Fely Tchaco has built a vibrant career at the intersection of art, culture and community leadership, earning recognition as an influential voice in African arts and a dedicated advocate for cultural preservation. Her work spans music, visual arts, fashion, teaching and nonprofit leadership. As founder, president and executive director of African Arts Academy, she has shaped a platform that not only promotes African culture but also serves as a bridge between traditions and contemporary artistic expression. Under her guidance, the academy has become widely known for organizing events such as Modern Ethnic Fashion Week, which has introduced audiences to African-inspired fashion while raising awareness about cultural heritage and diversity.
Ms. Tchaco’s academic foundation has played an essential role in her journey as an artist and entrepreneur. She earned a certificate in graphic design from City College of San Francisco and a certificate of web design from Bay Area Video Coalition, also known as BAVC Media. In addition, she holds professional certifications in web design and graphic communication. These achievements provided her with the technical expertise to support her creative vision, expand her entrepreneurial pursuits and build platforms for her music, art and nonprofit initiatives.
Ms. Tchaco’s accomplishments as a musician have been particularly noteworthy. She recorded her American debut album in the early 2000s, followed by several additional releases that garnered international attention, including “Maturite,” “Awareness,” “De Zere Gnan,” “Mon Espoir,” “Amour Perdu” and “YITA.” Her music is distinguished by its multilingual performance style, incorporating English, French and her native language, Gouro. She has also brought forward traditional rhythms from the West African forest region, such as Gbegbe, Gaou Alloukou and Zaouli, blending them with modern arrangements to create a sound that is both authentic and innovative.
Ms. Tchaco’s talent has been recognized through numerous honors. She was once named among the 100 most influential women in the Ivory Coast. Her song “Toilata” earned her a place as a top ten finalist in the International Songwriting Competition, an event that attracted thousands of entries worldwide. She also won Best World Beat Song for “Goba” at the Independent Music Awards. Beyond music, her artwork has been publicly recognized, including selection for display by the city and county of San Francisco at the Bayview Southeast Community Center.
Ms. Tchaco’s career extends into civic engagement, leadership and advocacy. She has worked with the city and county of San Francisco as a public service trainee and contributed to the establishment of the San Francisco African American Arts and Cultural District. She is also the founder of SF MODEFA, or San Francisco Modern Ethnic Fashion Week, which highlights cultural diversity and brings together artists, designers and performers to celebrate shared creativity. Through these efforts, she has not only created opportunities for cultural exchange but has also fostered economic empowerment for emerging artists and designers.
In addition to her nonprofit leadership, Ms. Tchaco has built a diverse creative portfolio. She has worked as executive producer for ModVation Diversity Ventures MODEFA, stage manager for Vator and owner of Fely Productions/ZEWP. Her work spans roles as a singer-songwriter, performer, fashion designer and producer. She has also made appearances in film, including acting credits in “Looking” and “Contagion,” showcasing yet another facet of her artistic versatility.
Looking toward the future, Ms. Tchaco envisions creating a permanent institution in San Francisco dedicated to African arts. Her goal is to establish a space where dance, drumming, indigenous drawing, culinary arts and other creative forms can be taught and celebrated. By creating this specialized center, she hopes to ensure the preservation and growth of African cultural traditions for generations to come.