Afri-Fest East promises to be the first daytime festival of its kind in East Anglia when it comes to Norwich next month. Sam Apeh, of event organisers Few Good Men, explains how it promises to bring African music (including renowned artist Not3s), performance and culture to this part of the region
Who are you and what do you do?
We are Few Good Men, a group of professionals who are passionate about sharing the rich African lifestyle, culture and heritage through music, visual arts, performances, food etc. We do this through night and daytime events in Norwich.
When did you first have the idea for Afri-Fest East and what’s the thinking behind it?
Following multiple sold-out Lagos Night events (our flagship night-time event) we discovered a growing appetite within Norfolk for a family friendly daytime event. We have welcomed guests from different cities/towns/villages across East Anglia and beyond at our events.
When and where is it happening?
Ari-Fest East is taking place on Saturday 10th August 2024 at Chapelfield Gardens Norwich.
Who is performing? And what food stalls will be there?
The festival will comprise daytime and evening sessions: The daytime session will include Live performances of African music idioms and Congolese rumba/rock by Grupo Lokito. Immerse yourself in the sound of djembe, drumming, talking drum, shekere, udu, agogo and a kora performance by Sefo Kanuteh. You can expect dance performances from the African continent and workshops by Rosy May. Live band performances will lead to African storytelling delivered by The Cow Foot Prince, Usifu Jalloh. Experience East African culture through the display of costumes, drumming and singing. Obase and the African Spy Band will bring it all together. They deliver contemporary, modern African tunes to get you dancing.
In addition, various games such as ludo, ayo (Mancala), draft, African tahti, and chess will be played. A kid’s entertainer will be present to keep the youngsters busy all day with several fun activities.
Throughout the day, a selection of hot and cold food representing different regions of the African continent will be on display. Ramses will provide North African street food, AF Kitchen will bring the flavours of West Africa, and The Wors Man will treat us to the popular smokey Southern Africa BBQ (braai). There will also be a bar with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
We are delighted to announce that the world-renowned UK rapper and afrobeats singer Not3s will be performing at Afri-Fest East. Known for his hit songs Alladin, My Lover, Addison Lee, Sit Back Down and most recently his track with Nigerian Artist Odumodublck (High Fashion), Not3s will be performing during the evening session into the night and joined by local artists J12, BB Harris, W3st and Freshkidxoc to deliver an exciting evening of music and dance.
For the rest of the evening, we will be partying to Afrobeat and Amanpiano songs played by DJ Holy, Afronaut, and DJ Laz.
What else can people expect on the day?
Away from music, dance, and games, the venue will be decorated with prints from West African Adire and Ankara textiles, various art, and cultural symbols. These items adorn the venue and provide visual representation of the depth, history, and richness of the African people.
Just when the day seems to draw to a close at 11pm, the afterparty at the famous Kudos Night Club kicks in through our partnership with BadnBoujeevents.
Will it be the first of many, do you hope?
Yes, we expect Afri-Fest East to be a yearly theme in the cultural calendar of East Anglia – bringing together many people across our beautiful region and beyond.
Afri-Fest East, organised by Few Good Men and part funded by the Arts Council England, takes place on Saturday August 10, 2024, from 11am-10pm, at Chapelfield Gardens, Norwich. The After Party will take place from 11pm to late. Kids go for free. Teenagers £5, Standard £15, Event and after party £25. Visit Eventbrite. Also, visit theafrifest.com, and follow on Instagram and Facebook. The next Lagos Night event is on October 7, 2024, at Bar 19, Upper King Street, Norwich.
Featured image of Sam Apeh – all images supplied
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