Four Ghanaians, comprising three visual artists and a master drummer, are set to participate in an international art exhibition in Canada as part of a collaboration between the Alkebulan Heritage Centre in Big Ada and the Royal Rose Gallery in Canada.
The artists are Mr Nicholas Tettey Wayo, Mr Tabi Crentsil, Mr George Amui, and master drummer Mr Darkwah Kwesi Kyei.
The organisers said the Canadian exhibition was expected to broaden international visibility for Ghanaian contemporary art and strengthen cross-cultural appreciation, while providing opportunities for artists to engage with global collectors, curators and institutions.
The organisers, with support from the Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) for Aurora and Newmarket, Ms Dawn Gallagher-Murphy, stated that the initiative sought to build the capacity of local artists and create sustainable platforms to showcase Ghanaian creative works to global audiences, while activating socio-economic and cultural skills among the youth.
Mr Nicholas Tettey Wayo, popularly known as Nico Wayo, is an internationally recognised artist from Dodowa in the Greater Accra Region, known for his mastery in sign painting, fine art portraits, realism, surrealism, murals and upcycled creations.
His murals often served as social commentaries reflecting everyday life, politics and Ghana’s economic landscape.
A self-taught artist, Mr Wayo began drawing at the age of eight and later trained briefly in 1996 under Mr Okyere, producing Hollywood-style movie posters and commercial signage, with his work being exhibited locally and internationally, including at the Du Bois Centre, Goethe-Institute, Nubuke Foundation, and galleries in Italy, Japan, Scotland, and the United States.
Mr Wayo, who is also the founder and Chief Executive Officer of NicoWayo Art and Adverts, is also a member of the Afuabe Collective, Chale Wote Street Art Festival and the Foundation for Contemporary Art, mentoring young people through Nima Muhinmanchi Art and serving as a muralist with the Creative Action Institute.
He told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that art played a transformative role in society, noting that national development could not be achieved without creative expression.
Mr George Amui is a contemporary painter, muralist and graffiti artist known for his vibrant and emotionally expressive works executed in bold acrylic colours, exploring themes of human emotion, relationships, marriage and birth.
Mr Amui, who studied electrical engineering before transitioning fully into art under the mentorship of Mr Wayo, had his works being exhibited at the Govinda Art Gallery at the Alkebulan Heritage Centre and has contributed to major mural projects across the country.
On the other hand, Mr Tabi Crentsil, a contemporary visual artist with over two decades of experience, uses acrylic painting to explore themes of memory, identity, transition and communal legacy through semi-abstract forms and expressive textures.
Beyond painting, Mr Crentsil is a mentor, workshop facilitator and media content creator who uses art as a tool for storytelling, healing and education.
His practice spans fine art, murals, illustration and informal art education, with an emphasis on making art accessible beyond gallery spaces.
His works have been exhibited at venues including the Labadi Beach Hotel, Sankofa Gallery, Tiga Art Gallery and Temple Fine Art in the United Kingdom.
Mr Darkwah Kwesi Kyei, an award-winning master drummer and dancer who is also part of the exhibition, has performed across Europe, Asia and other African countries for more than three decades and was once adjudged Ghana’s Best Dancer.
He returned to Ghana to serve as a resident trainer at the Alkebulan Heritage Centre, where he continues to promote traditional music and dance.