Ghana’s president Nana Akufo-Addo declared 2019 as the Year of Return of the African Diaspora, encouraging anyone of African descent to make the journey back home as part of their birthright. We have combined 5 festivals and celebrations across the continent that would be great places to start this journey.
Africa Nouveau (Kenya)
Africa Nouveau is an annual, 3 day afrofuturism arts and music festival that congregates creators and curators from Africa and its diaspora. The festival takes place in March and ascribes to “Afrobubblegum” African art which is fun, fierce, fantastical and frivolous, with no other intended aim but to increase joy.
Afrochella (Ghana)
Afrochella is Ghana’s answer to Coachella. The festival was created with the purpose of creating a space for others to learn about different cultures in Africa, but also give people on the ground the opportunity to network and showcase their skills and talents in creative spaces. The festival takes place during the last days of the year into the new year (December into January). Last year over 4,000 people from around the world gathered in Accra to celebrate diversity among African cultures.
Lake of Stars (Malawi)
Lake of Stars cultural festival promotes Malawian arts and tourism through international interaction and exposure with curated performances on the shores of Lake Malawi. The festival takes place in May and has grown to become one of the best-known African festivals on the global circuit.
Sauti Za Busara (Zanzibar)
Sauti Za Busara is an annual festival whose aim is to showcase and place the vibrant East African music industry on the world stage. Founded in 2003, the festival goes beyond the event and contributes to the growth and professionalization of the creative sector in the region by providing learning, exchange and employment opportunities.
Bushfire Festival (Swaziland)
MTN Bushfire festival welcomes thousands of global attendees
every year to the Malkerns Valley in Swaziland for an energizing and uplifting
weekend that celebrates the music and arts of Africa and beyond. With it
#BRINGYOURFIRE call to action, the festival works to ignite social change by
working closely with the Swazi community on a number of projects.
