THE AFRICAN COURIER. Reporting Africa and its Diaspora! The African Courier is an international magazine published in Germany to report on Africa and the Diaspora African experience. The first issue of the bimonthly magazine appeared on the newsstands on 15 February 1998. The African Courier is a communication forum for European-African political, economic and cultural exchanges, and a voice for Africa in Europe.
On Saturday 24 August 2024, Alexanderplatz in Berlin will transform into a vibrant cultural melting pot as FESTOA, the Togolese Festival in Germany, kicks off as part of the KENAKO Africa Festival.
This special event, organized by the non-profit organization Togo Goes On e.V., offers a unique opportunity to highlight and celebrate the cultural, historical, and political connections between Togo and Germany.
FESTOA is far more than just a cultural event; it is a space for intercultural dialogue and exchange. At a time when interest in Africa is growing both among the African diaspora and the German majority society, but is often not adequately nurtured, FESTOA creates a platform where these conversations can take place.
For the organizers, Togo Goes On e.V., it is crucial that Africans and Europeans come together in a well-defined framework for intercultural dialogue to discuss topics that directly or indirectly affect them. FESTOA provides this framework, building a bridge between cultures and offering an opportunity to discuss the past, present, and future of Togo and Africa as a whole.
FESTOA has set several ambitious goals. Central to these is the aim of deepening the German public’s knowledge of Africa, particularly Togo. The festival seeks not only to promote intercultural dialogue but also to educate its audience about the history, present and future of African countries. Another key objective is to dismantle stereotypes and present a nuanced, fair image of Africa.
FESTOA offers a diverse program that encompasses cultural, political and social themes. The day begins at 12:00 PM with a lecture on Togo and its colonial history in relation to Germany, followed by a tasting of Togolese beverages.
In the afternoon, from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM, a panel discussion will address the current political situation in Togo, focusing on issues such as constitutional changes and their impact on the country’s politics, as well as international relations with Germany.
Starting at 3:30 PM, the cultural diversity of Togo will be showcased through music, masks, and spiritual acrobatics. These performances offer visitors the chance to immerse themselves in Togo’s rich traditions and spirituality. The festival will conclude with a tasting of Togolese food and drinks starting at 5:30 PM.
The FESTOA festival features an impressive lineup of speakers and moderators. Among the speakers are Koffi Dodji Nyaku, an expert in development policy, and Idriss Tawat Nsangou, an activist for the decolonization of Africa. Tepe Agbo, a cultural expert on Togo, and Aboulaye Nawali, a motivational coach for Togolese women, round up the high-caliber lineup. The festival will be moderated by Sylvester Djiogho, political scientist and CEO of InterEPCO, and Oumou Hani Diallo of the Africa Media Center e.V.
The FESTOA festival in Berlin is more than just a cultural event. It is a living testament to how culture and education can come together to build bridges between continents and cultures. With a diverse program that puts the spotlight on the history, culture, and current political situation of Togo, the festival offers a unique opportunity for intercultural dialogue. FESTOA is not only a celebration of Togolese culture but also a significant step toward better understanding between Africa and Europe.
The Significance of Togo and Its History
Togo, a small West African country, played a significant role in the history of German colonization. Often referred to as a “model colony,” Togo was a central part of Germany’s colonial expansion in Africa. However, Togo is much more than just a chapter in colonial history. The country is rich in cultural and material heritage that existed long before colonization. These cultural and historical treasures are precisely what the FESTOA festival aims to highlight.
In Western countries, Africa is often viewed through a distorted lens. The narratives that depict Africa are usually crafted by those who are distant from the continent. FESTOA aims to correct this imbalance by giving people in Germany the chance to learn about Togo and its rich culture from the perspective of those who know it best — the Africans themselves.
Contact to festival organisers:
Togo Goes On e.V.
Ms Ameyo Dick
Phone/WhatsApp: +49 15205125534
E-Mail: info@togogoeson.org
Website: https://togogoeson.org
About Togo Goes On
Togo Goes On e.V. is an Afro-diasporic organization based in Berlin, dedicated to the ambitious goal of creating a world free of poverty by 2030. Founded by descendants of former colonized peoples and those with experiences of racism, the organization focuses on two central pillars: education and culture. These areas are closely intertwined and form the backbone of the organization’s vision, promoting education as the key to sustainable development.
Since its inception, Togo Goes On e.V. has successfully implemented concrete projects in both Africa and Germany. With support from the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the State of Berlin, the Catholic Fund, and Bread for the World, the organization has established a solid foundation to fulfill its mission effectively.
