capital.
“I come from a music background, and I’m very passionate about it, Gyasi told Apple, so I wanted to capture the culture through my art”.
Featuring artist and producers from the likes of Reggie Rockstone, Gyedu Blay Ambolley, Hammer of the Last 2, Okyeame Kwame, Abrewa Nana, to Joey B, Kwesi Arthur of the new school and many more music legends, the image was created at the iconic independence square, where Ghana was first declared as an independent nation in 1957.
“As a creative, it’s important for me to have the freedom to tell the truth through my art. I was happy to shoot my series, ‘A Great Day in Accra,’ here in Independence Square, where Martin Luther King Jr. watched Kwame Nkrumah declare Ghana’s freedom back in 1957.
He continued:
“People need to hear about the culture, the source of our rhythm, our music, what influences our arts. It’s our history from our perspective. I want to make sure the new generation doesn’t lose their identity or forget about the pioneers who paved the way for them to lift their own voices.
Prince Gyasi is also the co-founder of Boxed Kids, a non profit organization he set up with his girlfriend, to help give creative kids from Jamestown an education.
Watch the full video here.
