Colorful patterned fabrics will twirl, rhythmic beats will pulse, and mouthwatering aromas will fill the Iowa City air on Saturday, Sept. 28, at the inaugural African Festival of Arts and Culture.
The African Festival of Arts and Culture has been in the works since the fall of 2023. The event is poised to share the rich cultural African diversity that exists in Iowa through music, traditional African art, food, and dance.
Sunday Goshit and Brady G’sell, both University of Iowa African Studies faculty members, wanted to create a festival that helped educate and empower the community.
Goshit and G’sell felt the energy to organize it.
“Over 30,000 African immigrants live in Iowa. Yet, when most people think of Iowa, they do not think of Africa or African culture. We are working to change that,” said G’sell. “Iowa City is a leader in cultural festivals in the state. It only makes sense that the first African festival in Iowa would be here.”
More: From Oktoberfest to the African Arts Festival, here are 6 things to do in Iowa City this weekend
What to expect from the African Festival of Arts and Culture
The festival will take place from noon to 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28 in Iowa City’s Pedmall, highlighting the rich cultural traditions of Africa. The event is meant to demonstrate the significant role of African immigrants in Iowa through a variety of activities.
“African-born Iowans contribute to various sectors, including healthcare, education, business, and the service industry. Many African-owned businesses are thriving, providing employment opportunities and adding to the (community’s economic vitality),” said G’sell. “The festival will not only highlight the cultural contributions of African immigrants to Iowa but also recognize the economic impact and the entrepreneurial spirit of the African community.”
Vendor booths will serve African cuisine and art, and the festival will also include live entertainment, dazzling all five senses. Dozens of vendors will serve cuisine from Congo, Kenya, Nigeria, and Sudan, along with the Vidic colors of African textiles, paintings, pottery, and jewelry.
More: Vote for the Iowa City Press-Citizen Student of the Week
Become immersed in the rhythm of Africa
Music and dance will also be at the forefront Saturday, anchored by Ghanaian singer-songwriter Hadiza, who will perform original blues music from her latest project.
Afrobeat243 will headline the festival, a 16-piece group that plays various forms of African dance music.
Multiple community organizations will be in attendance, like the African Communities Network of Iowa, the Immigrant Welcome Network of Johnson County, and the Refugee and Immigrant Association.
The festival is meant to serve as a bridge between cultures. The organizers note that though there are multiple cultural festivals within the African immigrant community, none are quite like this.
“It’s an invitation to connect, celebrate, and learn from one another, making it a must-attend event for anyone who values community, culture, and the power of coming together,” said Goshit.
Jessica Rish is an entertainment, dining and education reporter for the Iowa City Press-Citizen. She can be reached at [email protected] or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @rishjessica_
Source link : http://www.bing.com/news/apiclick.aspx?ref=FexRss&aid=&tid=66f42cfae7ec4106a13ab75794ad3022&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.press-citizen.com%2Fstory%2Fentertainment%2Fevents%2F2024%2F09%2F25%2Fwhat-to-know-about-the-iowa-city-african-festival-of-arts-and-culture%2F75367882007%2F&c=16558702722174780047&mkt=en-us
Author :
Publish date : 2024-09-25 00:04:00
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.
