Festival celebrates all facets of African artistic culture

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This article was published 30/08/2024 (790 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Nosa Guobadia saw something missing in Winnipeg’s vibrant arts scene — an absence that struck him deeply.

“As an artist myself, I saw a huge gap and felt there should be a space for African artists in Winnipeg,” says the Nigerian-born Guobadia, who performs as Cozymannos.

The realization dawned on him at last year’s Soca Reggae Festival when he noticed that the audience was predominantly African, despite the event’s Caribbean focus.

“It hit me then. It made me think that we need a festival that truly celebrates African artists — not just as performers, but as the heartbeat of the event,” he says.

This spark of inspiration led Guobadia to create the Afro Fall Festival, a celebration born from his determination to fill that void.

“Last year was about testing the waters, but this year, we’re going all out — a proper celebration of our culture and our artists,” says the 25-year-old Afro beats artist.

The 2024 festival is set to be an expanded showcase of African and African-inspired arts, featuring live music performances, an art exhibition and a market at the St. Norbert Arts Centre on Saturday.

Last year’s inaugural run offered invaluable lessons, with more than 150 people in attendance, and Guobadia says he is eager to build on that foundation.

“We’re aiming for something bigger and better. This year’s festival will offer a broader range of performances and activities that reflect the richness of African heritage,” he says.

The day is packed with activities, featuring a market offering traditional crafts, clothing and foods, alongside an art exhibition of African-inspired works by Black Artist Winnipeg.

Live performances will include Afro beats artist Tommyphyll, singer-songwriter Reynalyne Gacilan, alternative Afrobeat artist Santaklara and Toronto-based rapper Jon Spirit.

“We’re not just celebrating African culture; we’re building bridges and fostering understanding through art,” Guobadia says. “This festival can bring people together and highlight the beauty and diversity of African culture. We’ll have different genres being represented from jazz to Afro-Caribbean music.”

Performer Jana Jacobs shares a personal connection to the festival’s mission.

Her journey into music began with a childhood dream, ignited when, as an 11-year-old, she watched Rihanna perform.

“I just knew that’s what I wanted to do,” she recalls.

Originally from South Africa, Jacobs moved to Canada at a young age, a transition that influenced her music.

“Themes of loneliness, homesickness and nostalgia are woven into my work. It’s about finding a sense of belonging and expressing those feelings through music,” she says.

Jacobs’s sound, a distinctive blend of influences, reflects her diverse musical journey.

“I went through a phase of listening to nothing but emo and post-hardcore music as a teenager, but R&B has always been my first love,” he says.

“I don’t write with an instrument, just with my voice, which gives my music a different kind of intimacy.”

At the festival, Jacobs will perform alongside the Dr. Henry Band.

“The band is incredible, and the energy from Winnipeg’s DIY R&B scene is always amazing,” she says.

For her, the festival is more than just a gig — it’s an opportunity to connect with the community and other artists in a meaningful way.

“It’s a unique event — there’s something special about being part of a festival that’s focused on supporting and celebrating African artists.”

As the festival approaches, Guobadia and his team are energized by the possibilities.

“This event is truly for us, by us,” he says. “We want to create a platform where African and Afro-influenced artists are celebrated and supported, where we can value our craft and our culture.”

The African market starts at noon, followed by the art exhibition at 2 p.m. and live music from 4 p.m. until 11 p.m.. For tickets visit afrofall.com.

thandi.vera@freepress.mb.ca

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