Jollof Festival

JOLLOF FESTIVAL
The Jollof festival took place on 1st September in Memory Lane Park, Accra.
https://www.instagram.com/thejolloffestival/

Well I am not going to get into which country makes the best Jollof rice – as today it was all about Ghana Jollof. The sponsors where Tasty Toms – who are known for their advert with the catch phrase ‘more Jollof’.
Although the weather was cloudy with small rain the park was very beautiful with the settings of a cooking workstation, vendors, soft colourful seating, large lit stage and DJ quarters. (image)

I was impressed of the cooking section set up. There were 6 enthusiastic women competitors who entered the cooking competition. Chopping, frying and stirring – concentrating on their pots like professionals. They also added protein and accompanying side dishes with the Jollof such as meat, plantain, salad.
The men’s segment only had 4 men cookers – (even one was Caucasian).

There was plenty of food – I ate the coconut Jollof rice – but to me it just tasted like Jollof – no sign of coconut on my taste buds. I am going to have to make my own version. I don’t usually tend to order Jollof rice when I go out as I don’t know if the chef has added meat or meat stock. But it’s cool as I’m not a rice fanatic.

Of course, there was the usual local drinks – Sobolo, palm wine amongst natural juices and alcohol. It was good to see Tea Baa – but by the time I wanted a drink they had sold out except for the peppermint ice tea.
T-shirts with quotes ‘Jollof stole my heart‘, and I love Jollof, board games, table football, face painting.

It was great to see a live band playing instead of just a DJ – although the DJ was playing some tunes. The singer belting out reggae and MJ songs – however there are some songs that you would rather listen to the original. Late afternoon they had entertainment from Eddie Khae, Ria Boss, Susan August.