Photo Series: Vic Mensa's Pilgrimage to Ghana

OkayAfrica traveled with Vic Mensa as he visited his father's childhood home, Koforidua. Here's a behind-the-scenes look about what happened.

February 03, 2023

Vic Mensa

Photo By Adedamola Odetara for OkayAfrica

Back in December, American rapper Vic Mensa went on a pilgrimage back home. The rapper was in Accra, Ghana for his historic Black Star Line Festival, which he was co-hosting with longtime friend and fellow rapper Chance the Rapper.

But, on a hot day before the festival, the rapper traveled two hours from Accra to Koforidua to visit his extended family. There is a lot of history in Koforidua. Highlife trailblazer Chief Kofi Sammy grew up there. Not only was he founder of the famous Okukuseku International Band but Sammy also had a long and fruitful relationship with Afrobeat legend Fula Kuti.

He also happens to be Vic Mensa's uncle. And part of the reason Vic took this trip is to convince Sammy to join him on stage at the Black Star Line Festival in Accra, in front of 50,000 fans. However, while there, Vic made sure he had time to connect with his extended family.

It was a special, intimate moment. One OkayAfrica was lucky enough to witness firsthand. Check out our photo gallery of Vic Mensa's pilgrimage below.

In December 2022, Vic Mensa took a trip to visit his uncle, legendary Highlife artist Chief Kofi Sammy. It’s about a two hour drive from Accra to Koforidua. A bit longer when you factor in Vic stopping for some of his favorite snacks.
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The locals preparing a cup of Asaana.
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Vic enjoying some coconut, which delayed the trip, a bit.
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Vic is enveloped in hugs the moment he arrives at Asokore Zongo in Koforidua.
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Aunts, uncles, and cousins all gather around to speak with him.
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Vic Mensa sharing some quiet time with his uncles.
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Vic has been reuploading Kofi Sammy’s discography to streaming platforms. “If you want to do anything now, you need to do it better than it was done before," Sammy said.
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Vic Mensa's aunt preparing a feast.
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Vic's family sharing a meal of banku with fresh pepper and fried fish.
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While in Koforidua, one of Vic Mensa’s predominant concerns is making sure his uncle joins him on stage for the Black Star Line festival. Chief Kofi Sammy agrees and blesses his plans with a ceremonial pouring of libations.
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Kofi Sammy pouring local schnapps, his way of honoring the ancestors.
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Vic's extended family enjoying their famous relative in town.
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Vic felt like his uncle Chief Kofi Sammy needed to be at his Black Star Line Festival.
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Koforidua is about two hours away from Ghana's capital, Accra.
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Koforidua is a city with a population of about 165,000 people.
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Vic’s trip to Koforidua is just five days before the inaugural Black Star Line festival.
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Vic Mensa says his new album is, "influenced and inspired by" his time in Ghana.
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Vic sees himself as a "bridge between Black America and Africa.”
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Vic Mensa picked up a thobe in a local shop.
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Vic Mensa has been more outspoken about using his art to speak on behalf of his community.
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Right outside of a local Koforidua Market.
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Vic taking a ride around the settlement.
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Vic catching up with one of his aunts.
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Vic on his name: “I'm named Victor in honor of my most prominent Ghanaian ancestor, from centuries ago, he fought the British for our freedom. And so I'm named Victor for his victories in battle."
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The family of Vic flicking it up for a photo.
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"Now that I've been heard by millions of people, I feel that I'm much more purposeful about what it is I'm trying to do with my time here,” Vic said.
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The family cat during a very intimate moment.
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"I’m learning that the specifics of the trials and tribulations that have taken place don’t matter, and just to have faith in what I'm doing and where I'm going, because I'm clearly on the path that the ancestors set for me," Vic Mensa said.
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