St. Albert’s African & African Descents are embracing their diverse cultures and inviting the community to celebrate the 5th annual St. Albert’s Afro-Caribbean Festival on Sunday, Aug. 25.
“We started in 2019 calling it Evening in the Park and gradually expanded by adding live music and a market,” said Helen Agbonison, founder and president of the club.
“We changed the name because it sounded like a picnic. When we opened it up to live performances and a market, it changed the vibe,” she added.
This year, the free festival has five confirmed African and Caribbean food trucks and a powerhouse lineup of singer-songwriters and dancers.
One of Edmonton’s most popular Afro-Caribbean fusion bands, the award-winning Melafrique, is a cocktail of African world beats, jazz, R&B, reggae and soul. The versatile band incorporates musicians from Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Angola, Jamaica, and Canada.
“They performed here on Canada Day, and people loved their music and the energy. The rhythms of the dance music fed into the vibrations of the day,” said Agbonison.
Another singer generating a lot of talk is OG Jonah. Born in the United Kingdom and raised in Edmonton, he’s shared the stage with stars like Burna Boy, Davido, and Tiwa Savage. In sharing his proud Nigerian heritage, he is one of Alberta’s cultural ambassadors.
“He’s performed at venues like Rogers Place and the Legislature. OG is very youthful, vibrant and soulful. He raps and appeals to young people. He even performed at St. Albert Catholic High for Black History Month.”
Nkwali, a singer-dancer-circus artist, has performed across world stages often meeting celebrities such as Dolly Parton, one of her idols. After going solo in 2015, this African songbird launched her first album titled Sithokozile and received a 2016 Zimbabwean Music Award for Best A capella Album.
Al Third, instead, is a reggae fusion artist producing alternative-influenced music. A Canadian resident with Jamaican roots, he has performed across the country for more than a decade. His latest release includes songs such as Only When Close, Mood Right Now and Your Soldier.
The stage will also accommodate dance groups from Rwanda, Cameroon and Jamaica. Also strolling through the grounds will be a roving artist, African Queen, from the Ivory Coast greeting people and telling stories.
“We are all from Africa, but we sing different songs. This is a way to educate the community about our diversity and unique cultures. An event like this also helps people identify with the culture,” Agbonison said.
“It will be a family-friendly event with food trucks and entertainment. It’s a wonderful way to meet the community and learn what we have. Come out and support us and enjoy the event.
The festival runs at Millennium Park along St. Anne Promenade from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Although it is free, a monetary donation will be gratefully accepted.
