Many thanks to the sponsors of this event
Habari Africa Fête en direct 2023
Ven 11 août, 19 - 23 h
Sam 12 août, 12 - 23 h
Dim 13 août, 12 - 19 h
au Harbourfront Centre, 235 quai Queens ouest, Toronto
Festival LIVE très attendu, idéal pour toute la famille !
Le festival Habari Africa est un festival pluridisciplinaire de musique et d'arts qui présente les cultures riches et diverses de l'Afrique. Rejoignez-nous pour un week-end d'exploration et d'engagement avec l'art et les sons du continent à travers des présentations qui célèbrent l'unicité, la richesse et la diversité de la musique, de la danse, du cinéma et des arts africains.
Friday August 11
7:00 – 7:45 : Adama Daou Stage in the Park
Adama Daou is a master of the balafon and accomplished percussionist (djembe, doun-doun, calabash) from the city of Mopti, Mali. He learned to play by taking part in traditional ceremonies and attended the National Institute of Arts in Bamako. Some of Montreal's top musicians join him for this performance.
A Malian musician from the city of Mopti, Adama Daou developed his skills in African percussion (djembe, dumdum, calabash and balafon) by participating in traditional ceremonies during his childhood and through his training at the National Institute of Arts in Bamako. Moving to Paris in 2000, he performed and toured with groups like Lo’jo and dance companies. Based in Montreal since 2011, Adama Daou is constantly guided by a strong desire to introduce Malian percussions to the public while creating musical projects with artists from different horizons, performing, developing workshops, and participating to the development of sociocultural actions based on music. In addition to touring across Europe, Canada and the United States, Adama regularly hosts African percussion, dance classes and workshops. For this concert, Adama Daou, is joined by a selection of the top players in the African music scene in Montreal.
8:00 – 9:00 : KizabaConcert Stage
KIZABA, is a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, pioneer of Afro-Congolese electro music, based in Montreal, Canada, who sings in French, English, Kikongo, and Lingala. KIZABA seeks to infuse afrobeats, electro, house and contemporary music with melodies and rhythms from Congolese traditions, creating a unique Afro-futurist universe. KIZABA, is a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, a pioneer of Afro-Congolese electro music, based in Montreal, Canada, who sings in French, English, Kikongo, and Lingala. Lionel KIZABA was the drummer and main vocalist of Afrotronix. KIZABA seeks to infuse afrobeats, electro, house and contemporary music with melodies and rhythms from Congolese traditions, creating a unique Afro-futurist universe. He has performed at the Montreal International Jazz Festival, Francofolies, Womad Chile, Rec beat and Sim Sao Paulo in Brazil, Jova beach party in Italy, Afropunk in France, WOMEX, Africa Oye in England, Roots festival in Amsterdam, Circulart in Colombia, Mapas, Spain and Fimpro, Mexico. Since 2021 KIZABA has released 4 singles and an album titled KIZAVIBE in 2022.
9:00 – 9:30 : DJ MoussaStage in the Park
DJ Moussa spins a diverse selection of the latest African music hits and classics. DJ Moussa, born in Côte d’Ivoire, is considered the most versatile DJ in the African community in Toronto. His unique style mixes music genres that include zouglou, coupe decale, makossa, mbalax, ndombolo, high-life, naija, Afrobeats, zouk, kizomba and hip hop. He has performed in many of the top clubs in Toronto, and across Canada and West Africa.
9:30 – 11:00 : Chimurenga Revival featuring Mary Anibal
Concert Stage
Chimurenga Revival, curated by Batuki Music, comprises an all-star ensemble of Zimbabwean musicians who perform traditional and folkloric songs, from their respective heritages. The Shona term for liberation is chimurenga. It is also a music genre based on the Mbira instrument. The performance is a tribute to Stella 'Ambuya' Chiweshe, the Mbira Queen who played a significant role in the liberation movement. The performing ensemble includes, Mary Anibal, Tichaona Maredza, Mutamba Rainos, Mambo Chivero, Memory Makuri, Donald Moyo, Gordin Mapika, Tatenda Vialy and Dally Dominic.
