Breaking Barriers in Tamale: Girls Rise Through Hip Hop Empowerment in Tamale, Northern Ghana
In a groundbreaking event that blended rhythm, resilience, and raw talent, the Africa Breaking Academy, in collaboration with the KGL Foundation, ignited a cultural and leadership revolution in Tamale through the Break It Girls Empowerment Project.
video https://youtu.be/E7nKIUDwwPk?si=dxTwECCK6bqShbmS
According to Project Lead Nana Tuffour Okai aka Bboy Lyricx said activities held in the heart of Northern Ghana Tamale , this Two-day engagement was more than a workshop—it was a movement. The program empowered dozens of young girls through hip hop culture, leadership training, and creative expression, positioning them not just as dancers, but as changemakers.
A Day of Impact
From the beat of breakdance to the bold colors of graffiti, every session was infused with purpose and passion:
🎤 Leadership Development Seminar: Girls were guided to develop self-confidence, vision, and the skills needed to lead in their communities. For many, it was their first encounter with formal leadership coaching—and they thrived.
💃 Breakdance Workshop: The floor came alive as participants learned power moves and footwork. But beyond technique, they discovered how dance could be a form of discipline, expression, and self-worth.
🎯 Masterclasses: Personalized mentoring sessions connected girls with professional coaches in dance, leadership, and personal growth—offering real-world advice and support for their dreams.
🎨 Graffiti Sessions: Armed with spray cans and big ideas, the girls explored street art as a bold tool of identity and storytelling, breaking the mold of what creative expression looks like for young women in Tamale.
https://youtu.be/E7nKIUDwwPk?si=dxTwECCK6bqShbmS
More Than Dance
Madam Juliana Osei from Germany and Tris Naomi of Breaking Federation of Ghana were the facilitators and stipulated that “This project isn’t just about Hip hop, “It’s about creating safe spaces where girls can explore who they are, break stereotypes, and rise as leaders in a world that too often silences them.” The excitement in the room was palpable. Laughter mixed with deep reflection, as girls found their voices in the beats, brushes, and empowering words of their mentors. For many participants, it was a transformative experience—one that unlocked confidence they never knew they had.
Changing the Narrative
In regions where gender norms often limit the aspirations of girls, this initiative stands as a vibrant declaration of change. The Break It Girls Empowerment Project is not only helping girls discover their potential but is also challenging cultural assumptions about what girls can achieve.
With strong support from the KGL Foundation and creative production by @afrobreak_concepts, the event underscored the power of partnership in driving social change.
Looking Ahead
As the sun set over Tamale, the energy lingered. Girls left not just with new skills, but with new dreams—and the tools to chase them.
This is just the beginning. With projects like this, Northern Ghana is dancing toward a future where girls lead, express, and thrive.
https://youtu.be/E7nKIUDwwPk?si=dxTwECCK6bqShbmS
Article by :
Christabel Okai
Project and Programs
Coordinator
