Strictly Soul returns to Accra

bringing the R&B as Africa’s biggest and most influential R&B movement

Strictly Soul, Africa’s biggest and longest-running R&B events community, is making its long-awaited return to Accra.

After a break from hosting in the country, the beloved R&B experience is back, set to take place on Friday, 24 November 2025, at Barn Door Beergarden, from 19h00 to 01h30. This comeback promises an unforgettable night of smooth vibes and soulful connections, bringing Accra’s R&B lovers together once again under the Strictly Soul banner.

What started as an IG Live stream during lockdown by founder and music curator Akio Kawahito has grown into a cultural phenomenon. In 2020, Strictly Soul became Africa’s first dedicated R&B party and has since evolved into a premier series of sold-out events in cities including Johannesburg, Cape Town, Nairobi, Kigali, Accra, Kampala, and Windhoek. Each edition draws thousands of music lovers together in celebration of R&B in all its forms — from Old School and New School, to Neo-Soul, Trap Soul, Afrobeats, and beyond.

Beyond the music, Strictly Soul has cultivated a stylish, safe, and empowering space where trendsetters, creatives, and professionals connect. Its carefully chosen venues and vibrant atmosphere have helped the brand build a loyal community that extends far beyond nightlife, establishing Strictly Soul as both a lifestyle and a cultural movement.

“Strictly Soul has always been about more than just parties; it’s about connection, community, and celebrating the sound of R&B in all its dimensions,” says founder Akio Kawahito. “The demand we’ve seen across the continent shows how deeply people resonate with this genre, and we’re proud to take the experience to new audiences in Botswana, Zambia, and Ethiopia.”

With sights set on global stages, Strictly Soul continues to celebrate African excellence by bridging cultures and highlighting the timeless influence of R&B. Its trailblazing success has also sparked a new wave of R&B-focused events across Africa, many of which credit Strictly Soul as their inspiration.

In addition to building audiences across Africa, Strictly Soul has also been instrumental in supporting local talent. Artists such as Marcus and lordkez have been given platforms to perform at its shows, with lordkez even joining in on tours to other countries. This showcases how Strictly Soul is invested in elevating homegrown artists onto international stages.

From a lockdown passion project to a continent-wide phenomenon, Strictly Soul’s journey is a story of growth, innovation, and resilience. As the brand prepares for its next chapter, it remains firmly positioned as Africa’s premier R&B experience.