After a successful launch in Abu Dhabi, the UAE’s biggest African festival, Africa Fest UAE, is now coming to Dubai, in partnership with Kiza Dubai. The festival will take place on Oct 26, from 3pm to midnight at the Emirates Golf Club.
Music
The festival will bring together nationally and internationally recognised African talents. Performing live for the first time in the UAE is Congolese artist BM, popular for his hit “Rosalina,” the success of which recently reached BBC Africa who invited him to the studio for an interview.
He will be joined by iconic South African Afro-pop band Freshlyground, followed by African drumming troupe Dubafrique and a line-up of the UAE’s best African DJs, including DJ Amzin, DJ Charl Chaka, DJ Mneddy, DJ FantaFire, and many more, to keep visitors on their toes with African beats throughout the festival.
Visitors will also experience a catwalk by the Dubai-based Ashante Design, which will present two exclusive collections by designers Marie Hosatte and Thaimi O’Reilly, followed by African emerging designers Ndo Magumise, Hind Tahiri, Eliane Sarr and Dennis Osadebe. All of the designers will showcase African designs inspired by the continent’s rich culture and heritage.
Visitors will also have a chance to shop at different stalls for some African crafts, art, jewellery etc.
Art and culture
In celebration of 100 years of the life and legacy of Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Founding Father of the UAE, and Nelson Mandela, former president of South Africa and Nobel Peace Prize winner, the festival is themed to celebrate these two inspiring legends. In partnership with the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding, visitors will get a chance to learn and experience the UAE culture, and also witness a live speed-paint session by Zambian-born artist Victor Sitali, who will paint artworks featuring the two legendary figures as visitors watch.
Food
The festival will showcase spectacular cuisines by African restaurants, giving guests an opportunity to take their taste buds through a journey of dishes by Kiza Restaurant, Catfish, African Kitchen, The Chop Shop, Jebal Al Atlas Moroccan Restaurant and Calypso Grill.
Children can have their faces painted, participate in African drumming lessons, take part in paint-on-canvas lessons, and enjoy bouncy-castle fun and other activities.
To learn more about the festival, please visit here and here.
