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®Alexis Maryon
Mulatu
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The beauty of African culture has sparked curiosity and interest throughout the world. As the West becomes more familiar with the rich and fascinating traditions from the African continent, the desire to experience a taste of the culture has also increased.
Now, the finest of African culture, community, art and fashion has arrived at Southbank Centre this September, seeing a fantastic return of popular festival, Africa Utopia. Following the success of the sensational first event in 2012, Africa Utopia returns to Southbank Centre’s main-stages to take a look at what can be learned and celebrated from Africa and the African Diaspora.
Taking place from September 11 – 14, the festival is a true celebration of the rich variety of African culture, spanning North to South. A family festival, Africa Utopia has a vast range of events which all focus on how Africa can lead the way in thinking about culture, community, technology, fashion, sustainability and ethical wealth creation.
Festival-goers can expect to see a stunning array of panels, talks and workshops, looking at how business, trade and education is shaping the continent and how Africa can help solve the world’s problems. Inviting leading commentators, Africa Utopia will feature talks from guests such as Edna Adan Ismail and the former Somaliland Foreign Minister who set up the first maternity and teaching hospital in Somaliand, Dr. Ola Orekunrin.
For music lovers, there are several exclusive performances from the continent’s finest musicians. The line-up includes a one-off gig from Mulatu Astake, who is recognised as the father of Ethio-Jazz, taking place at the Royal Festival Hall. Continually sourcing the greatest performers of African origin, the festival also features a world premiere of dance solo work by Qudus Onikeku, with spoken word by Zena Edwards. For music and dance lovers, the festival offers a unique opportunity to see L’Orchestre Symphonique Kimbanguiste and choir in London. Youths who are interested in North African break dancing culture will delight in attending Say it Through Breakdance – a project artistically driven by Hakeem Onibudo of Impact Dance.
Africa Utopia promises to be a fun-filled festival, highlighting the many ways that the continent can lead discussions and influence culture and community in the Western world. The festival is a fabulous combination of all forms of African art and culture, encouraging a new wave of appreciation for African art, music and literature. For those looking to experience the exoticism of Africa, Africa Utopia is the perfect event to experience first-hand the rich variety of Africa’s customs and traditions.
For full details of all the events featured in this year’s festival and to book tickets log on to http://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whatson/festivals-series/africa-utopia