Mary Anibal's music inspires change – it comes from the desire for societal transformation. The Afro-fusion artist’s music blends folk and traditional music. Her vision is to build on the legacy of legends like Stella ‘Ambuya’ Chiweshe and Chiwoniso Maraire who left a void in the industry for someone with their sound and energy to bring hope into people's lives. Her solo career launched in 2020 with the release of her single 'Bhonzo Muderere'. Following this, she released three more, namely 'Gogoride', 'Mvura' and 'Narini'. Mary Anibal is one of the few female artists who have mastered mbira.
Tichaona Maredza’s music, while rooted in Zimbabwean traditional styles, has a contemporary flair, narrated and sung in Shona and English, his music chronicles the struggles and triumphs of his journey, in music and life. He is the leader of the Tich Maredza Band and a member of the JUNO award winning Okavango African Orchestra.
The performing ensemble includes, Mary Anibal, Tichaona Maredza, Mutamba Rainos, Mambo Chivero, Memory Makuri, Donald Moyo, Gordin Mapika, Tatenda Vialy and Dally Dominic.
Saturday August 12
1:00 – 5:00 : African Mask Portraits by Blank Canvases
Harbour Kids' Tent
African Mask Portraits by Blank Canvases invites our young participants to make their own mixed media collage portrait inspired by African masks from various countries and based on the works of artist Sean Skeir. Blank Canvases is an art programme that uses the authentic artistic approach to inspire children and stimulate creative thinking. We have a dream to bring art into people’s lives and to encourage them to think and live creatively. We strive to teach people an appreciation for local arts and culture through workshops that are centred on the important art that is made in our neighbourhoods. We want to bring the arts into our schools, our workplaces and our free time. We do this in a way that is supportive, non-intimidating and inspirational. In doing so we will employ artist educators who believe passionately in the power of art to change and enrich the lives of those in our communities. We create workshops that are engaging and participatory. We employ professional art educators. We focus on local artists, art groups and collectives. We bring together professional artist educators who teach our students the artistic process in a way that inspires creativity, individuality and a love of art making. We believe that wonderful art can be with sustainable environmental resource. We source beautiful art making materials that are donated, upcycled and re-used to make wonderful unique art pieces.
2:15 – 3:00 : Njacko Backo & Kalimbas at Work
Stage in the Park
Juno-nominated Njacko Backo and Kalimbas At Work weave together the sweet sounds of kalimba (African piano) and ngoni (African harp) in unique configurations anchored in traditional Cameroonian rhythms. Njacko has a lifetime of practice in capturing the subtlety of storytelling and dance with his music.
Juno-nominated Njacko Backo and Kalimbas At Work weave together the sweet sounds of kalimba (African piano) and ngoni (African harp) in unique configurations anchored in traditional Cameroonian rhythms. Njacko has a lifetime of practice in capturing the subtlety of storytelling and dance with his music.
– an essential part of the African performing arts. Njacko’s lyrics emphasize the importance of love, togetherness and respect, and his masterful animation creates joyful memories for audiences of all ages.
3:00 – 3:45 : Movin-n-Groovin with BK by R.I.T.E.
South Lawn Tent
Fusing traditional East African dance moves and rhythms with modern concepts and high-energy Hip Hop grooves. Your body and mind will find a rhythm to move, groove, slide, jump and shout! Instructor: Beekaa Abraham. Beekaa Abraham a dancer/choreographer/mover/actor/MC/radio host/hype man and martial artist from East Africa, Oromia. Graduate of Performing Arts Preparation Program. Dancer and teacher of creative movement in schools, communities, events, performs and facilitates at Defining Movement Dance-Hamilton. Member of The Parahumans. MC for MATAPA’s Hamilton World Music Festival. Hamilton Fringe Festival A.L.E.R.T Program, collaborated a performance piece with youth from The SPACE (Ngen Youth Center)-Hamilton and Defining Movement Dance. Birthing R.I.T.E! (Rhythm Inspiring Transcultural Edutainment) projects. Live on air Tuesdays at 6pm- 7:30pm EST on 933FM CFMU “Lace Up Radio”.
