Okaidja Afroso comes to Oskaloosa through Arts Midwest’s World Fest, which tours international musicians to Midwestern communities. Photo: Paapa Kwaku Oduro
Okaidja Afroso is bringing his guitar all the way from Ghana to perform songs of love, longing and the sea at 7 p.m. this Saturday in Oskaloosa at the George Daily Community Auditorium.
Afroso’s early career as a celebrated dancer is honored all through his genre-defying music, with lively percussion and call-and-response lyrics that will get even the most reluctant audience grooving. Although the musician performs in his native tongue, the rich emotion in his ballads transcends language.
Afroso comes from a long line of musicians. His mother was called the “spiritual singer” for her emphatic performances of gospel music, while his uncle took a comedic route, instead using his notorious musical talents to roast the people in their small fishing village.
Saturday’s concert comes after Afroso held a week of workshops in Oskaloosa, hosted by Arts Midwest’s World Fest. The program connects international musicians with midwestern audiences, most of them in rural communities. Tickets for the concert can be purchased at the door or online.
