OSKALOOSA, Iowa — This week, musicians from the West African country of Ghana are performing in a central Iowa town as part of a program aimed at engaging communities across the globe through the arts.
Arts Midwest is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing arts and culture to small-town communities across the Midwest.
Every year, one city in each of the nine states they operate in is chosen to host an international musician, putting on events and workshops throughout a week-long residency.
"Our hope this week is to connect with the community of Oskaloosa and to bring our music and culture to share with your community and hopefully we get to learn something as well," said Ghanaian musician Okaidja Afroso.
Oskaloosa’s 2023 Arts Midwest World Fest kicked off Monday morning with the drumbeats and music of Afroso performing at the George Daily Auditorium for an Oskaloosa High School band class.
"We have a lot of arts and culture in Oskaloosa, but to be able to have this international perspective on it is amazing," said Allison McGuire, the community engagement and education director at the George Daily Auditorium.
McGuire said it’s an honor Oskaloosa was chosen as the Iowa location for Arts Midwest World Fest and that the opportunities for students and the community to learn are valuable.
"It just expands their horizons to what music can be and the role it can play in people's lives even outside of school music classes,” McGuire said.
Freshman Arianah Edwards said the opportunity is one she's grateful for.
"I think it's really cool to hear different types of music so that we can hear new things than what we're used to,” Edwards said. "It's really cool to hear the different types of instruments they have as well."
Igniting a passion for music and the world is a goal of the week.
"The younger generation especially, it's good for them to find out that there's another world out there,” Afroso said.
But it's not only the younger generation that will have an opportunity to learn: On Monday, Afroso also performed for a YMCA Rhythm Drumming class.
"Music is a way that we can use to spread a message of togetherness and love one another,” Afroso said.
The week will wrap up with a final public concert on Saturday at 7 p.m. at the George Daily Auditorium, following various events and workshops throughout the week.