3:00 – 4:00 : Balafon Village with Adama Daou
North Orchard
With simple rhythmic and melodic exercises, Adama Daou will introduce you to the balafon, an African wooden xylophone, UNESCO named as a masterpiece of intangible heritage. Balafon is a soothing instrument allowing a distinctive musical journey. Grab your sticks and create your own sound, inspired by your inner soul! A Malian musician from the city of Mopti, Adama Daou developed his skills in African percussion (djembe, dumdum, calabash and balafon) by participating in traditional ceremonies during his childhood and through his training at the National Institute of Arts in Bamako. Moving to Paris in 2000, he performed and toured with groups like Lo’jo and dance companies. Based in Montreal since 2011, Adama Daou is constantly guided by a strong desire to introduce Malian percussions to the public while creating musical projects with artists from different horizons, performing, developing workshops, and participating to the development of sociocultural actions based on music. In addition to touring across Europe, Canada and the United States, Adama regularly hosts African percussion, dance classes and workshops.
4:00 - 7:00 : Kando Live Painting
Avenue of Trees
Kando is a professional visual artist, living in Montreal. He was born in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. He studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Kinshasa and Environmental Design at UQAM in Montreal. For ten years, Kando has been developing his work, exploring themes of individuality and identity as a way to express his deep desire for freedom. Kando grew up in Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of Congo. He currently lives and works in Montreal. He completed his training at the Academy of Fine Arts in Kinshasa (2009) and more recently graduated with a Bachelor in Design de l’environnement at UQAM (2016). In 2020, he received the Best of the Art Fair Toronto Outdoor Award, offered by the Rudolph P. Bratty Family Foundation. He has participated in exhibitions in Canada, the United States, Africa and Europe. His work stems from humanistic and social research. A desire for freedom and equity drives the artist. His work questions the construction of identity and celebrates diversity. Since he arrived in Quebec in 2009, Kando has been eager to integrate into his new country. While adjusting to a new culture can be a long process, Kando finds himself a stranger in his native land, where he is now told that he is no longer genuinely Congolese. Thus, the artist oscillates between the heritage of his origins and his new experiences in Quebec. According to him, the meeting of these two worlds makes the most extraordinary richness of his work. Kando's emotionally bold works tell stories of resilience and survival in the midst of chaos — all poignant reflections of the current global discontent. He finds a beautiful balance in depicting calm and peace.
4:00 – 4:45 : Haiba
Stage in the Park
Abdel Wahab a.k.a. Haiba, is an accomplished oud player, singer and composer from El Obeid city in Western Sudan. Haiba is inspired by the musical heritage of his homeland and he performs folk and popular songs that share the Sudanese tradition of lyrical music that utilizes oblique metaphors. Biography: Abdel Wahab a.k.a. Haiba, is an accomplished oud player, singer and composer from El Obeid city in Western Sudan. El Obeid is an important transportation hub along the 40 Days Road, the junction of the camel caravan routes and the end of a pilgrim route from Nigeria. The music of the region draws upon the rich cultural heritages of the diverse population, and the lyrics, melodies and rhythms give Sudanese music a characteristic flavour. Haiba is inspired by the musical heritage of his homeland and he performs folk and popular songs that share the Sudanese tradition of lyrical music that utilizes oblique metaphors. He has shared the stage with many popular artists and groups in Sudan, including the legendary singer, Mohamed Wardi. Since his arrival to Canada, Haiba has been performing at various community events, weddings, festivals, clubs and special occasions.
