Immerse yourself in the sounds of modern Africa with a night of music, dance, food and drama at the first-ever African Music Festival. The event is billed to take over the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall tarmac for one night only on Saturday, December 17.
More than 20 musicians and artistes from the African continent and the Caribbean will perform and give attendees a taste, feel, and sense of the cultural wealth of Africa.
Hosted by Peks Band, the concert will unveil new performances by RWCC and RCCG Potters House drama group and special guest appearances will be made by several Guyanese artistes, including Samuel Medas, Melissa Vandeyar, Shawn English, Allan Petty Jr and Kester Deane among others.
Director of Peks Band, Peculiar Ihunwo, explained that the band was formed in 2013 by mostly Nigerian medical students residing in Guyana. The Band has five African instrumentalists, and they have developed into an African Gospel Musical Fellowship band in the Caribbean.
Ihunwo said this festival is a mixture of Africa since it is a continent of different countries and those cultures are reflected in the band. “I know a lot of people think that African music is one particular type, but it’s more than that, it is harmony and that is what we train ourselves for when we are little… Africans love drama, even when we sing, we don’t just do the harmonies, we add our own drama, we have our own behaviours when we sing.”
Local gospel singer Shawn English, who is excited to be a part of the festival, emphasised that the event is a cultural one which will give attendees the chance to also learn more about the African culture. “You don’t have to fly all the way to Africa to experience it because it’s going to be a great representation and you will be getting a full taste and feel of what Africa truly is.”
Tickets cost $1000 and $1500 at the gate. They can be uplifted at Giftland Mall, Nigel’s Supermarket, Andrew’s Supermarket and Kester D Gospel Centre among others.
