Gabriel Myers Hansen explores Accra’s culture in new essay collection

The book, published by Thought Process, spans over 10 years of work centred on Ghanaian pop culture and nightlife. It includes essays covering music, film, travel, and art, offering an unfiltered look at one of the most exciting and rapidly evolving cities in Africa.

Throughout his career, Hansen has earned critical praise for his insightful commentary on the intersection of music, culture, and society. 21 Nights in Accra – which blends a sharp journalistic eye with the author’s passion for Ghanaian culture – catalogues conversations and observations of key figures, artistic offerings, and events that have shaped the West African country’s current reputation as a global cultural focal point and tourist destination, driven by its dynamic music scene.

Among subjects covered in the book are hip-life founder Reggie Rockstone, Senegalese-American popstar Akon, multi-Grammy nominated Afro-roots pioneer Rocky Dawuni, dancehall stars Stonebwoy and Shatta Wale and rapper Sarkodie.

According to Hansen, who has spent more than a decade covering some of the most memorable events across West Africa’s entertainment scene and profiling its top stars for both local and international platforms, a major motivation for compiling 21 Nights in Accra is to contribute to the ongoing conversation about Ghana’s cultural identity and its place within Africa’s creative space.

“In this collection, via a storytelling approach that straddles participant observation and a fly-on-the-wall exposition, I attempt an intimate picture of the megapolis I have always called home, mostly at night, and mostly through the lens of pleasure,” Hansen said. “Specifically, these involve Accra’s own visual and sonic exploration across the fundamental patterns of music, film, travel and art.

“Through conversations with artists like Reggie Rockstone, Akon, and Rocky Dawuni, I hope to highlight how the unique fusion of Ghanaian culture and the power of music has helped redefine what it means to be part of the African creative space.”

21 Nights in Accra is available in Kindle and paperback formats.