DOHA KATARA, the Cultural Village, will host the first African Festival activities from April 7 to April 13.
The seven-day festival will showcase the best of African art, dance, music and film. It will also feature exhibitions of jewellery, handicrafts, urban painting, a journey through cinema and a kids-zone.
Working closely with 15 African embassies, Katara presents the festival, which will showcase three of Africa’s best known singing sensations Johnny Clegg, Manu Dibango and Cheikh Tidiane Seck.
The African Festival will bring together over 180 artistes and performers from 15 countries with embassies nominating performers, artistes and films to represent their countries’ arts and cultures on Katara’s stages and screens.
The festival will feature street artistes performingon the La Hadhra, Malouf, Gnawa, Mezwed, Stambali and percussion. Throughout the period, a DJ will present a unique mix of well-known African songs, including prominent ones from Tunisia, Egypt, Morocco and Algeria.
Festival Manager at Katara Malika al Shraim said, “This is a community-based cultural event that will bring people together in many ways that express their ideas, traditions and values. The Middle East and Africa share a rich culture wealth that is inherent in each region. We hope that this cultural exchange will set the foundation for future collaboration between Qatar and the African nations.
“At Katara, we are dedicated to creating platforms that share this cultural wealth and bridges cultural gaps. It is with pride and pleasure that we open our doors to visitors to enjoy the very first African Festival in Qatar.” In addition, the festival will showcase the African Circus, which will feature the Kenyan Boys, a team composed of musicians, dancers, acrobats, fire performers and contortionists who will provide a rich fare of wonderful acts such as acrobats, juggling and feats.
Commenting on the line-up of activities, Shraim said, “One of the many highlights of the festival is the Jam Stage, which will provide upcoming musicians and singers an opportunity to play instruments on a live stage with sound, light and back lining. The stage will also be used to showcase live performances of dance, music and percussion in between music workshops and jams.” The Cine Zone will screen aas many as 20 films, carefully selected on the basis of their cultural relevance. The films will highlight African history and art through an array of traditional, folkloric and modern art expressions.
The festival will also include a kidzone which will feature a life-size stuffed animal zoo, face painting, workshops and a large wall where children can paint.
Tickets for all performances can be purchased at the Virgin Megastores at both Landmark and Villaggio from 9:30am – 12midnight.
They can also be purchased online at www.virginmegastore.
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