The key role and importance of showcasing the power of cultural diplomacy
Friday 31 October, Accra, Ghana – In an era of increasing global division, Switzerland and Ghana are choosing a different path — one of cultural dialogue, artistic excellence, and youth empowerment. On Thursday, 30 October 2025, at 8:00 p.m., the Embassy of Switzerland in Ghana, Benin and Togo did host an extraordinary interdisciplinary concert in Accra, launching THE GHANA EXPERIENCE, a bold musical collaboration bridging Europe and West Africa through jazz, classical, and Ghanaian traditional music.
This event marks the culmination of a pioneering cross-disciplinary educational partnership between Switzerland’s HEMU – Haute École de Musique and Accra’s Accra Jazz Academy (AJA), incubated by the Ghana Jazz Foundation. More than a concert, it is a living example of how music can transcend borders, create mutual understanding, and open pathways for young artists to access the world.
At a time when geopolitical tensions grow and global narratives drift toward division, Switzerland and Ghana stand united in their belief that music and culture remain powerful tools for peace, innovation, and shared futures. Through mentorship, creation, and performance, this project equips young musicians with the skills, networks, and international exposure required to develop sustainable artistic careers.
THE GHANA EXPERIENCE delivers:
Cultural & academic exchange between Swiss and Ghanaian institutions
Immersive work in jazz, classical, and West African repertoire
Joint creation of original concert programs
Real-world international professional experience
The October 30th concert showcased an interdisciplinary program that combines together jazz, classical music, Ghanaian highlife, and traditional West African rhythms. This unique fusion reflects the project’s core mission: celebrating diversity while creating something entirely new and unified.
The evening featured a stellar lineup including Swiss and Ghanaian musicians performing side-by-side:
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 featuring Sofia Lluna Aguilar, Louise Beaudoire, Nina Soffe, and Emile Deprecq
The dynamic rhythm section of Tina Foltête (piano) and Joana Lazzarotto (bass)
Traditional percussion led by Daniel Martey and the Ayekoo Drummers
Beyond the performances, The Ghana Experience provides students from both institutions with invaluable opportunities for cultural exchange, professional development, and artistic growth. Participants gain:
International professional experience in collaborative settings
Advanced musical skills across multiple genres and traditions
Cultural and academic exchange with peers from different backgrounds
Network access to Switzerland’s and Ghana’s vibrant music scenes
Performance opportunities on prestigious international stages
Supported by DGES (Vaud), Fondation Culturelle HEMU-CL, and the Ghana Jazz Foundation, this project is a model of sustainable cultural diplomacy and next-generation talent acceleration.
“This collaboration embodies the spirit of cultural diplomacy at its finest,” said representatives from the project, Thomas Dobler, Head of Jazz Department and lecturer at HEMU, Lausanne (Switzerland), and Artistic Director of Accra Jazz Academy (Ghana).
He continued, “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 their artistry.”
The Ghana Experience offers a compelling alternative vision — one where nations invest in their youth, celebrate cultural exchange, and recognise that shared humanity is amplified through artistic collaboration. This partnership between Switzerland and Ghana serves as a model for how countries can work together to create opportunities, foster understanding, and build a more harmonious world.
The Ghana Experience demonstrates that when nations choose culture over conflict and collaboration over division, young artists flourish and entire communities can benefit.
About the Partners
HEMU – Haute École de Musique
HEMU is Switzerland’s premier music conservatory, renowned for elite training across classical, jazz, and contemporary music. With strong ties to professional circles and an international network of partners, HEMU prepares students for careers on the world stage.
Ghana Jazz Foundation (GJF)
A non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and elevating jazz music in Ghana locally and internationally, creating sustainable work opportunities for musicians.
Accra Jazz Academy (AJA)
A collaboration between Ghana Jazz Foundation and Swiss company Thomas Dobler Music, providing comprehensive musical education through courses, workshops, masterclasses, and concerts, enriching Ghana’s cultural environment.
The project is supported by the DGES (Direction générale de l’enseignement supérieur, Vaud), Fondation Culturelle HEMU-CL, and Ghana Jazz Foundation.
