Tommy WÁ, Sa 11.07.2026, Gent Jazz Gent

Tommy WÁ was born in Nigeria and raised in Ghana. Alongside traditional West African folk music, the young WA developed an early fascination with Western pop and indie through listening to the radio station Splash — occasionally listening to Jay-Z, but more often drawn to artists like The Lumineers, The Black Keys, and Michael Kiwanuka. For WÁ, the distinction between 'Western’ and 'African’ music never felt relevant— and that certainty continues to define his artistry today. When he picks up an acoustic guitar, these influences blend organically. Through his warm, soulful voice, WÁ crafts stories that begin with deeply personal reflections that ultimately become universally understood human experiences. His music is intimate, where simplicity is not a limitation but a strength.

His debut EP, 'Roadman and Folks’ (2024), quickly opened doors for performances and recognition, both across Africa and internationally. Its follow-up, 'Somewhere Only We Go’ (2025), expands his sound even further, pairing vulnerability with directness in songs that explore identity, freedom, and self-expression. This soon caught the attention of several European showcase festivals. Always eager to spotlight emerging talent, we believe Tommy WÁ is an artist well worth discovering this summer.