Dashiki Ghana Fest 2025: A cultural movement

“This Festival Carries a Message”: MJ The Comedian on the Soul of Dashiki Fest and the Power of Partnership.

From a simple walk in 2014 to one of the most anticipated cultural events in Ghana, Dashiki Fest has grown into a living tribute to African pride, creativity, and unity. A massive cultural celebration that draws thousands, Dashiki Ghana Fest has become one of the most inspiring festivals in West Africa. This year’s festival, happening July 1-5 in Accra, promises to be the most vibrant yet, powered by the continued partnership with 1xBet.

At the heart of this celebration stands MJ The Comedian — the artist and visionary behind the movement. Ahead of this year’s festival, we spoke with MJ about the soul of Dashiki Fest, the role of 1xBet, and why this year’s edition is set to be the most energetic yet.

Q: How did the idea of creating Dashiki Ghana Fest come about?

MJ: The idea was to bring together my followers on social media for a health walk and also network with them.

Q: Why did you choose the dashiki as the symbol of the festival?

MJ: Dashiki is an African print which was predominant as of 2014, when I conceived the idea. Dashiki basically being used by all Africans is a way to sell the African (Ghanaian) culture to the people.

Q: The festival has come a long way. What milestones have you hit so far?

MJ: Honestly, it started as a walk with about 100 to 200 people in 2014. But the feedback from the patrons after the first edition was very encouraging, which gave the energy to continue. I’ve achieved a lot with this project. Each year, we pick a significant social topic and amplify it to the patrons. It has also created jobs for most people year in, year out.

Q: What is the core message you want to share through Dashiki Fest?

MJ: The main message is to embrace our Ghanaian culture — our African culture.



Celebrating Culture, One Step at a Time

Dashiki Fest is a platform, a place where African identity is not only embraced but amplified through dance, music, fashion, and community.

Q: What do you see as the beauty of African culture showcased at Dashiki Fest?

MJ: For me, I say everything African is beautiful. Our energies, the way we dance to our music, the way we dress, the numerous languages — but yet still we find ways to communicate with each other. The festival brings all this to light, and it is so beautiful and fulfilling seeing it happen each year. Q: Fashion is a big part of the festival. What does dashiki mean to the younger generation today?

MJ: Like I always say, we are a unique people, and one thing that makes Africans stand out is our fashion sense. It may look weird to some, but each way we dress is a statement and communicates a message. Dashiki is one of the materials that has multifunction and blends with modernization, allowing the new generation to feel the African culture in a modernized way.

The 1xBet Partnership: A Perfect Fit

This year’s Dashiki Fest continues its collaboration with 1xBet — a brand known for supporting grassroots culture and sport across Africa.

Q: What role do sponsors like 1xBet play in making the festival happen?

MJ: As much as we have the ideas and the people to make a project happen, we still need financial support to execute most of the works — and that’s where partners like 1xBet come in. Our partnership with 1xBet has actually elevated this project. Most of the things we are doing now had already been part of our plans, but we didn’t have the financial strength to execute them until this partnership.

Q: How do you decide which brands to collaborate with?

MJ: Even though we need financial support to execute most of our plans, we can’t just partner with just any sponsor. The sponsor’s vision must be in line with our project and must not have any negative impact. These are some of the things we look at before partnering with brands.

Q: What makes the 1xBet integration feel so natural at Dashiki Fest?

MJ: I call this partnership the “perfect one.” Why am I saying that? The main festival involves exercising and games — which is basically done by 1xBet as well. 60 to 70% of patrons for the festival are football lovers, and partnering with a brand like 1xBet is like craving for a food which is far from you — but luckily someone brings it to you at your doorstep.

What 1xBet Says: Culture, Community and Pride

To get the full picture of what this festival means to its supporters, we asked the team at 1xBet to share their perspective on Dashiki Fest and why the brand chose to become part of this celebration of African culture.

"We believe in more than sponsorship — we believe in shared values," says a representative from 1xBet. "Dashiki Fest is about identity, belonging, and the beauty of African traditions. It’s a space where people come together to celebrate who they are, and that aligns perfectly with our mission to support communities, not just audiences."

When asked why 1xBet continues to invest in cultural projects like this one, the response was clear:

"Dashiki Fest is a meaningful cultural movement. We’re proud to support a platform that uplifts talent, celebrates heritage, and builds unity. And we’re just getting started."

What to Expect in 2025

This year’s festival is set to raise the bar once again, with a full program of community activities and cultural highlights.

Q: What can guests look forward to?

MJ: Expect magic and energy. Expect to feel the roaring of over five thousand people on the streets of Accra. Expect to have fun and network. Expect to feel the Ghanaian culture live and colored.

Q: Any new additions to the schedule?

MJ: There’s a cleanup exercise on July 1st, a football gala from July 2nd to 4th, then the main walk on July 5th. There will be more performances at the endpoint.

Q:  What is your personal hope for this year’s edition?

MJ: I am expecting patrons to carry a message home after the festival. And the message is: “1xBet Dashiki Fest is the best festival I have ever been to.”

Q: Before we go, what would you say to every guest before the festival starts?

MJ: Come with a broad smile and extra energy — because you will need them.

A Festival with a Future — and a Purpose

Dashiki Ghana Fest is a true cultural movement. Every year, it brings together people who don’t just want to celebrate, but want to inspire change — in energy, in identity, in the future. With the vision and passion of MJ The Comedian and the continued support of 1xBet, the festival has grown into a symbol of pride, creativity, and unity.

More than just a partner, 1xBet actively contributes to the spirit of Dashiki Fest — from supporting logistics and performances to engaging directly with fans. This collaboration reflects the brand’s deeper mission: to uplift communities, empower local talent. The 2025 edition promises to be even more emotional, impactful, and deeply rooted in the community. 

Don’t Just Watch — Be Part of It! Come from July 1st to 5th with an open heart and a wide smile. Feel it. Live it. Remember it.

Follow official pages of Dashiki Ghana Fest and 1xBet for updates, event highlights, and behind-the-scenes moments.