Africa on the Square festival brings Black History Month to an exhilarating close
27/10/2018 12PM | EVENT | Press
Event: Africa on the Square
Date: Saturday 27 October 2018
Time: 12pm-6pm
Location: Trafalgar Square
Entry: FREE
Information: www.london.gov.uk/events/2018-10-27/africa-square-2018
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has announced the line-up for Africa on the Square, a show-stopping festival of music, food and culture.
The celebration, at Trafalgar Square, is for Londoners and visitors of all ages to sample a wide variety of music and food, entertainment and activities inspired by the African continent. This year it is also a key part of the Mayor’s Black History Month celebrations.
The stage line-up, compèred by Esther Alade andUsifu Jalloh,reflects the diversity of London’s African communities and will shine a spotlight on women artists as the Mayor marks 100 years since some women gained the right to vote. Pioneering Kora virtuoso Sona Jobarteh will headline and the all-women Yeye Drummers will bring their captivating rhythms. Other main acts will include Ethiopian-Dutch singer Minyeshu, beats by Beeogo Yinga (Burkina Faso), African dance music from Kodjovi Kush & Afrospot All Stars (Togo) and the vocal talents of Namvula (Zambia).
The festival’s parade will feature a wide range of entertainers including Wuntanara (Guinea Conakry), Masquerade (Sierra Leone), Bantu Arts (Uganda), Artviva Mzn (Mozambique), Mbolo Percussions (Senegal), Gaobi (Ivory Coast), Gnawa London (Morocco), Flame Lily (South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana), Tropical Flowers (Mauritius) and Emmanuel The Magnificent (Ghana).
There will also be a young talent showcase featuring acclaimed deaf hip-hop artist and producer SignKid, Youthsayers and Ese & The Vooduu People. Palm Wine Club will DJ and a dance battle by award-winning duo Homebros UK will help maintain the energetic festival atmosphere.
There will be an exclusive fashion show directed by Africa Fashion Week London (AFWL) which will feature designers from the contemporary African UK fashion scene as well as new, up-and-coming designers. An African market will have a range of products on offer, including fashion and arts and crafts, plus food stalls, and a host of activities for children and families to get involved in, such as hair-braiding, face-painting, mosaic-making and batik-making.
A variety of cultural groups will showcase their work at the square, including the Africa Centre and the world-renowned Royal African Society.
The Voice and Colourful Radio are Africa on the Square’s official media partners and this year, for the first time, the festival will be broadcasting live on Colourful radio throughout the day.
The Mayor has joined Londoners from all backgrounds in celebrating the incredible social, cultural and economic contribution of black Londoners during Black History Month. Throughout the year the Mayor also supports the invaluable contribution black Londoners make to the capital, through a wide range of programmes, projects and activities carried out by City Hall.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “Once again Africa on the Square will show our capital at its best, as people of all ages and backgrounds come together to celebrate the impact of our African and African Caribbean communities.
“During this month we also acknowledge the struggles for equality for those of African heritage that have been fought by truly great men and women of the past. But more than anything, this is a time of celebration. Black history is truly a part of everyone’s history and the connection between London and Africa in the past, in the present and in the future, is part of London’s greatness. I wish everyone a special Black History Month and a fabulous day out at Africa on the Square."
Paulette Simpson, Executive Director, The Voice said: “As Britain's leading black newspaper, we are proud once again to support the Mayor of London's Africa In the Square celebrations as media partners.
“Africa in the Square is a great one-day event which brings all the sights and sounds of Africa together in the centre of London and The Voice newspaper will be part of that celebration.
“Visitors to The Voice stand will also get a free copy of our latest edition of Africa Celebrates magazine as well as the latest copies of the newspaper.”
Kofi Kusitor MBE, founder of Colourful Radio said: "As the leading African-owned commercial radio service in the UK, Colourful Radio is thrilled to be able to bring a bit of colourful African magic to The Mayor of London's Africa on the Square.
“Listeners in the UK, across Africa, the Caribbean and elsewhere, will be able to tune in LIVE and be part of the vibes via www.colourfulradio.com, on DAB, TuneIn App and mobile."
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