Accra, Ghana – Friday, October 31, 2025 — In an era marked by global division, Switzerland and Ghana are charting a different path — one defined by cultural dialogue, artistic collaboration, and youth empowerment. On Thursday, October 30, 2025, at 8:00 p.m., the Embassy of Switzerland in Ghana, Benin, and Togo hosted an extraordinary interdisciplinary concert in Accra to launch The Ghana Experience — a groundbreaking musical collaboration that bridges Europe and West Africa through jazz, classical, and Ghanaian traditional music.
The event marked the culmination of a pioneering educational partnership between Switzerland’s HEMU – Haute École de Musique and Accra’s Accra Jazz Academy (AJA), incubated by the Ghana Jazz Foundation (GJF). More than just a concert, The Ghana Experience served as a living testament to how music transcends borders, nurtures mutual understanding, and opens global pathways for young artists.
At a time when geopolitical tensions continue to shape the world, both Switzerland and Ghana are affirming their belief that culture remains one of the most powerful tools for peace, creativity, and shared prosperity. Through mentorship, performance, and artistic creation, the initiative equips young musicians with the technical skills, professional exposure, and international networks necessary to build sustainable careers.
A Fusion of Cultures and Sounds
The October 30th concert presented a rich blend of jazz, classical, highlife, and traditional West African rhythms — creating a seamless fusion that celebrated diversity while forming a new, unified artistic voice.
The stellar lineup featured Swiss and Ghanaian musicians performing side by side, including:
- Thomas Dobler on vibes, alongside Alex Tseh (xylophone/flute/percussion) and Lucas Doe (Seprewa/Kora/percussion)
- Vocalists Gaiane Gantier, Maxine Vulliet, and Raphaël Descotes
- A string ensemble of Sofia Lluna Aguilar, Louise Beaudoire, Nina Soffe, and Emile Deprecq
- Pianist Tina Foltête and bassist Joana Lazzarotto anchoring the rhythm section
- Traditional percussion led by Daniel Martey and the Ayekoo Drummers
This performance reflected the core spirit of The Ghana Experience: celebrating cultural diversity while creating new artistic bridges between continents.
Empowering the Next Generation
Beyond the stage, The Ghana Experience offers young musicians from both nations invaluable opportunities for cultural exchange and professional development. Participants benefit from:
- Immersive training in jazz, classical, and West African music traditions
- Hands-on international collaboration and performance experience
- Cross-cultural academic exchange between Swiss and Ghanaian peers
- Access to professional networks in both countries’ music industries
- Exposure to global audiences through international concerts and showcases
Supported by DGES (Direction générale de l’enseignement supérieur, Vaud), Fondation Culturelle HEMU-CL, and the Ghana Jazz Foundation, the project is an exemplary model of sustainable cultural diplomacy and next-generation talent development.
Voices of Collaboration
“This collaboration embodies the spirit of cultural diplomacy at its finest,” said Thomas Dobler, Head of the Jazz Department and lecturer at HEMU, Lausanne (Switzerland), and Artistic Director of the Accra Jazz Academy.
He added, “We’re not just teaching music; we’re equipping young artists with the skills, networks, and global perspective they need to explore the world and build their futures through artistry.”
Representatives from both countries’ institutions echoed similar sentiments, highlighting how The Ghana Experience stands as a symbol of unity, innovation, and shared purpose — one that places youth and creativity at the heart of international cooperation.
A Model for Cultural Diplomacy
The Ghana Experience illustrates how nations can harness the arts to promote understanding, strengthen partnerships, and inspire future generations. By choosing collaboration over division and culture over conflict, Ghana and Switzerland demonstrate the transformative power of music in shaping a more peaceful and connected world.
This initiative underscores that when nations invest in their youth and celebrate their cultural wealth, entire communities flourish. The Ghana Experience is not only a concert — it is a movement that reminds the world that our shared humanity shines brightest through the arts.
About the Partners
HEMU – Haute École de Musique (Switzerland)
HEMU is one of Switzerland’s leading music conservatories, known for excellence in classical, jazz, and contemporary music training. With strong industry ties and international partnerships, HEMU prepares students for global music careers.
Ghana Jazz Foundation (GJF)
A non-profit organization dedicated to promoting jazz in Ghana and abroad, GJF works to create sustainable opportunities for local musicians and enhance Ghana’s global musical presence.
Accra Jazz Academy (AJA)
A collaboration between the Ghana Jazz Foundation and Swiss company Thomas Dobler Music, AJA offers advanced musical education through workshops, masterclasses, and performances, enriching Ghana’s cultural and educational landscape.
The project is supported by DGES (Direction générale de l’enseignement supérieur, Vaud), Fondation Culturelle HEMU-CL, and the Ghana Jazz Foundation.
