Ghanaian‑Dutch artist Faduad Hammond, known professionally as Fadu, is set to travel to Yekaterinburg, Russia, to represent Ghana at the 2026 World Youth Festival, which runs from September 11 to 17.
The festival, themed “Follow Your Dream”, is slated to host about 10,000 young leaders from nearly 190 countries, making it one of the largest gatherings of its kind. It follows Russia’s national project on Youth and Children and builds on the 2024 edition that drew 20,000 participants from 190 nations.
Fadu, who recently released the music video for her single “Body”, said she hopes the event will allow her to showcase her music beyond borders. She explained that the electric guitar, a staple in her sound since childhood, was added to “Body” to give the track a distinctive edge that she believes festival audiences will enjoy.
She has already earned recognition, being nominated at the Ghana Music Awards Europe in 2024/2025, and has performed at venues such as the MIM Life Concert in Tema and the Dr Likee Show in London. The festival will feature participants from creative industries, media, science, technology, public administration, sports and entrepreneurship.
Fadu’s participation is expected to provide her with a platform to connect with young creatives worldwide and to introduce her music to an international audience.
