Fourteen years after launching a visionary movement to elevate indigenous spoken word and cultural performance, renowned Ghanaian poet Philip Boakye Dua Oyinka, known in creative circles as Nana Asaase, is set to stage the milestone tenth edition of his flagship show, MENTAL PICTURES, in November 2026.
Titled BADU THE TENTH CHILD, the landmark event will center on celebrating resilience, consistency, and the vital essence of believing in and pursuing one’s dreams against all odds.
First instituted 14 years ago, the MENTAL PICTURES series was established to highlight Nana Asaase alongside a rising generation of literary artists. Over the past decade and a half, the series has grown into the undisputed benchmark for live poetry and spoken word productions across Ghana. Designed as a platform to inspire young Ghanaian writers to distinguish themselves, the initiative continuously propels local literary talent onto African and global stages. Over the years, the show has earned a loyal following built on artistic excellence, cultural authenticity, and community-driven purpose.
The tenth edition promises an immersive showcase of Ghanaian heritage, seamlessly blending performance arts with interactive cultural experiences.
Attendees will experience traditional storytelling that weaves folk narratives with modern spoken word in both Twi and English. The production will feature live indigenous rhythms, traditional drumming, acoustic arrangements, and energetic folk dance routines. To foster community engagement and intergenerational connections, traditional Ghanaian games will be integrated into the event space, bringing audiences together through play and cultural nostalgia.
The gathering will draw art enthusiasts, cultural advocates, literary veterans, and aspiring writers together in Accra to honor a legacy built on artistic discipline and authentic storytelling.
Born Philip Boakye Dua Oyinka, Nana Asaase is a title meaning “King of the Earth” conferred by his grandmother is one of Ghana’s most celebrated poets, literary coaches, and cultural practitioners. Known for his signature style of seamlessly blending English with Twi, he has played a pivotal role in bringing contemporary Ghanaian spoken word into mainstream appreciation.
As the founder and CEO of Asaase Inscriptions, he established Ghana’s first dedicated literary coaching agency and cultural consultancy. Beyond the stage, he serves as a Secretary on the governing board of Ghana’s National Folklore Board, acts as a Digital Reading Ambassador for the Ghana Library App, and sits on the board of Open Foundation West Africa.
His pioneering contributions to Ghanaian poetry earned him high honors at the inaugural Ghana Writers Awards. His performances and cultural commentaries have been featured internationally across major platforms, including the BBC, CNN‘s African Voices, and the GUBA Awards in the UK. Over his career, he has authored and produced acclaimed theatrical poetry shows, including Life of Colours, Communion of Lies, Epiphania, and the ongoing Mental Pictures series.
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