Afrofest is a celebration of African music with both traditional and contemporary styles, performed on three stages during the two-day event.  Both international and Canadian African performing groups are participating in the annual festival that’s taking place on July 5 and 6 at Queen’s Park from noon until 10:30 p.m. 

This year’s free event will feature dozens of artists and bands.  International players include Ivory Coast singing sensation Dobet Gnahore, rising Senegalese star Fallou Dieng, Cape Verde's new singing diva Mayra Andrade and Hatian vocal group Descendann.

Many Canadian bands will also be performing including Vancouver based Juno award winner Alpha Yaya Diallo, Ottawa's Juno award nominee Mighty Popo and Toronto’s popular Nakupenda.

Some other top talents include Femi Abosede & Culture Force, Donne Roberts, Njacko Backo, Konyokonyo, Shego Band featuring Hani, Waleed Kush, Tapa Diarra, Katenen Cheka Dioubate and Shangaza Performers.

Drumming is a very popular activity at Afrofest and this year The Babatunde Olatunji Drum Stage will feature Samba Squad, Maracatu Nunca Antes, Sani Abu & Ijovudu Dance Company, Southern Volta Cultural Performers and more.  Teachers are available for instruction and there will be drumming ensembles and drum circles.

If you want to bring the kids there will be a children’s village display area with activities that will teach kids about African culture.  There will also be arts and crafts, drumming and dance, face-painting, stilt workshops, clay and storytelling.  Free music workshops will be available at the Youth Zone including music theatre, poetry and two plays by well-known talented artists. 

The weekend also features an African Marketplace with food, theatre performances, dancing, crafts and clothing sales and a workshop area.  With so much going on and so many talented artists participating in this event you can’t miss this amazing festival. Organized by Music Africa, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting African music and culture.

For more information visit www.musicafrica.org