The Diaspora Dialogues are back with the 6th edition, in which we invite the Ghanaian community for a conversation about Ghanaian culture and identity in the Netherlands. During this panel discussion we will focus on the second generation of Ghanaian Dutch, and get to know them better through three themes.
About the program
First, we will discuss what it is like to be a 2nd generation Ghanaian in the Netherlands, and how this has influenced the development of one’s own identity. Questions that are central to this are: ”How does your cultural background influence your identity” and ”In what ways do you try to maintain your cultural identity in Dutch society?”
The second theme we address is cultural preservation. During this theme we focus on the dynamics between preserving traditional cultural practices and embracing new forms of expression and identity. Questions that are central to this are: ”In what ways do you see Ghanaian culture evolving in the diaspora?”, ”To what extent do you think it is important to preserve Ghanaian cultural practices?” and “How do we pass on our cultural practices to our future generations?”
Finally, we will discuss how the Ghanaian diaspora in the Netherlands can unite, collaborate and support each other. In this, we want to discuss which initiatives already exist from the Ghanaian diaspora community, and whether they already support each other. Another discussion could be in which ways we can build the Ghanaian community even better.
More about the speakers…
Jay-Way makes hip-hop with a global flair. His music combines European and American influences, mixing rap with the progressive hooks of pop, the laid-back vibe of soul, and the optimistic outlook of gospel. As a multilingual artist, he effortlessly crosses borders and challenges. Raised in Amsterdam with Ghanaian parents, he fell in love with American music early on, which shaped his broad, multicultural taste and inspired albums such as Jaynaysis (2015), Teen Gohan (2018), and No, I’m Not Ok (2020).
With Island Forgotten, Jay-Way reaches new heights. This album celebrates the unique qualities that set him apart. Although he often sees himself as an outsider, he continues to forge his own path and carve out his own space within the hip-hop world. Despite his sense of isolation, he is anything but a loner, with collaborations with artists such as Snoop Dogg, Ty Brasel, and Steven Malcolm confirming his rise within the music industry.
Joycelyn Akanba is an applied psychology student who is continuously engaged in self-development and personal development, using creativity to romanticize life and to connect it with psychology. She has had conversations with BNNVARA and The Late Night Talks, among others.
She also has a passion for writing, in which she expresses her insights (and sometimes hypothetical theories) about life in pink on her blog PMVTalks.nl. She currently works as a Social Media assistant for Amsterdam Fashion Week.
Mr Who (Malichi Korrie) is a 20-year-old creative from Amsterdam with Ghanaian roots, and he’s here to redefine the digital space. You may know him as @mrwhooo000 on TikTok, where he blends his passions for modeling, dancing, and humor into bite-sized content that’s as authentic as possible. Modeling is his heartbeat. With every pose, he strives to bring a piece of his diverse background and personality to the screen, with styles ranging from high fashion to streetwear. But he’s not just about posing. He brings the dance floor to life with his moves, syncing beats with precision and passion, connecting with viewers through the universal language of dance.
And let’s not forget the humor—he loves to make people laugh. Whether it’s through witty sketches or relatable anecdotes, he’s all about spreading joy and fostering a sense of community. Recently taking on the role of Creative Director, he’s ready to take his content to new heights. With an eye for aesthetics and a passion for storytelling, he’s on a mission to push boundaries and inspire others to do the same. Join him on this journey as he explores creativity, authenticity, and connection. Let’s make memories, share laughter, and leave our mark on the world together.
