Award-winning Ghanaian singer and songwriter Abiana has unveiled a cross-cultural music collaboration with international folk group Auli, bringing together artists from different musical traditions through a shared commitment to storytelling, emotional depth, and cultural respect.

The project blends Abiana’s expressive vocals and indigenous Ghanaian languages with Auli’s contemporary folk production, resulting in an intimate and reflective soundscape. Rooted in sincerity rather than commercial trends, the collaboration reflects a growing movement of artist-led partnerships that prioritise curiosity, authenticity, and meaningful human connection across borders.

Artistic vision and creative exchange

Speaking on the collaboration, Abiana described the creative process as organic and deeply personal, explaining how the connection emerged naturally once the music began to take shape. “Music speaks before words do. Once we entered that shared space, everything flowed. The arrangement beautifully challenged me and pulled something very honest out of me. That is where the real connection was born.”



She added that the project represents courage, curiosity, and respect, demonstrating how artists from different cultural backgrounds can meet with openness and create something meaningful together.

Cultural and musical context

The collaboration is built on traditional Ghanaian folk material passed down orally across generations. Abiana performs in Akan (Twi), Ga, and Ewe, drawing from songs associated with family life, care, and community, including folk narratives such as *Kaafo*, a lullaby linked to childhood and nurturing, and Senwa Dedende, a story rooted in family and communal values.



These themes closely align with Auli’s own folk traditions, creating a dialogue between African and European musical forms rather than a fusion driven by novelty. Rhythm, vocal phrasing, and texture are approached as points of conversation, allowing each tradition to retain its integrity while responding to the other.

Role of Apprise Music & Media

The collaboration was initiated and facilitated by Apprise Music & Media following a meeting with Auli at WOMEX, where the potential for a meaningful artistic exchange was identified. The company’s role focused on connecting artists with shared values and allowing the creative process to unfold organically.

According to Michael Bamfo, Founder and CEO of Apprise Music & Media, the project reflects a deliberate long-term vision to place Ghanaian artists in global conversations without compromising cultural identity.

“Our goal is not to export sound for novelty, but to create respectful, creative bridges. This collaboration shows what is possible when artists meet on equal ground, guided by curiosity, trust, and cultural integrity.”

Apprise Music & Media is a Ghana-based creative company focused on artist development, music distribution, publishing administration, music business education, and cultural programming, with an emphasis on supporting sustainable creative careers while keeping African stories and languages at the centre of global exchange.

Music video and visual approach

The accompanying music video mirrors the reflective tone of the project. Filmed at the Shai Hills Resource Reserve in Ghana, the visuals prioritise mood, expression, and presence over spectacle, allowing the cultural exchange and emotional weight of the music to guide the narrative.

Post-performance highlight: RocAfrik Music and Arts Festival

The collaboration between Abiana and Auli reached a defining milestone with a live performance at the RocAfrik Music and Arts Festival, partnered by Akuna Wallet, marking the transition of the project from recorded work to a shared cultural experience.

Presented before a diverse audience of music lovers, creatives, and cultural stakeholders, the performance brought the collaboration’s themes of connection, care, and shared humanity to life on stage. Joined by supporting artists, Abiana and Auli delivered a set that blended indigenous vocal traditions, contemporary folk arrangements, and collective expression, drawing strong audience engagement throughout.

Reflecting on the significance of the performance, festival organisers stated that, “The RocAfrik performance transformed a cross-cultural recording into a shared live experience rooted in connection and community.”
— RocAfrik Music and Arts Festival

Curated by Apprise Music & Media, the RocAfrik Music and Arts Festival serves as a platform for artistic exchange, live performance, and cultural dialogue, positioning itself as a space where African creativity meets global perspectives through music, arts, and community-driven programming.

About Akuna Wallet

Akuna Wallet is a digital wallet and payments platform designed to support creatives, entrepreneurs, and cultural initiatives across Africa. Built with simplicity and transparency at its core, Akuna Wallet enables efficient payments, financial accessibility, and practical support for creative work.

As a partner of the RocAfrik Music and Arts Festival, Akuna Wallet reinforces its commitment to empowering artists and cultural projects through financial infrastructure that supports sustainability and independence.