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.
From the 2nd to the 4th of August, the Schlossplatz in the south-western German town of Emmendingen will once again be all about Africa and its many musical styles and cultures. Under the motto “We are the world!” Afrikaba Kulturkreis e.V. has once again put together an exciting festival programme.
The rhythmic pulse of Africa has been beating in the centre of the town on the fringes of the Black Forest since 2001. On the first weekend of August, Emmendingen will once again be the focus of African culture and, above all, the music of the continent.
In addition to the popular world bazaar and other supporting programmes, the stage features this year again top-class musicians from near and far, including international artists such as reggae star Fantan Mojah (Jamaica), Mo Kalamity (Cape Verde) or Sona Jobarteh (Gambia) as well as the Freiburg-based Nutty Boys and Äl Jawala.
From left: Septeto Nabori | La Nefera | Rueda Con Chocolate | Fantan Mojah | Mo Kalamity | Nutty Boys | Sona Jobarteh | Äl Jawala | Ballet Djiby Kouyate / Photo: Afrikaba Kulturkreis e.V.
The 19th African Music Festival will kick off on Friday, 2 August with Salsa and Latin rhythms. Rueda Con Chocolate, La Nefera and Septeto Nabori will be on the stage to open the fest.
On this year’s Reggae Saturday, Nutty Boys, Mo Kalamity from Cape Verde and Fantan Mojah (Jamaica) will entertain festival visitors.
The last day of the festival is dedicated to Afro/World music and will feature Ballet Djiby Kouyate, a children dance group from Mali, home boy Äl Jawala, who will dish out Balkan beats, and Sona Jobarteh, the renowned Kora Queen from Gambia
In addition to the musical offerings is an extensive supporting programme, including the various workshops, literary readings, a fashion show, the world bazaar, the open-air church service and the street parade, promising festival fans an unforgettable experience.
Femi Awoniyi
More on the festival at: http://www.festival.afrikaba.com/
