A renowned artist lauds PANAFEST

Accra, June 20, GNA- A renowned Cuban contemporary Artist, on Wednesday observed that the Pan-African Historical and Theatre Festival (PANAFEST), has offered an opportunity for people in the Diaspora to exchange ideas with Africans.

Mr Manuel Mendive Hoyo said the event had also brought those in the Diaspora closer to their roots thereby making it easier for them to contribute towards the development of Africa.

Mr Hoyo was interacting with journalists in Accra, as part of the preparatory phase of this year's PANAFEST celebration organised by the PANAFEST Foundation.

He said the continent was endowed with a lot of potentials and talents, which should be developed to make it self-sufficient. Mr Hoyo said since African music and arts played an important role in the western world there, there was the need to use them as a means to portray the good things the continent could offer to the rest of the world.

He promised to set up a workshop in the country to assist and train Ghanaian artists to be able to make it at home.

Mr Hoyo commended Ghanaians for their hospitality, saying: "any time we come down we feel welcomed and appreciated by our brothers and sisters in the country".

Mr Kojo Yankah Chairman of the PANAFEST Foundation said the arrival of such a world acclaimed artist added a lot of value to the festival.