Sent to us on October 4th, 2017
Description: Post-festival report 2017, sent to team by ADF executive director Yasin Kiraga Misago
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Original interview done by Jane, Wendy, and Ana. Featuring Yasin, Founder/Executive Director for African Descent Society BC and African Descent Festival, Curator of African Descent Archive in Vancouver, and Operating Curator for Jimi Hendrix Shrine of African Descent in Vancouver. Yasin details the rich history of Black communities in Hogan's Alley, Vancouver in relation to his work at the African Descent Festival. Interviewer: Jane, Wendy, Ana Filming, editing, subtitles: Amanda Video content notes: ===================== 10:05 to 10:19 - Mentions of racial slurs and slang terms for hanging (not graphic, no images) 32:34 to 33:47 - Discussion of mass shooting at University of Montreal by M. Lépine (not graphic, no images) 32:28 to 32:53 - Sounds of police sirens can be heard in the distant background Subtitle corrections: ==================== ~2:33 - "wheel" should be "will" (as in the legal document) ~6:50 - "African Fountain Church" should be "African Fountain Chapel" ~11:03 - "today" should be "to date" ~ 23.29 "good ideas" should be "contingency" ~ 34:00 "attached" should be "touched" Source: Ndidi Cascade, who is of Nigerian-Italian-Irish-Canadian heritage, is a Vancouver born and based hip hop vocalist. She is also a songwriter, recording artist, educator and program facilitator. Ndidi has showcased her music across North America and internationally– from classrooms to stadiums, and her music has been featured on Much Music and MTV Canada. She has shared the stage with talents such as Femi Kuti, Digable Planets, The Mad Professor, De La Soul, K-OS and K'naan. Ndidi Cascade also facilitates workshops that use hip hop, spoken word and dance as a medium for healthy self-expression. She is the founder of the “Word, Sound & Power” and “Elementalz” education programs, which are designed to raise awareness of the origins of the hip hop movement. Ndidi is also a World Music Education independent school teacher, and she is currently touring with her group Metaphor, showcasing interactive hip hop shows in elementary and high schools around British Columbia.
Vibrant, genuine and soulful
Dawn Pemberton has deep musical roots that take her powerful voice from gospel and soul to jazz, funk and world music. She has become a staple of the Vancouver music scene and can often be found tearin’ it up as a vocalist, teacher, facilitator, choir director and “go to girl” for live performances and studio sessions. A passionate songwriter and performer Dawn crafts her music with a sense of adventure, quirkiness, and serious groove and shapes it into her own unique and dynamic package. Tight, expressive and bold, Dawn will hit you where it counts, funk you up and make you say “Go ‘head." JEFFREY WOOD, AKA MR. FANTASTIK
Mr. Fantastik was born February 11, 1980. He grew up In Ghana, A historic slavery town called Cape Coast; where music, entertainment, fishing and farming are their resources. At a very tender age, Mr. Fantastik lost his family. He became an orphan and ended up in Little Ashram, a village in Ghana called Asian Fasu. It was there that he took on Vedas Spiritual Growth. He practiced all kinds of yoga and spiritual life self discipline, At the age of ten, he moved back to his birth place, Cape Coast and joined the centre for national culture, learning and talent development (AGRO) where he realized that he was given a gift of talent, not only writing and composing his own music at a young age, but to dance and do so many circus acrobatic tricks, the ability to feel and play any kind of instrument naturally. Mr Fantastik is a Reggae and Dancehall artist who fuses African and Jamaican influences and blends them with a must-see stage show. Having spent many years traveling internationally as a circus performer and acrobat, it’s not unusual to see Mr. Fantastik blend his skills in Afro music, Reggae music, Dancehall, R&B, acrobatics and even an amazing fire show! Throughout Mr Fantastik's childhood, music was always at the forefront of his passions, In June 2008, Mr. Fantastik migrated to Canada to continue his musical mission. He takes young and old on awesome adventures with his balancing, spinning, juggling and contortion routines, along with his music. International music