4:30 – 5:15 : IZimba Arts Dance WorkshopSouth Lawn Tent
IZimba Arts is a collective of African performing artists who pursue art as an instrument for community engagement. The group specializes in performances and workshops that include high-energy traditional and urban dances from Southern Africa. IZimba Arts is a music and dance group specializing in Southern African traditional music, Gumboot and Township dances, Afro-fusion, and Workshops. The groups' founding members are Brian Moyo and Teddy Masuku, both multi-talented performing artists from Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. IZimba Arts enjoys collaborating with different artists like Fumu Jahmez and Mcedisi Moyo, who share the same love for dance. IZimba Arts thrives to use music and dance to share the beauty of Zimbabwean culture.
5:30 – 7:10 : Cesária Évora Film
Studio Theatre
World renowned performer Cesária Évora in a new and intimate documentary. With previously unseen footage and insights into the singer's life, the film follows the struggles and success of the Barefoot Diva. Her voice took her from poverty to stardom, but her only dream was to be free. Host: Edward Ulzen Director: Ana Sofia Fonseca Country of Origin: Portugal Year: 2022 Language: English, French, Portuguese, Creole with English subtitles Length: 95 minutes CESÁRIA ÉVORA draws an empowering portrait of the legendary singer Cesária Évora, a woman born in colonial Cape Verde, who soared to the heights of the musical world and always pursued freedom above all else. CESÁRIA ÉVORA traces the diverse political and social contexts of Évora’s life and the universal themes of freedom and racial and gender inequality, illustrated by many never-before-seen archival footage, original recordings, and unique testimonies from the people who knew the woman behind the legend. Director Ana Sofia Fonseca uses multiple techniques to gradually reveal the spirit of the singer, feminist force, and trailblazing African icon. Beyond her painstaking archival research, Fonseca built relationships with Évora’s friends and family, interviewing them multiple times throughout the creation the film. The film also features contemporary footage of Évora’s beloved Cape Verde capturing the poetry of the sea and the land and the air that shaped the woman and the artist.
6:00 – 6:30 : Abe African Circus
Near Stage in the Park
Abe African Circus features incredible balancing acts, mesmerizing juggling displays and acrobatic feats at the Habari Africa Festival! Born in Ethiopia, Abebe Atlebachew is a circus performer, dancer, choreographer and director, and has performed all over the world. He shares the struggle of migration through his art of circus. Circus performer, dancer, choreographer and director, Abebe Atlebachew has performed all over the world. Originally from Ethiopia, beginning circus at the age of 10, Abebe heard about performers in China utilising a ladder in their routine and decided to try it himself. He practised, watched YouTube videos and taught himself tricks until he had a masterful routine. Abebe believes that life is like a ladder; full of ups and downs Abebe received a diploma from Addis Africa Circus school, training in disciplines such as free-standing ladder, dance, drama and music, and won the Addis Africa Circus award in 2013. Landing his first international contract in 2012 in Turkey, performing dance and ladder for a 6-month run, Abe continued book various international contracts over the next 6 years. This included an African cultural show in Germany in 2014: Mother Africa Circus, which toured throughout Europe in 2016, Hong Kong Wonderland show at Ocean Park, and touring throughout United States in 2018, performing dance and free-standing ladder, and Cirque Zuma Zuma in United States performing dance and bounce juggling and the Canadian Wonderland team park, Raptors halftime show and Canada’s Got Talent and local events. Already having a full touring career, Abebe is now based in Toronto, Canada. As he learns more about the Toronto circus community, and Canadian culture, he’s producing his own shows with different African dances, he shares the struggle of migration through his art of circus.
