The African Association of Madison, Inc (AAM) in collaboration with Central Park Sessions and UW Madison African Studies Program will produce AFRICA FEST 2015, a family event on Saturday, Aug. 15 at Central Park in Madison.
AFRICA FEST 2015 is in its 17th year. Under the theme “Building and Bridging Communities,” this community-based cultural and educational event devoted to grassroots cultural heritage will feature musicians, artists, performers, cooks, craftspeople, and scholars who will be demonstrating, presenting, and discussing the cultural traditions of African immigrants. The diverse audience expected from in and around Dane County will consist of children, students, and members of academia, news media, arts enthusiasts and other members of the Madison community and its environs who are interested in learning about the rich cultures of Africa from Africans.
Admission is free to the general public; donations are welcome.
“Strides For Africa” – a 5k run/walk for all ages kicks off the festival. Registration fees for this event provide funds for our potable water well projects in rural Africa. These water well projects have changed the lives of many people for the better in rural Ethiopia and Liberia. We are counting on your endearing support and participation to continue to provide this invaluable supplement to these masses.
Next, African immigrants in the Madison area will sing songs, demonstrate crafts, tell stories, cook every day and celebratory dishes, illustrate various occupational skills, discuss how they live their daily lives, and address issues of cultural identity, history, and heritage. Food vendors and craft vendors of authentic African wares will be at the perimeter of the main tent and across the park to pamper your taste.
The main stage attraction is an international band of great repute Bassekou Kouyate from Mali. This band is well noted for thrilling the audience with its rhythmic percussions. This, to be supported by our sensational local groups Jam Ak Jam, The Masquerade, Kikeh Mato, Tani Diakite, Atimevu, etc.
The “African Tent” will be augmented with a physical representation of real Africa. The focus will be on “A Market of Africa’s Creative Bounty,” portraying a traditional market scene in Africa.
For more information about Africa Fest, please e-mail [email protected]
