Africa Fest

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Tani Diakite & the Afrofunkstars

The African Association of Madison shares African traditions and cultural heritage with the community during the annual Africa Fest celebration. Along with exhibits and demonstrations, delicious food, kids' activities, and arts and fashion vendors, the main stage features music and dance performances by regional artists including Tani Diakite & the Afrofunkstars, Kikeh Mato, Jimmy Sugarcane, Sista Sensi & the Buds, and others. The festival kicks off at noon; earlier in the day is Strides for Africa, a fundraiser run/walk for clean wells in Africa, with registration beginning at 9 a.m., a kids' run at 10 a.m. and 5K at 10:30 a.m. Find more info at africanassociationofmadison.org.

media release: Strides for Africa’s 15th Annual Run/Walk is a fun and family friendly event for all ages to participate and help us make global impact. We are holding an in-person event in downtown Madison on August 17, 2024 at McPike Park in Madison to kickoff Africa Fest 2024. There are many options available to participants including a 5K run, a 5K walk, a unique Team Relay (simulating rigors of gathering water in rural Africa), a 1.5 mile fun walk, and a kids fun run. REGISTER HERE.

Our clean water, education, and health give back projects in Africa provide participants a unique opportunity to see positive outcomes within impoverished rural African communities. These outcomes include improved health, empowered youth, and ultimately transformed rural African communities. On the local level, our work provides an outlet for our participants and supporters an opportunity to be a global citizen.

Day of Event Registration: 9:00am - 10:00 am

0.25 Mile Kids Fun Run: 10:00am - 10:30am

5K Run: 10:30am - 11:30am

5K Walk: 10:30am - 11:30am

1.5-Mile Fun Walk: 10:35am CDT - 11:30am

1.5 Mile Team Relay: 10:35am - 11:30am

Awards/Giveaways: 11:45 am on Main Stage of Africa Fest.

Africa Fest starts at 12:00 pm.  Watch for updates here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1209883480036063/

Individuals, institutions and organizations interested in African culture will want to attend this year’s AFRICA FEST. The African Association of Madison Inc. will produce Africa Fest 2024 with support from MG&E, UW-Madison African Studies Program; grants from Madison Arts Commission and Evjue Foundation; and additional support from local businesses/ corporations.

The festival is scheduled for Saturday, August 17, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the renovated McPike Park, 202 S. Ingersoll Street, Madison, Wisconsin. McPike Park is located in a very supportive residential area of central Madison where one can walk, bike or bus to the event.

This is AFRICA FEST’s 24th year. Africa Fest is a family-oriented festival showcase that shares African traditions and rich cultural heritages with the Greater Madison communities and environ. This annual, day-long festival provides opportunities to increase cultural awareness, improve race relations and, encourage diversity and inclusiveness with these communities. Through the course of the day, over 3000 diverse audience is expected from in and around Dane County. Admission Is Free To The Public! All Ages Are Welcome!

Throughout the day, African immigrants in the Madison area will showcase their heritages by their cultural performances. This to be augmented by our local performers/musicians: Tani Diakite and the Afro Funk-Stars; Atimevu; Kikeh Mateo; The Nigerian Masquerade, Sista Sensi & The Buds Reggae, Jimmy SugarCane; and many other local cultural groups. The Parade of African Nations will be featured, consisting of festival attendees flying the colorful flags of 54 African nations along the perimeter of the park.

Another important showcase is the “African Village Tent” produced by the African Women’s Association. This invigorating showcase is a physical representation of real Africa portraying this year’s Africa Fest theme: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. And of course, food, arts & crafts vendors of authentic African wares will line the perimeter of the park to pamper your taste.

AFRICA FEST is a wonderful opportunity for the community to learn about African culture and traditions directly from the Africans who live here. Whatever the motivation to attend, one thing guaranteed is the experience for a deeper appreciation of Africa and Africans.

Africa Fest is A Madison Celebration! We Invite You To Join Us!