7:15 – 8:00 : Kady Diaby featuring Adama Daou & Amadou Kienou
Stage in the Park
Born in Ivory Coast, Kady is a storyteller of modern times, the tales she shares create a connection between tradition and modernity. Kady was introduced to stories, proverbs and songs from a young age by her great-grandmother. Very early on, she understood the importance of oral tradition in traditional African society. Née en Côte d’Ivoire, Kady est une conteuse des temps modernes, les contes qu’elle raconte créent une connexion entre la tradition et la modernité. Kady a été initiée aux contes, aux proverbes et aux chants dès son jeune âge par son arrière-grande mère. Très tôt, elle a compris l’importance de la tradition orale dans la société africaine traditionnelle en général. Dès lors, cet éveil de conscience n’a fait qu’augmenter sa soif de transmettre et partager les contes à caractère didactique et ludique que ses ancêtres lui ont légués. À travers les contes africains aux thèmes variés et moralisateurs qui s’adapte au public, Kady fait naviguer les enfants et les adultes de manière interactive, dans un monde merveilleux; un monde où les hommes, les animaux, les éléments de la nature sont les personnages clés. Lors de ses spectacles, Kady manipule avec brio plusieurs instruments de musique africaine, du djembé, au balafon, au ahoko, à la maracas traditionnelle africaine sans oublier les chants traditionnels, pour rendre son récit encore plus vivant.
8:00 – 9:00 : Cheikh Ibra Fam
Concert Stage
Cheikh Ibra Fam is a multidimensional artist with a futuristic spirit, well anchored in his Senegalese roots. In 2022 he introduced his fourth album and first international project in preparation for his departure from Orchestra Baobab. Peace in Africa incorporates hip-hop and R&B beats, alongside Afrobeat horns with nods to his Senegalese heritage. Cheikh Ibra Fam is a multidimensional artist with a futuristic spirit, well anchored in his Senegalese roots. In 2022 he introduced his fourth album and first international project in preparation for his departure from Orchestra Baobab. Peace in Africa incorporates modern hip-hop and R&B beats, alongside distinctly Afrobeat horns with nods to his Senegalese heritage. His songs implore us to dance while he calls to challenge systemic issues that transcend language and countries. He moves from English, French and his native Wolof. Cheikh Ibra Fam is RFI Talent and part of the Discovery Program of Putumayo World. His song Yolele is in Putumayo's Global Groove Playlist. He has performed in international festivals in France, Spain, Tunisia, and Canada under his own name. He studied solfege, piano, violin, blues and jazz at L'Accademia Musicale di Treviglio in Milan, Italy.
9:00 – 9:30 : Indanga Dance
Stage in the Park
The Indanga dancers perform traditional dances from Burundi in order to showcase their heritage. In order to contribute to their civic involvement and foster understanding of the richness of Canadian society, the Indanga dancers seek to serve as a model for sharing the cultural pride of an entire people with young and old. The Indanga dance group brings together Burundian women in Toronto to share their cultural heritage. The word ‘ Indanga’ means ‘Model’ in the Kirundi language. The group is part of CONNECT BURUNDI, a collective of different members of the Burundian diaspora that aims to integrate Burundian culture with Toronto's Canadian diversity through art and culture. The Indanga dancers practice traditional dances to perform at cultural and corporate events in order to showcase their heritage. In order to fully contribute to their civic involvement and foster understanding of the richness of Canadian society, the Indanga dancers seek to serve as a model for sharing the cultural pride of an entire people with young and old.
9:30 – 11:00 : Rumba: Soul of Congo
Concert Stage
Rumba: Soul of Congo features an all-star ensemble of musicians, singers and dancers who share a deep connection through the languages, stories and songs that define their Congolese heritage. Curated by Batuki Music Society, the repertoire will celebrate the artistry of some of the veterans and icons of Congolese music. The performing ensemble includes Mis Blandine, Pecosse Animations, Noel Mpiaza, Dauphin Mbuyi, Jean-Claude Kamina a.k.a. R9, Samuel Kasongo, Aron Tounga and Lionel Mukangu. The inspiration for this new creative work is the desire to explore the Rumba music traditions that have been passed down and evolved through the work of artists of Congolese heritage. The rumba is considered an essential and representative part of the identity of Congolese people and the diaspora. It is perceived as a means of conveying the social and cultural values of the region and of promoting inter-generational social cohesion and solidarity. Rumba: Soul of Congo will present repertoire to celebrate the artistry of veterans and icons of Congolese music; Dr. Nico, Grand Kalle, Tabu Ley Rochereau, Franco Luambo, Papa Wemba, Abeti Masikini, M’bilia Bel, Tshala Muana and more. A presentation to celebrate the UNESCO designation of Congolese rumba music as an intangible heritage.
