GHANA’S biggest beach festival, Tidal Rave, has received a significant boost as organisers EchoHouse signed a two-year partnership with the Black Star Experience (BSE), an initiative under the Office of the President dedicated to promoting tourism and the creative arts.

The announcement was made at the official launch of the festival on Friday, September 26, ahead of its 13th edition scheduled for November 14 and 15, 2025, at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel in Accra.

Explaining the importance of the collaboration, Presidential Staffer and Coordinator of the BSE, Rex Owusu Marfo, described it as a timely investment in Ghana’s cultural future.

“This collaboration is justified because it is a direct investment in our future. The answer is by meeting the next generation where they are, at events they love like the Tidal Rave Festival and offering them the keys to a deeper understanding,” he said.

He added that instead of waiting for young people to visit museums, the partnership will “bring the museum to their festival” by curating cultural experiences that are “living, breathing and pulsing.”

CEO of EchoHouse, Beryl Agyekum Ayaaba, expressed similar enthusiasm, noting that the partnership opens a new chapter for the festival.

“We are thrilled to partner with The Black Star Experience Secretariat under the Office of the President, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama.

“Tidal Rave Festival has always been more than just an event; it is a platform to empower and showcase the incredible talent within Ghana’s creative arts.

“This collaboration with the BSE will help us take this initiative to an international level, driving both cultural and economic value for our country,” she said.

As part of the deal, Tidal Rave and BSE are exploring the possibility of expanding the festival beyond Ghana, with the first new destination expected to be announced later this year.

This year’s edition will also see a major reinvention of the festival. For the first time, Tidal Rave will run for two days, beginning with an exclusive Johnnie Walker pre-party on Friday, before the main celebration of music, culture, fashion, and food on Saturday. A colourful road carnival will set the tone for the grand event at La Palm Beach.

Event Director, Awo Ampadu Somuah, revealed that the 2025 festival will be curated by Culture Currents, a team of young creatives including Lisa Quama, Ato Sekyi, Rev Erskine, Samuella Graham, Ellen Osabutey, Makafui Awuku, Kojo Junior, and Joewackle.

“With their fresh energy and fearless perspectives, ravers should expect a celebration that goes far beyond music,” she said.