Africa-Press – Ghana. Ghanaian actor Daniel Kojo Delong, popularly known as “The Actor’s Preacher,” joined over 70 Ghanaian creatives in making history at Carifesta XV in Barbados with the acclaimed theatrical production Mansa Musa and the Trail of Lost Gold.
The team was led by Ghanaian poet, playwright, and creative entrepreneur Chief Moomen, creator of The Mansa World.
Produced by Bambu Heritage Productions under the auspices of Masala Corp and facilitated by Oakwood Green Africa, the play was staged at the invitation of Barbados’ Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley at the newly constructed National Performing Arts Centre.
A statement copied to the Ghana News Agency in Accra on Tuesday said it became the very first production to be staged at the venue, setting a powerful precedent.
“ This landmark event stands as one of the boldest Afro-Caribbean collaborations in recent years, bringing together Ghanaian and Bajan talent in a spectacular celebration of shared heritage.
The performance showcased a breathtaking fusion of African and Caribbean voices. Earlier in the week, the Mansa Orchestra delivered a moving first presentation, which included tributes such as a stirring rendition of Bajan Soca Queen Alison Hinds’ anthem “Togetherness”.
The performance highlighted the shared struggles and celebrations of the African diaspora, underscoring the unifying power of music and culture.
Organisers described the event as more than entertainment, calling it a symbolic bridge across the Atlantic that reinforced unity between Africa and its descendants in the Caribbean.
One of the evening’s standout performers of the main show was celebrated Ghanaian actor Daniel Kojo Delong, who captivated audiences in his role as Sumanguru.
Born in 1983, Delong is a classically trained actor with nearly two decades of stage and screen experience.
His repertoire spans acclaimed productions such as Inside Out and Dede (Akwaaba Magic/Multichoice), as well as feature films including Aloe Vera, Sidechick Gang, and The Devil’s Work.
Delong’s artistic journey began at the National Theatre of Ghana, where he brought to life the beloved folkloric character Kweku Ananse.
He later honed his craft by studying Theatre Arts at the School of Performing Arts, University of Ghana, Legon, before advancing to international training at the Stagecraft Institute of Las Vegas, supported by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
With a career rooted in Ghanaian tradition and enriched by global exposure, Delong embodies the essence of cultural exchange celebrated on this historic stage.
Beyond acting, Delong has also excelled in events management, corporate collaborations, and pastoral leadership.
He currently serves as the Lead Pastor of Zoe Chapel International and a lecturer at GH Media School, seamlessly blending his creative, academic, and spiritual callings while continuing to shine on global stages.
Speaking after the performance, Delong expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the organizers and the audience:
“I am truly honored to be part of this historic production. I appreciate the organizers and the people of Barbados for opening their hearts to us. For me, this is about using my God-given talent to bridge divides, inspire people, and remind us all that Africa and the diaspora share one soul.”
For Chief Moomen and the Ghanaian delegation, the performance marked the culmination of years of dedicated work.
Featuring a 70-member Ghanaian team alongside an 80-member Bajan contingent, the production stands as one of the most ambitious cross-Atlantic cultural collaborations ever staged.
“This was both a play and a powerful statement about reconnecting Africa with its diaspora and celebrating our shared histories,” organizers said.
The event further strengthened cultural dialogue between Ghana and the Caribbean, highlighting the transformative role of art in retelling Africa’s true history.
As Ghana positions itself as a hub for diaspora engagement through initiatives like The Year of Return, Beyond the Return, and the Re-Africanization of the Diaspora, Mansa Musa and the Trail of Lost Gold adds a new chapter, uniting theatre, history, and identity in the fight against cultural erasure.
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