Sunday August 13
1:00 – 4:00 : Kalimba Orchestra and The Lion & Zebra Storytelling with Njacko BackoHarbour Kids' Tent
This is an interactive fun children’s workshop to learn about the traditional Cameroonian Kalimba and bring traditional music to life. Come play & create your own sounds! Njacko Backo will also share The Lion and the Zebra tale in this workshop. Njacko Backo is a kalimba player, percussionist, singer, storyteller, choreographer and composer who has been performing for children and adults since his childhood in Cameroon. He has a lifetime of practice in capturing the subtlety of dance and storytelling with his music – an essential part of the African performing arts. His programs for children and youth draw on parallels and differences between Canadian and African family life.
1:30 – 2:00 : La Kora du Griot avec Sadio Sissokho
South Lawn Tent
Born in Senegal to a family of musicians, story tellers, historians, singers and dancers, collectively known as griots, Sadio Sissokho’s roots are richly embedded in the Mandingue culture. The kora has deep roots as an instrument of storytelling and folklore in West Africa. Born into a griot family, Sadio learned to play Senegalese traditional rhythms and instruments at a young age with his family group Bannaya, a ballet troupe well known in Senegal. Sadio attended l’Ecole Nationale des Arts de Dakar and received a traditional music studies certificate for his studies. He is a singer and multi-instrumentalist and has mastered the kora (21-stringed traditional instrument), along with the djembe, sabar, doun doun and tama drums. Sadio is a member of the JUNO award winning group, Okavango African Orchestra.
2:00 - 5:00 : Kando Live Painting
Avenue of Trees
Kando is a professional visual artist, living in Montreal. He was born in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. He studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Kinshasa and Environmental Design at UQAM in Montreal. For ten years, Kando has been developing his work, exploring themes of individuality and identity as a way to express his deep desire for freedom. Kando grew up in Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of Congo. He currently lives and works in Montreal. He completed his training at the Academy of Fine Arts in Kinshasa (2009) and more recently graduated with a Bachelor in Design de l’environnement at UQAM (2016). In 2020, he received the Best of the Art Fair Toronto Outdoor Award, offered by the Rudolph P. Bratty Family Foundation. He has participated in exhibitions in Canada, the United States, Africa and Europe. His work stems from humanistic and social research. A desire for freedom and equity drives the artist. His work questions the construction of identity and celebrates diversity. Since he arrived in Quebec in 2009, Kando has been eager to integrate into his new country. While adjusting to a new culture can be a long process, Kando finds himself a stranger in his native land, where he is now told that he is no longer genuinely Congolese. Thus, the artist oscillates between the heritage of his origins and his new experiences in Quebec. According to him, the meeting of these two worlds makes the most extraordinary richness of his work. Kando's emotionally bold works tell stories of resilience and survival in the midst of chaos — all poignant reflections of the current global discontent. He finds a beautiful balance in depicting calm and peace.
2:00 – 2:30 : Alpha Rhythm Roots
Stage in the Park
The founder of Alpha Rhythm Roots, Alpha, is from Guinea, West Africa, and is based in Toronto. He provides professional West African musical instruments, as well as offers concerts, workshops and percussion classes with the goal to bring the music, dance, traditions and culture of Guinea and West Africa to Canada. The founder of Alpha Rhythm Roots, Alpha, is from Guinea, West Africa, and is based in Toronto. In collaboration with percussionist Walter MacLean, and other artists, he regularly organizes bilingual events: Concerts, festivals, cultural events, schools, corporate events, and community fundraisers. Our business products and services include providing professional West African musical instruments, as well as workshops, percussion classes, presentations, with the goal to bring the music, dance, traditions and culture of Guinea and West Africa to Canada. In addition to running his business, Alpha is also very engaged in musicology. Part of his studies has been used to build the instrument section of our web site. He has already been featured on Canadian television (TFO, VIA TVA, Fibe TV), in documentaries and interviews about traditional music in Guinea and West Africa. Alpha has also worked on the composition and recording of music for TV documentaries.
