A Guide to Accra Curated by Jude Lartey
A Guide to Accra Curated by Jude Lartey
Jude Lartey is a creative force from Ghana.
Not confined to just one label, Lartey effortlessly shifts between roles as an art director, fashion stylist and photographer for some of the most cutting-edge brands, magazines and artists. A self-taught multi-hyphenate, Lartey's work explores the intersection between fashion, culture and identity. His visuals have a cinematic quality to them, and he often draws inspiration from the vibrant, evolving landscape of Accra’s creative scene.
Lartey’s recent project, Land of the Morees, was featured in the LAFA Gallery’s Young Artist Series – a vital platform for emerging talent in Ghana. The collection offers a glimpse into the daily lives of a small fishing community.
As someone who moves across several different practices and therefore various spaces within Accra's creative scene, Lartey has a vast amount of insider knowledge on the cultural spaces that artists frequent. Below, he reveals a selection of hidden gems and hotspots within the Ghanaian capital, particularly those that are providing the youths of Accra with a common meeting point.
In this Guide
Heritage Craft Brewery
“Heritage Brewery offers an exceptional experience for sports and beer enthusiasts, providing a unique opportunity to sample a variety of freshly brewed beers while enjoying a range of activities. Including traditional African board games and live sports broadcasts of football, boxing and NBA games.”
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Vine
“Vine Accra is an ideal spot to spend quality time with loved ones over a delicious weekend lunch or brunch, boasting a charming atmosphere and mouth-watering cuisine that is sure to impress.”
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Bella Afrik
“Bella Afrik offers a wonderful atmosphere both during the day and at night, making it an ideal spot to savour their delicious Italian pizzas and other dishes – especially on a Sunday evening.”
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Homemade by Gene
“Homemade by Gene is a culinary gem that boasts an impressive array of mouth-watering dishes, with the added bonus of a daily updated menu that ensures a fresh and exciting experience for its patrons.”
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Free the Youth
“Free The Youth, a significant streetwear brand, is a dynamic collective of young creatives. It's dedicated to empowering Ghanaian and all African youth by bridging the gap between local and global art scenes through innovative Ghanaian-inspired street-style fashion and culture.”
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The Republic Bar
“Republic Bar is an exceptional street bar that consistently delivers a fantastic atmosphere with music and drinks, particularly on their highly recommended Tuesday karaoke night, which is definitely worth experiencing.”
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Front/Back
“Front/Back is the ultimate destination for a fantastic Friday evening into the weekend nights, offering an incredible combination of an art gallery, restaurant, and bar. All in one vibrant location, complete with a lively atmosphere and diverse music selection.”
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South Village
“South Village is a fantastic venue that offers an incredible warehouse club experience with live music, featuring diverse and talented DJ sets. A go-to destination for creatives and those who identify with the alt scene.”
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La Foundation for the Arts
“LAFA gallery space is providing a fantastic platform for emerging talents in Ghana. Their Young Artist Series just showcased [my] body of work, ‘Land of the Morees’, which offers a fascinating glimpse into the daily lives of a small fishing community. This exhibition is open until 12 September [2024], so be sure to catch it if you're in Accra.”
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Arts Centre
“The Arts Centre is a must-visit destination, offering an incredibly diverse collection of Ghanaian and African cultural, historical and traditional treasures that are sure to enrich your understanding and appreciation of the region's heritage.”
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Nubuke Foundation
“Nubuke Foundation is a vital visual art and cultural gallery space that plays a crucial role in preserving, recording and promoting contemporary arts and culture. It provides a wide range of programmes that support Ghana's rich arts, culture and heritage, and empowers Ghanaian artists to thrive in their practice.”
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