artist, Rastafarian and humanitarian activist, Mr. Fantastik straddles the boundaries between Africa, Europe, the Caribbean and the U.S. to create an appealing sound that unites all generations and cultures. With an easy-going charisma and reputation as a dedicated champion of social causes, Mr. Fantastik’s infectious grooves and dance-infuzing anthems have consistently excited fans across the globe. A galvanizing performer, this multi-talented performer has played at many festivals and has shared the stage with Alpha Blondy, Elephant Man, Toots and the Maytals, Morgan Heritage, Funkdoobiest, Wutang clan, Anthony Cruz, Dubwise, Mello Man, Razor B, Tasman Jude, The Human Rights, Glen Washington, Warrior King, The Black Seed, Rita Marley, Nana Maclean, Kafinal, Haya, Vox Sambou, The Cat Empire, Cecile Doo-Kingue, Nashville Cook among many others. Named one of Africa’s Top 10 Global Stars by CTV, he has showcased his talent at prestigious venues such as The Vogue Theatre Vancouver, BC, Granville Studio Records Vancouver BC, The Commodore Ballroom Vancouver BC, The Rio Theatre. He has established his own musical and acrobatics, dance company, toured and played in many venues, festivals & TV shows, such as: •Canada’s Got Talent (Top 25 Semi-Finalist) •Panafest, Ghana (he toured Africa and beyond with a Ghanaian/Danish dance theatre group) •Sound Wave Festival •The Calgary Folk •Reggae Fest •Vancouver Reggae Festival •Surrey Fusion Festival •Caribbean Day Festival Vancouver. •So You Think You Can Dance Canada (TV) •Forward Festival Mr, Fantastik continues his road of music, dance and acrobatics in North America with Jah request root life reggae band and also recorded his third album called (Kaboom; 2015) It is a great privilege to welcome you to consider booking Mr, Fantastik on your next event. His beautiful raspy voice brings a different flavour to the world of Reggae & Dancehall, and his amazing acrobatics will surely wow fans and audiences. "Life is with his super powerful energy" Mr. Fantastik quote (music is food for the soul.) We are music so let it play from the soul. Mr. Fantastik Bio NKULEE DUBE No female artist has managed to fuse ethno-soul, jazz with ragga in one song as this 29-year old singer- songwriter, as Nkulee Dube has done in such a short space of time since entering this challenging and yet exciting industry. Born to the family a music legend, Nkulee Dube has big shoes to fill to preserve and sustain the name of her late father, Lucky Dube. Nkulee, whose music can be classified as ‘ethno-ragga’ fused with soul and jazz, is no stranger to the performance circuit and the music industry; she was a backing singer and dancer for the late Lebo Mathosa and later Ntando Bangani. She glides and slides with ease in between her songs as she traverses between ragga and ethno-soul as if she was born on stage. As a guest artist and backing vocalist, Nkulee has been part of her late father’s performing band and Nkulee has performed at major festivals in Australia, Holland, Papua New Guinea, French Guyana, Suriname, the South Pacific, Australasia, Africa, the USA, and across all of Europe. Nkulee was awarded the prestigious “Most Promising New Entertainer” award at the International World Reggae Music Awards show after being nominated in seven (yes 7!) categories and was also nominated in a number of categories at additional award events. Nkulee Dube was requested to become the “Goodwill Ambassador” for the African Youth Leadership Council. Also she was nominated in South Africa at the South African Music Awards for “Best Produced Album” and the also at the Metro FM Awards show. A powerful performer, just like her father, Nkulee has shared the stage with the Jamaican reggae/ragga artists Sizzla, Turbulence, Tosh Meets Marley Warrior King, and others in countries such as the USA, Europe, South Africa, the South Pacific, Namibia, the Gambia, Zimbabwe, and Kenya. She is one to watch and could easily fill the shoes of the greatest South African performers, such as Brenda Fassie, Lebo Mathosa and of course her beloved dad Lucky Dube. Most importantly, Nkulee is a blessed artist in her own right with her own style and has many miles to travel… Nkulee is currently recording her new album entitled “The Journey” which will be released shortly, and Nkulee’s debut solo album “My Way” rose worldwide outside of South Africa to critical acclaim. Further African History