2:00 – 3:00 : Balafon Village with Adama Daou
North Orchard
With simple rhythmic and melodic exercises, Adama Daou will introduce you to the balafon, an African wooden xylophone, UNESCO named as a masterpiece of intangible heritage. Balafon is a soothing instrument allowing a distinctive musical journey. Grab your sticks and create your own sound, inspired by your inner soul! A Malian musician from the city of Mopti, Adama Daou developed his skills in African percussion (djembe, dumdum, calabash and balafon) by participating in traditional ceremonies during his childhood and through his training at the National Institute of Arts in Bamako. Moving to Paris in 2000, he performed and toured with groups like Lo’jo and dance companies. Based in Montreal since 2011, Adama Daou is constantly guided by a strong desire to introduce Malian percussions to the public while creating musical projects with artists from different horizons, performing, developing workshops, and participating to the development of sociocultural actions based on music. In addition to touring across Europe, Canada and the United States, Adama regularly hosts African percussion, dance classes and workshops.
2:30 – 3:00 : DzePasi with Mary Anibal & Tich Maredza
South Lawn Tent
DzePasi is a Shona word which means ‘from the earth’. This is a workshop on Zimbabwean traditional music, the Mbira instrument and dance. All are welcome to learn to sing and dance to traditional folk songs of Zimbabwe. Led by Mary Anibal and Tich Maredza.
Mary Anibal's music inspires change – it comes from the desire for societal transformation. The Afro-fusion artist’s music blends folk and traditional music. Her vision is to build on the legacy of legends like Stella ‘Ambuya’ Chiweshe and Chiwoniso Maraire who left a void in the industry for someone with their sound and energy to bring hope into people's lives. Her solo career launched in 2020 with the release of her single 'Bhonzo Muderere'. Following this, she released three more, namely 'Gogoride', 'Mvura' and 'Narini'. Mary Anibal is one of the few female artists who have mastered mbira.
Tichaona Maredza’s music, while rooted in Zimbabwean traditional styles, has a contemporary flair, narrated and sung in Shona and English, his music chronicles the struggles and triumphs of his journey, in music and life. He is the leader of the Tich Maredza Band and a member of the JUNO award winning Okavango African Orchestra.
3:00 – 3:45 : Lorraine Klaasen
Stage in the Park
Lorraine Klaasen, performer extraordinaire, is the daughter of the jazz singer Thandie Klaasen, one of Nelson Mandela’s favourite singers and an indisputable South African legend. Lorraine Klaasen is one of the few artists who have preserved the classic sound of Township music, which continues to be the most distinctive sound to come out of South Africa. Lorraine Klaasen, performer extraordinaire, is the daughter of the jazz singer Thandie Klaasen, one of Nelson Mandela’s favourite singers and an indisputable South African legend. Lorraine Klaasen is one of the few artists who have preserved the classic sound of Township music, which continues to be the most distinctive sound to come out of South Africa. A singer, songwriter, dancer and choreographer, she sings in several languages including isiZulu, Sotho, Tsonga, Xhosa, Lingala, Swahili, English, and French. Lorraine Klaasen has shared the stage and collaborated with many artists including her mother Thandie, Oliver Mtukudzi, Dolly Rathebe, Dorothy Masuka, Roberta Flack, Vusi Mahlasela, Hugh Masekela and Patti Labelle. She has released a number of albums including her JUNO award winning Tribute to Miriam Makeba. Lorraine Klaasen has been the torch bearer of South African culture through her music performances and cultural activities throughout Canada, U.S., Europe, Africa and the Caribbean.
