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.
The annual summer season of African music and culture in Germany kicks off in May with various events including live concerts performed by top bands and musicians. This year gets to an exciting start as visitors to the 28th International Afro Music Festival, holding on 26-29 May in the Bavarian town of Würzburg, can expect to enjoy a very diverse programme.
From South African legend Hugh Masekela to the Nigerian-German sensation Nneka, from Congolese musical poet Pascal Lokua Kanza to the Ivorian roots reggae star Tiken Jah Fakoly, from Lura of Cape Verdean origin to the Cuban Beats All Stars, the 2016 Africa Festival presents an array of musicians that will make a visit to Europe’s biggest festival of African music and culture an unforgettable experience.
There is something for every lover of African-origin rhythms as the festival parades artists in music genres ranging from Afro soul, hip-hop, jazz, groove to son, salsa and rumba. By playing hosts to the real heavyweights of African and Caribbean music, Würzburg provides a unique theatre for the meeting of Africa and its Diaspora.
An indication that the line-up of artists is really hot is the news that the tickets for the festival are selling out fast. As of press time, almost 80 per cent of the four-day-tickets had been sold!
Apart from music, Würzburg will also feature bazaars, workshops, film programmes, art exhibitions, podium discussions and other activities that have all turned the town into a veritable African cultural experience.
Vivian Asamaoh
More festival information at: www.africafestival.org