of the DUBE Clan: The orgins of Zulu (Nguni) people and the Dube clan name. The four major ethnic divisions among Black South Africans are the Nguni, Sotho, Shangaan-Tsonga and Venda. The Nguni represent nearly two thirds of South Africa's Black population and can be divided into four distinct groups; the Northern and Central Nguni (the Zulu-speaking peoples), the Southern Nguni (the Xhosa-speaking peoples), the Swazi people from Swaziland and adjacent areas, and the Ndebele people of the Northern Province and Mpumalanga. Archaeological evidence shows that the Bantu-speaking groups, that were the ancestors of the Nguni, migrated down from East Africa as early as the eleventh century Language, culture and beliefs: The four major ethnic divisions among Black South Africans are the Nguni, Sotho, Shangaan-Tsonga and Venda. The Nguni represent nearly two thirds of South Africa's Black population and can be divided into four distinct groups; the Northern and Central Nguni (the Zulu-speaking peoples), the Southern Nguni (the Xhosa-speaking peoples), the Swazi people from Swaziland and adjacent areas, and the Ndebele people of the Northern Province and Mpumalanga. Archaeological evidence shows that the Bantu-speaking groups, that were the ancestors of the Nguni, migrated down from East Africa as early as the eleventh century Origins: Long ago, before the Zulu were forged as a nation, they lived as isolated family groups and partly nomadic northern Nguni groups. These groups moved about within their loosely defined territories in search of game and good grazing for their cattle. As they accumulated livestock, and supporters family leaders divided and dispersed in different directions, while still retaining family networks. The Zulu homestead (imizi) consisted of an extended family and others attached to the household through social obligations. This social unit was largely self-sufficient, with responsibilities divided according to gender. Men were generally responsible for defending the homestead, caring for cattle, manufacturing and maintaining weapons and farm implements, and building dwellings. Women had domestic responsibilities and raised crops, usually grains, on land near the household. Military conquest allowed men to achieve status distinctions that had become increasingly important. This culminated early in the nineteenth century with the warrior-king Shaka conquering all the groups in Zululand and uniting them into a single powerful Zulu nation, that made its influence felt over southern and central Africa. Shaka ruled from 1816 to 1828, when he was assassinated by his brothers. - See more at: http://www.sahistory.org.za/article/zulu#sthash.abCJcZ0f.dpuf The Dube clan names. Izithakazelo zakwa-Dube Dube elimthende, Nzwakele, Khushwayo, Maqhama, Lushozi, Mbuyazi akathekeli kubafokazane, Silwane esihle, Mageza ngobisi abanye begeza ngodaka! “The Dube people, under chieftain Kushwayo (Maqamehlezi), of Gwabini, of Sodubo, adjoining the Mbonambi’s on the south. They were brother clans both originating from the same parental stock. Their main settlement was along the northern banks of the mHlatuze Lagoon. Feeling themselves weak and few, they widely refrained from opposing either Dingiswayo or Shaka, and so when in March, 1827, Farewell and Isaacs travelled that way in search of ivory, they found Nzwakele, son of Kushwayo, in some mild sense, still reigning in the old fatherland. The origin and early life of the Legendary Lucky Phillp Dube Lucky Dube was born in Ermelo, formerly of the Eastern Transvaal, now of Mpumalanga, on 3 August 1964. His parents separated before his birth and he was raised by his mother who named him Lucky because she considered his birth fortunate after a number of failed pregnancies.[6] Along with his two siblings, Thandi and Patrick, Dube spent much of his childhood with his grandmother, Sarah, while his mother relocated to work. In a 1999 interview, he described his grandmother as "his greatest love" who "multiplied many things to bring up this responsible individual that I am today. Lucky's life was unfortunately taken from him and all his millions of worldwide fans in October 2007. His daughter NKULEE DUBE will carry on the message, the life, and the dream of her father. The mission of The StreetBeat Entertainment Society is to encourage diversity, self esteem and an awareness of social issue through arts and entertainment.
Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/652331964960794/
Description: slideshow of photographs from African Descent Festival July 22-23 2017 The Village Wisdom Messenger
Author of the upcoming book: The Spirit of the Village: How to break the habit of living disconnected and access joy Originally from Cameroon, Central Africa, Jacky Yenga grew up in Paris and now lives in Vancouver, BC. Her foundation for life was rooted in togetherness and collaboration, respect for the elders, for nature and the ancestors. Living a connected life and expressing joy through dancing and singing as a way of life was her daily reality, until the age of 9. She experienced the trauma of disconnection when she was sent to the West to “live a better life”. Now she is an inspiring speaker and an enthusiastic ambassador for the wisdom of Africa and their message of togetherness, which she shares around the world in various forms, including as a singer, music and dance performer. “I have the vision of a world where we treat each other like family, and I believe in a universal bond of sharing that connects all humanity.”
Posted August 19th, 2017: https://www.facebook.com/Mawogan/?hc_ref=ARRNr4B66gA1FOpCAO0yrlJqIPQbKp-qJJA1aXocaNKizQZdooBeYrW8YrfWWng1i7g
"FRICTION and ROOTS DRIVERS
Friction, real name Musah Haruna, is born in the most well-known ghetto of Ghana's capital city Accra. In that ghetto, called Mamobi Nima, Friction’s love for music started, as well as him dreams to become a big musician. From there on, Friction started to fight to let those dreams come true. And that’s why the nickname ‘Friction’ was given to him; because of his unstoppable moving, through all the difficult times, always pushing himself further to get where he wanted to be. V.I.P.; Vision In Progress As a teenager Friction started to compose music, to write lyrics and to turn them into real songs. Next, he asked four friends to join him in a music group; V.I.P., Vision in Progress. This group turned out to be one of Ghana’s most popular music groups till this date, being known for their catchy hiplife music and for making it out of the ghetto into inspirational music stars. From Ghana to Holland After years of being the frontman of V.I.P., Friction decided to continue as a solo artist, to keep on developing himself. That was the reason he auditioned for a music university in Holland, the Fontys Rockacademy. As the first African artist ever he was admitted, so in 2006 he moved from Ghana to Holland. Always on the move Till this day, Holland is the base from where Friction continues his musical journey. Throughout the years Friction has been the support act of reggae legends such as I Jah Man Levi and Morgan Heritage. His singles ‘Life is not easy’ and ‘I Love You’ are played on tv stations such as MTV Base and Jamaican radio stations. The hitsingle ‘Life is not easy’ got four nominations on the Ghanaian Reggae and Dancehall Awards. In 2016 the band performed on over a 90 stages in Holland, Belgium, UK and Germany; from major festivals to music clubs and many other events. Just recently, in September 2016, Friction and his band performed on the mainstage of UK’s #1 Reggae Festival, The One Love Festival." Kárà-Kátà Afrobeat Group is a multi cultural/Ethnic Music/Dance/ Entertainment/performance/Afro-western Fashion Group based in Surrey/Langley, Canada.
Vancouver is a melting pot of music, people, food, art, and culture. Out of this mix came Woodshed Supply Co. Formed in 2013, the Woodshed crew have been captivating audiences with their catchy, upbeat songs. Their music is a sum of its parts; diverse and coloured sonically by influences as varied as the faces in our fair city. Drawing inspiration from everything from folk to alternative to blues and metal they blend folk-rock, alt-country, and alt-rock with an emphasis on heavy hitting guitars, bass, and drums with lyrics tastefully centered on the human condition. The result is a sound that is unique and varied yet familiar. Enough to draw the listener in but still surprise you along the way. All the while without taking themselves too seriously.
In 2001, Kesseke moved to Vancouver and currently dances for Masabo Culture Company and his own group West meets West.
Source: http://www.africandescentfestival.com/artist.php The 'Bluetones' were originally a family band from the interior of BC pioneered by Mr. David Cowan family band. The band played a number of venues throughout the area throughout the 1980's and 90's and enjoyed local notoriety as playing a combination of uptempo blues and rock cover songs. The band enjoys 'opening up' their playing to exploring through improvisation and just having fun! Joining Dave Cowan on stage this summer for their 'reunion tour' is son and guitarist Daniel, his wife Erina on electric bass and long time friend and Bluetones alumni Mike Zobac from Vancouver on drums. The 'Bluetones' have chosen a repertoire of traditional Blues for this tour representing the deep legacy of many great black blues players through the decades and recognizing the deep contribution of this music to the global world of Rock n Roll.
