African Weekend in Toronto
7-8 July 2012
Photo courtesy of Artdrum
Toronto, Canada - Afrofest 2012 is a chance to discover Africa in the heart of Toronto, presented by Music Africa. Held annually since 1989, it is a free showcase of the rich and diverse African culture, on the weekend of Saturday, July 7 and Sunday, July 8 at the new location - Woodbine Park, Lakeshore Boulevard East and Coxwell Avenue.
The festival features music, dance, drumming and theatre, with over 35 bands - both local and international. Michael Stohr, President of Music Africa, says "Afrofest features programming for children and youth, as well as presenting some of the classic stars of African music. It's a festival that provides something for everyone.” With a bustling African marketplace, boasting more than 60 food and craft vendors, artistic displays, The Children's Village, drum area, music workshops and organized fun and educational activities for youth, Afrofest is the African cultural event of the summer!
In addition to the performances on the main stage, there will be non-stop activity at the Baobab Stage with music and dance workshops. Artistic Director Peter Toh says, "The musical line up for 2012 includes some of the greatest stars from the continent along with some top young talent. While the Main Stage focuses mostly on the veteran artists, the Baobab Stage showcases many of the rising stars of African music."
Main Stage: Saturday, July 7
Joy Lapps Trio (Trinidad), Resolutionaries Marimba Band (Zimbabwe), Mother Tongue (Toronto), Lorraine Klassen with South African Township Jive (South Africa), Soukouss Tchatcho (Congo), Adib Abdosh (Ethiopia), TINA (Haiti) and African Guitar Summit: (Continental Africa).
Main Stage: Sunday, July 8
Samba Squad (Brazil), Beyond Sound (African Diaspora - Toronto), Dramane Kone (Mali), Wazimbo (Mozambique), Tribute to Prince Nico Mbarga (Nigeria), Teeyah (Ivory Coast) and Sam Fan Thomas (Cameron).
Photo courtesy of Music Africa
About Music Africa
Music Africa is a non-profit community-based organization whose main objective is to promote African music in Toronto through the "Afrofest" music festival and other occasional events. Established in 1990, Music Africa is among the oldest and most respected organizations promoting African music in Canada.
Music Africa provides a strong platform for emerging artists from the many African communities in the city and elsewhere in Canada. In recent years, the organization has taken the initiative to include more youth-centered African musical forms both at Afrofest and other venues. Music Africa presents both English and French artists along with many other African languages in order to better represent the diversity within these
communities.
Music Africa also supports the activities of other non-profit cultural organizations through partnerships for various events. Through its activities, Music Africa is committed to enhancing appreciation and awareness of African music among Canadians while also striving to establish Toronto as a thriving global centre for African music.
Source: Music Africa
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