Comic artist and Squid Mag contributor Kevin Sampong recaps his experience at Pa Gya 2018, where he facilitated a workshop on comic-making for children and adults.
This past weekend saw the second edition of the Pa Gya! A Literary Festival in Accra (Pa Gya 2018) go down at the Goethe Institute from October 19 – 21, 2018. As expected, it was a most worthwhile experience. The atmosphere was serene yet busy with creatives – across publishing, painting, photography etc – coming from all parts of Ghana and beyond.
The scene was a magnificent one, as extraordinary works of art and writing decorated the place. One could feel the enthusiasm and excitement that filled the air as artists, writers, musicians and a ton of others conversed, dreamed and fantasized about the past, present and future.
The raw energy emanating from present personalities was enough to light up all of Accra. Squid was fortunate enough to run a two-day comic workshop, a panel discussion and a stand where African animation was showcased and African comics sold to a content-hungry audience. It was simply amazing exploring the beautiful world of comics alongside children and adults alike.
The comic workshop was led by Squid Mag contributor and comic artist, Kevin Sampong. He took participants through the process of creating characters guided by learning resources provided by John Schaidler.
The panel discussion on Comics as Literature in Ghana was moderated by Reginald Wotse (Geekziz) and featured Daniel Coker (LOL Gh) as well as Destiny (AnimaxFYB Studios) filling in for Francis Brown who couldn’t make it.
On sale at the Squid stand during Pa Gya were the first print copies of Lake of Tears, along with Kayin and Abeni (both printed by Kugali) and Peda Comics’ Showdown, Tekkids and Newborn Saga.
It was fun, it was wonderful and in the midst of all the excitement it was a most illuminating way to get a glimpse of the dream we’re all struggling for, the dream of a creative paradise.
We’re grateful to the Writers Project of Ghana, Goethe Institut Accra and Elizabeth Temitayo Johnson for another opportunity to showcase the beautiful art of comic books at Pa Gya: A Literary Festival in Accra.
Visit the festival website for more information. See below for an interview by Miss Bee Writes with Kevin Sampon during the festival.
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