4:00 – 5:10 : Benkadi
Concert Stage
Benkadi provides an authentic experience of West African traditions. Doundouns, djembes, balafons – percussion instruments take centre stage in this colourful show, commanding the acrobatic movements of the dancers, who give themselves over to the powerful rhythms. Be energized during this incredible display of acrobatics pitted against vibrant drum beats! The Benkadi troupe dazzle and entertain while they are on stage in their shimmering traditional costumes and with their authentic and explosive performance. With their incredible display of acrobatics that are pitted against drum beats, the show’s intensity gets higher and faster and their range of percussions on stage is a sure-fire guarantee of the show’s intensity! Dedicated to community-based education and performance, the artists of Benkadi provide a wide range of programming for diverse audiences. Dedicated to community-based education and performance, the artists of Benkadi provide a wide range of programming for diverse audiences. An eclectic group of artists and educators dedicated to performing, teaching and researching West African dance and musical forms.
5:00 – 5:30 : Abe African Circus
Near Stage in the Park
Abe African Circus features incredible balancing acts, mesmerizing juggling displays and acrobatic feats at the Habari Africa Festival! Born in Ethiopia, Abebe Atlebachew is a circus performer, dancer, choreographer and director, and has performed all over the world. He shares the struggle of migration through his art of circus. Circus performer, dancer, choreographer and director, Abebe Atlebachew has performed all over the world. Originally from Ethiopia, beginning circus at the age of 10, Abebe heard about performers in China utilising a ladder in their routine and decided to try it himself. He practised, watched YouTube videos and taught himself tricks until he had a masterful routine. Abebe believes that life is like a ladder; full of ups and downs Abebe received a diploma from Addis Africa Circus school, training in disciplines such as free-standing ladder, dance, drama and music, and won the Addis Africa Circus award in 2013. Landing his first international contract in 2012 in Turkey, performing dance and ladder for a 6-month run, Abe continued book various international contracts over the next 6 years. This included an African cultural show in Germany in 2014: Mother Africa Circus, which toured throughout Europe in 2016, Hong Kong Wonderland show at Ocean Park, and touring throughout United States in 2018, performing dance and free-standing ladder, and Cirque Zuma Zuma in United States performing dance and bounce juggling and the Canadian Wonderland team park, Raptors halftime show and Canada’s Got Talent and local events. Already having a full touring career, Abebe is now based in Toronto, Canada. As he learns more about the Toronto circus community, and Canadian culture, he’s producing his own shows with different African dances, he shares the struggle of migration through his art of circus.
6:00 – 7:00 : Sadaka
Sadakah means to give. Inviting our divine deities to give us the energy to spread blessings. Alubarika! Sadaka was created by Nigerian dance educator, performer and choreographer, Sani Abu Mohammed Allen of Ijovudu Dance International. Join master drummer Amadou Kienou and friends in a parade to the heart of Habari Africa. Everybody is welcome to drum, dance, clap and sing along! Amadou Kienou was born into one of Burkina Faso’s legendary musical families and received his artistic education from his father and grandfather. As a child he showed remarkable talent, quickly developing a distinctive drumming style on the djembe and tama. Amadou Kienou is the seventh son of a family of griots or praise singers of Dafing origin, originating from a tribe, which settled down at the ancient Mandingue Empire. Praise singers (Griots), from father to son, are very popular and renowned dancers and singers in West Africa. Most of them are musicians by profession. The varied repertoire of Amadou Kienou consists of songs, dances and musical soundings of the Mandingue rhythms. Some of which he has adapted for the drum, such as Senoufo, Senegalese, Peul, childhood songs, love songs and rhythms from the forest. Master djembefola Amadou Kienou is in demand as performer and teacher in Europe, Africa and North America.
