Columbus, Ohio — With excitement building around the second edition of the Ohio Ghana Festival, scheduled for July 31st to August 3rd, 2025, a storm is quietly brewing behind the scenes — and it’s all about who will headline the cultural extravaganza.Sources close to the organizing committee reveal that a spirited debate has emerged among festival planners, centering on which Ghanaian music icon should take center stage.
On one side of the ring, a vocal group is pushing for King Promise, the smooth-voiced afrobeat sensation known for his global appeal and polished performances. Others are rallying behind King Paluta, the rising lyrical powerhouse whose street credibility and energetic stage presence have earned him a cult following. A third camp insists the event needs the calm charisma and storytelling depth of Kofi Kinaata, whose socially conscious lyrics and highlife-infused rhythms continue to touch hearts across generations.
“The dilemma isn’t a bad problem to have,” said a senior planning official who asked to remain anonymous. “It just shows how serious we are about giving the Ohio Ghana Festival an unforgettable musical experience.”
The Ohio Ghana Festival, hosted in Columbus, Ohio, is more than just a concert — it is a vibrant celebration of Ghanaian culture, heritage, and innovation. With the maiden edition drawing massive crowds and rave reviews, expectations for the 2025 event are sky-high.
Set over four days, the festival will feature traditional drumming and dance, authentic Ghanaian cuisine, arts and crafts exhibitions, educational panels, and networking opportunities between diasporans and local businesses. But it’s the headline concert — traditionally held on the main day, August 2nd — that attracts the most attention from festival-goers.
The ongoing debate over which artiste best represents the spirit of the festival has only intensified interest in this year’s lineup. “King Promise will attract a younger, international crowd,” argues one insider. “But King Paluta brings raw energy that connects deeply with today’s youth movement.” Another countered, “Kofi Kinaata is the voice of the people. His songs have soul and staying power. He embodies Ghanaian wisdom.”
Organizers assure the public that regardless of who finally headlines, the show will feature a rich blend of Ghana’s finest talent, celebrating unity through diversity.
This year’s event have already confirmed Gospel sensation Diana Hamilton and working to get some Columbus based artistes to grace the occasion.
In the meantime, speculation is spreading like wildfire across social media, with fans weighing in passionately. The hashtag #OhioGhanaFestival2025 is already gaining traction months ahead of the event.
As the headline act decision looms, one thing is clear: this “confusion” has only amplified interest in what promises to be the cultural festival of the year.
Vendor registration are already open at ohioghanafest.org, and the organizers encourage early sign-ups as space is expected to sell out fast.
Stay tuned — the rhythm of Ghana is coming to Ohio, and no matter who headlines, the stage will surely shake.
