Kwame Bakoji-Hume

Kwame Bakoji-Hume (born 10 July 1970) is a Ghanaian-British visual artist, educator, and cultural activist. Known for his dedication to preserving and promoting African culture, Bakoji-Hume has built a notable career through his art and educational initiatives. He is the founder of African Activities CIC (Community Interest Company registered number 11416278), which offers workshops and events aimed at fostering an understanding of African traditions and history in the UK. His work, deeply rooted in traditional African symbolism, has been featured internationally, making him a prominent figure in the movement to decolonize African representation in art and education.
==Early Life and Education==
Kwame Bakoji-Hume was born on 10 July 1970 in Buipe, Savannah Region, Ghana. His early years were spent in rural Ghana, where he was involved in activities such as fishing, farming, and drawing. After the death of his father and a period of serious illness, he relocated to the SOS Children’s International Village in Tema, Accra, where he began formal schooling at the age of 11. Bakoji-Hume’s artistic talent emerged during this period, and he pursued an education in the arts.
He studied visual arts at the Ghanatta College of Art in Accra, later becoming the Artist in Residence at the National Centre for Culture in Kumasi. It was here that he deepened his study of Adinkra and Kente symbolism, central to Akan culture.
==Career in Ghana==
While working at the National Centre for Culture in Kumasi, Bakoji-Hume founded Bakoji Paintyard, an art studio that evolved into the Black Africa Gallery, dedicated to both traditional and contemporary African art. He lectured at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, engaging in cultural outreach programs aimed at schools and street children.
Bakoji-Hume’s contributions to the arts include participation in the Global Rivers Art Exchange Project, a collaborative international project focused on the environmental and cultural significance of rivers.
==Relocation to the UK==
In 2000, Bakoji-Hume moved to the United Kingdom, where he noticed a widespread lack of understanding about African cultures. This inspired him to use art and education as tools for addressing misconceptions about Africa. He founded African Activities CIC, an organization that offers educational workshops, events, and community outreach aimed at promoting African culture. His work has been particularly impactful during Black History Month in the UK, where he has led programs in schools and community groups.
==Awards and Recognition==
Bakoji-Hume’s dedication to cultural education has been recognized with numerous awards, including:
Black History Month South Award (2023)
Black Culture Ambassador Award from the United Voices of African Associations (UK)
Several accolades for his contributions to African art education.
==Notable Projects and Exhibitions==
Bakoji-Hume has been involved in numerous projects and exhibitions, including:
Global Rivers Art Exchange Project
Founder of Black Africa Gallery, Kumasi
Founder of African Activities CIC, promoting African culture and education in the UK
His artwork, which often explores African identity and heritage, has been exhibited internationally, including commissions for major institutions such as the Natural History Museum and The Southbank Centre.
==Further Reading==
Category:1970 births
Category:Visual artists
Category:Educators
Category:Cultural activism