Odera Igbokwe is an illustrator and painter located in Vancouver, BC by way of Brooklyn, NY. Odera loves to explore storytelling through afro-diasporic mythologies, black resilience, and magical girl transformation sequences. You can also find Odera as manager of Every Day Original, curating and collaborating on zines, or combo-breaking the internet.
CLIENTS INCLUDE Fantasy Flight Games, Lightspeed Magazine, #BlackLivesMatter, What Pumpkin Games Personal works and commissions for: Beyoncé, Solange Knowles, Oumou Sangaré, and Dawn Richard EXHIBITIONS Gallery 1988, EM▼NCIPATION (Debut solo show at Sehiii Gallery) EDUCATION Rhode Island School of Design, BFA in Illustration Brown University, focus in Theater Arts & Performance Studies with New Works/World Traditions. Lukwago Erias (Ssalongo) is a Ugandan lawyer and politician. He is the Lord Mayor of the city of Kampala, the capital of Uganda and the largest metropolitan area in the country. He was first elected to that position on 14 January 2011 and re-elected to the same position in 2016 with a landslide victory of 82% in universal adult suffrage. . In 2006, he was elected to the Ugandan Parliament, on the Democratic Party ticket, representing the Central Kampala Constituency. While in parliament, he served on the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee and on the Local Government Accounts Committee. Since 1998, Lukwago has worked as the managing partner in the offices of Lukwago and Co. Advocates, a Kampala law firm that specializes in constitutional law and human rights law. Background and education He was born in Kabungo Masaka district(now Kalungu district) on 11 May 1970 to Muhamoud Mirundi and Salimanti Nakayaga. Lukwago attended Makerere University between 1995 until 1997, graduating with a Bachelor of Laws degree. He went on to obtain a Diploma in Legal Practice from the Law Development Center in 1998. He also holds a Certificate in Advocacy Skills from the International Law Institute. He is married to Prosy Zawedde Lubwama Lukwago and is blessed with children. Jabulile Dladla a singer song writer who was born in South Africa. A former member of the two times Grammy winners Soweto Gospel choir. She reside in Vancouver since 2012 and started her solo career .Music has been part of her life for the past 2 decades,she has travelled the world and shared the stage with big legends ,mentioning the few,Queen, Bono, Angelique Kidjo and many more.She performs mostly her original songs and few cover songs by South Africans great singers like The late Miriam Makeba, Thandi classen and Brenda Fassie just to showcase our culture .Since she started her solo career ,she has perfomed in collaboration with other artist in coupler world festivals like Richmond World Festival and Blues in the Sunshine Coast . DEPUTY LORD MAYOR KAMPALA CAPITAL CITY AUTHORITY.
Deputy Lord Mayor Kampala City Council Sarah Kanyike is a Ugandan politician. She is the Deputy Lord Mayor of the city of Kampala, Uganda, the capital and largest metropolitan area in the country. She was appointed to that position on 16 June 2016. She concurrently represents Makindye Eastin the Kampala Capital City Authority Council. Kanyike attended Makerere University, graduating with a Bachelor of Education. During the 2011 to 2016 political season, Sarah Kanyike served as the personal assistant to Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago. She aslso represented Makindye East in the KCCA Council from 2011 to 2016. In the past, she served as councilor for Makindye East while John Ssebaana Kizito was mayor, between 1998 and 2006. In the past, she has once unsuccessfully contested for the Makindye East Parliamentary seat. "Come see the amazing Mike Machado July 22, 11:30 am🕺 💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥 #africandescentfestival #mikemachado https://youtu.be/3HC3RkPp4VQ" Source: Terrance Mansaray Description: "HI VANCOUVER, THE AFRICAN DESCENT SOCIETY BRINGS AFRICA TO YOU ON JULY 21, 2017 AT VANCOUVER CITY HALL AND JULY 22 AND 23 AT 1166 THORNTON PARK. STARTING AT 9AM TO 10PM ADMISSION FREE."
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African Descent Festival BC Societyhttp://www.africandescentfestival.com/ Archives
October 2017
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