From a Mistake to a Movement: Zen Garden Celebrates 10 Years

Zen Garden, one of Accra’s most influential cultural and hospitality hubs, is celebrating a decade of music, community and creative expression. Still, its origin story is far from what many expect, in an intimate conversation on Unpackin’ with Zen Garden, CEO Wael Hakim, affectionately known as Tim, revealed that the popular Labone venue was never meant to be a business at all.

“Zen Garden was a mistake,” he said with a laugh. “We held a birthday party there 10 years ago, and people came back the next day. That’s how it started.”

What began as a simple home space has evolved into one of Ghana’s most consistent live music institutions, known for nurturing authentic talent, promoting Ghanaian culture and creating unforgettable experiences for patrons.

Hakim explained that Zen Garden’s evolution was purely organic. “At first, we said, okay, let’s make it a breakfast spot. Then it became a live music venue and then it became what it is today.”

Driven by his passion for music, film and the creative arts and inspired by his childhood spent in his father’s restaurant, Hakim built Zen Garden with a vision that defied trends. While many venues chased Western aesthetics and nightlife fads, Zen focused on authenticity and Ghanaian identity.

“Everything is made in Ghana,” he said. “The furniture, the artwork, the Adinkra symbols, everything. I wanted to elevate Ghanaian culture, not run from it.”

One of Zen Garden’s defining stories is its longstanding partnership with traditional music group Kwan Pa. Kwan Pa, represented by Andrew Asah Nkansah, recalled how nearly every venue turned them down in the early years.

“Everyone said no, except Zen,” Asah said. “Some places even told us their audience wouldn’t be interested in our kind of music.”

Hakim gave Kwan Pa Tuesday nights, a slow day in nightlife and told them to trust the process. “For a whole year, they played sometimes for five or seven people,” he said. “But they never stopped. And today, Tuesdays are one of our busiest nights.”

Asah added that even when revenue was low, Zen Garden paid them fully. “That consistency helped us build a fan base. We grew because Zen believed in us.”

Hakim proudly noted that several artistes who passed through Zen have since become major stars including Camidoh, who once performed as a backup singer on their stage.

Zen Garden now hosts live music every day of the week. The venue’s ambience shaded by trees that form a natural canopy adds to the experience. “People wanted me to cut the trees,” Hakim said. “Never. Zen Garden is the trees.” 

Over the years, Zen has become known for: Proposals and romantic events, Corporate unwinding nights, Cultural showcases, Surprise performances, Packed weekends that often exceed 600 people.

Its serene daytime environment transitions into an energetic night scene where “people will stand anywhere they can find space,” including steps and corners.

For its 10th anniversary, Zen Garden has undergone a major redesign. Hakim has built three treehouses around the venue’s signature trees, expanded the stage, added balconies and increased space for growing crowds.

The anniversary celebration will take place over two days, 28th and 29th November featuring: Kwan pa, Efya, EL, The Gentleman, Big Brain Band, Tomi Thomas, Tonye Aganaba and a headline appearance by Nigerian star Oxlade.

Hakim revealed that Oxlade accepted the invitation out of friendship. “I’m always about promoting Ghana first,” he said, “but collaborations help us expand. The Ghanaian industry needs more bridges.”

While December in Ghana is known for massive crowds and tourism, Hakim insists he doesn’t rely on just one month.

“December is great for sales, but my focus is the whole year,” he emphasised. “Our billboard says, Every day is Christmas at Zen Garden. We keep the quality consistent all year round.” He recalled last year’s December overflow, where more people were outside the venue trying to enter than inside.

Hakim, originally from Lebanon, became a naturalised Ghanaian citizen two years ago, a decision he calls deeply personal. “I love Ghana. My heart and future are here. I want to contribute more and show the world how beautiful Ghana is.”

From its accidental beginning to its rise as a creative powerhouse, Zen Garden has shaped careers, nurtured talent and created a home for authentic Ghanaian music and culture.

As the venue celebrates 10 years, Hakim says the mission remains the same:

“Create experiences. Build community. And celebrate Ghana every single day.”